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These dogs were believed to be a cross between the Toy poodles and smaller canine breeds of the Terrier clan. The creation of these dogs in actuality as documented began in in the United States of America by crossing the Poodle and Schnauzer, with the first purposeful crossbreeding done in Minnesota. It was developed with the intention of creating a companion breed, inheriting the intelligence of both their parents, also being well-suited for people with dander allergies. Though it has not gained sufficient popularity in comparison to the other designer breeds, Schnoodle puppies are being highly sought after at present. At present breeders have also begun creating multigenerational Schnoodle where one dog of this breed is bred with the other. You might even spot a tiny teacup variety acquiring the genes of the teacup Poodle. Temperament and Personality The friendly, loving and easy-going disposition of the Schnoodles makes them ideal family dogs. In fact, traits of both their parents may be observed in these dogs, making them alert and playful like the Schnauzer or intelligent, active and obedient as the Poodle. Their intelligence may at times come in the way of their personality, making them over-demanding. Small-sized Schnoodles are well-suited to live in an apartment though the larger variations thrive well in large homes having a fenced yard. Keeping them alone in kennels is not recommended as they are prone to separation anxiety that might make them noisy and destructive. These loyal and devoted dogs are highly protective towards their family, a trait wholly inherited from their Schnauzer parent, which also makes them an excellent watchdog, causing them to bark on seeing any unfamiliar face at the door. Although they display fondness towards all members of their family, they might have a special affection for a particular person in the household just like the Schnauzer. Though the Schnoodle is said to mingle well with other pets, it might be harsh to other dogs regarding sharing their toys or space, especially if they have inherited the stubborn instinct of Terriers the Miniature Schnauzer categorized as a part of the Terrier group. If you have a Giant Schnoodle, it might adapt the behavioral traits of the Giant Schnauzer, being territorial reserved and even aggressive. They are highly inclined to hold blankets and toys with the help of their front paws that they use as hands. Schnoodles will develop a knack of digging and be very clingy towards its family members if one of its parents is the Miniature Schnauzer. Care Exercise Owing to their highly active nature, they need to be exercised at least for an hour every day to maintain a sound physical and mental health. They enjoy going out for a brisk walk or accompanying their master on a jogging spree. Since they are fond of playing, you can engage them in a ball fetching game when confined indoors. Grooming Their grooming needs vary according to the kind of coat they have. Those with a soft, wavy coat require brushing once or twice a week to prevent the hair from getting matted and tangled. If your pet has a double coat like the Schnauzer, then the coat would need to be stripped many times in a year, whereas if they have acquired the single-layered coat of the Poodle, then clip their hair in every six to eight weeks. Bathe your dog whenever needed to keep its coat clean and soft. Schnoodles have a tendency of developing hair inside the ear that should be removed by a professional groomer to avoid infections. Moreover, check their ears on a weekly basis for redness, bad smell or dirt and clean it using a damp cotton ball dipped in an ear cleaner prescribed by your vet. Do not allow excessive growth of fur around the anal to facilitate the excretion of the feces without any obstruction. Go for a professional groomer rather than trimming the hair on your own to avoid any injury and infection. Health Problems Though a healthy and hardy breed, they might acquire the health issues of both their parents. The Miniature and Toy breeds may be prone to developing luxating patella. Some of them may even suffer from allergies. The risk of dental problems is observed more in Toy Schnoodles because of their small mouth size. Socialization and obedience training are to be imparted to the Schnoodle puppies to help them develop a pleasing personality. As they get bored, quite easily try keeping them motivated by positive reinforcement techniques so that they acquire interest towards the training procedure. If you do not want to go through the tedious task of training your puppy, you may send them to a puppy kindergarten school. Feeding Schnoodles weighing up to 20 pounds can be given three-fourth to one cup of dry dog food of a higher quality daily. Miniature or Toy variants need a lesser amount of food, whereas the quantity for your Giant Schnoodle, should be greater. It is essential to feed your pet twice a day rather than giving him an excessive amount of food in a single meal. Their tails remain straight and upright when they are highly active or in a good mood, but they tuck them up whenever they get nervous or are sad. What is a Schnoodle? I had the joy of having a Schnoodle in my life for 16 years! Dusty was the perfect dog for a family with energetic kids, a mom with allergies, and a dad who liked having a nearby buddy. Maybe the Schnoodle is the right match for your family as well! Here are a few things you should know. Here is a Schnoodle enjoying a fun beach day. A Schnoodle is a combination of a Schnauzer and a Poodle. The Schnauzer is energetic, loyal, and a little feisty. The Poodle is an intelligent dog with a reputation for being aristocratic — but who can also be a great athletic and versatile family dog. Combine the two, and you have a dog that is smart, energetic, and loyal! Not to mention, super cute. With one litter, you may get more of the personality traits of the Schnauzer and more of the physical traits of the Poodle — with the next litter, it may flip-flop! Schnoodle traits could even vary puppy to puppy. They may be extremely loyal like a Schnauzer, or more independent like a Poodle. Are Schnoodles hypoallergenic? Schnoodles have hair-like coats that have very little shedding and low dander. Like most Poodle crossbreeds, they have a reputation for being hypoallergenic. Overall, most people that have standard dog allergies are able to tolerate cohabiting with a Schnoodle! How big do Schnoodles get? Schnauzers and Poodles come in a variety of sizes — and so does the Schnoodle! The Schnoodle can range from 6 lbs — 75 lbs, depending on which sizes of Poodles and Schnauzers your mix. Poodles come in Toy small , Miniature medium , and Standard large. Schnauzers come in Miniature small , Standard medium , and Giant large. This perma-pup will range from 6 to 10 pounds and is a great size if you often travel and like to bring your dog on the plane with you. This mid-size dog is typically about lbs, and can be a great dog for a family! The next size up is a large Schnoodle, which crosses a Standard Poodle and a Giant Schnauzer, ranging anywhere from lbs. If you go this route, be prepared for a big and energetic dog! There is no regulation and little consistency within sizes. For example, a breeder could mix a Miniature medium Poodle with a Giant large Schnauzer for an in-between size, and many breeders do just that. The variations in sizes mean that if you have your heart set on the breed, you can certainly find one that fits your life and living space! Just make sure to ask what sizes the parents are! Are Schnoodles good pets? Schnoodle cuddling with an owner. Schnoodles want to be part of your family. They, like the Schnauzer, are very loyal and will possibly follow you around from room to room in order to stay near you. No matter what you are doing, they want to be there with you! Because Schnoodles value the family so much, they must be kept in the house with the rest of the family members. This breed gets along well with the family and will become a devoted family member. As with a Poodle, there are lots of options for how you choose to groom your dog. You can let it grow long and fluffy, or keep it short and soft. The choice is up to you! Because Schnoodles have longer coats that will grow and mat if not attended to, they require maintenance. They should be brushed at home a few times a week and brought to the groomers at least every 12 weeks. Like with the Poodle, you have a lot of options for how you want to groom your dog. You can cut the fur short, let it grow long and fluffy, or anything in-between! Otherwise, the choice is up to you! One thing to note is that Schnoodles do have a possibility of getting ear infections if their ear hair is not kept under control. When you bring your pup to the groomers, make sure to ask specifically for them to attend to the hair in the ears to help prevent infection. How long do Schnoodles live for? The size of the dog can greatly influence the lifespan of the dog. Small dogs tend to have longer life spans than bigger ones. Because there is such a large and unregulated variety in sizes of Schnoodles, their lifespans vary greatly. The average lifespan of a Miniature small Schnoodle is about years. The Standard medium size is about years, and the Giant large variety is about years. However, this could vary depending on the sizes of the parents, and the general health and lifestyle of the dog. Schnoodles are Active! A Schnoodle enjoying a long walk on the beach! These are an active breed, so make sure they get minutes of activity every day in order to keep them happy and healthy. The Schnauzer was originally bred to be an all-around farm dog, actively helping out on the family farm. The Poodle was originally used as a retriever dog, retrieving birds for their hunters. The Schnoodle loves to run and jump. His natural physical aptitude with its high intelligence makes the Schnoodle and great candidate for agility courses! Because there is such a variation in sizes for the Schnoodle, though, take into consideration that your dog may need more or less exercise. An hour of activity is a lot for a six-pound dog! The Sky is the Limit with Training Your Schnoodle will certainly be smart, and he will hopefully be eager to please, so the sky is the limit with what you can train him to do! In addition to training your pup to sit, stay, and come, this is a dog that you can train to fetch your slippers, scoot over a little bit, or find the kibble under one of three cups. Your creativity and patience are the only limiting factors — this dog will be able to keep up! Their ability to learn has benefits beyond simply learning fun tricks! Because of their loyal, devoted, and intelligent nature, Schnoodles have a reputation for making great therapy dogs! They can quickly learn what is requested of them, and once they have a connection with someone, they are friends for life. Schnoodles Live to have FUN! Full-grown Schnoodle energetically playing on a rope swing. Schnoodles live to have fun and will join you in whatever activity you are doing! Think of the kid you went to high school with that always wanted to play, could rarely sit still, and still got good grades on the test. This dog is smart, but at his core, he lives to have a good time. While other lower energy dogs might be happy with one or two walks per day and lots of naps in between, this dog will keep wanting to play long after the walk is finished! Terrier-like breeds like the Schnauzer love to dig, so you could designate an area of your yard to dig and bury a few toys or treats for your pup to dig up. Poodles are retrievers, so why not play a game of catch? The more fun and active! A tired dog is a happy and obedient! For all of its great personality and ability qualities, there is also absolutely no denying that the Schnoodle is stinking cute. The puppies and even the full-grown versions of the smallest size look like little stuffed animals. This teddy bear pup will grow into a full-grown, energetic dog requiring your time, love, and attention. By Lila Noffsinger. Lifespan Sociability Always the center of attention, the Schnoodle sometimes spelled Shnoodle is a dazzling designer dog that has gained major popularity with both families with small kids and single seniors. Definite people-pleasers, Schnoodle puppies are always happy, playful, and protective over their pack. With the rise in demand for hybrid breeds, however, comes the rise of bad and backyard breeders. A backyard breeder is an amateur dog breeder whose breeding is sub-par and has little regard for the wellbeing of the parents or puppies. In other words, backyard breeders are simply out to make a quick profit at the expense of the parent dogs and the puppies. There are many dire consequences that come with buying a Schnoodle from a bad breeder. Your new pup could be littered with health and behavioral problems that may affect her for her entire life. Though it may seem appealing to save a couple of hundred dollars in the short term, the consequences of buying from a backyard breeder will haunt you for years to come. However, this designer dog offers plenty of more amusing surprises! They Come in a Variety of Sizes The Schnoodle can weigh as little as 10 pounds or tip the scales at over 80 pounds. This is because she can be a combination of any of the three Poodle or Schnauzer sizes. A Natural Performer Your Schnoodle loves being in the spotlight! This is because her Poodle parent breed is a natural-born performer who actually was used in the circus for centuries. Schnoodles are simply oozing with personality. They love being entertained and entertaining. Additionally, they are loyal, sharp, smart, and can sometimes be energetic and protective. The Schnauzer is a great dog for folks of all ages. They are super active pups that love to romp and play. Although they are extremely devoted dogs, it is always best to socialize Schnauzer puppies starting from a very young age. The Poodle, while not as outgoing as the Schnauzer, are super smart canines with an affinity to please and perform. They can sometimes be aloof toward strangers, protective, and shy, so it is best to socialize them from the start. Your Shnoodle will be a combination of any of these traits. However, she will most likely be very intelligent, active, and love life. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Schnoodles are great with children of all ages. However, always keep an eye on your Schnoodle and your tots during playtime. Additionally, teach your kids never to take away food from an eating dog as this could lead to potential nipping or snarling. Remember, that her dietary needs will change as she ages. Always consult with your vet if you are unsure of the amounts you should be feeding your dog. This can be a brisk walk in the park or a game of fetch in the backyard. Consider getting a puppy puzzle or enrolling her in weekly agility or obedience courses to fend off boredom. The Schnoodle was born to please. Though she does have a stubborn streak. She will be at her best with firm, consistent training and positive reinforcements. However, Schnoodles can get bored easily with the same basic training techniques. Or her coat may fall somewhere in between the two. Weekly brushing is necessary for either coat type. Be sure to also clean her ears and trim her nails as needed. To ward off possible genetic issues, it is crucial to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder who has had genetic testing done on both parent dogs. Minor Conditions. This curly-haired hybrid dog is a cross-breed between the poodle and the schnauzer. Breeders have created schnoodles from toy to standard and even giant sizes, so you can find this mixed breed ranging from 5—70 pounds, depending on their lineage. The schnoodle is often recognized as a dog that may be more "allergy friendly" for her low-shedding coat, which she inherits from both the poodle and schnauzer though no dog is truly percent hypoallergenic. Appearance Poodle breeds come in three different sizes: toy, miniature , and standard. Similarly, the schnauzer breed includes giant, standard, or miniature sizes. When any of the three sizes of poodle mixes with any of the three sizes of schnauzer, you get a schnoodle. So schnoodle sizes can have an extreme range, all depending on the size of the parents. A giant schnauzer crossed with a standard poodle creates a "giant schnoodle" that can weigh up to 80 pounds. On the opposite side of the scale, a toy poodle and miniature schnauzer will create a "toy schnoodle" that can weigh 5—10 pounds. Miniature schnoodles are most popular, however, and will stay in the 10—20 pound range. The wide sizing variation is why it's vital to meet the parents of your schnoodle before adopting and have knowledge of their specific lineage. Prospective owners don't want to anticipate a pound schnoodle and end up with a dog three times that size. The schnoodle is not quite like older breeds that have been around for hundreds of years. While those curly coats—which come in all shades—may mean less vacuuming for owners, their hair grows quickly and will require regular combing and trimming. Schnoodles are well-known for their inherited smarts, and they are easy to train once their owner understands the best way to motivate them. If you find your schnoodle is not motivated by treats, try using dinner time as a training opportunity. Owners may also need to use toys and praise to get their schnoodle to learn new tricks. All of these personality traits often apply to the schnoodle, regardless of size," Irish says. That being said, if a schnoodle is well-socialized as a puppy , then she will be affectionate, enthusiastic, and ready to learn as she grows. Living up to their "teddy bear" nickname, most schnoodles enjoy lounging with their family after a long walk , and they live well with other animals that they have warmed up to. Their relaxed personalities mean schnoodles can be left at home for short periods of time though no dog should be left alone for long without developing anxiety. Even with their calm energy, though, schnoodles will need regular exercise because they are predisposed to diseases that are made worse by weight gain. If prospective owners do not have a backyard, the schnoodle will benefit from a regular walking route or access to a dog park where they can run around. While they are not as eager as retriever dogs , many medium-sized or large schnoodles enjoy swimming or playing fetch with their families if they are in the mood. It's not that they will be totally active and goofy on their own; some of their personalities are very calm," Irish says. While these pets are loved for their low-shed coats, a schnoodle's hair will constantly grow and require frequent grooming. If schnoodles spend a lot of time outdoors hiking or swimming, their fur can get matted. Ochoa recommends that owners maintain a good bathing routine for their dog and plan on grooming their schnoodles every six to eight weeks. Some owners will opt to trim and brush their dog's coat at home, while others prefer to leave it to the professionals. With my dog, we end up brushing her a few times a week just to keep the tangles and the matts out. Health Schnoodles typically live between 12—15 years, though smaller varieties may have longer lifespans than their larger cousins. As a hybrid dog, schnoodles can be predisposed to similar health issues as schnauzers and poodles. Irish says this means schnoodles are prone to pancreatitis and liver disease, and they may also develop orthopedic issues like luxating patella when the dog's kneecap moves out of place. Owners should look to their parent breeds for other potential issues: Schnauzers are at an increased risk for bladder stones, epilepsy , and diabetes , while poodles are at a higher risk for endocrine issues. It's important to watch for signs of each in your schnoodle, depending on her genetic background. Low-allergen designer dogs like schnoodles are increasing in popularity, but they are not a regulated breed. Because there is no formal "breed standard" for these dogs, aspiring owners can run into problems when they get an animal from an unlicensed breeder or a commercial dog breeding facility that does not produce the healthiest puppies. Irish advises only working with reputable schnoodle breeders who have paired multiple generations of schnoodles and have established health screenings in order to get the healthiest dog. Be wary of breeders who: Are selling multiple variations of hybrid breeds Are pushy or try to create a sense of urgency Don't have verifiable health certificates for their dogs Won't let you meet the parent dogs, or who send puppies home too young, or offer to ship you a puppy History As a hybrid, schnoodles are a relatively young species of dog. This breed was only developed in the s as people began demanding more variations of low-allergen dogs that were mixed with poodles think: the ever-popular labradoodle and cockapoo. The creator of the designer dog movement, Wally Conron, has expressed regret for making the original poodle hybrid, remarking that modern breeders do not always give the poodle hybrids proper health screenings. It's important to ask breeders for health records of parent dogs, both to learn more about any conditions your puppy may be predisposed to and as a reference check against potential puppy mills. Standard poodles were originally bred as duck-hunting water retrieval dogs, while schnauzers can be traced back to the 15th century when they were used as small animal hunters. Schnoodles are not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. While the schnoodle's parent breeds have their own National Breed Clubs that need to qualify for AKC registration, this hybrid does not. Today, schnoodles remain a popular dog, but it's vital that potential owners do their research and purchase responsibly. Fun Facts Schnoodle owners are familiar with the " Schnoodle ," an affectionate name given for the distinct moment when schnoodles sprint in a circle so quickly that their rear ends sticks up in the air. Actresses Clare Danes and Dakota and Elle Fanning both call schnoodles members of their fur families. The schnoodle's low-allergen coat and sweet temperament make them popular therapy dogs and service dogs. Was this page helpful? