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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! Our Bernedoodles are from excellent bloodlines and all Pedigree information traces back to their AKC lineage. Our Dams and Sires have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. These dogs will have a higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with allergies. F1 Bernedoodles all have loose wavy coats that are typically minimal to light shedding, while F1B Bernedoodles coats can be loose wavy just like the F1 or curly and there are both coat types within the F1B litter. The F1B Bernedoodle is typically minimal to non-shedding. The coat of a Bernedoodle can vary from straight, loose wavy or curly. An F1 Bernedoodle will have a loose wavy coat, while an F1B Bernedoodle litter has both curly and loose wavy coats within the litter. The coat colors of Bernedoodles can vary based on the color genetics of the parents. We will also have Parti Bernedoodles. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. The Bernedoodle can be independent and does great being with family engaging in play, then happily laying on their own with a toy. It is still unknown how long Bernedoodles will live as it is a newer cross. The expected lifespan is hoped to be years. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. You do not have to be an AKC purebred puppy to participate in their S. Puppy Program. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Bernedoodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles. Life Span Did You Know? These large, fluffy dogs are known for their non-shedding coats and lovable personalities. Bernedoodles tend to be a great addition to any family! Although the Bernedoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. As long as they are properly socialized, they tend to be open and friendly dogs that get along well with just about anyone. These dogs tend to do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be initially wary and watchful at first, they even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced. Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. Despite their size and energy, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise and attention. These dogs tend to handle the cold better than the heat; you may even have some trouble getting them to come back inside after some playtime in the snow. Because Bernedoodles bond so closely with their families and enjoy nothing more than being around them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to skin issues like sensitive skin, allergies, and hot spots. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, the Standard Bernedoodle is also at risk for bloat like both parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent and easily trained dog breed. Some facts about Bernedoodles are that they are a good fit for owners of any experience level and tend to pick up commands easily. Although they tend to grow out of this initial stubbornness with age, puppy training classes will certainly help with training and socialization early on. Bernedoodles tend to have a longer coat that ranges from curly to wavy. Although they tend to be non-shedding, they still need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats along with grooming every weeks are recommended. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily along and cleanings at the vet as needed are an ideal start to a good dental care routine for your Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can range from moderate to high energy. They tend to sit in a more moderate activity range and have bursts of higher energy when they play. These dogs are known to play hard and energetically until they are tired, but are not usually considered high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run should be enough for a Bernedoodle. But, these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will love the opportunity to spend more time being active with you. A fully-grown Standard Bernedoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Standard Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. A Bernedoodle is also sometimes called a Bernese Mountain Poo. Featured Bernedoodle Article.

These desirable qualities are a result of meticulous breeding practices and superior genetics. Ritterhund K9s are specifically bred for stability and soundness. Our German Shepherds exemplify the values of Obedience, Protection, and Service, making them exceptional ambassadors. While they possess strength, endurance, and speed, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions. These are the dogs you can rely on to safeguard your home and watch over your loved ones when you're away. German Shepherds view their family as their "pack" and are instinctively protective. They can cuddle with your toddler and accompany your child to the school bus, but should any threat arise, their strength and fierceness will manifest as an unstoppable force. When you become part of the Ritterhund Family, you become a lifelong member. We take great pride in our breeding program and are committed to surpassing expectations for both our K9s and customers. If you are fortunate enough to own a German Shepherd with these genetics, then you understand the difference in these K9s. Bomber is an absolute legend in the K9 Community. These puppies will be large, have high and medium drives, and be steady-tempered. We put countless hours into raising them with the proper foundation they need. Structural balance and harmony that you will only find in this genetic combination we have in this breeding. We are very selective in the homes in which our puppies are placed. A family who is educated on the breed, lives an active lifestyle, and who are willing and able to put the time and effort into properly raising their puppy. We are located near the Central Coast of California. We hand deliver our puppies to their new owners if within reasonable driving distance for no charge. Air in-cabin flight nanny and Ground transport are available for an additional charge for customers located out of the surrounding areas or state. We highly recommend placing a deposit early as our puppies do go quickly. Please download the puppy application or contact us via email or text for details. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold.

In answer to Anonymous If my children were teething, of course bloody not, for goodness sake. If however my child bit hard then I would tell them off! Firstly when any of my dogs were teething we had a numerous amount of chew toys, also when we play of course they mouth, and feel objects , they wouldnt of been squited for this!!!! And perhaps sometimes they a little too hard, the first thing I do is yelp, Ouch! If however she comes charcging at feet, chasing the children, and biting there legs jumping up like the OP has sugested I would use a water spray. My pup is 9 months old and is a laberbese. Bread as a disibilty dog. She is huge and not a force to beckon with, She is loving, attentive, happy, so soft, and most inportantly a very special pal to our son with special needs. So I would say if you think that spraying a squirt of water at biting is terrible then thats youre choice. Dont presume anything. Mouthing is normal, nipping when playing is ok to a point, taring trousers, running after ankiles and biting is not okay. In answer to Anonymous Aplogies for the spelling, it was a hot sleepless night.! Lastly We all raise animals, like children seeing you want to lump the two together very differantly. A few points come to mind with this post, 1 there is no such breed as a laberbese, am i right in presuming she is a Labrador Retriever x Bernese mountain dog? I can assure you that neither Guide dog puppies or Assistance dog puppies EVER have water squirted at them due to teething, or any other behavior come to think of it! American Pit Bull: Boxer Puppy Biting and Nipping When we talk about Boxer puppies biting children, both younger and older kids, toys or even biting at your feet, what most are actually talking about is nipping. There is a huge difference between the 2 words. A nip is a quick snap of the jaws, it can be done in the air close to a person or it can make skin contact yet it is a pinch type bite that often does not break the skin. Boxer puppies and even older dogs nip, not to attack someone, but to send a warning. The warning is not necessarily that of an impending attack… Boxer puppy nipping is done for one of several reasons: As play — Young pups are used to nipping at their littermates as a form of play and this may carry over as they transition into their new home. If a Boxer puppy is biting a lot, it may be an issue of the dog needing to learn the rules of the home and needing to learn that was used to be acceptable with other pups is no longer acceptable with his humans. A Method of Sending a Message — Boxer dogs of any age may nip for many reasons. Unable to vocalize, the nip is a message. Often it is a low growl, lasting just seconds, with teeth bared. In some cases, there will only be a growl as the dog lowers his back, hunches over and bares his teeth yet does not actually physically bite. On the other hand, an actual bite not a nip is a full force, aggressive action in which the jaws lock down and teeth puncture the skin. The dog intends to inflict injury and the person on the other end often receives it unless thick clothing gets in the way, etc. In the following section we will discuss how to stop a Boxer dog from biting in the sense that the dog is actually nipping and it is not a full force, aggression bite meant to do serious harm. Training to Stop Boxer Puppy to Stop Biting and Nipping Overview Many owners feel, and rightfully so, that a bite is a serious issue and a behavior that needs to be addressed immediately. For this reason, they feel that taking serious action is the only way to stop the behavior… and this is where things can go wrong. And this is because it does not teach the dog what he needs to learn. Yelling, hitting or otherwise intimidating a puppy or dog will only serve to make the dog afraid of his owner. Alternatively, some dogs will see this as a challenge. So, owners must choose: Fear or respect. For a happy, healthy environment in which humans and canines live in peace, the Boxer or any other dog should be taught to respect his humans, not fear them. In addition, for a dog that bites, physically isolating him will stop the problem short term…while the dog is taken away of course he is not biting anyone…. It is a huge mistake to miss out on a chance to train a dog to stop biting. Of course, in the rare chance that a dog is full out biting, causing injury and is clearly dangerously aggressive, the dog should be removed… And measures must be taken to keep the family safe from any potential attacks…but again, this does not relate to puppy nipping, play biting or nipping due to teething, etc. Training a Boxer puppy to stop biting takes a bit of mental will power. You may have heard this before: Ignore the puppy. There is no other way for a dog to interpret this, as it is canine mentality. His humans and any other animals in the home are his pack. Every single pack that exists has a leader. Having a leader is a defining element of a pack. Problems can arise when a dog does not have a clear understanding of who that leader is. Humans begin eating. Two to three minutes pass. Once the dog obeys, a delicious and healthy meal is set down for him. So, once a dog knows that his human is in charge, how does this training stop the Boxer from biting….? When a Boxer understands that his human s are his leader s , being ignored is akin to being rejected by pack. A dog will suddenly be very humbled. He will worry that his pack has turned their backs on him… he will question his behavior and, when done correctly, he will make the connection that his action of biting caused a major problem with his standing in his family…. If you were both on the floor, stand up. If you were holding him, place him down. If you were both sitting on the sofa, rise up. This means zero talking, absolutely no looking in his direction…nothing. As a Boxer puppy works very hard to gain attention of any one in the house, everyone even those who were not bitten should be completely indifferent to the dog. Allow 10 minutes to pass. Now, when you are doing this, 2 minutes may feel like 20, so take a look at the clock and then choose an activity flip through the TV, check your email, get a drink…do whatever you want, but do remain in the house so that your Boxer can see that you are ignoring him and wait it out. After those 10 minutes, it is time to speak to your Boxer, but not engage him in any activity yet. Many times, the puppy will test things out. Simply mull around near your dog, speaking a bit and acting matter-of-fact. Do not give praise. Wait things out for about 5 minutes. If your Boxer does not nip or bite at you, it will be time to go back to the position that you were in when the bite occurred. It is at this time that if your Boxer does not nip at you that praise and attention can be given. If the dog does bite again, the complete ignoring method of training must be done — this means that the dog is testing things to see if it was indeed his nip that caused his temporary outcast from the pack.