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Schnoodle Overview The Schnoodle is cheerful and intelligent. He makes a terrific jogging companion and his love of activity can get you off the couch. Despite that, he will also happily cuddle on the couch with you. A Schnoodle will fill your life and lap with both love and laughter. This breed is loyal like the Schnauzer and fun-loving like the Poodle. Like his Schnauzer parent, a Schnoodle has a protective nature and makes a good watch dog. Schnauzers are solid terriers and tend toward being a bit stubborn and independent. At the same time, they are known for being extremely loyal. Contrastingly, the Poodle is smart, agile, and active with a high-maintenance coat. Accordingly, the Schnoodle should have plenty of exercise every day, at least 30 to 60 minutes. Both Schnauzers and Poodles are smart, so this hybrid requires daily mental stimulation as well. This pup also has an unusual propensity to use his front paws as hands to hold toys and blankets. Unfortunately, some really enjoy digging. Some really enjoy barking , too. There are three different variations of both Schnauzers and Poodles, making for a wide range of sizes in the Schnoodle. The larger ones are still relatively uncommon. There is no breed standard for Schnoodles — nor any breed clubs — so, as of yet, their different sizes are currently defined as Toy, Miniature, Standard. Notably, size may make a difference in the personality of this hybrid. A large Schnoodle should have a softer temperament than a Giant Schnauzer. In the latter case, someone could simply slap a litter together because she has a purebred Schnauzer and lives down the street from a purebred Poodle. When the parents are carefully selected, the Schnoodle is a great dog. Hybrid vigor can work wonders, but poor parent selection can result in the worst traits of both breeds with none of the good ones. If you want the temperament that the hybrid is meant to provide, get a puppy from a responsible breeder who has taken care in selecting the parents. You can also adopt from a reputable rescue or shelter , since these pups are now appearing in those places. A small Schnoodle can do well in an apartment , but the larger Schnoodle does better in homes with fenced yards. Schnoodle Highlights Schnoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a Schnauzer, and they are known for being intelligent, friendly, and hypoallergenic. They come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Here are some of the highlights of the Schnoodle breed: Intelligence: Schnoodles are highly intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can learn basic commands quickly and can be trained to do more complex tasks, such as agility or obedience. Friendliness: Schnoodles are known for being friendly and outgoing dogs. They love to be around people and other animals, and they make great family pets. Hypoallergenic: Schnoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dog breeds. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active: Schnoodles are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and running around. Loyal: Schnoodles are loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They love to cuddle and be petted, and they will always be there to greet you at the door. If you are looking for a smart, friendly, and hypoallergenic dog, the Schnoodle may be the perfect breed for you. Here are some additional things to consider before getting a Schnoodle: Grooming: Schnoodles need to be groomed regularly to keep their coats looking their best. This includes brushing, trimming, and bathing. Training: Schnoodles are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn. They need to be trained consistently and firmly. Exercise: Schnoodles need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They should be walked for at least 30 minutes a day. Schnoodle History The Schnoodle was developed in the s, when the interest began to grow in Poodle crosses. The original goal with the Schnoodle was to create a low-shedding, low-dander family dog. The Schnoodle is generally the result of breeding between a Schnauzer and a Poodle, although some breeders have started breeding multigenerational Schnoodles Schnoodles bred to other Schnoodles. Right now there are no breed clubs or standards, but efforts have begun to create both. Schnoodles can come in a variety of sizes, since there are three Poodle sizes and three Schnauzer sizes. The range of possibilities has created an interesting variety of hybrids. Despite that, Schnoodles have traditionally been small dogs. The introduction of the Giant Schnauzer and Standard Poodle into the mix is the most recent variation, producing a dog of a different temperament from the small, cuddly Schnoodle. Schnoodle Size The size of the Schnoodle depends on the size of the parents: a Standard Poodle bred to a Giant Schnauzer will produce offspring who will be the size of their large parents. If a Standard Poodle and Standard Schnauzer are crossed, than the result could be sizes ranging between both the Miniature Schnoodle and the Standard Schnoodle. This uncertainty is part of the joy of a mixed breed: the ultimate details can be a welcome surprise. Like any mixed breed, the variation involved can eliminate guarantees of size. Mixing and matching can add up to some interesting ranges and the variety is enticing. However, most Schnoodles tend to be 20 pounds or less. Toy Schnoodles range from 10 to 12 inches in height and weigh 6 to 10 pounds. Miniature Schnoodles range from 12 to 15 inches in height and weigh 13 to 20 pounds. Standard Schnoodles range from 15 to 26 inches in height and weigh 20 to 75 pounds. Giant Schnoodles range from 20 to 28 inches in height and weigh 50 to pounds. Schnoodle Personality The well-bred Schnoodle is a wonderfully happy, loyal, and intelligent companion. He enjoys having fun and aims for a life filled with love and play. A Schnoodle can have a strong temperament but generally is loving and loyal to his people. Socialization helps ensure that your Schnoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly — as well as taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors — will also help him polish his social skills. However, there is a general misconception that hybrid vigor automatically applies to mixed breeds. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA website. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Cataracts : These cause opacity on the lens of the eye, resulting in poor vision. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve vision. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease : This involves the hip joint. If your Schnoodle has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. The first symptoms, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, usually occur when puppies are four to six months old. Surgery can correct the condition, usually resulting in a pain-free puppy. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Diabetes Mellitus : This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels, due to improper levels of insulin. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels become high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. But if your Schnoodle is on the large side, and had a Giant Schnauzer for a parent, this condition is worth knowing about. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists torsion. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. Schnoodle Care Although the energy level of the Schnoodle is reflective of the parents, and is therefore variable, expect to exercise your dog for about 30 to 60 minutes per day. Some require less while others require a bit more. Schnoodles enjoy brisk walks and make great jogging companions. Schnoodles can adapt to a variety of residences, but take size into consideration. A Toy or Miniature Schnoodle will do well in an apartment or condo , but a larger Standard may not. Ideally, a home with a fenced yard is best for all Schnoodles. Schnoodles can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. This can lead to barking and destructive behaviors. And once that habit starts, it can be difficult to stop. Keep your Schnoodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice or three times a day rather than free feeding , or leaving food out all the time. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. When possible, minimize the amount of highly processed food your pup is consuming. Talk to your vet about switching your Schnoodle to a vegetarian diet if they suffer from certain health issues such as food allergies , skin issues , or even coat dullness. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Schnoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Schnoodle Coat Color And Grooming The Schnoodle coat can be black, gray, silver, brown, white, apricot, sable, black and white, black and tan, and even parti-color. The wavy coat occurs in multigenerational breeding. While Schnoodles are low-shedding dogs, they must be clipped or trimmed. The amount of grooming needed for a Schnoodle really depends on the coat of the individual dog. If your dog has the soft, wavy type of coat, brush once or twice a week to prevent tangles and mats. The Schnoodle will also need to be bathed on an as-needed basis to keep the coat soft. The best time to brush is after a bath. Drying the coat with a hair dryer will help prevent any mats from forming. Schnauzerpoo Description The Schnoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Miniature Schnauzer and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. They are good with children and get along fine with other animals. They are great watchdogs because they will let you know when someone is near, but they are non-aggressive. They not yappy dogs unless you allow them to take over your home. They love car rides. This great companion dog excels in obedience, agility, Flyball and makes an excellent therapy dogs , but they are first and foremost a loyal and loving companion! They would be fine in an apartment or on a farm, as long as they are with their family. These dogs are so loyal and affectionate they would not be happy kept outdoors. As far as exercise, the Schnoodle is very adaptable. A game of fetch played in the house or a 5-mile jog, either one is fine with them. Because the Poodle and the Schnauzer both do not shed, the Schnoodle does not shed so they must be brushed weekly and clipped every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the length of hair preferred. Their nails should be kept trimmed. The Schnoodle sheds little to no hair and is considered good for allergy sufferers. Quick to learn and can wear himself out playing. Very, very inquisitive and loves to chew his toys. Picked up his name, "fetch," "sit," "pee-pee" and "poopers" quickly although seems a little bashful. Took to the leash well. A little yappy with the neighbors and outdoor sounds. Loves people—presents his little tummy with ease. Plays hard with other dogs and doesn't share toys well. When running on "puppy power" somewhere between speed of sound and wartends to wipe out He is a little headstrong—little more coaxing required. Often willful—you can see the wheels turning. Hasn't figured out goldfish in our little pond—we're afraid he will attempt his own sushi recipe soon! Arlie is a Standard Schnoodle shown here at 9 months old. His mother was a Giant Schnauzer and dad was a Mini Poodle. Not a day goes by when people do not stop us to ask what kind of dog Arlie is. In fact, after playing with Arlie and seeing him walked daily , many people have inquired about Schnoodles. He loves to be cuddled and loved. We are fortunate to have gotten a dog that loves endless hugs, kisses and cuddles. He also loves to play tug with his rope. Doesn't matter what kind of rope as long as it's long and someone is at the other end pulling. He will drop the rope when asked and has been very easy to train. He is probably about 2 years old. His legs are very long, though, and his hair is soft and wavy. He is very affectionate, energetic and eager to learn. He is 16 inches tall at the shoulders. She is a month-old Schnoodle. We rescued her. She has a wonderful personality and she has a high energy level. She loves car rides and boating. She doesn't like to be left alone. She is a very loyal dog. She loves to play with our kids and she also loves to cuddle and give lots of kisses. She is a sweet and playful dog. Life Span Did You Know? As a cross-breed, the Miniature Schnoodle is meant to take on the best traits of both parent breeds, but they can end up with any combination of traits from one or both of the parents. Overall, Mini Schnoodles tend to be loyal dogs that are devoted and affectionate to their families. They also tend to have a very friendly disposition and a playful, energetic personality. Miniature Schnoodles are popular family pets and they often make good therapy dogs too. The Miniature Schnoodle is a small, cheerful, playful, and loving ball of fluff. They are intelligent dogs with a friendly, happy disposition and a gentle nature. Mini Schnoodles tend to get along with just about everyone including children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They tend to be a great addition to any family and a great companion for single owners too. The Mini Schndoodle is affectionate, loving, and devoted to their families. They thrive on affection and attention from their favorite humans and tend to bond closely with them. A Mini Schnoodle can also be prone to jumping up and ignoring personal space because they are so friendly and excitable. Training and socialization early on can help curb this behavior and channel it more positively. Mini Schnoodles are highly adaptable dogs. These little dogs may be energetic, but they adapt well to larger homes as well as apartments. They tend to thrive wherever they are as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may need to bundle up to stay warm when winter sets in. But, having the right mix of winter dog products on hand can be a big help. Because a Mini Schnoodle tends to bond so closely to their families and owners, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. With a mixed dog breed, they can inherit the potential health concerns from both, one, or neither of their parent breeds. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing genetic issues on to puppies. Also, you can talk about any relevant health clearances or test results. Both of the parent breeds of a Miniature Schnoodle are highly intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable dog breeds. So, your Mini Schnoodle should also be a highly trainable dog that learns quickly. Oftentimes, your Mini Schnoodle will master basic commands and be ready for more advanced commands and tricks quickly if they are challenged and motivated. Although they are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level, puppy training classes can still be a good idea as they tend to offer great opportunities to brush up on training skills and to socialize a puppy. The Poodle is known for their low-shedding hypoallergenic coat, which is one of the reasons why there are so many Poodle mixes. There is no guarantee that a Schnoodle will inherit a full Poodle coat. Poodle coats need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats. They also need professional grooming every weeks. On the Schnauzer side, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, they need regular bathing, stripping, and clipping to maintain a healthy coat. This usually means professional grooming every weeks. Checking ears on a weekly basis is usually a good routine for helping to prevent ear infections. Miniature Schnoodles tend to have moderate exercise requirements, but they also tend to match their energy levels to yours. Daily walks plus some playtime or extra activity is usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. But, if you want to do more, your Mini Schnoodle probably will too. Who knows? Your Mini Schnoodle might love taking trips to the dog park, going for a swim, learning to play frisbee , going on hikes, and more. A fully-grown Miniature Schnoodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. A Mini Schnoodle generally lives years. Although Mini or Miniature Schnoodle is the most common name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Miniature Schnauzerdoodle, a Mini Schnauzerpoo, or a Schnauzer Poodle Mix. Featured Mini Schnoodle Article. As the mix is still climbing in popularity, not many specifics are known about the original time and purpose when the Schnoodle first came on the scene. But, the cross was likely first developed in the s in the United States. Like most Poodle mixes, the goal was most likely to achieve the perfect dog for people who suffer from allergies to dog dander. As well as those who prefer not to have dog hair coating their clothing and home. But both parents are intelligent working dogs first and foremost. The Schnauzer Poodle mix is one of the Poodle mixes that people seek for its low-shedding coat and teddy bear qualities. When you cross a purebred Poodle with a purebred dog which does not have a curled coat, such as the Schnauzer, the offspring F1 generation may or may not have a curly coat. Appearance traits like this are unpredictable, and even puppies in the same litter can have very different coat types. These hybrids are usually solid-colored and sometimes have a mask, markings, or points in black or white. From the black Schnoodle to the white Schnoodle and every shade in between. Even more colors are possible when the parent stock have non-standard coat colors — parti-colored Schnoodles may be possible in these cases. Or it may have a wavy coat that falls somewhere in between. Keeping curls or waves in check, though, will help to prevent severe matting or tangling. Are They Hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic. All dogs shed, even if in very small amounts. You can learn more facts and myths regarding non-shedding dogs in our article about hypoallergenic dogs. However, we can confidently say that this mix will be a low-shedder. Both Poodles and Schnauzers shed minimally. Grooming can help to control any small amount of shedding. Owners may also prefer to go to a professional groomer. Selecting a later generation of Schnoodle cross may help you get a puppy with breed-specific looks and tendencies. Generally, thanks to the shared traits of the parent breeds, a Schnoodle will be energetic, intelligent, and generally friendly. As long as they are socialized well. Are They Good with Kids? Schnauzers of all sizes are excellent with children and people in general. They are extremely active dogs who are outgoing and love to run and play. Make sure to socialize your Schnauzer Poodle mix well to ensure they get along well with children, strangers, and other animals. Miniature Schnauzers in particular can be a little noisy, thanks to their alert personalities. So, choosing a miniature Schnoodle mix could result in a vocal dog. You can train a dog not to bark in some instances. Training Your hybrid will be intelligent and probably very active. With good socialization and training, he will also likely be friendly with all sorts of people and get along well with children and other animals. Stick to positive reinforcement methods to create a strong bond between you and your dog. This will also help you to avoid any potential stubbornness. Like Schnauzers, all classes of Poodles are very active dogs who love stimulating activities that keep their bodies and brains moving. They do not take kindly to being bored. Poodles also do not like being left out of activities with you or being crated for long periods. They are intelligent, working dogs who want to have something to do or play with, which is why many of them are amazing in the show pen! Training can be a great way to offer your Schnoodle mix some mental and physical stimulation each day. But, this mix will also need structured exercise. Exercise These dogs need a job to do or plenty of space to run and play in order to be happy and to stay out of trouble. Schnoodles may also play on the rough side. As neither Schnauzers nor Poodles appreciate being bored, a Schnoodle may be likely to develop bad habits if you do not give her adequate attention. Scheduled time for exercise each day will help to minimise the risk of bad behavior, such as barking and digging. Schnoodle health risks to be aware of include heart disease, epilepsy, vision problems, joint issues and liver disorders. Health testing potential puppy parents can significantly reduce the risks of the litter carrying any of these conditions. Both Schnauzers and Poodles can become overweight easily, so a healthy diet and plenty of exercise will be required to keep the dog fit and the joints fluid! What is the Schnoodle Life Expectancy? Poodles and Schnauzers have a generally similar life expectancy , with about years for the larger sizes and closer to 14 for smaller. You can expect your mix to reach somewhere within the averages of the parent breeds, depending on size. As long as they receive good veterinary care and general care throughout their lives, Schnoodles will often live well into their teens. Due to the typical personality traits of the parent breeds, Schnoodles can be recommended as family pets. However, it must be emphasized that all dogs need socialization and training. For a giant Schnoodle, make sure to supervise smaller children to keep them from getting accidentally knocked over or involved in play that gets a little too rough. Likewise, for a mini Schnoodle, ensure that small children treat the little dog carefully. Remember that this breed is going to be very active and will want to be with his family. If no one is at home for a large part of each day, or if the dog will be kept in a small area without room to run and play, this is not the breed for you. They need families that have plenty of time to dedicate to them. Including to grooming, playtime, and training. Schnoodle Breeders Before you purchase a Schnauzer Poodle puppy, carefully research Schnoodle breeders so that you choose responsibly. Responsible breeders use genetic testing to prevent the passage of undesired traits, and they keep their breeding stock at a good weight and in clean conditions. Mixed breed dogs are growing in popularity. Go to breeders with lots of questions, and make sure you see evidence of health testing.
Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. 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. If this is the case,…. Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These smart, social dogs are known for their amiable temperaments and their patience. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Labs also are among the most popular service dogs, acting as guide dogs for blind people and as therapy dogs. By socializing these dogs early, you can tap into their natural instincts as protectors and companions. Socialize Puppies Labs are natural born people pleasers. Introduce your Lab puppy to as many new people and places as possible during the early months of its life. Keep each new meeting and experience positive and upbeat. Doing this will reinforce your Lab's natural tendency to be friendly and accepting of everyone. If you have young children in the home, be sure to socialize them to the animal as well as the reverse. Although Labs are patient and tolerant, they may still nip at a child who teases or hurts them during play. Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and rules. Exercise Every Day Labrador retrievers are high energy dogs, which is part of the reason they are such great pets for active families. But if Labs aren't given sufficient exercise, they can quickly become bored. This often leads to destructive behavior and other common behavior problems , such as barking, chewing, and digging. It's also why Labs are not well-suited for apartment living; they're too big and too active. Plan on giving your Lab an hour or more of exercise each day. Most Labs love long walks or a game of fetch. These are the perfect way to burn off your Lab's energy. Take advantage of their innate trainability by starting an obedience program as soon as you bring your Labrador retriever home. You can work on basic obedience commands on your own, or sign up for a dog obedience class with a local dog trainer. Classes are a great way to train your Lab while socializing at the same time. Since Labs get to be fairly large and have a tendency to pull on the leash, make walking on a loose leash your first priority. You should also teach your Lab to "come," "drop it," and "fetch," so you can take advantage of its natural tendency for retrieving. Use Positive Reinforcement Training Their eagerness to learn, playfulness, affectionate natures, and their love of treats make Labrador retrievers fantastic candidates for positive reinforcement dog training. Reward their good behaviors with a small treat, a game, or some cuddle time with you. You'll find your Lab is soon offering you the behaviors you like with little prompting. If you decide to use treats in your training, remember that Labs have a tendency to become overweight. Plan on a Long Adolescence One of the most endearing qualities of Labrador retrievers is that they remain very puppy-like long after they've reached adulthood. The downside is that their energy level and tendency to get into mischief continues well into adulthood as well. Therefore, it pays to have behavior management tools handy. The training to become a service animal will vary depending on what the dog will be doing; some are trained to be animal companions to sick children and adults in the hospital, while others are trained to serve as seeing-eye dogs. Others may provide assistance to people with mental illnesses, or behavioral problems. Check the requirements for licensing and training where you live; some places have more strict rules and requirements for service dogs than others. Problems and Proofing Behavior Many Labrador retrievers are happiest and the most well-behaved when they have a job to do. Consider getting involved with a dog sport or training your Lab as a service animal or pet therapy dog. Crate train your Labrador so it doesn't have the run of the house when you're not there to supervise Provide your Lab with a variety of interesting toys and chews to keep it from getting bored. Continue practicing basic obedience commands; it reinforces your Lab's training and provides mental stimulation. No matter what training you decide on, keeping your Lab busy and active is sure to keep one of those famous Lab smiles on its face. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McGreevy, Paul D et al. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine genetics and epidemiology vol. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Tweet on Twitter In this article we are going to help you get to grips with the basic Labrador training principles, putting them into terms that even a brand new dog owner will find easy to understand and use. There is a wealth of conflicting advice out there. So many different way to train a Labrador. Different opinions, different methods, different styles. Yet whilst there are many different opinions, approaches and interpretations of how to train a dog, the truth is, all dogs learn in exactly the same way. They change their behavior in the future, depending on the consequences of that behavior in the past. In the simplest terms this means that behaviors which are rewarded, will increase, and behaviors that are punished will decrease. All trainers, whatever their methods, depend on this scientific fact. However, recent studies have shown that dogs that have been punished are likely to be less obedient, and more aggressive than dogs that have been trained using only rewards. Fortunately some pioneering scientists and animal trainers have thoughtfully figured out exactly how to train animals effectively, without using any punishment at all. This has changed the face of dog training as we know it. And it is now possible to train your Labrador entirely without force, provided you follow some basic principles Basic Principles of Labrador Training Here are some basic principles or guidelines, to help you get your dog training off to a great start, and to keep you on the right track. Modern dog training works by reinforcing desirable behaviors. Reinforce behaviors that you like We all know that behaviors that are rewarded, are more likely to be repeated. There are several reasons for this, but one of them is that many people are training with the wrong rewards. Rewards do reinforce behavior, but only if they are rewarding to the dog. And many dogs, in many homes are actually denied rewards that are valuable to them. Many Labradors learn bad behaviors because their owners inadvertently reinforce them. We stroke dogs when they jump up or our visitors do , so they jump up some more. Think about it. If you whistle your dog and he then has a game with another dog right after ignoring you — he has been amply rewarded for ignoring your whistle. The opposite of what you intended So what could you have done? The most effective solution in this situation is to do one of the following. Either A — do not give the command at all Or B — prevent the dog from accessing the reward Pick and choose when you use your commands. Not only is there no point in whistling a dog when he is heading full tilt for his best playmate UNLESS you have trained him to recall under these conditions, you are also going to do your recall signal a lot of harm. Preventing the dog accessing rewards during or immediately after bad behavior is often best achieved using a trailing long line. You can attach one of these to a body harness and use it to restrain the dog when he loses his focus on you. Teach alternatives to behaviors you do not want Modern dog training works by rewarding behaviors we want, rather than punishing behaviors we do not want. But how do we go about stopping naughty behaviors — like scratching at the door, or jumping all over the furniture? Often, the most effective way to do this, is to teach an acceptable alternative behavior in that situation. This is also the most efficient system because there are many ways to be bad. If you eliminate one of them, the chances are your dog will dream up another. Better by far to teach your dog what he should be doing in any given situation, rather than what he should not be doing. Set the dog up to win by building skills in easy stages Making mistakes, failing, getting it wrong, these are all demoralising. Not just for people. Dogs quickly get disheartened if they make too many mistakes and fail to earn their rewards. Make sure your Labrador is a winner every time. Start each training session with something simple. Finish with something simple, and increase levels of difficulty in small increments. Set your dog up to win and keep his confidence sky high. But getting your dog into a sit position is the easy part. How to keep him there is what you really need to know. And what about making him stay in a sit whilst people or other dogs walk past? This can be tricky. And that is what effective Labrador training is all about. It is about proofing that skill against all kinds of distractions. A portable command! Dogs have a curious lack of ability to generalise. This is their weakness. It is easy to teach a dog to sit in your kitchen, you could probably do it in minutes. Each time you teach your dog a new command you should follow the basic steps below 1. Then teach him the same command all over again in a different location. Just the two of you: Pick a time when there is no-one else present. Dogs really struggle to learn new skills if there are any distractions around. When he can do it on his own with you, allow another adult to stand and watch quietly. Teach him to do it all over again like this, and then repeat whilst an adult walks quietly about. Instant rewards: Each time the dog completes the action you require, whether it is a recall, or a sit, or any other behavior, you need to provide an instant reward. It is no good rewarding him five minutes later. He will have forgotten what the reward was for. Reward every single action to begin with. Phase out rewards very gradually until you are only rewarding one in every five to ten actions. Slowly increase difficulty: It is much harder for your dog to sit for five minutes than it is for him to sit for five seconds. This is obvious, yet many people fall down by making huge jumps in difficulty so that the dog is almost bound to fail and need correcting. There is no need to do this. Increase the duration of tasks gradually and your dog will rarely fail. Proof against distractions Proof your new skill carefully so that your dog is able to perform it in all kinds of situations. Check out the three Ds of Dog Training to help you get this right Regular training session Understanding the principles of modern dog training will enable you to raise an obedient and well-behaved labrador. Having a simple system in mind will come in handy. Training requires regular interaction between you and your dog. And like so many worthwhile endeavours, you get back what you put in. Make a commitment to train your dog on a regular daily basis, using the principles and guidelines here and elsewhere on this website, and you will be successful. The Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. The book will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialisation and early obedience. The Happy Puppy Handbook is available worldwide. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!
English Bulldog males and females available. Prices range from xxxx-xxxx. Limited or Full registration. North Fl. She is nine months old and she is the last one. She is very playful and loves to play with other dogs and loves kids. She has all her shots. He is 14 weeks old, very playful, and great with kids. He has great energy and a loving personality. He is full blooded English Bulldog but we have all the paperwork to prove it, but the re homing fee will account for that. Reason for needing to find a new home for him is that we have 4 other dogs and we don't always have the time to interact with them all. View Detail Excellente English Bull Dog Puppies xxx xxx-xxx4 brown and white Excellente english bull dog puppies looking for their new and loving ,caring home xxx xxx-xxx4 View Detail Adorable English Bulldog Puppies 2 fantastic puppies. They really are a credit to their breed. Perfect straight tails, open nostrils and lovely clear dark eyes. Puppies are ready for their new homes. Best of Breed Puppies have over 20 champions in their pedigree. Puppies are vaccimated, de wormed , fully vet checked. I'm AKC with rare color gene's. My mom is a red brindle and white piebald and my dad is a rare double chocolate with green eye's. I carry a single black and single chocolate color gene. I will come to you fully vet checked from head to tail and up to date on all my puppy vaccinations. Text me your email address now via x x if interested for more info and pics. These puppies are both home and potty trained and are so lovely with kids. Both Parents on Premises. We will provide a1 year health Guarantee. All of our puppies are CKC registered and were bred and raised in our home. We have the mom and grandma to the puppies on site and can provide pedigree for them as well as the dad to the litter. These puppies are now 11 weeks old. This is our fifth litter of bulldog puppies and are the most gorgeous pups so far. All are marked with brindle and white and one pup looks like she will be either brindle or a very dark reddish brown with white markings! Please just visit our website and get back to us with the name of the puppy you will be taking home.Text me your email address now via xxx xxx xxx7 if interested for more info and pics. Both dogs have excellent characteristics with the English Bulldog having a very laid back, fun loving, happy - go - lucky personality and the PWD bringing some very healthy genes to off- set the English bulldogs health issues. The PWD,s are also hypo-allergenic and non-shedding. These puppies will make excellent family.View Detail English Bulldog puppies for adoption Please contact for more information on our English bulldog puppies which are now available for adoption.All health records available. Welcoming, playful and very social. Will make your family best companion If interested contact me for more information and pictures xxx xxx-xxx2 View Detail Top Class English Bulldog Puppies Available We raise our English Bulldog in our home with lots of outside playtime. We want to offer an exceptional quality English Bulldog to you by producing gorgeous puppies with lots of wrinkles and beautiful markings. We breed for excellent temperament, health and appearance. Pups are sold with vet check, shots up to date, and are on a deworming program. We invite you to visit and any questions you may have View Detail english bulldog adorable english bulldog for adoption. They are fab with children and other dogs. They love to fetch and play with kids and other pets. Puppies have been raised in a family home with 2 children. Discover more about our English Bulldog puppies for sale below! They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. Personality and Temperament These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. Appearance and Grooming English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Care and Feeding The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. Fact: The English Bulldog dates back hundreds of years. Fact: This breed is the most popular dog mascot. Fact: This breed loves the water but does not swim well. Petland is honored to offer first-class English Bulldog puppies, and our caring team of puppy specialists will help answer any questions you may have. The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Adopted English Bulldog's. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Florida A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. French Bulldog Rescues In Florida French bulldogs make excellent pets and deserve all the love and care they can get. They are small and adorable and have one of the best personalities among all dog breeds. This is why they have become a favorite breed for people who are looking for a new dog. For the people living in Florida, getting a french bulldog as a pet requires a bit of consideration. While they are quite playful, they do not do very well in hot climates as Florida has. This does not mean that you can not get a french bulldog as a pet if you live in Florida. It just means that you should take extra measures to ensure that they are comfortable, such as keeping a cool house and walking them in the late evenings when it might be cooler outside. If you are willing to make these concessions and are actively looking to adopt a french bulldog, this is the best place to start your search. We have curated a list of the best french bulldog rescues in Florida. We also provide you with the necessary information you need to know on how they work, how to adopt, as well as how to contact the rescue. These rescues are charged with taking care of these dogs and finding a good home for them. If you are in Florida and are looking to adopt a French Bulldog, this list is for you. Florida English Bulldog Rescue Odessa, FL This rescue is a nonprofit bulldog rescue dedicated to finding new forever homes for bulldog breeds. They have been rescuing bulldogs since .They have helped more than 1, dogs get new homes, and each of the bulldogs gets rehabilitation so that they can be a functional part of their new home. The thing about this particular nonprofit is that they do not focus on french bulldogs. In fact, on the surface, it looks more like their primary focus is English bulldogs. But they have stated that they are open to different bulldog breeds, including the French bulldog. The main difference between an English bulldog and a French bulldog is their size. Florida English Bulldog Rescue seeks out neglected and abused dogs and provides them with rehabilitation and new homes. They also provide a safe home for bulldogs who have no option but to leave their homes. They always have a bulldog ready for anyone who wants to take one home. You can view their available bulldogs here. If you are passionate about helping bulldogs get a better home, you can also help the organization through donations and sending supplies. They are always looking for volunteers.