Our dogs are first and foremost treasured family members, raised in the home, sleep in our bed, travel with us and part of our everyday living. Our dogs and puppies are never kenneled or left outside. They have phenomenal pedigrees with International, National, and World champions within their linage, premier show quality, and direct imports from some of the finest kennels in Europe. I have been breeding Goldens for over 35 years and have an excellent and outstanding reputation. I strive to produce puppies that excel in health, temperament, beauty, intelligence, are structurally sound, and adhere to AKC standards. Our puppies are always raised in our home, are part of our family to implement early bonding, socialization, early neurological stimulation, obedience, and are potty trained to go outside when they leave to their forever homes. In turn, they will be a part of our family and your family for many, many, many years to come. Our parents are always eager to please, very affectionate, show quality beauty, structurally sound and extremely healthy. They are highly intelligent with calm, loyal, and mellow personalities, yet always ready for a game of fetch, frisbee, or a swim in the lake. Anytime of the day, you can always find one, two, or all of the dogs napping on our bed or under our feet as we work. Our dogs exemplify, why a golden retriever is a great pet and wonderful family member and their mild manners and delicate dispositions are always displayed onto their offspring. Our main focus and goal in breeding is on "the Quality not the Quantity " of puppies produced each year. Puppies are always micro-chipped, dewclaws removed, wormed, first vaccines, complete veterinary exams, socialized with children, people of all ages, and many different animals. Due to the high demand and limited number of litters each year, early reservations are always recommended. Our puppies are usually reserved before they are conceived and can be reserved up to 1 year in advance. References always provided upon request. For current pricing of our next litter, information on our next litter, or any other concerns or questions.Why choose MN English Golden? We are professional breeders that focus on 1 excellent genetic health testings, exquisite temperaments, and highest quality pedigrees such as World Championship Moondust Masterpiece and three times winning Steadfast Angus. Our pups are breastfed until couple days before they go home at 8 weeks old. Classified as a working dog with purposes such as Service or Therapy work. We breed to better the breed. We focus on superior health of our puppies to give our families the perfect golden. For more information view health testings on OFA. English Cream Goldens are such an exquisite breed. They are intelligent, playful, honest, loyal, and loving companions. Once you have a golden, you will always want a golden. They will always be by your side, full of love, and will make your heart melt! Majority of our pups are sold before pups are born. We recommend reserving your puppy early so you can be one of the first picks of the litter. Once pups are born we will mark each puppy with a different color collar and have weekly pictures for you so you can enjoy watching your puppy grow! We love to have our families come to our home and have the joy in picking out their puppy. Each family will have their own time to meet and play with the puppies, parents and meet our family. We will answer all questions and help guide each family in choosing their perfect puppy. If a family can not come to our home to pick out their puppy, then we will have the family pick out their puppy online before we ship or deliver puppy to you. Visit FAQ page for more information on delivering or shipping a puppy to you. Puppies will be ready to join their forever loving homes at 8 weeks old. We do have options where your puppy can stay and go through our puppy training classes. Please visit FAQ and training program page for more information.

Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Mississippi Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Mississippi? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Mississippi? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. Puppyhood is a time when positive experiences can pave the way to a life as a well-adjusted and happy adult, while negative experiences can lead to long-term problems. Having an understanding of the rapid transitions between stages of development during this period can help owners support and nurture their pet through puppyhood and adolescence. Neonatal Period 0—2 weeks Newborn Golden Retriever The newborn puppy is blind and deaf, with eyes and ears that are neither fully formed nor fully open. This stage is all about growth and survival, and the pup spends all his time either sleeping or feeding. These antibodies will endow him with some immunity from serious illness for the next 6 weeks, at which point he can mount his own response to vaccination. The mother must stimulate the bowel and bladder to empty by licking the perineal region under the tail, as the pup cannot control this himself. Transition Period 2—4 weeks 4-Week Golden Retriever As anyone who has every bred a litter of puppies will tell you, one of the most exciting experiences is seeing the young pups open their eyes for the first time. Although their vision is blurry, and consists mostly of shadows and light, they clearly begin to respond to visual stimuli around two weeks of age. This also coincides with the ears beginning to function, meaning the pup is suddenly exposed to a wealth of sensory stimuli. He begins to urinate and defecate independently, although the mother is likely to continue helping. His appetite grows exponentially, and the mother needs extra nutrition during the next few weeks to keep up with his demands until he can eat solid food for himself. However, his focus is still very much on feeding, and interactions between pups are limited to gnawing and competing for the best suckling spot between two and three weeks of age. Toward the end of this period, pups will show clear signs of recognising their mother and siblings from a distance, and owners who have spent time with the litter up to this point will probably also be rewarded with squeaks of excitement when they approach. Socialisation Period 4—7 weeks 6-Week Golden Retriever By four weeks, the incredible rate of development means that our little pup is now mobile, alert, and very curious! Exploratory behaviours are seen from this age, meaning the pup begins to push boundaries in every sense to develop his own perception of the world. He will begin to wander from his mother and siblings, although he is initially likely to be retrieved by the mother any time she feels he is being a little too brave. Littermates and familiar humans are clearly recognised, and the pup begins to devote much of his time to play. This serves a number of purposes, providing much-needed stimulation to the growing brain, as well as allowing the puppies to establish a pecking order. The more boisterous and exuberant pups will assert themselves as the dominant members of the family, usually getting to lie on top of their siblings when sleeping, as well as securing their places at the most productive teats when feeding. Their increasing strength and enthusiasm mean that the mother may begin to find it difficult and uncomfortable to feed the pups as much as they demand, and so now is also the period when weaning begins, with the pups being introduced to soft food and encouraged to lap from a dish. This is a messy business! For at least the first week, the pups will get more food in their hair than in their mouths, and for large litters, the owners may need to help out with cleaning and grooming, using a wet flannel to remove the worst of the caked-on milk or food. This is called the socialisation period for a very good reason, and it is vital that pups are exposed to humans during this time. Stray puppies rescued after this point will always have, to a greater or lesser extent, an in-built fear of people. Gentle, regular handling is essential at least twice a day, though in reality, pups will benefit from much more. Although children are great at playing with and socialising puppies, one must be careful that the pups are not handled roughly or dropped. Aside from the risks of injury, painful or stressful experiences can have a lasting impact. Fearful Period 7—12 weeks Week Golden Retriever By 7—8 weeks of age, the pup has learned basic etiquette and behaviour from his mother. Siblings begin to become more competitive, and the playful battles for supremacy become a little more vigorous and heated. He has hopefully received adequate exposure to humans, and by avoiding negative experiences to this point is now confident enough to explore the world. However, this confidence is superficial, and the pup is now aware enough of its environment to realise that its mother and siblings do not themselves have full control of their lives — much of this control lies with their owners. For this reason, it is around now that pups begin to gravitate toward humans, and those that do not receive a lot of one-to-one attention during this period will again have issues with fearfulness and nervousness throughout their lives. During this phase, pups also begin to develop the capacity to learn basic commands, and the very brightest may begin to appreciate the importance of housetraining. Harsh correction, physical punishment, and shouting are all to be avoided. Now, and always, the dog will respond best to positive feedback when he behaves as desired. Juvenile and Ranking Periods 3—6 months 6-Month Golden Retriever While these stages are considered separate by some authorities on the subject of development, they overlap considerably, both in terms of time and behaviours. The puppy has learned some basic commands, has an appreciation of good behaviour, and has more or less mastered use of his growing body. His energy levels seem to increase daily, and owners need to be prepared to indulge in periods of play, as well as introducing daily walks to help vent this energy. As a normal part of this phase, most pups will begin to attempt to move up the social hierarchy. This is perfectly natural in the setting of a pack of dogs, where the youngest and strongest members of the pack will make the most useful senior figures, to the benefit of the other dogs. By progressing from the earlier games of wrestling with his siblings to the point where he is ready to physically challenge other dogs, the pup ensures both the security of the pack and his own position within it. However, as we have taken dogs out of this natural setting and placed them within our human families, this is not a behaviour we want to encourage. Any signs of aggression, such as bites which pierce the skin, or snarling, must be quickly dealt with by placing the pup away from the family, using a lead if necessary. By diligently and firmly set the ground rules of acceptable behaviour, the pup will quickly realise where the boundaries are, and will learn to happily accept his position in the family structure. Being too permissive or forgiving of this kind of behaviour can lead to devastating behavioural problems later in life. Of course, some chewing or biting is legitimately explained as teething behaviour. Obedience training is important throughout this period; juvenile puppies, like children, are veritable sponges, looking to soak up as much information as possible. Puppy training classes are an ideal environment for the stimulation they provide, but also for the guidance and input of a behavioural expert. Adolescence 6—18 months Month Golden Retriever Our puppy is now almost an adult — how time flies by! Although close to physical maturity, he is still learning, and will continue to sometimes behave inappropriately and have higher energy levels than an adult dog. It is important throughout this period to continue reinforcing all the good habits taught to this point, to practise regular obedience training, and to provide plenty of exercise. Adolescence passes quickly in some dogs, who may appear mature in every respect by one year of age, but can drag on in others; for example, the Lhasa Apso is known to retain puppy-like characteristics well into adulthood. One must remember to be patient during this period, providing corrective guidance when needed, but not expecting perfect behaviour at all times. Remember, we were all teenagers once! Puppy Timeline in Review Neonate - The pup is blind, deaf and helpless. He relies on his mother for warmth, food, and to help with bodily functions. He spends all his time feeding and sleeping. Transition - The senses awaken, with the eyes and ears beginning to function. The pup becomes aware of his surroundings and makes early attempts to explore his surroundings. He may show an interest in tasting food. Socialisation - Within the safety of his litter, the pup begins to venture further from the mother, and spends much of his time wrestling and playing with his littermates. Humans are recognised, and the pup begins to enjoy being handled and spoken to. Weaning is almost complete. Fearful - The pup gains an awareness of the world beyond his litter, and is ready for a new home. He will bond strongly to his owners at this point, but is sensitive to stress. He is capable of understanding commands, but needs gentle encouragement in training. Juvenile - The growing pup is energetic and boisterous. He needs regular exercise and obedience training to help control his increasingly mischievous behaviour. Ranking - He attempts to establish a higher position for himself in the family structure. Behaviours, such as chewing and growling, can no longer be tolerated, even in play. Strong leadership from the owner helps assure the pup he should remain submissive. A consistent approach to training and discipline, combined with patience, will help the pup through this phase and toward a happy adult life. Popular Dog Breeds. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

We have just introduced an 8 week old female lab to our home, she is absolutely gorgeous and our 2 year old daughter loves her. I spent time reading Pippa Mattinsons book and was all set to introduce her to her create and use the cold turkey method over night. Well, fair to say I wasn't prepared for the dog noises and crazy reaction to this. I spent the day introducing Margo to the crate using Pippas guidance but as soon as I closed the crate ready for bed she went crazy! The second night, after some advice from our local pet shop, I did it again and perseverance was the tip. Margo cried all night, there wasn't a gap in her crying to allow me to approach her every 3 hours for toilet breaks without the fear of reinforcing this behaviour. She also seemed very nervous in the morning. I bought a pen for the 3rd night thinking she just didn't like the crate, I placed the crate in the pen which I placed in then kitchen. She went crazy again, cried all night and despite a couple of night toilet trips I came down to crying and a much poo to clean up. What are we doing wrong? What Should I Do? My Puppy Whines! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Most puppies whine sometimes. There are many reasons why a puppy whines. Some are behavioral and others are health-related. My current Aussie mix puppy, Millie, had whining down as science. I had to figure out why she was whining and then fix the problem. She whined when she wanted something like a bully stick. And she also learned impulse control because she had to be calm when she got the chewy. Why Do Puppies Whine? They Want Attention. Puppies can seem very needy. Or the puppy has a lot of energy and does the zoomies around the room, happily whining and squealing with each run. They Want Something. Puppies can convey that they want some food, a walk, or even a toy by whining. He may go over to where the leash is hung or look there and start whining. Or go over to the counter where his food dish is and let out a squeal. A stressed pup can offer appeasement gestures, such as lip licking, averted eyes, drooling, or yawning, which sometimes accompany the whining. Often, if the dog is also fearful, the whine is accompanied by certain body language such as, ears pulled back, tail tucked under the body, and averting their eyes. The whining may be to help soothe themselves too. They Have To Potty. Some pups let you know that they have to go to the bathroom by whining. Signals may include sniffing the floor or circling. A bored puppy may become destructive, chewing on furniture or otherwise engaging in undesirable behavior, and he may whine. They Have Separation Anxiety. Some puppies have never been left alone and develop a problem when left alone. He may whine, pace, dig, and exhibit other stress behaviors when left alone—sometimes for the first time in his crate. Some puppies are relatively laid-back whereas others are naturally hyper. Physical Exercise Physical exercise is important for all healthy puppies. If a puppy is bored or over-excited, exercise can help solve the problem. It also can help dogs who are stressed or anxious release some of that stress. A walk, playing fetch, or running around with a friendly canine playmate may help solve the problem. Physical exercise can also help relieve stress in some puppies, as it takes the edge off. My golden rescue Riley who came to me at about six months old whined when he had too much energy. It was a quick fix to give him more physical exercise. We walked for a few miles at a time and played fetch. A couple of days a week, I took him to a doggie daycare to play. Of course, we also engaged in mental stimulation through obedience exercises and puzzle toys. Mental Stimulation Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise. It can also help a nervous or anxious puppy build confidence. Work On Obedience Training Obedience exercises help provide mental stimulation. Have your pup sit on cue. It teaches the puppy to gently touch his nose to your flat palm. You can teach it by having your puppy right in front of you. Obedience exercises also help give confidence that may help a scared or stressed pup relieve his anxiety. Stuffed Kongs can make a dog refocus and relieve stress. I love the Extreme Kongs. I stuff it with a little moist food and freeze it overnight. Puzzle toys where the puppy has to find a treat or a few pieces of his kibble can help build confidence or release energy. A snuffle mat is a mat that has many pieces of cloth tied together. You can throw a few treats into the mat and the puppy has to scavenge for them in the mat. Give The Puppy Attention Giving the puppy attention is sometimes the way to go. So how do you give him attention without breaking that rule? You can turn your back briefly for a few seconds and, if he stops whining, reward the calmer behavior with a toy. If you play fetch too, it will help redirect him to something other than whining. Then, when he performs the exercise, reward and lavish attention on him. Another time you can give your puppy attention is when he is not whining. Go over to him occasionally and tell him how good he is being calm. Reward him with a toy—even a stuffed Kong or other activity toy. A lab puppy I worked with demanded attention. He wanted to be petted all the time. If you think that the puppy has to go to the bathroom, take him out. Of course, have him perform a behavior like sit before he gets his treat. Have A Puppy Feeding Schedule Establishing a puppy feeding schedule can stave off hunger pains, so that the pup is less likely to beg and whine for food. It helps if a puppy is fed at the same times each day. Very young puppies under five months old or small breed puppies are often given three meals a day; older dogs are usually given two a day. Behavior Modification For fearful and very anxious or stressed dogs, you may have to do some behavior modification in addition to exercising his mind and body and otherwise building confidence through play and games. First, attempt to identify what is causing the stress or fear. Then, you can try running it and giving him a yummy chewy or stuffed Kong. You want him to associate good things with a stressor. Other things that can help calm an anxious puppy is playing calming music or a television at a low volume. Even white noise machines can help sometimes. It comes in a diffuser which can be plugged in near a crate, for example, and a spray and a collar. Crate Train Your Puppy Crate train the puppy. So we want to do all we can to set the puppy up to succeed. You can give him a stuffed Kong to occupy him and make the crate a welcoming place. For a very young puppy away from his litter for the first time, a device called the Calmeroos Puppy Toy can be placed in his crate. It has a heating pad in it and it simulates a heartbeat, both of which can help soothe the puppy. Click on this link for a great article on how to get your puppy used to staying home alone in his crate. Doing so can also help to prevent separation anxiety. He should also be able to see you. Give him something safe to occupy him and to make the crate the place to be. A stuffed Kong is a good choice. Then close the crate door. You want him to learn that being in the crate—not exiting it—is what you want. Then return. Wait a few seconds before letting him out. These are some quick instructions on how to introduce a crate to your puppy. We put together an extensive guide that slows the process down and shows you step-by-step how to crate train a puppy. They may also make the problem worse or create new problems. This may even scare some puppies, leading to more whining or even fearful behaviors, such as urinating out of fear, or destructiveness. It can also make the crate or wherever the puppy is whining a negative place, which can lead to other problems. Another device some people have used to quiet a puppy is a spray bottle filled with water. Then, they spray the puppy for whining. Doing so can also lead to the pup not liking his crate. So this is an undesirable method to try to solve whining. Do you have a puppy that whines? What did you do to get your puppy to stop whining? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Separation anxiety Puppy screaming in the crate for hours You may think that the puppy will go off to sleep quite quickly. Some puppies will cry for most of the night. And unless you live in a soundproofed room or own a mansion, you will be able to hear the noise. Not only will you hear it, your neighbors will hear the puppy too. And they are unlikely to be happy about it. And puppies left to cry it out at night may become so distressed that they have diarrhea. Which they will then walk in and get in their fur. I can tell you from experience, that shampooing a puppy in the wee small hours of the morning is no fun! All in all, having the puppy by your bed for a few nights, is looking like the more attractive option. Are we talking minutes, or hours? Although some puppies give up within half an hour or so, if you leave them to cry, the other issue with leaving a puppy crying, is that some of them have quite amazing stamina, and can literally keep crying all night! The puppy can smell and hear you and if they stir or get upset to begin with, you can reassure them with your hand. You need to spend some time over the next few days preparing your puppy for the transition to their permanent sleeping quarters. At the moment nothing in your home is familiar. Small puppies in the wild are extremely vulnerable and it is vital for their survival that they are never left unattended unless in the safety of their den. So puppy crying is an instinctive cry for help if they find themselves alone outside their den. And puppies will rest happily when they are inside it. Their happy place. Your puppy will soon be taking themselves off happily into their crate for daytime naps. And in a few days they will be able to sleep there at night too, without being afraid. How long do puppies sleep at night? Most puppies sleep quite well for about ten hours, from mid evening until early morning about 8pm until 6am with a bathroom break at your bedtime and for the first two weeks, again during the night. A sensible bedtime, just as you would for a small child, helps the puppy to relax and sleep deeply. Crating a puppy at night really helps if you want to establish a bedtime for them. Getting your puppy to sleep at around 8pm in their crate, but letting them out for a last pee at 11pm, is a good way to get the night started well. Should you close a puppy crate at night? If you crate train your puppy during the day and establish the crate as a lovely den, then when you come to put them to bed at night you should close the door. The most common cause of puppy crying during the day is as a result of the puppy being left alone while the grown ups go to another room. The best way to avoid this problem is to keep your puppy with you as much as possible for the first few days, then to teach them to be alone in easy stages. Being left in a crate is actually two new things: being shut in, and being left. Crate conditioning The process of crate conditioning is all about getting the puppy used to being put in the crate. Having the door shut behind them and then being let out again immediately to start with Should my puppy nap in the crate? This is where you put a sleepy puppy into a crate and wait for them to go to sleep. During crate nap training, you need to stay near your puppy, in the same room. If you want to watch tv bring the crate in with you. Leaving the room This is the final stage where you start leaving the room for very short periods of time. Just a few seconds to begin with. But how long should you let a puppy cry in a crate? Leaving a puppy to cry it out is a risky strategy. Many puppies will to cry long enough that they need to toilet again. Then you have a crying and a bed wetting problem on your hands. A puppy that yells if you leave the room for five minutes, needs to go back to being left for only a minute or so with plenty of treats fed through the bars at intervals which you can gradually space out. And you also need to avoid teaching your puppy to cry in order to get you to let him out. Crate Training A Puppy At Night Crate training a puppy at night is different and easier than crate training during the day. And even if your puppy objects to be crated during the day they are likely to sleep happily in a crate at night, provided that the crate is near to you or another dog for the first few nights. Learned Crying In Puppies Puppies learn through the consequences of their behavior. And they learn very quickly indeed. If a good thing happens when the puppy cries, his crying will be reinforced ie more likely to occur again in the future. He will learn to use the crying in order to fulfil his wish for more food, cuddles, attention, company and so on. Even when he does not feel threatened or anxious. Many puppies fall asleep quite quickly in their crates to begin with and the family gets on with life, relying on the puppy to let them know when they are awake and ready for more fun. And this can quickly become a habit. Whining In The Crate Whining in the crate tends to happen because the puppy has learned to whine in order to get the door open. And whining to be let out of the crate is really common. And the best way to avoid it, is to get your puppy up before they start whining. So that the habit never becomes established. When you are crate nap training, wake your puppy after 15 minutes or so of sleep. Play a little while, then put the puppy back in the crate for another nap. It is essential if you crate your puppy during the day or at night, that you give him chance to leave the crate often enough to keep himself clean. Teaching Puppies To Be Alone It is nice to see that some veterinarian puppy packs are including information on teaching puppies to be alone. If you go out to work, then your puppy will probably be spending some time alone from an early age. But not all puppies learn this valuable skill. But within a couple of weeks of bringing your puppy home, he should be capable of being left on his own for ten minutes without screaming the house down. One study showed that the majority of puppies left home alone for up to 60 minutes