One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for San Jose 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 San Jose? 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 San Jose? 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. I would really like one or more doggie siblings to be my best friend s. But hey, I like humans a lot too since they give me lots of pets, tell me how handsome I am, and most important, throw the BLUE Chuck-it ball for me if you do not know, the blue ones have squeakers! I am a 3 year old Golden Mix with a great personality, hoping that my next home is one where I can unpack and stay forever. I have had two homes before that did not work out, but I think we are on to something new with my current foster home. I have never had a dog sibling before, but I feel SO much better when my doggie foster brothers are around! My foster mom took me to see the veterinary behaviorist at the SF SPCA, and the vet agrees that these guys are helping me feel like it is ok when mom leaves us for a bit to go in the store or take a short walk in the neighborhood. I can stay in the car for a while with my brothers since the temperature is cool right now and not worry too much. I can also stay in the house with them, and while I am a little vocal, I do not destroy anything. I have so much potential and am hoping the meds I am taking doggie Prozac will continue to help me be calm when I am stressed. I might be on those forever, but they are not too expensive. They tell me I am pretty smart did I mention good-looking? For now, if I cannot go with you when you leave the house, I would like to be with another human in some setting maybe a neighbor, Doggie Daycare, or with a dog walker. Ok, enough reading, talk it over with your pup s , and come meet me already, I am waiting! We have answers. While we do work with many breeders and companies with Golden Retriever puppies for sale in San Jose CA and nearby areas, most of the breeders and businesses we work with are able to safely transport puppies to any of the continental U. How much is a puppy Golden Retriever for sale San Jose? The cost of Golden Retriever puppies in San Jose and throughout our national network range based on several factors. Our matchmaking service will take into account your preferences and connect you with the right puppy for your price range. San Jose Golden Retriever puppies will likely be comparable in price to similar puppies within our network of breeders and companies. How are San Jose Golden Retriever breeders selected? Check out our Breeder Pledge for additional information on our rigorous standards and promise to you. Why is unique about Uptown Puppies Golden Retriever puppies? We know that the process of finding the right pet for your needs can be an overwhelming journey to navigate. The puppy business is unfortunately full of unethical breeders and puppy mills who are more interested in profits than the welfare of the animals and satisfaction of their customers. Uptown Puppies utmost commitment is to bring together the most ethical breeders and businesses in the nation with loving owners and families. Unlike many pet stores who accept unhealthy and mistreated animals from puppy mills who can have high healthcare bills and often die prematurely, Uptown Puppies goes above and beyond to ensure no puppies come from puppy mills. Looking to meet a puppy before committing? If you connect with a Golden Retriever San Jose breeder and they have the perfect puppy for you, you will be able to drive their directly to meet or pick up a puppy. How does the MatchMaker experience work? We created our matchmaking process to make it streamlined and enjoyable for people to find the perfect puppy for their unique lifestyle. Our MatchMaker service goes through a series of questions to understand your preferences and what type of dog is the best fit. Is Uptown Puppies trustworthy? With all of the bad breeders and puppy mills out there, we know the importance of trusting the source when it comes to picking out your new puppy. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical and legal standards when it comes to selecting the breeders and businesses we work with. As you can see from our positive reviews, our goal is to create happy customers by truly listening to what they want in a puppy and making that dream come true.
Share 0 Shares Massachusetts rescues are a great place to find adoptable Golden Retrievers, but you might not know which rescues are best to go with. Researching for the most trustworthy and reliable rescues can be time-consuming and tedious, so we decided to do the work for you! One is a Golden Retriever-specific rescue, while the others are two amazing reliable animal rescues in Massachusetts. These rescues should give you a place to at least start when on the hunt for your new dog. Yankee Golden Retriever Rescues Massachusetts 1. This rescue works specifically with Golden Retrievers and they are working to help the homeless Golden Retriever issue in New England by getting all of their adoptable Goldens from New England. This organization helps to pair up needy dogs from New England with adoptive owners looking for a new addition to their family. Their mission is clear as they are here to save homeless Goldens and provide them with medical care, care for them, and do behavioral assessments. Joan Puglia and Susan Foster are the co-founders of the organization and they started with very limited resources to get this program started. With the help of fundraisers and volunteers, they were able to bring this organization to where it is now. This kennel has been in the dog business for over 20 years and they have since then raised many different Golden Retrievers. Their goal is to raise Golden Retrievers that are great for showing, training, and breeding. Having these amazing quality dogs gives reassurance to anyone looking to get a Golden retriever that they are getting a great dog that has been trained well and bred to be a champion-style dog. We have made it our mission to find loving suitable homes for displaced, abandoned, or stray dogs with golden personalities. We work with volunteers in New England and with our partner rescue groups outside of New England. Our dogs come to us in different ways: relinquished by their owners, found as strays, or abandoned at a shelter. All of our volunteers have rescued and placed dogs for years. We are committed to decreasing the numbers of dogs euthanized at overcrowded shelters, primarily in the south. Our rescue dogs come in different shapes, sizes and colors. Most of our dogs come to us from our rescue partners in areas outside of New England, taken from kill shelters where they have landed due to no fault of their own - many are strays, others have been turned in by their owners. Because of their various backgrounds, we rarely have any medical or ownership history on them. All of our dogs are vetted age-appropriate meaning they are spayed or neutered and given all necessary vaccines. Together with our vet we will treat them for medical issues that are diagnosed. When they are ready to go to their forever homes, our dogs are transported with a USDA certified transport company and require a license to cross state lines aka a health certificate to travel. For additional information about who we are and how the adoption process works, check out our adoption information. Since , the volunteers of SGRR have rescued Golden Retrievers, Golden mixes, and Golden-hearted dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or relinquished by their owners. We are dedicated to finding the best possible homes for these dogs in need. September is National Preparedness Month! The peak of Atlantic hurricane season is here which is why it's important to take some time to reflect on disaster preparedness. As unlikely as it may seem, a disaster can strike at any moment. Whether it's a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or blizzard, it's critical to be prepared and have a plan in place. Unfortunately, pets are sometimes unintentionally left out of their owners' disaster preparedness plans which makes it difficult to know what to do with them during an emergency. Luckily, you can plan ahead for your pets using these tips: Listen to your veterinarian Make sure your pet wears a collar with up to date information on it, get them microchipped, and have them vaccinated. These recommendations will come in handy during a disaster and help you avoid any potential pitfalls, such as being unable to get into a shelter with an unvaccinated pet or losing them during an evacuation. If possible, take your pet's medical records with you and attach their rabies tag to their collar. Find out which shelters allow pets Do some research into where you can safely evacuate with your pet during a state of emergency before a disaster occurs. Your local police department can typically give you this information. If not, they'll likely be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Though unfortunate, it is not true that hotels must accept pets during evacuations, so please keep that in mind while planning ahead. Prepare a pet disaster kit In a suitcase or other easily movable storage container, pack food and water bowls, a manual can opener, two weeks' worth of canned food and bottled water per pet, plastic poop bags for dogs , litter and a small litter box for cats , and two weeks' worth of any medications your pet may need. You should also pack cleaning items, sturdy leashes and harnesses, toys, and a copy of your pet's medical records. For small animals and cats, have a carrier ready. Use this checklist to prepare. Create handouts Create an identification handout and a boarding instruction handout. Have both ready to go at a moment's notice. They should contain important information, such as your pet's name, age, sex, markings, microchip number, allergies, and vaccination status. If you get separated from your pet, make sure you're safe before you begin your search. If you're in a shelter that houses pets, inform a caretaker and provide them with the identification handout. Once you've been given the OK to leave the shelter and return home, contact animal control and call the microchip company to make sure all information about you and your pet is current. Stay safe out there! Some dogs become comfort or therapy dogs, while others are champion security systems. Dudley's adopters, however, found he is quit the poet!! Kind of melts your heart, doesn't it? We hope you will be too! Looking for a good gift for yourself or someone else and make an impact at the same time? Go over and see our friends at Golden Retriever Coffee Company! Not only do they have amazing products, but they're big supporters of SGRR! Also, shipping is always free in the U. This all-natural craft bakery offers delicious treats for your furbabies such as pumpkin hearts, peanut and blueberry chews, turkey and sweet potato duckies and more pup-alicious flavors. Everything in the dog bakery is made with natural, healthful, nutritious ingredients, blueberries, duck, cheese, turkey, rolled oats, whole dried eggs, and more. Sunshine also will share a percentage of the bakery profits with other golden rescue organizations. Our Goldens and Golden-hearted dogs make wonderful pets. We want our applicants to also know that rescued dogs come from a variety of backgrounds. Some dogs are older dogs, including well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have become ill or died. A patient and loving owner can make all the difference. The joys of seeing these dogs become the devoted and contented pets they were meant to be is remarkable. New to SGRR? Want to Learn More About Us? We at Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue take the job of finding the best possible forever homes for our dogs very seriously. The adoption process is thorough so that we can learn as much as possible about those to whom we entrust our precious pups. Once a dog is placed with an approved adopter, they are welcomed into the SGRR family and given the tools and support to make the adoption successful. We have gathered comments from some of our adopters who are happy to tell you how they feel about us! You can read more comments on our Get to Know Us! To make a very long story short, she went on to become the saving grace of my life and a certified therapy dog who was with me for 13 years. After she crossed over that rainbow bridge, I did a lot of research with adoption agencies and came across SGRR. After filling out the application and being interviewed I was offered a dog by the name of Daisy, a beautiful red Golden Retriever. I thought I would never feel about another dog the way I felt about my Julie but it was not long before I fell in love with that sweet, sweet girl who was also with me for 13 years. Everyone loved Daisy, she would go up to people and do that lean into thing, a Golden thing, and they would just laugh and pet her. That is when I realized what an amazing organization, so full of caring and wonderful people who often go above and beyond for these wonderful animals. When my Daisy girl crossed over after a few months went by I thought it time to bring another friend home. Golden Retrievers had become hard to find so I decided to take a mixed breed home which was a big deal for me being the Golden Retriever lover that I am. I never had a male or a mixed breed before so I did not know what to expect. Finnie settled right in and is a wonderful companion and friend to furry sibling Gracie. Finnie took some training but I knew in time he would be a great dog and he is a great dog. He is very different than the other dogs in my life but he is so much fun to have with us. He loves people and gets very excited with everyone and will jump up in the air like an acrobat we are working on that , but a great dog. I would encourage everyone to think about a mixed breed. With time, love and patience you get a great dog and companion. We are excited and proud to share it with all of you. Click the button below and enjoy! The soft light and subtle fragrance will be a sweet reminder of the love you have shared. Please check out their website to learn more about J. Lilienne Custom Candles Pet Collection. SGRR is designated as a c 3 organization which means your donations are tax-deductible. You can make a donation to our general fund or designate your donation for a specific purpose such as a memorial or a tribute. Single Payment Use for a single donation or to pay an adoption fee. Recurring Donation Sponsor a Dog If you would like to provide for the care of a particular dog's needs, you may sponsor that dog. We will then note you as a sponsor on the dog's dedicated bio page. We thank you in advance for your generous support!