did not exhibit stress related behaviors, and those that were stressed improved with practice at being alone. Note that this was a maximum of one hour. Long periods of isolation are not appropriate for young pups. Some puppies are very vocal for much of the time and quickly learn to cry for attention throughout the day. This means not doing anything that the puppy might perceive as rewarding whilst he is crying. Including picking him up, entering the room he is in if you are not there already, feeding him, talking to him, letting him catch sight of you if he cannot see you already. But if you can stick to this rule, and make sure your family stick to it too, the amount of crying in your house will soon be very minimal indeed. Try to pre-empt potential episodes of crying by ensuring that your puppy gets regular periods of company, plenty of opportunity to use the outdoor toilet area, plenty of safe toys to chew and a safe, familiar place to sleep At the same time, it is important to reinforce any periods of silence, so that the puppy learns that being quiet is a better way to get his needs met in our illogical and modern world. By the time you have got to the puppy with a reward, he will probably have started howling again, and you will end up rewarding the noise instead of the quiet. I have a clicker on a lanyard around my neck for the first few days with a puppy in our home. When the puppy is being quiet, I press the clicker and reward the puppy with a treat or a cuddle. This is especially useful if a puppy has started yelling when you leave the room. Wait for a pause in the crying, then click for quiet, and return. You can give the puppy a treat as a reward. Building up time alone With a puppy that cries when left, over the space of a few days you can ask for longer periods of quiet before you press the click. Two or three seconds, then five, then ten, and so on. Working your way up to a minute or so. If you get this right, by the time you get up to waiting one minute, most crying will have stopped and the puppy will be silent most of the time. Crate Training Your Puppy Many people give the puppy the run of the whole house when he arrives in their home. Restricting puppies to one or two rooms initially helps them feel safe and secure, as well as giving other family members a refuge away from biting teeth! Remember, when your home begins to feel like their home, your Labrador puppy will stop crying provided he has not learned to cry in order to get a reward. They need company and a little time to adjust to their new life How To Stop Your Puppy Crying In A Nice Way People sometimes worry that this gentle and gradual approach to raising puppies and teaching them to be alone will spoil them. On the contrary, studies suggest that higher levels of maternal care and in this case you are now the substitute carer makes puppies braver and more confident. A study published in look at separation distress in 24 young puppies and found that the most effective way to alleviate separation distress in puppies, was human company. Better than another dog, much better than toys and even better than food. In other words, your puppy needs you. On the contrary, he also needs to learn to be alone, but those first few days in your home are a special case. Puppies need to feel safe. And if you get this right, the crying will stop. Fear The reason could be that something has been causing it to be fearful. It wants attention It could also be the case that it does it in order to get more attention from you. This would be more likely if it does it when you have not been giving it attention in a while or if you tend to give it extra attention when it does it. It would help to give your Labrador attention by playing with it and training it. But, it would help to avoid rewarding it for crying unless it seems to be doing it for a reason such as wanting to pee. Illness Illness could also be the reason why it has been doing it. This would be more likely if it has started doing it suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of being ill. In this case, the best option would be to take it to a vet. Boredom The cause could be that it is bored. This would be more likely if it tends to cry more when it is not doing anything and if it tends to cry at around the time that it usually gets to do something. Labradors can be very active dogs and it is generally recommended that they get at least an hour of exercise per day as healthy adults. If your Labrador is not getting much exercise, it would help to make sure that it does. However, Labrador puppies are not supposed to get as much exercise since their joints are still developing. Generally, it is recommended to give a Labrador puppy 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age. So, a 2 month old puppy should get about 10 minutes of exercise daily. Excitement Sometimes dogs will seem like they are crying when they are actually excited. This would be more likely to be the reason why your Labrador does it if it cries more in situations such as when you come home or when you are playing with it. Nature It is not unusual for Labrador puppies to cry a lot. Sometimes they will cry without any apparent cause. It is likely that it will begin to cry less as it gets older. However, if it is crying constantly then it would help to take it to a vet to rule out illness or injury. Things to consider What is different when it cries It would help to consider if there is anything different when it cries since it could be the case that the timing has something to do with it. If it only seems to cry at certain times it would make it more likely to be due to things such as fear, boredom, excitement, wanting attention or being hungry. If it seems to cry at random times it could be that it does it naturally or it might be ill or injured which would be more likely if it started crying a lot suddenly. When it started crying It would also help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it since an event might have caused it to start. If it started crying a lot more suddenly it would make it more likely to be due to things such as illness, injury, learning that it gets rewards, or something happening that caused it to become fearful. How to get your Labrador puppy to stop crying all the time Below are some things you can do about your Labrador puppy crying a lot. Avoid negative reinforcement As mentioned above, it could be the case that you have been encouraging it to cry by giving it things it wants when it does it. If it does not seem to be doing it due to things such as illness or needing to pee, it would help to reward it when it is being well behaved but to avoid rewarding it for crying. Take it to a vet If you cannot figure out why it has been doing it or it has started doing it suddenly, it would help to take it to the vet for a checkup. By doing so, you should be able to get expert advice tailored towards your particular Labrador puppy and to rule out illness or injury as a cause. Ensure that its diet is correct If it is not getting the nutrients that it needs in its diet it could be causing your Labrador puppy to cry. If you want to get your Labrador to cry less and for it to be as healthy as possible it is important to make sure that it is eating correctly. It would also help to consult with your vet on its diet and to make sure that no one else has been feeding it. You can look here to see what you should be feeding it. Avoid punishing it It would also help to avoid punishing it for crying since it might not know why it is being punished. Instead, it would help to make sure things such as a diet issue are not causing it and to give it positive reinforcement training. Give it things to be distracted with such as a chew toy In addition to the above, you could also give it things to be distracted with such as chew toys or puzzle games so that it does not feel the need to cry as much.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all love our pets and we generally turn to the big named brands to ensure we get the right pet foods. However, it really is no secret that Pedigree has been one of the most popular brands on the market for decades. When the brand got its first big recognition, their marketing efforts were geared toward breeders and show dogs. However, over the years, the brand has shifted its marketing focus to more closely on shelter dogs, subsequently ending their partnership with the esteemed dog show. This article will take a deeper look into what this commercial dog food is actually made of and explore what customers really think of one of the most well-known dog food brands out there today. Our Rating After comparing multiple sites along with customer reviews of Pedigree Dog Food ingredients and satisfaction, Pedigree receives 3 out of 5 stars. If you want to see our top-rated dog food read the guide here. Reviews The Pedigree Dog Food reviews were quite shocking given the fact that the brand has been a household name for quite a while. There was obviously a need to determine the answer to the question is Pedigree a good dog food because there have been studies and analyses completed regarding the ingredients found in the well-known dog food. Unfortunately, while reviews from chewy. Pros Dogs Prefer Most of the comments regarding the canned food on chewy. Customers stated that while they have tried other brands, they have found that their dogs specifically choose Pedigree more frequently. There is also no denying that Pedigree dog food contains a source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as d-calcium pantothenate, monocalcium phosphate , potassium iodide, potassium chloride, and folic acid. Price Customers reported enjoying the price point of Pedigree because it was affordable with an ingredient list they could agree with respectfully. While corn is inexpensive and used mostly as a filler, dogs have a hard time digesting it. It has also been proven that corn is known to cause many allergies and skin issues for dogs; therefore, it is hard to understand why corn would be the number one listed ingredient in this dog food. Among the top ingredients listed were corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and ground whole wheat. With that much grain in one recipe, dogs are bound to produce much more gas and waste than ever necessary. Colors and Dyes According to Dog Food Insider, a breakdown of the ingredients list for a complete Pedigree Dog Food review showed that artificial colors and dyes were used frequently in all of their recipes. The customers even stated that their dogs refused to eat Pedigree Dog Food after just one taste. These were among the most common complaints found on the purchase sites. Watch this video from a veterinary surgeon for more pros and cons: Product Line. Q: I have a Labrador pup which is 2 months old, I need instructions on feeding him pedigree? I have a 2-month-old Labrador pup, we used to feed him cerelac. The vet advised to feed him Pedigree Pup food, there is no instruction on the package on how to feed him? I am looking for instruction on feeding pedigree and any tips or advice about other food is welcome. .So right now, go maybe a half cup twice a day, and as he gets bigger just start giving him a little bit more. Answer by Critters—New CH! A lot of people feed puppy food. I don't after 10 weeks. A lot of people will tell you that the food you are feeding him is crap. I won't. It is dog food and will do and he will develop fine. If you can afford better food, consider it. Just like with people, if you can afford food better than ramen and spaghetti you buy it, but most college kids would be dead if a diet like this KILLED you. After a week or two, look at the pup. If he is fat a good layer of fat over his ribs or between his front legs, feed him a little less. If he is skinny you can see or really feel his ribs and there is NO fat between his front legs feed him a little more. Eventually, on pedigree he may eat up to 3. Remember, with better quality food you may need to feed less. Cute, furry and hungry! Your puppy is ready for proper food and so it is your duty to ensure that you start him off right. Puppies grow faster and choosing the best puppy food for your new pet is a daunting task as there are innumerable dog foods available in the market. Needless to mention, it holds intrinsic worth to feed your four-legged friend with just the proper nutrition to build up strong bones, muscles and teeth. Food also plays major part in supplying all the energy that he needs to play and learn. Puppies grow rapidly, therefore, it is the phase when they start to build up bones and muscles, and they begin to develop organs, which is a crucial stage as it is imperative to build healthy. And adult dogs are already grown up, they require diet only to maintain their bodies, so the nutritional needs are separate from puppies. Now, you might know that how your puppy needs extra ingredients to fuel his growth efficiently. How often should you feed your puppy? Puppies should eat three times a day from weaning through four to six months, if possible. After six months, twice-a-day feedings are fine. Treat and snacks are also an add-on factor to its variety. It also makes foods that are meant for oral care, hip and joint health, weight control, and other health concerns. Like other brands, it categorizes the foods by age — adult, puppy, and senior foods; and by the size of the dog — small, medium, large breed. Pedigree is an old as well as an established brand sold in grocery stores. The greatest thumbs-up feature of it is that the products are also priced to fit lower budgets. But, when they are over-used in his food as an alternative for meat proteins, it comes out as not-so-desirable food item. Corn gluten meal is a dried, reduced form of corn containing more proteins than the ordinary corns. Poultry by-product meal— This implies that the food can be any kind of poultry. Brewers rice— It is used exclusively in puppy foods. This is a carb filler. Additionally, preserving it with citric acid is also beneficial. Puppies can get healthy nutrition from these sources. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this.