We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lancaster Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Say hello to these charming Labradoodle puppies! Their beautiful puppy eyes and pretty coats compliment their sweet, adventurous personalities. Antony is confident and loves cuddles. Share this listing: Breed: Labradoodle. Labradoodles for Sale in Reading, PA. Most Popular Labradoodle Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Labradoodle names for after analyzing Labradoodle puppies for sale. They are just so sweet and curious. Mom is a Mini Labradoodle 25 lbs and dad is a Mini Poodle 12 lbs. Labradoodle puppies for sale. Say hello to these very sweet Labradoodle puppies. Sugar Plum Australian Labradoodles is a family-owned business, only 45 minutes from Philadelphia, that is committed to performing extensive health testing and temperament assessments on each of our bred Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles before selecting them to produce our adorable puppies. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. Will be de-wormed and first shots prior to new home. We are not your typical breeder. My mom and dad both weigh 62 lbs, so I'll be around that weight. Looking for a Mini Labradoodle puppy near Lancaster, Pennsylvania? Monday - Sunday: 8ampm, 2pm-6pm. They can be abandoned, strays or sometimes, animals that have challenging conditions and who really need dedicated people willing to look after them. View available puppies for sale and reserve your today! Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, Find your Labradoodle puppy for sale in Lancaster, PA. Labradoodle and Sheepadoodle Puppies in Lancaster County, …. Hi, I'm an adorable Labradoodle named Mia! I really enjoy being around people and I love to make them happy! I also like to run around a play, and I'll always go for a good nap and cuddle. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified. We always like to talk to our "puppy people" before accepting a deposit for a litter to make sure they are the right fit for your family, so please call Michelle at to start that process. Also, if you cannot adopt any of the animals we often have available at our Clinic, we always need people that are willing to Foster a cat or a dog until. They love to romp and play with the children in the fresh air. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Lucas is a handsome male Mini Labradoodle puppy. If you would like to apply for adoption, please provide us with some more information by filling out this form! Meet Our Rescue Cats. They are happiest when they are with people. With a Mini Labradoodle around, joy and adventures are a guarantee. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale A Labradoodle is a family and dog-friendly "designer hybrid" bred to be an allergy-friendly guide dog with a low-shedding coat. Sire for this litter is our own Westfield's Toblerone. As a caring Australian Labradoodle breeder in PA, we are dedicated to providing healthy, well-socialized puppies for young and growing families. A Labradoodle is a family and dog-friendly "designer hybrid" bred to be an allergy-friendly guide dog with a low-shedding coat. These cuties cannot wait to meet you and become your best friends! Call today to claim your fur baby while they are still available!! Labradoodles are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, ear infections, and hypothyroidism. Date Available: May 10, .Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in PA. Will be available for forever home May 1st. As a PA dog breeder, we are committed to excellent breeding for each of our multi-generational puppies. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. When you come to visit them you are sure to fall in love straight away. High energy, playful Australian Labradoodles are affectionate. Call or text and I will send a video. They enjoy pleasing their owners and can be trained quickly for any job or trick. View available puppies for sale. Australian Labradoodle puppies have excellent temperaments and get along great with kids of all ages and other dogs. If you are unable to find your Labradoodle puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Labradoodle Dogs for Adoption. PA Australian Labradoodle Breeders. We provide quality non-shedding dogs with great temperaments to… 4. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. The remaining balance is due when the pups are 6 weeks of age. Labradoodles also tend to. All our puppies are raised in a family. I'm up to date on all my shots and dewormers. These pups are very sweet and can not wait to meet you. Also, be sure to check the Labradoodle. The Miniature Labradoodle is a designer dog breed that is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. Our non-shedding dogs come in a select number of litters each year and are bred in a controlled program to create. Our breeding dogs have passed extensive health tests and are. And because we are small breeders, we are available to. Adopt yours from Premier Pups in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area. Lancaster Dogs for Sale and Adoption. Does not include Featured Litters. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. We are committed to providing exceptional family raised Doodle puppies including Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Cavapoos, Aussiedoodles, Sheepadoodles, and Swiss Doodles. Because of this, we have only a select number of. No puppies where found matching your criteria Cockapoo Golden Retriever Goldendoodle. PPAWS has animals in need of good homes. Puppies for Sale in Blythe, California. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Upcoming Litters of Australian Labradoodle Puppies! Delivery is available to your home for a fee. We bred her back to the beautiful Baylor that we love so much. The wildly popular Lab Poodle mix is great for first-time owners. Sugar Plum Australian Labradoodles. Below are our newest added Labradoodles available for adoption in Lancaster, South Carolina. They are all very happy healthy, will be vet checked and given their shots and dewormer. He is vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and vet checked. He has a reddish coat. Labradoodle You will find Labradoodle dogs for adoption and puppies for sale under the listings here. To see more adoptable Labradoodles in Lancaster, South Carolina, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! A cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Mini Poodle, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or it may have its own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. His mom is a f1b second generation and weighs 30lb labradoodle and his dad is an AKC mini poodle weighs around 15 lb We estimate his adult weight to be around 25 pounds. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. He has a health certificate, 30 day health guarantee, first vaccination and deworming. The animated and personality-filled Labradoodle is a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. About Us. He is not bothered by strange noises or unexpected movements, which makes him a great dog. This designer dog breed was originally developed to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Labradoodle Puppies and Dogs for sale near you. These puppies are highly intelligent and very loving. He enjoys playing tug and chasing the ball - he's even bringing it back already! He is eager to learn and please. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies. FREE Parking! Please submit your Puppy Application and we will review and contact you within 48 hours. Mini Labradoodle Puppies For Sale. Upcoming Litters of Australian Labradoodle Puppies! At Sugar Plum Australian Labradoodles, we believe in taking proper care and protecting the health of our breeding dogs. They have been raised here at our home where they receive the best of care and lots of love and attention. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. Reserved by Michael B. Welcome to Creek Hill Farm! We are very serious about making sure our pups go to homes where they will be loved, have adventures, and be able to stretch their legs. We feel our responsibility is to make sure they are healthy, safe, and used to a variety of situations, but most of all that LOVE people! We do ask that each puppy go to homes that have yards or close access to a dog park. They would not be suitable for being in a crate for long hours. They are eager and intelligent and although we feel that crate training is a good idea, Labradoodles are not a good fit for hours in the crate. We bred her to a standard poodle so the pups are F1b. A little more about the parents: Dixie is our family dog and supervises our three acres here in Lancaster County. She follows the kids faithfully around the barn as they do chores and amuses herself chasing barn mice. She is — although we might be biased — ridiculously smart. We took her to an 8-week training course and she easily outperformed all the other dogs in the class. We felt like champs because the lead trainer kept picking her to do all the demonstrations. We are always impressed by his lilting gait and the elegant way he carries himself. From prior experience we expect the puppies from these two to be a good combination of both of them. We expect the pups to grow to about pounds. They will be up-to-date on shots and will be dewormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks and will have had their vet check before pickup. They come home with a starter pack of puppy food they will be eating Great Lakes and a blanket that smells like their mama and littermates. They can also be microchipped upon request. Here we raise and show quality Boer goats, plus we raise and show rabbits on a national level and have been involved in the county 4-H program for nine years. Feel free to google us online to see that we are real people and that you can trust us. Ourdog, Ben, is absolutely the best! He is gentle and loves to play. He is off leash trained in our yard, but uses his leash well for walks. He is very smart and is a true family dog! The Kunjappu family takes great care of their animals. We continue to keep in touch and update the family with pictures and they are thrilled to hear from us. We got our F1b labradoodle puppy from here at the end of and it was nothing short of an amazing experience. Our puppy is just under 1. This means that every breeder offers a health guarantee up to 30 days after purchase. Here at Creek Hill Farm, puppies will have their health record explaining what shots the puppy has had at the time of sale. To preserve your rights of the dog health guarantee, you must take your newly-purchased dog to a licensed veterinarian for examination within 10 days of purchase. If a veterinarian determines, within 10 days of purchase, that your dog is clinically ill or has died from an injury sustained or illness likely to have been contracted on or before the date of sale and delivery, you may return the dog for a complete refund. Once you have been approved as eligible for a remedy under a Pet Purchaser Protection Act, you will receive a list of potential remedies available to you.
Only senses of taste and touch are present; puppies rely totally on their mother. Stage Two: Transitional weeks Puppies will develop their senses and grow teeth. They will also begin to interact with the world and develop personality. Stage Three: Socialization weeks Puppies will begin interacting with things more frequently and do most of their learning. Stage Four: Testing months Puppies begin testing boundaries and determining what they are allowed to do. Stage Five: Adolescence months During this time, your puppy will be transitioning to adulthood. Keep training your puppy through this period to reduce negative behaviors, and allow them to get plenty of exercise. You should wait until at least Stage Three to take your puppy to the groomers , but it may be best to wait until Stage Four when their personality has developed and you will know how they may react to an unfamiliar situation. They will also be more receptive to changes in routine at this age. Miniature red Poodle playing on a vibrant green lawn. Grooming and hygiene are vital parts of keeping your dog healthy and happy. You can reduce the risk of infections, scratches from excess itching, and bacteria buildup by making sure your puppy is groomed often. A Poodle puppy will have fast-growing hair, which may mean a trip to the groomers as often as once every month unless you groom them at home. Teaching your puppy to be calm around grooming tools may take time and practice, but can significantly reduce the risk of a negative experience with fleas or other pests. Grooming your puppy will also assist in potty training and ensuring that they remain clean after relieving themselves. A white Poodle is not feeling well lying on the floor. Training your Poodle puppy for grooming means getting them comfortable with the tools and keeping them calm. Your puppy must feel entirely comfortable with you to participate in the grooming training process. Ensure your scissors are closed and let your dog sniff them while they remain in your palm. Make sure your clippers and blow dryer are unplugged and allow your dog to sniff those, as well. When your puppy gets used to these tools, you can turn on the clippers and blow dryer, one at a time. The sound may be loud or jarring to your puppy, so allow them some time to adjust before you bring the devices closer. Repeat this introductory process several times over two weeks to give them time to understand the tools and their noises. Reward them with treats and praise for good behavior, which will associate grooming tools with positive reinforcement. A white Poodle puppy sits and seems like it needs grooming. These tools include nail trimmers, nail files, hair clippers, scissors, blow dryers, and towels for bathing. You may also use a puppy wash or dog shampoo and conditioner. To learn tips and tricks, a book on grooming is a worthwhile resource to have on hand. However, you may want to bring training treats to help your puppy understand what you expect of them and what you want them to do. This can also give them something familiar in the room and remind them of the positive reinforcement they received earlier. It is cost-effective to groom your dogs at home with your own grooming tools. Your Poodle will need frequent baths as a puppy, especially if they are messy eaters. However, as they get older, your Poodle will become more aware of how they eat, what they need, and how to potty without making a mess on themselves. Puppies should be bathed once a week at a minimum to keep them clean, parasite-free, and healthy. When your puppy is fully potty-trained or around six months old, you can increase the time between baths. An adult Poodle may only require a bath every other week, depending on what environment you keep your Poodle in. However, many signs can clue you in that it may be time for a trim, clip, or cut. Grooming them can make them more comfortable and lively again. Can Poodles live outside? Your Poodle puppy may be scared of the clippers or other tools you use, which can make trimming your Poodle difficult. Additionally, your Poodle puppy may need grooming more often than you can handle. A groomer holding the Poodle ears. Professional groomers see dozens of dogs every day and your Poodle is only one of many anxious dogs who walk in. Seek out a professional groomer if you struggle to train your Poodle to accept grooming sessions or are too busy to get it done yourself. Using a professional grooming service can help your Poodle remain calm during grooming, as the groomers have special training in keeping dogs calm and making the grooming process as easy and painless as possible. Final Thoughts There is plenty of information you should know as a Poodle-owner. You can keep your Poodle puppy looking their best by helping them get comfortable with grooming and bathing as soon as possible. While it may be fun to keep them fluffy, heat can make a thick coat dangerous for a Poodle. They might not like having lots of hair, so a good grooming session is essential to keep your Poodle looking and feeling their best! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. So, you should know when to cut Poodle puppy hair. Poodles are adorable puppies and tend to socialize well. However, when you get a Poodle, there are specific requirements for proper puppy care. Poodles tend to have thick hair that calls for regular grooming to maintain it. At what age should a Poodle puppy get their first haircut? This helps puppies learn all about the different tools that you will use. Also, they socialize with the groomer and can settle down better during grooming sessions. Poodle puppies require lots of care and affection. So, before you bring one home, ensure you have the proper tools for grooming sessions. Poodle grooming is important as you run the risk of their hair overgrowing. Let younger Poodles spend time with their mom and begin grooming when they get older. Grooming is a process that requires attention to get it right. So, starting at 16 weeks helps your pup to learn the ropes. When you begin cutting hair later, it can lead to problems. Poodle puppies can get easily spooked when you try to groom them for the first time. Therefore, begin the grooming process of cutting hair when you bring them home. As your puppy learns more about the new home, you can create a rooting that includes regular grooming. This helps you both get and remain comfortable with one another. In addition, you can begin booking grooming sessions with the groomer at this stage. Groomers offer professional services that include cutting Poodle hair. This is essential since Poodle hair can grow thick and mat easily. At 16 weeks, Poodle puppies are good to go to the groomers for some R and R. They need minimal hair cutting, nail clipping, bathing, and blow drying. Such small sessions help your Poodle to learn. They may not sit still for long, but this can be a great part of puppy training. When cutting hair, the most important areas to check are around the genitals and eyes. Long hair makes it hard for your Poodle to see properly. In addition, hair around the genitals can cause matting and infections due to fecal matter. At 3 to 4 months, a Poodle is ready for its first haircut. While some folks want to wait until their pup is 8 months old, this can cause a challenge. Getting your Poodle accustomed to grooming early works to your advantage. The best way to know your Poodle needs a haircut is to note their age. There are simple Poodle hair care tools available that make home grooming a breeze. Once your Poodle feels comfortable about home grooming sessions, you can head to the groomer. This calls for minimal brushing. While you can use an electric clipper on puppies, even a simple pair of stainless-steel scissors work. Since the hair is soft, brush slowly to avoid inflaming the skin. This will call for extensive brushing and clipping to keep it manageable. The thick and coarse adult hair requires professional grooming to maintain it properly. Being nervous and worried about how your puppy will handle themselves is okay. Some folks opt to do the first grooming session at home and purchase the necessary tools. However, some see it fit to head to the groomer and let the professional handle it. A professional groomer might be the best choice if you have a show Poodle on your hands. Still, you can do a few things at home to prepare your Poodle for that first haircut. But, always remember to be sensitive and patient with your puppy. As you create a new routine, those shiny and sharp tools can terrify them. Therefore, start small. Perhaps you can opt to use a comb and scissors instead of clippers. Check how your puppy reacts to each move you make, and choose wisely. As you cut and comb , sing or speak to your puppy, giving them lots of love and reassurance. A calm tone will resonate and help your fluffy baby not to run away out of pure terror. Before heading to the groomers, you can check for signs of matting and try to remove them. Also, having treats around never hurts. Whether you do the first cut at home or the groomer takes care of it, treats help your pup remain calm. That with lots of love and affection will make the whole experience better. There are specific tools that make grooming easier for both of you. These tools include: Steel Scissors. Poodles regularly win prestigious dog shows, not only because of their amazing fur but because of their agility and intelligent nature makes them a perfect show dog as well as a perfect pet. However, unlike some dog breeds who naturally shed their fur, poodles can be high maintenance due to the many challenges of poodle grooming. Not only is this very unattractive, but it is also very uncomfortable for your poodle. This article is a complete guide that covers all the information that you require for Poodle Grooming, including what age should your poodle first be groomed or clipped and much more. Billie the poodle puppy after a recent grooming session Poodles should first be, trimmed groomed, or clipped when they are between 11 and 16 weeks old. Poodles should not be groomed or clipped before they are 10 weeks old, as they are too young and have just left their mother. You should not wait to get your poodle groomed after they are 8 months old, as this can cause them to become more scared and anxious about the grooming process. In the very first grooming appointments, your groomer should focus more on getting your poodle puppy comfortable with their surroundings and equipment, rather than focusing on getting your puppy cut in a showy intricate or time-consuming trim. Once your poodle is older and going to the dog groomers is a normal part of their routine, that is the best time to start allowing your groomer to try out most extravagant and time consuming styles. Therefore, your groomer should only do the basics for first poodle grooming. This will help make your poodle familiar with the bathing and drying process. Nail clipping is an essential part of dog grooming, so this is very important. These are areas that need ot be trimmed carefully. The fur around genitals can also become very dirty if not kept short. Your poodle needs to know that going to the groomers is a positive experience, as if they begin to get scared of going to the groomers, this could cause behaviour problems whenever they go in the future. How to prepare your poodle for going to the groomers? A dog being combed as part of gooming Your poodle will be experiencing hesitation, curiosity, or even fear for his first grooming session. This is to be expected, as they are in a new place with new people, other dogs and new smells- all very overwhelming things for puppies! For most of the poodles the first visit to the groomer is most likely to provoke outright terror. Many experienced groomers suggest that it is the poodle grooming tools that scares small poodle puppies more than anything else. If a poodle is not used to being touched, they may find being touched by the groomer very frightening, causing them to growl or even nip in extreme cases. So, this is a very important step to preparing your poodle puppy for their first grooming session. Doing this will make your small poodle mix accustomed to the smells, sights, or sounds of the poodle grooming session. Your groomer and you should praise your poodle a lot while they are being groomed, as poodles love affection and praise and this will help them associate being groomed with positive experiences. Poodle puppies coat is softer and downier than their adult coat, which normally will grow in when a poodle is between 9 months and 18 months old. You can read more about when poodles get their curls here. It does not shed and is mostly hypoallergenic. You can read more about this here. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