Plus 5 Breeding Secrets! If you are planning to breed your French bulldog, then be prepared to deal with a dog breed that can be affected by a lot of health complications. Breeding French bulldog entails a lot of patience, experience, and a significant expense during pregnancy and at birth. It is recommended to have a great deal of experience breeding other animals if planning to become a French bulldog breeder. But what day do I breed my French bulldog? A female French bulldog is receptive to breeding during her heat cycle which takes place every six months. When in heat, breeding should occur within days. Female French bulldogs can breed safely from 2 to 8 years of age. However, male French bulldogs also have to be sexually mature for breeding. So, you will have to wait until they are around 15 months old. Male French bulldogs start producing sperm at the age of 6 months but you will have to wait for them to be a little older to breed successfully. French bulldogs make wonderful companions and are very popular. Their loving, caring, and friendly personalities make them adorable animals. The history of French bulldogs has led to certain physical and sexual traits in them over the years, making their breeding quite challenging. A wide range of health problems in French bulldogs is caused by deliberate selective breeding for exaggerated traits such as the flat face, large head, short muzzle, and a stocky build. Female French bulldogs can get pregnant naturally but not that easily. Most of the French bulldogs are incapable of getting pregnant naturally. The female French bulldogs have very narrow hips making it difficult for the male to mount the female to reproduce naturally. Because of their compromised respiratory system, the exertion involved in mating can be too much of a physical strain for them. In most of the other dog breeds, natural mating is the safest and efficacious method of producing a litter of puppies, but not so much in French bulldogs. Pregnancies in French bulldogs can be very delicate. You have to time the insemination perfectly. Apart from this, certain tests have to be carried to ensure that the dog is ready, and the semen latches on. They are a brachycephalic breed and so do not give birth to a lot of puppies. It could be on an average of 2 to 3 puppies and on rare occasions, if you are lucky, you might even get five. As a responsible breeder, you must ensure that the pups are born healthy and do not inherit any health defects. This can be done by getting the male and female tested for core problems and mutations. Mating of French bulldogs is extremely challenging and difficult to take place without human assistance. Therefore, artificial insemination is typically required to attain mating and eventual conception. Top 4 Tips. But how do Female French bulldogs deliver puppies when they cannot mate on their own and have to go through artificial insemination? French bulldogs have slim hips, big heads, and shoulders. These physical traits make it extremely difficult for the female to have natural labor and delivery. This is because the puppies can get stuck in the birth canal, causing their death. Natural birth can also be dangerous for the female and can damage her birth canal. Although the anesthesia can be dangerous, a planned cesarean-section puts less stress on the mother as well as the puppies. However, there are some bulldogs with smaller or moderate heads and wide hips that can mate naturally and deliver puppies without any human assistance. Cesarean-section is performed on French bulldogs so that there is no doubt whether all the puppies were delivered or not. This helps in preventing the female from developing a uterine infection, in case she delivers a dead puppy a few days later. As a result of this fatal infection, sometimes the uterus also has to be removed. Free whelping can also cause the uterus to stretch and makes it less likely to return to normal which can cause problems in the future. A stretched uterus has thin areas that can rip open with the pressure of a larger litter and can be dangerous for the female French bulldog. But a female French bulldog should not be put through too frequent cesarean-sections as that can also be stressful for the mother. Secret 3: The Heat Cycle of a French Bulldog Being in heat means your dog is in the oestrus cycle, quite akin to when a human female gets a period. A female French bulldog can go into heat as soon as they become sexually mature which is around 6 months. However, it can take up to 2 years for a Frenchie to develop regular heat patterns. The heat cycles usually last for about 3 weeks. Initially, you will see brown or red spots and later after the first week, the female will bleed a great deal. The best breeding time is from 5 to 18 days into the cycle. These include progesterone which maintains the pregnancy and luteinizing hormone LH which stimulates the ovaries to release the eggs. Dogs ovulate when their estrogen level falls and progesterone level rises. Luteinizing hormone LH and progesterone levels are the safe and sure indicators of when ovulation will take place and when is the perfect time for breeding. They can also help determine the whelping date, and even to plan c-section. Secret 4: Signs of Pregnancy in a French Bulldog Here are some quick and easy ways to find out whether your female French bulldog is expecting puppies: Decreased appetite Acting more lethargic and lazy and not active as usual Increase in nipple size Increase in the size of the belly, this can happen as early as 2 weeks Blood test Ultrasound Blood Test Pregnancy can be detected in your Frenchie if the mating happened 5 weeks ago through a blood test. However, early pregnancy can be difficult to date and the result of the test can be negative when your dog may be pregnant. Ultrasound Scan Another way to determine if the conception and mating have worked is to have an ultrasound performed on your female French bulldog. Ultrasound procedure can be done 25 days after the last mating event. So, make sure you are there to comfort your Frenchie. The most reliable method of detecting pregnancy for your French bulldog is ultrasound. An ultrasound scan can also give an idea of how many puppies she is expecting. However, the ultrasound is not always exact especially for a larger litter. Large litters tend to hid one another fairly well, making hard to determine the actual count of puppies. It is recommended to do an X-ray after 45 days to help determine the number of puppies in the litter. It can also depend on how large the puppy skulls are and if this would pose any risk for a natural birth. A medical assessment from a professional can aide in determining whether natural birth is feasible or if cesarean-section should be done for safety reasons. A pregnant French bulldog should be cared for in the following 5 ares: Regular vet check-up. Tweet Breeding French Bulldogs can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for any breeder. But, it is important to know when the ideal time to breed your French Bulldog is. Breeding too early or too late can cause complications for both the mother and her puppies. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about when lilac french bulldog stud should breed, why they breed, and how many times they should be bred each year. We will also provide guidance on what steps to take if you decide to have a French Bulldog baby. When should French bulldogs breed? Breeding French bulldogs is a complex process that should be done in late winter or early spring when the weather is mild, and the dog is in good health. It is recommended not to breed a French bulldog until it is at least six years old and in good physical condition. When breeding a female French bulldog, it should be with one or two other dogs of the same sex to produce healthy puppies. It is essential to keep track of the weight, size, and age of the male dog who will mate with the female dog. The father of the pup should also be closely related to the mother for genetic diversity purposes. Breeding two unrelated dogs could lead to genetic disorders in their offspring. Why do French bulldogs breed? French Bulldogs are very popular pets and one of the best breeds for families with children owing to their gentle nature. Ideally, French bulldogs should be bred between the months of November and February when it is less hot outside. However, French bulldogs can conceive at any time during their menstrual cycle, so it is essential to use proper contraception when breeding them. It is important not to breed a French bulldog if they have any health issues like hip dysplasia or a heart condition. They should be well-fed and exercised before breeding to ensure that they will have a healthy pregnancy and birth. In conclusion, responsible breeding practices must be followed when it comes to French bulldogs in order to ensure the health and happiness of both the mother and her puppies. How many French bulldogs should be bred each year? It is recommended to breed French bulldogs during their most fertile stage, which is typically in the spring or fall. It is not advisable to breed French bulldogs if they are currently pregnant, nursing, or have recently given birth. Only experienced dog breeders who understand the needs and temperament of French bulldogs should be involved in breeding. The average litter size for these dogs ranges from six to eight puppies, but it can vary depending on the quality of the breeding pair. What to do if you decide to have a French bulldog baby? If you have decided to breed your French bulldog, it is essential to consider a few things. French bulldogs should be bred when they are between years old. The ideal breeding season for these dogs is late winter or early spring. Breeders usually perform two to six litters a year. It is crucial to ensure that your French bulldog lives in an environment that is quiet, dry, and cool with ample space to run and play. Before breeding, it is recommended that French bulldogs are spayed or neutered before they reach six months of age. This will prevent any reproductive issues and help ensure the health of both the mother and the puppies. It is also advisable to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in breeding before deciding on the breeding process. Kokou Adzo Kokou Adzo is the editor and author of Startup. He is passionate about business and tech, and brings you the latest Startup news and information. He manages the editorial operations at Startup. You may like. Indeed, they have inspired an entire fashion industry of French Bulldog clothing, accessories, and even jewelry. That popularity has made an already expensive breed even more valuable. But why do Frenchies cost so much in the first place? The answer lies in their limited ability to reproduce. The average French Bulldog litter consists of 3 puppies. Although some have successfully carried and birthed up to 7 pups, that happens very rarely. In comparison, the average Golden Retriever produces 8 puppies in a litter. Beagles, for example, typically give birth to 6 puppies at a time while pugs produce 5 pups in an average litter. Frenchies typically carry up to 4 litters in their lifetime. Although their average life expectancy is around 12 years old, they can only breed safely between 2 and 8 years old. That limitation affects the number of Frenchie puppies born each year, which directly impacts the value of the breed. Canadian Moto French Bulldogs wearing Frenchie harnesses. French Bulldogs have difficulty reproducing in large numbers because of their physical conformation. Although organizations like the American Kennel Club and the French Bull Dog Club of America see to it that breed standards are upheld, even the healthiest Frenchies will have trouble breeding naturally and copiously. One of the biggest reproductive concerns in French Bulldogs is their narrow hips. French Bulldogs also have trouble birthing naturally. The large heads that are so often perfectly adorned with Frenchie jewelry make a caesarean section necessary. Additionally, the French Bulldog is among the brachycephalic breeds that have breathing issues simply because of their short muzzles and flat faces. Because of this and the way their bodies are built, pregnancy and birthing can be too stressful on their bodies and could become fatal. The limited number of puppies a Frenchie can produce in her lifetime is one of the biggest reasons why this breed is so expensive. And because fewer puppies mean an even smaller probability of producing rare-colored French Bulldogs, the value of specific pedigrees are even higher. For most of us, that cost means settling for getting our Frenchie fix on social media where canine celebrities provide endless joy as they show off the latest in French Bulldog fashion. Demand for Frenchie puppies is tremendous and that has created aspirations in many first-time breeders who want to start dog breeding. But people who truly love the French Bulldog breed — breeders who are in it primarily for love and not pure profit — soon discover that successfully breeding Frenchies is an art as well as a science. In this article, learn what age you can safely breed a French Bulldog and what you need to know about the unique challenges and health concerns these flat-faced dogs can present to a breeder. As Breeding Business describes, French Bulldogs as a breed can have some very unique health issues even without adding in breeding. These dogs can be bred, however, and the earliest age when it is safe to breed is after the female dog has had at least one full heat cycle and she is at least 24 months old. Read on to learn why it is important not to breed your Frenchie when she is too young or during her first heat cycle. In the video, you will follow an adult female French Bulldog as she goes into heat and goes through the whole process of getting Artificial Insemination AI so that she can get pregnant. In the remainder of this article, we