Full size table Discussions The incidence rate of swimmer puppies in this study was 3. The rate reported so far was 2. Although it was not possible to simply compare them, the incidence rates were considered to be almost similar. In the comparison of body weight at each period, swimmer puppies were showed significantly heavier than non-symptomatic puppies on the 10th and 28th days. On the other hand, the litter size, which had been suggested to be associated with the onset [ 1 ], was also shown to be significantly reduced in the swimmer puppy group. It was also reported that in dams with a small number of offspring, the properties of the milk were altered, and the calories also became high [ 10 ], which might lead to weight gain in puppies. In our results, negative correlations were found between the number of littermates and body weight in all individuals, indicating that the early weight gain due to the smaller litter size might have caused overweight and be involved in the onset. However, the causal relationship between the two had not been clarified, further investigation was needed for the elucidation. Most of the affected individuals in this study had a good course except for one that died, and many of them stood up or walked in about one month. The Hokkaido Guide Dog Association had taken the following management protocol based on the knowledge so far. With these simple nursing care measures, many affected individuals gradually began to raise their upper body, chests became rounded, and they were able to stand up. This might be effective as a treatment for the early stage of swimmer puppies in retriever breeds. It was possible to create a family tree based on a huge amount of kinship data and conduct a detailed examination of genetic factors. The posterior hereditability of the swimmer puppy onset trait showed a high value of 0. It indicated that the onset of swimmer puppy was mostly influenced by heredity. Subsequently, the posterior heritability of the 10th-day body-weight trait also showed a high value of 0. It is generally said that the heritability of growth-related factors tends to be high, and the heritability of mature body weight was already reported as 0. In addition, under the guidelines of the Hokkaido Guide Dog Association, the breeding environment of the mother dog was almost the same in all breeding volunteer households. Therefore, the environmental factor was relatively small compared to the genetic factor, and it might contribute to the high heritability of two traits. On the other hand, the genetic correlation between these two traits was poor at 0. Although the details were unknown, it was possible that new other genetic factors were involved in the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome in retriever breeds. In this study, it was not clarified what is the cause of swimmer puppy syndrome. Besides, histopathological information could not be obtained for many of the healed individuals. As a result, it was difficult to identify the affected area and comprehensively analyze it. In swimmer puppies, the changes in neuromuscular synaptic function, inappropriate myelination, poor development of peripheral motor neurons, and delayed muscle development were highlighted in previous reports [ 3 , 8 ]. It has also been suggested that the other genetic factors are involved in locomotive abnormalities. To elucidate the detailed pathogenesis of this syndrome, further studies are needed in the future. Conclusions This study revealed that the litter size and weight gain might be involved in the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome found in one breed dogs, Labrador retrievers. Most swimmer puppies could walk by simple nursing care at early stage. In addition, it was considered that the genetic influence on the onset was extremely high. Although the cause of swimmer puppy syndrome in Labrador retrievers still remains unclear, it is expected that this syndrome will be elucidated by further detailed analysis in the future. Methods Dogs Detailed postnatal records among the puppies born between and were used in the Labrador retriever breeding colony at the Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan. It was excluded from this study for the dogs which could not be tracked with accurate postnatal records. Inclusion criteria for swimmer puppy Based on the inspection data by the veterinarian in charge of the Guide Dog Association, a swimmer puppy was defined as followed. Dogs that were seen to have all the following three symptoms at the same time between the 14th and 28th days after birth: 1 the forelimbs, hind limbs, or all four limbs are laterally deployed, 2 flat chest, 3 unable to stand. All individuals were inspected by the same veterinarian. Data Analysis Data were collected for incidence rate, prognosis, breed, sex, weight, and the litter size. The incidence rate of swimmer puppy was expressed as a percentage by dividing the number of affected individuals by all births. The prognosis survey was traced back with all postnatal data. The litter size, and body weight records at birth, 10 days, and 28 days after birth were used and compared between litters where swimmer puppy appeared swimmer puppy group and the litters without swimmer puppy non-symptomatic group. The correlation between the litter size and the body weight at each period was statistically analyzed. Inbreeding coefficient The inbreeding coefficient was calculated based on the assumption that the onset of swimmer puppy is a qualitative trait and a hereditary disease due to a single recessive gene. An ancestor that frequently appears among the blood relatives of the affected individual was identified, and when that individual was designated as the common ancestor A , the inbreeding coefficient derived from A was calculated for all individuals with records using the following formula. The program was modified for estimating the inbreeding coefficient originated by common ancestor A. In order to search for the causative common ancestor, individuals with golden parents were excluded from consideration, and only Labradors and hybrids were included. Heritability and genetic correlation Assuming that the onset of swimmer puppy is a quantitative trait, the heritability was calculated. Heritability is a measure of how much an individual's phenotypic value is determined by additive genetic effects. A total of records with 10, individuals in pedigree records were used to estimate genetic parameters of Labradors. The onset trait of swimmer puppy in retriever species was estimated using the best linear unbiased prediction BLUP animal model below [ 13 , 14 ]. The body weight on the 10th day was also regarded as a phenotype, and the heritability was calculated in the same manner Formula 2. The genetic correlation between the above two traits was estimated according to the bivariate BLUP animal model analysis. To calculate the posterior means and standard deviations of co variances, heritabilities and genetic correlation, samples after a burn-in of iterations were used. Convergence was determined by using visual inspection of the plots of Gibbs samples. Availability of data and materials The data containing information on common ancestry that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request and with permission of Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan. Source Once upon a time, a wee little pup diagnosed with Swimmer Puppy Syndrome was viewed as a lost cause. There are now many innovative techniques and home therapies that can help an affected puppy overcome this unusual syndrome. The first step to treatment is beginning as soon as possible. The earlier you treat the symptoms, the more promising the outcome for your pup to live a healthy adult life. Be prepared to dedicate a lot of time to rehabilitating your swimmer pup. Home-care treatment is recommended, which involves three methods: 1. The idea is never to lay her on a flat surface. Keep your puppy on a non-slippery surface, so she can practice standing without falling about. Laying down carpet is one solution. As well, you can confine your swimmer pup to an area where towels have been bunched up to prevent sliding. Use cotton pads for the puppy to relieve herself on and change them frequently to keep the area clean. Swimmer puppies tend to develop painful lesions on their bodies from laying in their urine and feces. Wipe her down regularly and apply baby powder to dry up any existing rashes. Too much weight gain will put unnecessary pressure on the joints. Do not allow her to nurse excessively. Ask your vet about introducing helpful supplements, such as Vitamin E or Selenium. I stress talking to your vet about this first because Selenium can be toxic if overdosed. Physiotherapy Physical movement has been shown to be a huge factor in healing Swimmer Puppy Syndrome. If not done, there is a slim chance that a swimmer pup will survive past eight weeks old. There are many successful methods to try out- devise a plan with your vet for what works best for your pup- and then stick to it every day. Massage therapy: Beginning each treatment with a full body massage will help relieve tension in the muscles and coaxes proper body alignment. Supervision: Discourage positioning that promotes flatness. When the pup is sleeping, move her onto her side, so she is not splayed out. This also makes breathing easier for her. Strap a swimmer puppy syndrome harness on your pup to keep her chest well-suspended from the flat ground. Swim sessions: Hit the pool three times a day. Swimming will help strengthen muscles without added pressure on the joints. Stimulate: Those paw pads need stimulation! As mentioned, sling suspension helps the pup to get her paws on the ground, but you can also use a toothbrush to tickle those nerves and increase tactile sensation. Sock method: This is similar to putting a life vest or harness on the pup. The idea is to keep the chest from being on a flat surface. Take a sock and cut holes where the legs can come through, then let your pup wear it like a sweater. Stuff the chest area with foam to keep it elevated. Tape the legs in the correct position to encourage proper growth and put a cone on her neck if she tends to chew at the tape. This should be done from 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Remember, the earlier you notice symptoms, take her in for a diagnosis. Swimmer Puppy Syndrome can improve with therapy, a proper diet, a safe environment, and an owner that has a lot of love to give. Aside from that, make sure she gets the exercise and hands-on massage she needs to help her breathe, swallow, and grow properly. It may take hours, days, and weeks, but the payoff will be worth it when you see your pup stand and take her first steps after all of that dedication and hard work. Share your stories about Swimmer Puppy Syndrome and help fellow dog owners! Just type it all on the comment box below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. They are maturing normally but their body functions are not. Going to the vet but I just was kind of wanting to get all the information I could first. Thank you. DOI: .Since swimmer puppies were observed infrequently but continuously among the Labrador retriever colony at the Hokkaido Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Japan, based on their birth record and pedigree, factors related to the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome in Labrador retrievers were examined. Results: The total number of offspring over seven years was , of which 16 were swimmer puppies. Most of the affected puppies except one recovered steadily. As for the swimmer puppies, the litter size was significantly lower, and the body weights on the 10th and 28th day after delivery were significantly higher than the non-symptomatic puppies. These results suggested that the onset may be related to weight gain in the neonatal stages due to a small litter size. According to the genetic analysis, 26 ancestors common to the affected individuals were confirmed, but the causative individual could not be identified with the inbreeding coefficient. The heritability of the swimmer-puppy onset trait was 0. Conclusions: In this study, the onset of swimmer puppy syndrome in the Labrador retrievers was associated with litter size and early weight gain, and result of study suggests that genetic influence might be involved. Keywords: Dog; Labrador retriever; Swimmer puppy syndrome. The Author s. Affected dogs show laterally abducted limbs and are unable to stand and walk on their own. The current knowledge of this condition derives from few case reports or small case series. Therefore, the aim of this study was to collect data on the clinical course from a large cohort of dogs with SPS with an online questionnaire supported by video footage. Potential risk factors were compared between litters with SPS and unaffected litters. SPS was reported in dogs from 48 different breeds comprising a wide range of small, middle, and large breeds. Litters with SPS were significantly smaller than unaffected litters. Cesarean sections were reported more frequently in affected litters, but the overall rate of reported birth complications did not differ significantly from unaffected litters. Most puppies were able to stand and walk at a median age of 4. Puppies from large breeds showed faster recovery than puppies from medium and small breeds. Occasionally, residual deficits were reported and only three dogs failed to recover. The study shows the benign clinical course of SPS in a large cohort of puppies from multiple dog breeds. Potential risk factors including reports on birth complications, size and muscle mass compared to littermates and diet of the dam during pregnany were evaluated and no influence on the occurrence of SPS was identified. Introduction The Swimming Puppy Syndrome SPS or Swimmer Syndrome has been described repeatedly in dogs in the veterinary literature in case reports or small case series 1 — 3. The largest report to this point includes 52 dogs with SPS in Thailand 2. The disorder received its name from the characteristic swimming movements of the affected limbs, and is also known as Flat Puppy Syndrome 4. Brachycephalic dog breeds, particularly English Bulldogs, are reported as being predisposed 2 , 5. Male and female dogs are equally affected 1 , 2. Similar conditions are reported in other animal species, e. The signs of SPS are usually noticed by the breeders when puppies begin to walk at two to three weeks of age 2 , .Puppies with SPS are unable to adduct the affected limbs, lie in sternal recumbency with laterally splayed limbs and show paddling movements when trying to move 3 , .Neurological examination, complete blood count and serum chemistry are unremarkable except for a mild two-fold increase in creatine kinase compared to healthy puppies 3 , 12 , .Therefore, the diagnosis of SPS is usually based on the characteristic clinical signs inability to stand and walk, abduction of affected limbs, paddling movements of the limbs resembling swimming movements when attempting to move noticed in the first weeks of life and exclusion of other orthopedic angular limb deformity, congenital elbow luxation, fracture, malunion or neurologic inflammation, brain or spinal cord malformation, trauma, early onset neurodegeneration diseases via thorough clinical examination supported by further diagnostic methods e. Physical therapy is frequently employed to help recovery, e. Information on the etiopathogenesis of SPS is scarce. Environmental, orthopedic and neurological factors have been implicated as causes for SPS 3 , 5 , .Furthermore, various hypotheses proposed that rapid weight gain, high bodyweight compared to littermates, nutritional or genetic factors could play a role in the development of the syndrome 1 , 16 — .In piglets with a similar splay leg syndrome, a recent genome-wide association study identified four promising candidate genes but no causal gene variant were identified so far 19 , .Similar attempts in dogs have failed 1 , 21 , and although there are first insights and clues to SPS in dogs, the underlying cause of this syndrome remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to collect data on affected breeds, clinical course, and risk factors for SPS by means of an internationally distributed questionnaire. Materials and methods A call for dogs with signs of SPS was published on the university website and distributed via social media and breeding clubs in German and English language to dog owners and breeders in Germany and other German and English-speaking countries in .Respondents were asked to fill out an online questionnaire and to provide video footage of the affected puppies. A control group unaffected litters was recruited with a similar approach to compare potential risk factors litter size, rate of birth complications, nutrition of the dam. Only litters with puppies without problems to stand or walk were included in this group. The study was conducted with ethical permission AZ —.Questionnaire The questionnaire for puppies with SPS consisted of 96 questions and was structured in six categories. The categories included: 1: general information about the puppy e. The questionnaire for the control group concentrated on questions about litter size, complications during pregnancy and birth as well as diet of the dam during pregnancy. The questions were reviewed by German and English native speakers eight veterinarians and six dog owners or breeders regarding understanding, phrasing, and structure of the questionnaire. Inclusion and exclusion criteria 2. Dogs with signs of SPS Only dogs in which the owner stated that the dog was a Swimmer Puppy, and that the dog could not stand and walk on its own, showed the characteristic swimming movements with the affected legs and the characteristic onset of the signs of SPS were included in the study. Puppies which did not show swimming movements, or with an onset later than 28 days of age, or puppies, which were able to stand and walk before the first signs of SPS appeared, could not participate. Video footage provided further support of SPS when available. Videos were reviewed by two of the authors LR, AF who decided by consensus whether the dogs showed the characteristic signs of SPS and which limbs were affected. Control group unaffected litters Only litters without any puppies with problems standing or walking could participate. The control group consisted of a large variety of breeds matching the distribution of breed sizes of the SPS group. Diet of the dam during pregnancy Information on feeding of the dam during pregnancy was collected with the questionnaire. The requirements for adequate nutritional supply for pregnancy regarding protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals were used as defined by the National Research Council .Statistical analyses were performed in R version 4. Data were checked for normality with Shapiro—Wilk Normality Test. Not-normally distributed data were analyzed with nonparametric methods, such as Kruskal-Wallis and Mann—Whitney U test. The association between selected factors small vs. The Mann—Whitney U test was used to compare the recovery times between puppies with and without deformations, the litter size between litters with puppies with signs of SPS and unaffected litters from the control group, and the number of affected littermates between litters from dams with adequate nutrition vs. Results 3. Dogs with signs of SPS questionnaires and video footage from 26 dogs were submitted. Thus, finally questionnaires were available for evaluation. Review of videos confirmed the signs of SPS in all videos. Control group unaffected litters questionnaires of healthy litters without occurrence of SPS were submitted, whereof one was excluded because one puppy in this litter had problems walking. Descriptive data The dogs with signs of SPS were born between and and originated from litters five siblings and from kennels. Forty-eight dog breeds were represented with 55 large breed dogs .The most common dog breeds were Golden Retriever .Six mixed-breed dogs were included. Comparison of potential risk factors between litters with swimmer puppies and unaffected litters. In the control group unaffected litters , litters were analyzed from 48 different breeds. Four mixed-breed dogs were included. The control litters were born between and .Fifty-seven large breed dogs .The most common breeds were Golden Retriever .All limbs were affected in 56 dogs .In five puppies limbs were asymmetrically affected no videos available. The owners reported deformations in 61 of the swimmer puppies .Swimmer puppy from a large breed Irish Wolfhound, male, 3 weeks. The puppy was able to stand and walk at 4 weeks of age printed with permission of the dog owner. The owners considered 49 swimmer puppies .This information was unavailable for two dogs. Owners described the muscle mass of swimmer puppies as more prominent in four puppies 3. No difference was noticed in 48 puppies .Physiotherapy was performed by the owner, physiotherapist, or a veterinarian in swimmer puppies .Commonly applied methods were taping of the splayed legs, placing the puppies on their sides during sleep and rest, change to a non-slippery or uneven ground and passive movement of the limbs. Most owners .Three owners failed to answer this question. Clinical course The swimmer puppies were able to stand and walk on their own at a median age of 4. At the median age of six weeks range 2—12, mean 6 the puppies were free or almost free of signs of SPS. When considering only dogs older than 12 weeks at the time of data acquisition, then .Overall, dogs with SPS .The signs of SPS had disappeared completely .Residual deficits were intermittent slipping on smooth or wet surface when walking, a slightly unsteady gait, a wider stance, and a minor paw deformation. Clinical signs were still present at the time of data collection in six dogs 5. Three dogs were younger than 12 weeks three, six and seven weeks old and therefore in the age range where recovery is still likely, while three other dogs 2. His owner reported on poorly developed acetabula on radiographs. The pug 4. The American Bully 14 weeks old was only able to crawl and unable to stand and one tarsal joint was reported to be dislocated. Factors potentially affecting recovery time were evaluated for their influence on shortening or extending the time until recovery. Recovery time of swimmer puppies. Swimmer puppies from large breeds recovered significantly faster than puppies from medium or small breeds. Affected litters The mean number of puppies with SPS in each litter was 1. In 76 litters .No information on affected littermates was available for three litters. Five litters in the SPS group 4. For litters with swimmer puppies, the median litter size was four range 1—11, mean 4. Significantly larger litters were reported in the control group median six dogs per litter; range 1—13, mean 6. Comparison of litter size between litters with swimmer puppies and unaffected litters. Litters with swimmer puppies were significantly smaller than unaffected litters. The age of the dams at parturition was known for litters with SPS. The median age was three years range 2—7, mean 3. In the control group, the median age of the dams was four years at parturition range 1—8, mean 3. The Body Condition Score BCS of the dam before pregnancy was evaluated for 95 dams by the owners using a scale from one to nine. Birth complications were reported in 42 litters with SPS .Information on birth complications was missing for one litter. Complications were mostly stillbirths 25 litters or cesarean sections 15 litters. In the control group, birth complications were reported in 37 litters .Diet of the dam during pregnancy Information about the feeding of the dam during pregnancy was provided for affected litters. Ninety-six dams .Of these, 28 dams .Five dams 5. In the control group unaffected litters , slightly less dams .Of these, 18 dams .Nineteen dams .The brands of the commercial food were known for 80 dams in the SPS group. Most dams were fed with well-known brands. The food brands of 19 dams .Minor deficiencies in iron and iodine as well as copper and zinc were most common. Protein amount was sufficient for pregnancy in all diets. Information on related litters Information on related litters was available for 94 swimmer puppies. The owners of eight swimmer puppies 8. The other owners .The eight puppies with known affected relatives in other litters originated from seven litters and from four different kennels. Each of the eight puppies had fully recovered from SPS. One Greater Swiss Mountain Dog breeder four dogs from that kennel participated in this study reported on one dam with three litters with swimmer puppies. The half-sister of this dam same mother, different father also had one litter with swimmer puppies. Both dams also had healthy litters without occurrence of SPS. In another breeding of Golden Retrievers one dog in this study , the breeder indicated one dam as the source of SPS. The dam had four litters with swimmer puppies and two of her daughters who did not have SPS themselves also had litters with swimmer puppies. One breeder of Norwich Terriers one dog in this study reported on the occurrence of SPS in litters of different dams but provided no information about the sires. In another breeding of Miniature Bullterriers two dogs in this study , a sire had two litters with swimmer puppies with different dams. Discussion The data from dogs with signs of Swimming Puppy Syndrome in this questionnaire study indicate that SPS occurs in a wide variety of breeds from many geographic regions. Furthermore, our results confirm an overall good prognosis. Previous studies reported brachycephalic breeds to be predisposed to SPS 2 , 5. Similarly, in our study, two brachycephalic breeds French bulldogs and pugs were among the four most common breeds with SPS. The frequent description of SPS in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers in our cohort is probably related to the popularity of these breeds. The Golden Retriever was also the most common breed in the control group. However, other breeds appeared more affected 1 , 2. Our data support an association between SPS and litter size. SPS-affected litters were smaller than the litters of the control group, thus confirming observations in earlier studies 1 , 2. Frequently only one puppy per litter was affected, but in some litters more than one puppy showed clinical signs of SPS and on some occasions all puppies within a litter were affected by SPS. More cesarean sections were reported in litters with SPS compared to control litters, but the overall rate of birth complications was similar in both groups. The higher rate of cesarean sections in litters with SPS may be due to the smaller litter size in this group, and thus a higher risk for dystocia .Larger puppies are also more likely to cause problems during birth .Moreover, brachycephalic breeds, that were overrepresented in the SPS group, are also more likely to have cesarean sections 23 , .These factors might contribute to the higher number of cesarean sections in the SPS group. Previous observations from other authors indicated that larger and heavier puppies and puppies with an excessive weight gain were more frequently affected by SPS 1 , 2. Accordingly, many puppies in our study .On the other hand, some puppies .In line with these observations, other authors also described SPS in puppies of smaller size .The clinical signs of SPS reported in the dogs from this cohort and previous reports are indicative of weakness, decreased muscle tone and strength resulting in increased limb abduction. Behavior and mentation were described as normal in the swimmer puppies from our cohort. Thus, peripheral weakness consistent with a disorder of the muscles, neuromuscular junction, peripheral nerves, or motor neurons needs to be taken into consideration. Approximately half of the puppies were reported to have less prominent muscle mass than their siblings. Almost half of the dogs .These observations are in line with a Brazilian study, that also mainly reported puppies with clinical signs of SPS in all limbs .In contrast, earlier studies and case reports reported that the hindlimbs were predominantly affected 2 , 3. A large number of puppies in our study showed a flattened thorax, which may be the consequence of immobility 11 , .Floppy infant syndrome in human newborns shares clinical similarities with SPS. It is characterized by general hypotonia presenting as abnormal frog-like postures, reduced resistance to passive movement and excessive range of joint movement 26 , .It can be caused by multiple disorders of the muscles, the peripheral and most commonly the central nervous system 28 , .A self-limiting and remitting course is characteristic for benign congenital hypotonia. SPS in dogs also shares similarities with the splay leg syndrome in piglets. Affected piglets are also unable to stand and walk shortly after birth, and the affected limbs are splayed laterally 6. Later development of hindlimbs during embryogenesis has been suggested as the cause for predominantly affected hindlimbs in splay legged pigs 6. Due to the greater economic impact, more research has been performed on porcine splay leg syndrome. Abnormal and delayed development of muscle fibers has been described as a potential cause for the syndrome as well as a myofibrillar hypoplasia, possibly associated with incompletely matured muscles 6 , 30 — .There are only rare reports of postmortem histopathologic examinations of swimmer puppies in the veterinary literature due to the self-limiting character of the disease. So far, pathological findings have been inconclusive 4 , .There are several hypotheses in the literature: Nganvongpanit et al. Other authors discussed delayed and prolonged muscle development as cause for SPS 3 , 5 , .However, the inability of swimmer puppies to walk properly could also result in decreased muscle mass. Therefore, decreased muscle mass in swimmer puppies could also be a consequence of immobility, and not part of the original problem. These included reports on dogs which appeared to produce swimmer puppies repeatedly in subsequent litters. Yet, breeding of these animals did not always result in litters with affected puppies and the number of affected puppies varied. Sometimes only some puppies of the litter showed signs of SPS, and sometimes all puppies within a litter were affected. Signs of SPS were reported in male as well as female dogs. In a previous study investigating the heritability of SPS in a population of Labrador Retrievers with 16 affected dogs, data from the analysis of the pedigrees supported a genetic influence on the occurrence of SPS 1. Genetic investigation of four affected and three healthy Siberian Huskies failed to document any genetic variation .Recent investigations on the genetic background of splay leg syndrome in pigs identified potential candidate genes, but no causal gene variants 19 , .In rabbits, splay leg syndrome presents with similar clinical signs and is considered a genetic disorder influenced by environmental factors .In a colony of rabbits, it was possible to completely eliminate the occurrence of splay leg syndrome by removing the affected animals and suspected genetic carriers .Our data support a genetic background of SPS in several kennels of different breeds. Our questionnaire study asked for information on long-term outcome. It is notable that most dogs recovered completely with no or only minor residual deficits in a few dogs. These results confirm previous reports on the overall benign clinical course of SPS and characterize SPS as a reversible disorder. In our study, the puppies were able to stand and walk without support at the mean age of 4. By the age of three months 12 weeks , almost all puppies had largely or completely recovered. On rare occasions three dogs , the owners reported that the dogs failed to recover despite initial consideration of SPS. Two of these dogs had deformations of the limbs, namely deformed elbow joints and a dislocated tarsal joint. It remains unclear whether these deformities developed as a consequence of severe SPS, immobility and abnormal posture of the limbs and joints over prolonged periods, or whether the deformations were already present at birth. Ramos et al. These observations suggest that puppies with suspected SPS should be thoroughly assessed by a veterinarian for any deformities of the limbs which could interfere with recovery, and the need for special treatment or a preventative approach. Regarding recovery, the size of the breed was the only factor predicting the speed of recovery. Puppies from large breeds recovered significantly faster than puppies from medium and small sized breeds, with dogs from small breeds being the slowest to recover. Small and large breed dogs express general differences in growth and development. Puppies from large breeds display a more rapid growth as they need to achieve a larger form 36 , .This is partly due to higher growth hormone concentrations stimulating the growth of the musculoskeletal system .This may help puppies with SPS from larger breeds to stand and walk earlier than puppies from smaller breeds. The affected legs front legs, hind legs, or all legs had thereby no influence on recovery time and neither did the presence of a flattened thorax. A less prominent muscle mass was also not associated with a longer recovery time, and the same applies to the size of the puppies compared to their siblings. Most participants of this study reported that they had performed physiotherapy and were content with the outcome. Most commonly, the affected legs were taped together to avoid lateral abduction. This method has also often been described in previous cases in dogs as well as pigs as an effective therapy 3 , .Other methods like placing the puppies on their sides while sleeping might help to prevent a secondary flattening of the thorax. Switching to a rougher surface with more grip helps the puppies to place their feet in a normal stance. Because no on-site clinical examinations were possible, the conclusions on the effect of physiotherapy in the study population were limited. Nevertheless, performing physical therapy and assisting with movements could prevent deformations and complications associated with the non-ambulatory state and the immobility of swimmer puppies. It also prevents muscle shortening and helps to maintain the mobility of the joints .Other authors promoted the benefits of an early start with physiotherapy 3. Therefore, we encourage breeders and owners to start physiotherapy with swimmer puppies as early as possible. Physiotherapy and exercise is also suggested for children with congenital hypotonia to prevent muscle shortening and improve motor function 41 , .Interestingly, most dams were fed with high-quality commercial food that met the requirements for pregnancy according to the NRC. The dams which received food not fully meeting the requirements did not produce litters with more affected puppies compared to dams fed according to NRC requirements. Other nutritional factors like excessive milk intake and a rapid weight gain are discussed by others as potential causes for SPS 1 , .We did not evaluate the nursing and weight gain of the puppies, but our cohort also included swimmer puppies that were the same size or even smaller than their littermates. Limitations and future directions A limitation of this study is the lack of on-site neurological and orthopedic examinations of the affected dogs and the limited number of available videos. Yet, review of the submitted videos confirmed the presence of clinical signs compatible with SPS in each case. Swimmer puppies were included based on the characteristic clinical signs, and we were not able to rule out other diseases which could present with a similar phenotype, because many puppies had not been presented to a veterinarian or the medical records were not available for review. Furthermore, breeders might be biased when answering certain questions e. The evaluation of the diet of the dams during pregnancy was based on optimal caloric intake and the data provided by the food companies for their brands. For further investigation of the etiology of SPS studies with electrodiagnostic analysis and muscle and nerve biopsies for investigation of peripheral causes of weakness including evaluation of muscle fiber type composition, peripheral nerve, nerve roots and neuromuscular endplates , as well as investigations of muscle metabolism, gene expression profiles and investigations for reversible metabolic defects are possible tools. Conclusion Our data show that SPS affects puppies from many breeds. We confirmed that SPS is a benign reversible condition in the majority of dogs. Most puppies recovered before 12 weeks of age. Affected dogs usually come from smaller litters. Dogs from larger breeds recovered faster than dogs from smaller breeds. The reports suggest that the diet of the dam probably has no major influence on the incidence of SPS. A genetic predisposition was suggested in some litters. Therefore, further investigations with metabolic and genetic profiling of affected dogs and litters may be indicated. Furthermore, affected puppies should be examined thoroughly to recognize any limb deformities as cause or consequence of SPS. Data availability statement Data sets are available on request. The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation. LR performed the study. YZ and LR performed the statistical analysis. LR wrote the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version. Conflict of interest The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher. References 1. Factors contributing to the swimmer puppy syndrome found in Labrador retrievers. BMC Vet Res. Swimmers syndrome is an uncommon development in dogs or cats, also known as flat-pup syndrome or swimming-puppy syndrome. This syndrome leads to a deformation in their limbs, beginning with the hind limbs. This type of deformational development makes the legs twisted and results in the inability to stand or walk. Although smaller and dwarf breeds are more prone to the syndrome, larger breeds may also suffer from it. Breeds that are more likely to produce puppies with swimmer puppy syndrome include English and French Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, Basset Hounds, and Dachshunds. In newborn pups with swimmer puppy syndrome , milk is often regurgitated. Swimmer puppies often experience difficulty with the entire digestion process; many have difficulty eliminating and develop constipation as a result. Without treatment, a swimmer puppy is also at risk of developing painful joint deformities caused by holding their legs at abnormal angles for long periods of time. It will only lie on its stomach, not on its side. Its legs, both front and back, will be splayed out. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be able to stand or walk, and may struggle to move. When it does move, it may look like it is trying to paddle or swim. The puppy will be putting a lot of pressure on its sternum, which will contribute to the flattening of the chest and ribs. This causes swimmer syndrome puppies to have difficulty breathing and low energy levels. They will also be weak and may have problems with circulation. The puppy may also have difficulty eating. Because of the pressure on its chest, it may also struggle with keeping food down. Additionally, swimmer puppies may have sores or lesions on their bodies from lying in urine or feces. Swimmer puppies are often lethargic. By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be developing the ability to stand and walk like its littermates. Small and dwarf dog breeds are more prone to swimmer puppy syndrome that large breeds. Some veterinary experts believe that the issue is hereditary, while others point toward environments that prevent puppies from moving enough to develop their muscles properly. Others believe that swimmer puppies are born with congenital defects that occur prior to birth. Many veterinarians are willing to intervene and give the puppy a chance at having a happy, healthy life as there are quite a few treatments for swimmer puppy syndrome. Use a harness or sling to suspend the puppy for up to 20 minutes at a time, up to four times per day. This treatment is intended to strengthen muscles while taking pressure off the chest and abdomen. Every case is different; however, this is normally done gradually, for just 15 to 20 minutes per day, and only 3 to 4 times per day at first. Avoid slippery surfaces that prevent the pup from gaining traction. You can also create a soft vest for the pup to wear by cutting leg holes in an old sock and stuffing the sock with fluffy material to keep the chest elevated. Encourage the puppy to sleep on its side rather than resting on its abdomen. When you are with the puppy, help it change positions while nursing and sleeping. This gentle stimulation can help with nerve development and encourage the puppy to move its legs more, as well as to exert more force with each movement. Massage the puppy frequently, particularly after feeding. All-over massage can help stimulate muscles and nerves while aiding the digestion process. You can also encourage these movements while the puppy is suspended in a sling. Ensure that the puppy is being fed adequately, but not over-fed. Excess weight makes recovery more difficult. Keep the puppy clean. This can lead to painful lesions and cause complications with treatment. Apply a moisture barrier cream or unscented baby powder to help prevent irritation, if your vet approves. To begin with, taping should only be worn for 15 minutes at a time, times a day. While taped, you should use a sling or harness to support your puppy. Encouraging your puppy to sleep on their side as much as possible will relieve pressure on the chest. Even if they are not sleeping, repositioning is a good way to reduce complications from constant pressure on the chest. Maintaining a Healthy Weight It may sound simple, but helping your Swimmers dog to maintain a healthy weight is more beneficial than you might realize. The more extra weight your pup has to hold up, the slower their progress with therapy will be. Massaging your puppy after a feed can also help the digestive process along and help to resolve problems like constipation and gas. Failing to clean up after your Swimmers pup immediately after their accident can cause infection as well as urine burns and painful sores. Environment Scientists that studied this condition strongly suggest that appropriate flooring is extremely important, particularly non-slippery floors that prevent slippage and further injuries in puppies. Applying baby powder and wiping the dog can also help to prevent fecal scalding. Water Therapy Water therapy is recommended for Swimmer dogs that have developed a swimming reflex this happens around 6 weeks old. Keeping the pup secured, submerge them in water up to their chin. Be sure to keep hold of the puppy but let them paddle. This helps to build up muscle in the legs and can be done for short periods, two to three times a day. What is the management? Slippery floors may worsen, or in some cases, may even cause swimmer puppies. Egg crate bed liners work well. Bunch up towels and blankets and keep pup confined to a small area. Puppies should not become overweight, as this may further the weakness in the rear limbs. Most swimmers have a flattened chest from laying flat. Taping the legs in the correct position should be done asap. You will see almost immediate progress. If the pup is a chewer you will have to put a cone on while legs are taped. Swim sessions three times a day will help with building muscle. Note — the swim reflex may not develop until pups are 6 weeks or older. Submerge pup to his chin this kicks in the survival instinct to kick. Since there may be a hereditary component to this condition, dogs who were swimmer puppies would not be optimal breeding animals. Please follow and like us: Tags.