will discuss the reasons why French Bulldogs typically need this type of help to get pregnant and why this breed also needs special help to deliver their puppies. As the Northern California French Bulldog Club points out, using the word "safely" in context with French Bulldog breeding is a term that should be taken with a grain of salt. There are so many issues that can crop up, as we will talk about here next. But first, it is important to know when you can even consider safely breeding your French Bulldog. French Bulldog male stud dog For a French Bulldog stud or male dog, technically it is safe to allow them to breed as soon as they reach sexual maturity. This usually occurs around the age of six months depending on the specific dog's genetics, health, and background. French Bulldog female The French Bulldog female, however, will bear far more risk when she is bred. She will have to endure the insemination process, whether done naturally or veterinarian-assisted. And she will have to carry the puppies to term and whelp them naturally or via cesarean section surgery. So it is important to wait until your Frenchie female is older before attempting this for the first time. As the American Kennel Club AKC explains, it is now an accepted custom among experienced breeders that you never breed a female dog during her very first heat cycle. The dog needs to finish growing up first and go through a process that breeders refer to as "conditioning," which is all about ensuring your female dog has great nutrition and is in great physical shape before she gets pregnant. The general rule of thumb is to wait until the female Frenchie is at least 24 months, or two years old, before considering whether or not to breed her. Happily, the French Bulldog can easily live 12 years with excellent care, which means you can well afford to wait for the first two years to make sure your female is in the prime physical condition and will be able to carry and whelp healthy puppies. The French Bulldog has an interesting history. These dogs aren't even from France! Originally, the French Bulldog was an English Bulldog. Then breeders started breeding them down to a smaller size by cross-breeding these dogs with terriers. This is the dog that migrated with its owners to France, where breeding efforts continued until they produced the dog we know and love like the French Bulldog today. Because French Bulldogs inherited the short, squat bodies and bow legs of their English Bulldog predecessors, they have some special anatomical challenges when it comes to successfully breed. French Bulldog studs males can't mount easily The first big challenge that takes many first-time French Bulldog breeders completely by surprise is that French Bulldog studs, or intact male dogs, often cannot successfully mount a female Frenchie in heat. They are not tall enough to reach the female. Even when they do this part successfully, they usually cannot "tie" with the female for long enough to achieve breeding. French Bulldogs can't typically travel safely In many cases, a dog owner will want to co-breed their dog with a dog that lives in another city or state. Depending on how the owner of the other dog likes to handle such requests, this may require the female dog to travel to the stud male dog's location or vice versa. Unfortunately, because of the French Bulldog's short, flat face and narrow nostrils, these dogs usually are barred from airline travel. So the only option is typically to find a local stud dog or try to arrange for stud services by mail. French Bulldogs have respiratory issues The physical exertion required for a successful pairing is another huge challenge for French Bulldog breeding pairs. As Victory Bulldogs breeder points out, these dogs have short, flat faces and narrow nostrils that make them unusually prone to overheating. The physical exertion of trying to breed together naturally can cause these dogs to overheat and actually collapse in exhaustion. It is often not safe to breed a French Bulldog pair naturally because one or both dogs may be at risk of over-heating and over-exertion, either from excitement or anxiety or from overheating or both. French Bulldogs usually need a C-section delivery Another huge challenge and enormous expense that many French Bulldog breeders are not prepared for is what happens when their female dog is ready to whelp give birth to her puppies. Because these dogs are "top-heavy" — they carry most of their weight in their heads, shoulders, and chests — they have very narrow hindquarters and a narrow pelvis and birth canal. The puppies can actually get stuck in the birthing canal, which is very dangerous for both the mother dog and the puppies. The safest and most common courts of action are to have the puppies delivered by C-section cesarean section. However, this is not an entirely safe option either, as it involves sedation, and the mother dog's respiratory rate must be closely monitored. Additionally, as with any invasive incision-based surgery, there is always a risk of infection. Another challenge with an artificial C-section birth is that it can create some developmental issues in terms of whether the mother dog bonds closely with the puppies and feels motivated to care for them as newborns. A Word About the Cost of Breeding a French Bulldog Every extra step you have to add to the process of breeding any dog is likely going to add extra expense to your budget. With the French Bulldog breed, because you may need assistance from your dog's veterinarian multiple times along the way, your costs are likely to be higher from the start, even without any unanticipated health emergencies. While it is true that many people are willing to pay several thousand dollars for French Bulldog puppies today, a reputable breeder also has to consider what they will do if the new owner returns the puppy which sometimes will happen. Responsible breeders retain lifetime responsibility for each puppy they breed. And since French Bulldogs tend to come with extra health-related veterinary expenses, not every owner ends up being able to afford their care. So you will need to carefully think through how prepared you and your wallet are to take on the responsibility of breeding your French Bulldog. And while it might seem like this only applies to female Frenchies, many breeders maintain their own breeding pairs at their kennel. If this describes you, then you will have double the expense of maintaining two breeding dogs in tip-top condition as well as the expense of whelping, rearing the puppies, marketing to prospective owners, screening the owners, and more. This is why French Bulldog breeders often say they are in it for the true love of the breed and not for profit. People who love these dogs, are all in and just want to produce the healthiest puppies for the continuation of the breed itself. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Breeding a French bulldog is certainly not without its risks. A great portion of these risks are due to the genetic make-up and anatomy of a French bulldog. There are so many factors to consider, as the French bulldog is one of the most challenging dogs to breed. This is a part of the reason why they are so expensive. If you are a first-time breeder, it might seem like an impossible hurdle especially if you do not have an experienced person to put you through. Breeding a French Bulldog Heat Cycle Every dog breed has its natural timeline when it comes to cycles and pregnancy. This time line enables us to calculate accurately the precise number of days, months or years. A female French bulldog will usually experience her first heat cycle around 6 to 9 months of age. This means that the Frenchie would be fertile and can become pregnant. Your job as an owner or a Frenchie breeder is to be prepared to protect her and keep her from having an unwanted litter of puppies. Regardless of the cuteness, puppies are a lot of work, for the mother and for you the owner. If you are choosing to breed your Frenchie, you would need to look at which stud is the best to mate for her. Your purpose for breeding will determine a lot of factors and the kind of planning that would go into breeding her. When a female dog has reached sexual maturity, the stage of the cycle when she is receptive to mating is called estrus or heat. The heat cycle has four stages. Stage 1 - Proestrus: The biggest change in this stage will be the swelling in her vulva and a bloody discharge. This is a good time to invest in puppy diapers. This is the act of protecting herself from male dogs by lowering her behind or sitting to prevent them from smelling or approaching her. At this stage, she is not ready for mating. This stage can last 4 to 20 days. Stage 2 — Estrus: This is the fertile stage of the heat cycle. This stage can last between 3 to 21 days, a few days right in the middle of this stage is considered her active heat. The bloody discharge will thin out and appear pinkish. At this stage she will appear to not only welcome the company of male dogs but actively seek it. Stage 3 — Diestrus: This is the pregnancy stage; it will last about 63 days. Stage 4 — Anestrus: This is a period of inactivity between the estrus phases and lasts for 2 to 3 months before the cycle begins again. There is usually a lot of controversy surrounding the breeding of dogs but one thing everybody agrees on is that you should not breed your dog on her first heat. The American Kennel Club calls breeding a dog on her first heat irresponsible and advise that the best practice would be to wait until her 3rd heat or second at a minimum. The basis on which this assertion is founded are numerous. The first one would be the health risks. If you breed your Frenchie on her first heat, you could stunt her growth. She is still a puppy herself and she will not be mature enough to go through motherhood. Although the standard age for sexual maturity is 6 months, a French bulldog can have her first heat as early as 4 months. It would be irresponsible for you as a pet parent to mate your Frenchie as early as her first heat. Most of the time, if they are bred this early, they may not fully understand the responsibility of being a mother which leads to not taking good care of or rejecting her Frenchie puppies. Mating, Pregnancy, Delivery When breeding other dog breeds, the simplest way to go is natural mating. But it is not so with French bulldogs, this is because they have unusually small hips and an over-sized head. It makes it extremely difficult for the male to mount the female naturally. And so, when it comes to French bulldogs, artificial insemination is the safest and most effective method for breeding. However, you can choose the male bulldog from whom you want the semen to come from. French bulldog pregnancies can be very delicate. The insemination has to be perfectly timed. Go through this process with your vet and ensure that all the proper tests are carried out to ensure that both Frenchies are in the best of health and that the semen latches on. Pregnancy lasts for about 63 days from the day the semen latches on, it could be earlier or later. Just make sure you prepare early. French bulldogs do not give birth to that many puppies because of their breathing issues. Although on some rare occasions, you may get a litter of 7 puppies but that is quite rare. The average number is 3, it could be as low as 2 puppies or as much as 4 puppies. If luck smiles on you, you may get 5 but do not get your hopes up. Pregnancy is quite difficult for the French bulldog; thier small body is not made for carrying large litters. If the mother ends up having 5 or more puppies, the odds of all of them surviving decreases. Also puppies in large litters are also prone to health issues. French bulldogs can give birth naturally but it is extremely dangerous for both the puppies and their mother. If any of the puppies get their head stuck in the birth canal, there is zero to no chance that the puppy would make it alive. This is why most breeders choose their female French bulldogs to give birth through the cesarean section. Even with planned c-sections, there is an abundance of risks. The anesthesia can affect the puppies and make it harder for the mother to breathe. If you are planning to breed a French bulldog, make sure you work hand in hand with your vet to figure out the best course of actions at each juncture in the breeding of the Frenchie. Breeding is a big commitment Breeding is a big commitment for any dog breed, especially if you have never been through the process before. Make sure that you seek expert opinion before choosing to embark on this journey. The French bulldog female has to be in the utmost shape while pregnant. The puppies take all the necessary energy and food from the mother in order to grow strong. The Frenchie mother has to be fed the best in order to have healthy strong puppies because what the mother eats, the puppies also eat. You would also need to get other health support in addition to the proper diet. These are vitamins minerals, multivitamin supplements and micronutrients to support the overall health of the female Frenchie. Speak to your vet on which ones to administer to your Frenchie but vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, pyridoxine, vitamins A, E, C and B12 are very important during the pregnancy. Clean up your Frenchie when she needs cleaning up and give the best care possible. We hope you have strong, healthy and thriving Frenchie puppies. Let us know below if you have any questions. We like to give you the best content on everything you need to know on your Frenchie journey. Sign up to our Frenchie Blog for more. Should I worry? What can I do? Her vulva is swollen and her nipples as well Cynthia Chancellor June 23, Hello I am trying to educate myself on breeding my fur baby. I only plan on breeding her once I also have her brother they are 8 months old and she just started bleeding on the 19th of March how do I know when the heat cycle is complete? Any advice if greatly appreciated. Bonnie Belfrey December 14, Your information about being in heat and pregnancy was very informative. I will definitely be keeping my Frenchie away from other dogs!! Leave a comment. Pin 0 Shares I am not a breeder of Frenchies. However, there are many irresponsible breeders out there including French Bulldog owners looking to make a quick buck. One of the most common questions people like this ask is how many times you can use a Frenchie for breeding. Professional and qualified breeders will tell you the following: How many times can you breed a French Bulldog? Responsible Frenchie breeders will not breed their French Bulldog any more than 3 times in a lifetime, and only once every 18 months at a minimum. Any more than that and the dog will struggle to recover physically, and possibly even mentally. Why you should not breed French Bulldogs too much The reasons for the minimum amount of times you can breed a French Bulldog are varied, but all boil down to care and love. The danger of too many C-sections The majority of French Bulldog puppies are delivered via Cesarean section. This is due to the way in which the female Frenchie has been bred herself over time. They have narrow birth canals and the pups have large heads. C-sections are the easiest and safest way for them to deliver a litter. As a French Bulldog breeder, it is totally irresponsible to put your female Frenchie through too many C-sections. The risks are as follows: Stress: the female can become stressed and possibly aggressive after a C-section. Too many procedures could have a negative effect on their mental health. Medical problems: your dog could have an adverse reaction to anaesthetic, could have blood clotting during surgery, haemorrhaging, or a wound infection. Injury to the pups: not all C-sections are successful, and there is also a risk to the puppies during the procedure. Did you know? C-sections can be very expensive. Read this guide to how much you should expect to pay your vet to deliver a Frenchie litter via Cesarean section. Bodies need time to repair themselves The birth and nursing period post-pregnancy is critical to the health of your French Bulldog. Giving birth and becoming a mother is a highly charged time both mentally and physically. As well as the scars from the C-section, your female will need to recover from feeding her litter and will also have to re-grow parts of her uterus and build her muscle tone back up. Pregnancy and motherhood can take a toll on the female. This is why you should not breed your French Bulldog too many times. During the early stages of motherhood, many females will lose muscle tone and even patches of fur. It acts as a governing body for pedigree dogs, holding the national register of all breeds. They are very explicit about how many times you can breed a French Bulldog officially, where they will be prepared to register the puppies. The Kennel Club will no longer register any further litters from any bitch which our records show has already whelped 4 litters. Where the number previously recorded is 4 or more, the application will be rejected. The mother is younger than 1 year old at the time of birth. The puppies are born due to familial inter-breeding e. The mother has already delivered 2 litters via a C-section. How old does a Female French Bulldog have to be to breed? When can French Bulldogs breed and what age should they have to be? Frenchies can safely breed from the ages of 2 and a half years up to 8 years of age. At this point they will have gone through a number of heat cycles and will be ready to breed. This beautiful little girl is not old enough to be bred yet. They can produce sperm as young as 6 months, but you need to wait until they are older to breed them successfully. How many times a year can you breed a French Bulldog? Having spoken to professional Frenchie breeders, the general consensus is that you should only breed French Bulldogs once a year — and even that frequency is probably far too much. The reason being is that the female Frenchie needs to recovery after giving birth. As I mentioned earlier, you should only really breed a French Bulldog once every 18 months to 2 years. Anything more than that could be considered cruel, and this extended healing time gives her the chance to recover, be healthy, and be happy without the stress of frequent C-sections. Pin 0 Shares With their unique look and adorable size, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular pet breeds we see today. Many owners will think breeding Frenchies is a quick way to make a buck. However, this is before they realise the problems surrounding French Bulldogs being able to breed naturally and mate or reproduce under their own steam. Can French Bulldogs breed naturally? It is very hard for Frenchies to breed by themselves. The way in which they have been bred, leads to difficulties in them being able to mate and reproduce themselves without the aid of human intervention. Frenchies have been bred down the years to such as an extent that their physical characteristics have changed significantly. The reason why French Bulldogs cannot breed on their own is due to the way they have been bred. This has resulted in short legs, a compact body and narrow hips. The male Frenchie cannot mount the female efficiently in order to reproduce. In fact, a breeder I spoke to even advised that you should not force the issue. If you do, it can lead to the dogs overheating! The breeding also means that giving birth is something that also needs human assistance. The female Frenchie is at great risk of harm if she has a natural birth. The puppies are also at risk of death due to the narrow birth canals — you can read more about this and watch a video in my post about natural Frenchie births. So, in short, can you breed French Bulldogs naturally? Most breeders use artificial insemination. Are French Bulldogs difficult to breed naturally? As you can imagine, French Bulldogs are hard to breed, and it can also be very expensive. If you want to become a breeder for French Bulldogs, the process is actually a lot more complex than shutting them in a room together and letting nature take their course. In the case of studs, although they have working penises and testicles and can indeed produce semen, it is difficult for them to mate. This is because they are unable to properly regulate temperatures due to their short noses and short coat. Given that the breed is characterised by narrow hips and large heads, the pregnancy as a whole as well as the process of giving birth is extremely risky for the mother — again, it is possible, but is strongly discouraged by vets. The breed is also known for their lack of maternal instincts around their puppies which may be the result of the bypassing of the natural birth process. Consequently, the most common route that professional French Bulldog breeder go down is artificial insemination and a caesarean section. Artificial insemination and caesareans are both incredibly expensive procedures. Also, with the French Bulldog breed being associated with various medical issues, it could be that any puppies born have similar genetic issues. Before undertaking the responsibility of breeding a French Bulldog, you should always make sure that you have the time and finances to see the process through without there being any detriment to the mother. The remainder of this article will explore the breeding process itself and is designed to inform rather than be a substitute for any actual medical advice. How do I know if my French Bulldog can be bred? The intervention of breeders over the years has meant that entire dog breeds which would have never come about naturally are now commonplace. French Bulldogs were made by crossing terriers with English Bulldogs, and an unfortunate side-effect of this non-natural breeding is that some Frenchies have birth defects or other genetic issues as a result. Because the breed is flat-faced with shorter-than-normal snouts, they are known for having breathing issues. Lots of French Bulldogs also suffer from allergies and problems to do with their eyes, joints and bones. This is why it is especially important to test your French Bulldog for any genetic defects before breeding them. Although different breeding organisations have different guidelines on genetically testing your Frenchie, it is generally recommended that you undergo the following process before attempting to breed them: Visit your vet so they can give your Frenchie a general health screening in order to establish if they suffer from any health issues themselves. Ensure your pup undergoes two separate DNA tests for the avoidance of any doubt or error about their genetic makeup and potential issues. If you find that your French Bulldog has any genetic issues, breeding them would be extremely irresponsible. Furthermore, you should work to establish whether your Frenchie is the result of two closely related dogs like siblings conceiving. If this is the case, this has the potential to cause more potential genetic issues for any offspring further down the line. Related breeding and mating questions If you found this article informative, you might want to look at the answers to some of these related questions below. How do I get my French Bulldogs to mate? Avoid letting your Frenchies mate naturally. Instead the question should be how you select two French Bulldogs to mate. In simple terms you should: Select a male and female with characteristics and genetics you wish to pass down to the offspring. Ensure that the male and female have no health issues or generic problems after consultation and checks with your vet. Ensure that the dogs are not related to each other. Do not stress your Frenchie out by travelling long distances. How many times can you breed a French Bulldog? A female French Bulldog is said to be able to breed twice a year, but because the caesarean and pregnancy can take a toll on the animal, it is recommended to wait at least 18 to 24 months before breeding them a second time, and so forth. You can read more about this in this blog post about breeding regularity. How old does a female French Bulldog have to be to breed? Responsible breeders recommend that female French Bulldogs should be at least 2 years old before you can consider breeding them. When can a male French Bulldog breed and mate? Male French Bulldogs do not mature sexually until they are aged around 15 months old. At this age they are more than capable of breeding — albeit by artificial extraction and insemination. Male Frenchies can actually produce sperm at a younger age, sometimes as young as 6 months — but it is not advisable to breed them at this age. Is it safe to breed French Bulldogs? Is it safe to breed French Bulldogs, but not naturally. Due to their genetic make-up, you should not let your Frenchies mate and reproduce naturally but instead use artificial insemination followed by C-section delivery. Is breeding French Bulldogs profitable? Breeding Frenchies can be a profitable business, and because of this, a lot of unscrupulous breeders do get involved. Due to French Bulldogs being unable to breed naturally, they are a more valued breed. This means they can be sold at higher prices. However, you should bear in mind that there will be a lot of medical expenses involved in the breeding process. How much does it cost to breed a French Bulldog? You will need to account for C-section costs , medical bills, vet support, and more. How many puppies do French Bulldogs have? Due to the smaller build of French Bulldogs and their narrow hips, their litters are one of the smallest compared to other breeds. On average, female French Bulldogs have litters of 2 to 4 puppies, although in rare cases it has been known for litters to be as big as six. This is a classic litter size for a Frenchie birth. You can read more about this in my guide to Frenchie litter sizes. Although naturally breeding and reproduction of French Bulldogs is physically possible, it is not only difficult for the animals to do, but can also be very dangerous and harmful for them. A responsible French Bulldog breeder should therefore avoid trying to force the natural route and work closely with their vet — discussing procedures like artificial insemination, caesareans as well as how best to care for your French Bulldog bitch and their puppies whence they arrive. If you are thinking of purchasing a French Bulldog puppy, you should also be wary of buying from a breeder that seems to cut corners with medical procedures. It can mean the puppies are unhealthy and the parents are mistreated. Nursing clinginess to their favorite toy Stage 4: Anestrus Stage The last stage is a period of inactivity, so they will not show any symptoms or behavioral changes. The Anestrus stage lasts for about 2 to 4 months. After this, the proestrus stage starts again. Dogs do not undergo menopause, so they will continue to go into heat even if they get old. Even if they go into heat, older Frenchies will not be as fertile as they were. They will go through the heat cycle symptoms twice a year unless you spay them. Spaying your female Frenchie does more than prevent heat cycles. It makes them more mellow and reduces unwanted behaviors. And it also helps to prevent the development of pyometra. It is the result of the hormonal changes when they are in heat. This infection is life-threatening and the best way to avoid this is to get your Frenchie spayed. They do not bleed during the whole heat cycle, Frenchies usually bleed for about 7 to 10 days while in heat. The flow of their bleeding will vary. But in general, smaller dogs tend to bleed less than larger ones. Male and female Frenchies vary in their ideal breeding times. For male Frenchies, the best time would be when they have reached their sexual maturity. This is when they are about 12 to 15 months old. You need to wait for more with female Frenchies because age is not the only factor in this. While they reach sexual maturity young, the best time to breed them is when they are 2 years of age. Before they reach 2 years old, they will still get bigger slowly and fill out more. And while waiting for this, you should prepare them for breeding. They should be in top condition to undergo artificial insemination. Subjecting a young Frenchie to this stressful process is usually frowned upon. Other than that, you need to make sure that they have already gone through at least one heat cycle. So you should breed them at least on their second heat. The issue here still ties with age, Frenchies will go through their first heat at about 6 to 12 months old. While they can get pregnant at this stage, they are still too young for that. This is not only a concern about her physical health. Being too young, there is a risk that your Frenchie does not have her motherly instincts yet. So they tend to reject their puppies if you let her get pregnant during her first heat. This is not something that you would want since breeding Frenchies are very costly. You should not let your Frenchies mate naturally even if they are fertile. It is too risky to breed them the usual way. Instead, they should undergo artificial insemination to diminish the risks. To help you realize the dangers of natural mating in Frenchies, here are the risks involved. It will be hard for males to reach the female Frenchie. And if he can, it will be hard for him to sustain this position. Because of this, breeding the usual way is a big obstacle for French Bulldogs. If your male Frenchie overworks themselves, that is an issue connected to the next point. Frenchies Have Breathing Problems Mating is physically stressful for males, from mounting to holding their position. For them to cope, they need to breathe. But since they have breathing issues, they cannot do this very well. With overexertion, Frenchies can overheat and even collapse due to exhaustion. Female Frenchies can overheat from mating too either from agitation or excitement. Traveling Is Dangerous There are a lot of instances where dog owners find their furry companion the perfect mate. But the issue is that their mate is in a different city or state. So either one of them would need to travel, which is a big problem. Air travel is not an option for brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies. This poses a serious threat to their respiratory issues. This is why most airlines do not allow Frenchies on their plane. And if you travel by car, it can still be stressful for them. Especially when it is a hot or cold day , your Frenchie will have body temperature issues. Even if you find your Frenchie a mate nearby, the risks of natural mating are still very high for them. All these are avoidable with artificial insemination. Your Frenchie does not need to travel or overexert themselves to exhaustion. It is expensive, but this is better than risking their lives. From the day of the breeding, it can take about 48 to 72 hours for your Frenchie to get pregnant. After 2 or 3 weeks, you should take your Frenchie to the vet to confirm if they are pregnant. This will also help you in tracking their gestation period accurately. Also at this stage, their teats will be bigger and their nipples darker. Inside the belly, her puppies will have distinct bone structures. At this stage, you should already be preparing her birth area. First Week Day 0 to 7 After mating it will take about 48 to 72 hours for successful fertilization. Your Frenchie may show signs of morning sickness and a slight pink discharge. This is normal, and you should carry on with her usual diet. Second Week Day 7 to 14 At this stage of the pregnancy, the cells begin to grow and reach the uterine horns. Like the first week, there is no need to change their routine or diet. Third Week Day 14 to 21 The embryos embed themselves in the uterine lining usually on day .During this week, the fetuses are starting to develop and are now about 0. Your Frenchie may have an increased appetite at this stage too. Fourth Week Day 21 to 28 The fetuses now have a distinct shape, with their spines and facial features now forming. At this stage, they are still quite small at 0. Your Frenchie may have swollen nipples and a clear discharge during this week. Also, this is a good time to go to the vet for an ultrasound. Fifth Week Day 28 to 35 During this week, big developments will happen. The fetuses will have eyelids, toes, claws, skeletons, coats, and whiskers. Your pregnant Frenchie will also start to gain weight and eat more food. Because of these big changes, your vet can tell you how many puppies you have in the litter by performing a scan. Sixth Week Day 35 to 42 This is when your Frenchie starts showing during her pregnancy. To keep up with her growing puppies, she will ask for more food. So keep feeding her food that will supplement her and her puppies. The puppies will now have their distinct markings at this point. Being 3 weeks away from giving birth, you should start to make preparations at this stage. Your Frenchie may want to start nesting. So provide her a cozy and quiet place where she can relax. Also around this time, their belly becomes firm and larger. Other than these, you may notice that she will start to pee more along with a significant hair loss. All these are normal and nothing to worry about. From this point on, you can switch your Frenchie back to her regular diet. But you need to feed her more of it. Of course, you should talk to your vet before making any changes in her food intake. Frenchies usually gain about 20 to 50 percent of weight during the second trimester. You should brace yourself during this week, as some Frenchies give birth this early. To help prevent an early birth, avoid any heavy physical activities for them. Make sure that she feels calm and at ease too. Ninth Week Day 57 to 65 At the last week of pregnancy, the puppies have almost completely developed. They will start positioning themselves in the birth canal to prepare for birth. This will happen during the last days of their pregnancy. Your Frenchie will start to show behavioral changes to prepare for birthing. This includes a decreased appetite. You must keep an eye on her during this week. Labor for Frenchies lasts around 4 to 24 hours, but there can be drastic variations from one dog to another. You will know that your Frenchie is in labor when she starts to pant, pace around, dig her bed nesting , and even vomit. These are signs that puppies are coming out within 12 to 24 hours. A common way to tell that she is through with labor is when she is not straining anymore. The puppies come out covered in fluid, with your Frenchie breaking it by licking. This licking also stimulates the puppies to move. But if your Frenchie is too exhausted, which is likely, they may not be able to do this. You can help break the sac using a towel and wipe their noses gently. If you think that she still has puppies inside and she is not straining, this can be a problem. This is why experts strongly recommend going through a c-section instead of natural birth. But if you have settled with natural birth, here are signs that you should call your vet immediately: Straining Too Much A Green Discharge Fetal Fluid Is Coming Out Without a Puppy So if you have decided to go the natural route, always have a vet on standby in case something bad happens. Frenchies can safely have up to 4 litters during their lifespan. The most respected breeders will limit her litters to only 3, ensuring her health and safety. While 4 may seem a small number, there is a good reason for this. Breeding your Frenchie between 2 and 8 years old is the safest, with lower risks for them. Although they experience their first heat cycle at around 6 to 9 months old it is risky for them to breed this young. And once they are 8 years of age, they should retire from breeding already. They can still go into heat when they are 8 years old and above. But at this advanced age, likely, their pregnancies will not be successful. Also, they might have developed health issues already by this time. Taking these risks into account, Frenchies have 6 years to breed within the safe age limits. You can push for her to have 4 litters, but anything more than that is cruel. Or you can play safe by limiting her to having only 3 litters. In general, it is safe for you to breed your Frenchie every 18 months. But even this can be too much for them. While they go into heat twice a year, it is irresponsible to get them pregnant that much. Some reputable breeders enforce a strict rule of 1 litter every two years for their Frenchie. Having this stern rule in place ensures the health of their female Frenchies. Pregnancies spaced far apart will give Frenchies enough time to recover; cesareans are very stressful and need a lot of healing time. Frenchies produce only a small amount of puppies, with an average of 3 puppies per litter. Some litters are smaller, with 2 puppies. While some can have 4 or 5 puppies but anything more than that is very rare. They can only produce so much because they are a small breed with narrow hips. There is no room for them to carry more puppies, unlike larger breeds which can carry 12 puppies at a time. Even in their first litter, Frenchies can have about 2 to 4 puppies. This can vary, and Frenchies can have more or less than this. But 5 or more puppies in a litter is rare and can be too much for them. Having only one puppy in a litter is rare for dogs of any breed. There is no exact reason for this, but several factors can influence a single puppy litter. A majority of Frenchies undergo artificial insemination to breed. This can cause smaller litters compared to natural impregnation. Sperm can die during the process of collection and insemination, so it can be that one sperm survives. Another factor is the average litter size of the breed. Breeds who do not have large litters are more likely to produce only one puppy in a litter. The peak breeding years for Frenchies are between 2 and 8 years old. Getting pregnant outside this range decreases the litter size that they can produce. Frenchie puppies can leave their mothers at around 8 to 9 weeks old. Some countries are strict with this, making it illegal to buy puppies younger than this. Since Frenchies are a companion breed, they are clingy towards their protectors. Even more when it comes to a puppy and their mother and littermates. Taking them away this early is bad for their health, and may even cause behavioral problems down the road. Also, you need to give them time to wean. This process is necessary to prepare them when they need to leave their mothers. A bulk of this cost goes into feeding two adult Frenchies. But the prices may vary depending on where you live, your vet, and other factors. These are only estimated to give you a better picture of the expenses. The key characteristics of Frenchies are their bat ears, square heads, and arched back. As part of the Bulldog family, they look muscular and heavy-boned but in a compact body. To get a better view of the breed standard, below are the ideal characteristics of each of their features. Weight The ideal weight for males is .Exceeding this can get your Frenchie disqualified from registering. Head and Skull Large and square, proportionate to their size. The skull should be almost flat between their ears with a rounded forehead. Muzzle Should be well defined that is clear from the side. The muzzle should be broad and deep, with well-developed cheek muscles. The stop should also be well-defined, with a hollow groove between the eyes. Their nose should be black as this color is desirable. Other colors are a disqualification. An exception to this is for cream or fawn Frenchies with no black masks, but this is not preferred. Eyes The eyes are dark, nearing black. Both eyes should match in color and are wide apart, round, and moderate in size. They should sit low in the skull and are far from the ears. Darker eyes are best, as lighter eyes are not desirable. Any hints of blue or green in the eyes are a disqualification. The whites of the eyes should not show when looking straight ahead. Ears Their bat ears should be medium-sized, with a wide base and rounded top. They should be set high and erect, with the ear opening facing front. Mouth This should be broad, deep, and square with a slight undershot. Their teeth should be regular and not visible when their mouth is closed. Their tongue must also not protrude and any other bites are serious faults. Neck Thick, moderate in length, well-arched. Their necks should have loose skin by the throat. It should have an arch, falling behind the shoulders and rising to the loin. From the top, their backs should be broader at the shoulders, narrower in the rear. Chest Broad, full, and deep with well-sprung ribs, with tucked bellies. Tail The tail should be thick at the root and tapers towards the tip. It should be straight and long enough to cover their anus. Frenchies should have short tails that carry low. Feet Their feet should be small and compact with high knuckles. Their hind feet should be longer than their forelegs. The nails should be short, thick, and black. Hindquarters Strong, muscular, and longer than forelegs so that the loin is higher than the shoulders. Forequarters Short, straight, muscular, and wide apart. Gait They should have a four-tracking foot pattern. The front track should be wider than the rear track. They should have a flowing and unrestrained movement. Temperament Intelligent, highly affectionate, and adaptable. Frenchies should be alert and playful, but not boisterous. Coat Frenchies should have short and fine coats that are smooth and brilliant. Their skin should be loose at the head and shoulders to create wrinkles. Color The acceptable colors are brindle, pied, cream, white, and fawn. Desirable traits may vary, but certain coats are a disqualification. This includes the following: Solid Black.