rottweiler puppy vs german shepherd puppy - Greetings from Bruiser Bulldogs and The Wysongs We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. At our core, we love placing healthy, properly socialized puppies into loving families. There is no greater joy than to be able to share our lifelong passion for English Bulldogs with our adopter families. Feel free to read our blog , watch our videos and learn why Bruiser Bulldogs is producing a better bulldog. Instead of focusing on maximizing wrinkles or winning in the show ring, we have built our foundational bloodlines over the past decade with a focus on health first on foremost. Sires and Dams are health tested with a unique criteria. Bruiser Bulldogs must breathe freely, move athletically while still maintaining that classic English Bulldog look that people around the world have come to love. Our goal has always been consistently produce puppies that are both a head turner and fundamentally healthy Bloodline development is the key to producing healthy bulldogs. We believe that foundational genetics are created through layer after layer of breeding healthy generations of bulldogs. Over the course of a decade, we have focused on a stringent set of health criteria to gradually improve the health and quality of the dogs we produce. The rare combination of experience, repetition, and ethical awareness of correct breeding practices has set our breeding program at the forefront of responsible breeding practices. The process truly is an adoption that affects the time, focus, and schedules of each household that gets a puppy from us. After a healthy puppy , the single most critical factor for a successful bulldog adoption is adopter support. The English Bulldog is unique breed with a unique set of caretaking criteria. Previous dog ownership, while helpful, is not enough to fully prepare an adopter for English Bulldog ownership. We always say the adoption is just the beginning of our journey. Through blog articles and email prep, we focus on such topics as socialization, crate training, disease prevention, potty training, nutrition, and basic puppy supplies to ensure that each adopter will be fully prepared for their new puppy. They have a specific look, personality, and temperament that may not be for every new or previous dog owner. But if you follow a bunch of French or American bulldog accounts for their utter cuteness, then adopting a pup from one of the dozens of bulldog breeds out there is probably a dog match made in Heaven. Still, it can be a long and emotional decision process that requires time and thought, which is why we've rounded up some of the most adorable, loving , loyal, and kid-friendly types of bulldogs to help you find the best bulldog for your home. Regardless of breed, all bulldogs have that standout muscular build with a pushed in nose, small ears, and rolling gait. They have a short and smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. Some types can even be classified as large dogs while other breeds are more of a tiny dog. Although bulldogs love curling up in your lap, they are not strictly lazy dogs and enjoy moderate exercise. That said, many can live happily in a city apartment or a countryside home with a backyard. What's important is that you give these pups the care and attention they need so they are fed a proper diet and are trained well from a young age. They should also stay in air-conditioned rooms in hot or humid weather as their short snout makes breathing difficult. Bulldogs are a popular choice for many families across the U. They may act powerful and confident, but all bulldogs still need lots of love and care. If you are considering adopting a bulldog, familiarize yourself with the following types of bulldogs before heading over to a trusted adoption site to welcome your newest cuddle buddy to the family. They have a short and soft coat in various colors. Although American Bulldogs may appear intimidating with a large head and height of 20 to 28 inches, they are actually extremely gentle and affectionate. According to Pet MD, they're known to be a "big lap dog" that loves children. They are also brave dogs; in fact, there are countless stories across the internet of American Bulldogs saving their owners from fires or other serious accidents. They have a bulldog's personality in a small dog's body — which means they are playful, alert, and totally irresistible watchdogs. They're known for their bat ears , according to the American Kennel Club. Their adorable wrinkles roll around their short nose, adding to their charming personality. Frenchies are also super adaptable which makes them a great choice for single dog owners, couples, or families. They also don't require a lot of exercise so you won't necessarily have to get up early for that morning walk and they get along great with other animals if you already have a furry family at home. They're very affectionate dogs who want to be around their humans constantly, and they're especially big fans of kids. English Bulldogs weigh around 50 pounds depending on whether they are male or female, and require moderate exercise about 20 to 40 minutes per day. It's important to note that English Bulldogs are particularly at risk for breathing problems , heart problems, and other health issues due to how they've been bred. So if you adopt an English Bulldog, make sure you stay on top of their vet visits. Like all other bulldogs, they love being part of a family and won't leave your side. They are affectionate, loyal, and intelligent dogs who weigh between 50 and 78 pounds. These bulldogs were bred to adapt to the Australian environment as their breed name suggests , which means they may be more active than their cousins but aren't the most active dog out there. They have a similar build to other bulldogs, but they're athletic and have a bit more stamina. Their ears can be perky or hanging and they have thick, powerful necks and stocky legs. They have a short coarse coat that can come in solid colors ranging from fawn to black and white. Olde English Bulldogges are loyal, protective, and docile, making them great for families but also athletic dog owners. These bulldogs also have a longer lifespan than other breeds, living up to as many as 12 yaers. That said, they are taller than English Bulldogs at about 17 to 19 inches and have a larger snout plus fewer wrinkles. This means their face isn't so squished that it inhibits their breathing. They have similar personality traits to other bulldogs such as being super loyal and protective, but very gentle and affectionate. Victorian Bulldogs demand lots of attention as they can suffer from separation anxiety, but they aren't overly active dogs — so just curling up with them at night is enough comfort. Unlike some other bulldog breeds, they are incredibly energetic and athletic, meaning they'll need quite a bit of exercise. These bulldogs are very intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them stellar watchdogs. DogTime notes that you can often find them in shelters and breed-specific rescues, and recommends generally trying to adopt a bulldog breed before shopping for one. Before the s, the English then brought over their bulldogs and mastiffs. Ca de Bous are quiet, playful, and friendly family dogs, but they won't let you down as a watchdog either thanks to their loyal, courageous, and protective traits. They do, however, need socialization and training from an early age since they were originally bred to be fighting dogs. They have a short coat and can weigh between 66 to 88 pounds. Ca de Bous also have a longer lifespan of up to 12 years. Alapaha Blue-Bloods are protective and possessive, but they are also playful and devoted dogs. With the proper training and socialization, they enjoy playing with children and love attention. Vet Street notes that they are best suited to more experienced dog owners who can train them well from a young age. These bulldogs can also be a bit indifferent towards strangers and don't necessarily get along great with other dogs so they may thrive best if they are your only household pup. Mastiffs and Bulldogs were breeded together to develop a stealthy and fast dog that could help gamekeepers stop poachers from stealing. These impressive and cunning canines protected the lives of gamekeepers and poachers. They are larger bulldogs, clocking in at to pounds and reaching 24 to 27 inches in height, but they aren't aggressive towards other dogs and can behave well around their furry friends with proper care. But don't be deceived by the breed's history, these bulldogs are huge cuddle buddies who just want to be in the same room as their owner. Since they are a larger breed, they are more susceptible to bloat which requires emergency surgery and can be fatal. They have a shorter life span, as well, at 7 to 9 years. Indeed, they are discerning and confident dogs who can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals if not trained from an early age. While they are gentle towards children, it is recommended that they receive proper training from an early age so they are more welcoming towards strangers. Red-Tiger Bulldogs thrive best with a daily long walk but can do just as well living in an apartment as at a home with a yard. Typically, they have a "mantle" coat design with at least 70 percent color and no more than 30 percent white fur. They weigh between 75 and pounds and can live up to 16 years, making them one of bulldog breeds with the longest life expectancy. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B. UKC Classification: Companion Dog Prevalence: Common The English bulldog is a brawny little powerhouse whose characteristic crablike waddle exudes great strength, stability and vigor. The dog's head is large and spherical, and the muzzle is extremely short, giving the face a flattened appearance. The English bulldog's eyes are dark and set low and wide on the forehead in the frontal plane. The nose is black and slightly upturned. The jaws or "chops" are massive, broad and undershot. The lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw to scarcely expose the lower incisors, producing a comical grin. The lips are fleshy and pendulous. The cheeks are well rounded and protrude sideways. The ears are thin, small and angle forward like flaps that frame the forehead. The English bulldog's neck is short and thick; the shoulders are massive, muscular and broad. The chest is deep and full, and the back is barreled and slightly arched. His rounded hips protrude slightly above the level of the back. The stubby tail is thick and either straight or screwed. His short, stocky legs have great muscle definition. They are splayed out and slightly bowed at the elbows and hocks to form a sturdy, base-wide stance. The English bulldog stands about 16 inches tall. The female weighs about 50 pounds 23 kilograms , and the male weighs about 54 pounds 24 kilograms. The English bulldog's skin is loose and pendant with heavy wrinkles and thick folds on the face and a dewlap hanging from the throat. The coat is short and fine textured. The various color patterns are brindle, piebald, and solid white, red, fawn or fallow. Personality: The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them for bull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs. Although they generally get along well with other family pets, English bulldogs can be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. Living With: English bulldogs make fine apartment pets and do not require a yard. Typically low-endurance dogs, they need only a moderate amount of exercise. They thrive best in temperate climates; they readily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they chill easily in cold temperatures. Generally loud breathers, English bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze. Many drool as well. They are moderate shedders and their short coats require little grooming. However, the wrinkles on the face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. History: Named for its use in the sport of bull baiting, the English bulldog seems to have originated in the British Isles sometime prior to the 13th century. One of the few references to the sport dates back to , and talks about a butcher's dogs that chased a bull through the English town of Stamford. This pursuit so pleased the earl of the town that he inaugurated bull baiting as a sport in his domain. Today, the English bulldog makes a fine family pet. The AKC recognizes the breed simply as the bulldog. Related Pet Care Articles. Dog domestic dog The Bulldog is a British breed of dog of mastiff type. It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog. It is a medium-sized, muscular dog of around 40—55 lb 18—25 kg. They have large heads with thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders, and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw. The breed has significant health issues as a consequence of breeding for its distinctive appearance, including brachycephalia , hip dysplasia , heat sensitivity, and skin infections. Due to concerns about their quality of life, breeding Bulldogs is illegal in Norway and the Netherlands. The modern Bulldog was bred as a companion dog from the Old English Bulldog , a now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting , when the sport was outlawed in England under the Cruelty to Animals Act. While often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, modern Bulldogs are generally friendly, amiable dogs. Bulldogs are now commonly kept as pets; in it was in twelfth place on a list of the breeds most frequently registered worldwide. The first reference to the word "Bulldog" is dated or in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp". This entailed the setting of dogs after placing wagers on each dog onto a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or trampling over them. Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify the breed, as well as a ferocious and savage temperament. Bull-baiting was made illegal in England by the Cruelty to Animals Act .However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World. In midth century New York, Bulldogs were used as a part of a citywide roundup effort led by Governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. Rockstro founded the first Bulldog Club. Three years after its opening the Club ceased to exist, not having organized a single show. Samuel Wickens, treasurer of the club, published this description in under the pseudonym Philo-Kuan. The first English Bulldog entered into the register was a male dog named Adam Adamo , born in .The founders of the club collected all available information about the breed and its best representatives and developed a new standard for the English Bulldog, which was published on 27 May , the same year they held the first breed show. Since , exhibitions of the club were held annually, except during the Second World War. On 17 May , the Bulldog Club was granted the status of a corporation and since then has carried the official name "The Bulldog Club, Inc. It is the oldest mono-breed dog kennel club in the world. King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter boned and very athletic. Dock Leaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs. King Orry was declared the winner that year, finishing the mile 32 km walk while Dock Leaf collapsed and expired. Although not as physically capable as their ancestors, modern Bulldogs are much calmer and less aggressive. Note the "rope" over the nose, and pronounced underbite Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular prognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle , and piebald. In the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 lb 25 kg for a male and 50 lb 23 kg for a female. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior". Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. At five to six years old, they start to show signs of aging. Those that died of old age had an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years. Left to right, the skulls are from approximately the s, s, and s. A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average, with over twice the odds of being diagnosed with at least one of the common dog disorders investigated in the study. A degree of BOAS has been normalized in the breed, as an inevitable consequence of their distinctive face. Since dogs regulate heat primarily by panting, Bulldogs are very sensitive to heat; they may actually gain rather than lose heat due to their inefficient breathing, leading to a vicious cycle. Bulldogs must be given plenty of shade and water, and must be kept out of standing heat. If not properly exercised it is possible for a Bulldog to become overweight, which could lead to heart and lung problems, as well as stress on the joints. These cause the dog some discomfort, but are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner. Other problems can include cherry eye , a protrusion of the inner eyelid which can be corrected by a veterinarian , allergies , and hip issues in older Bulldogs. Due to the high volume of skin folds on the Bulldog's body, they have high prevalence of skin-fold dermatitis. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, in order to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and width of shoulders. Among these is a fitness test where the dog has to walk 1 km 0. Its temperature and heart rate has to recover after 15 minutes. They are often used as mascots by universities, sports team, and other organizations. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article.
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rottweiler puppy vs german shepherd puppy - Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. Important Facts about German Shepherd: German shepherd is well suited companion for family, Guarding or working dog. German Shepherd are extremely protective because of which get bad reputation of being overly-aggressive. German Shepherd love physical and mental exercise. Because of their high energy German Shepherd are always ready for action. They are very energetic, active and athletic. Additionally they have above average intelligence and trainability, when positive reinforcement training methods used. German shepherd dog are very trustful, affectionate, playful and friendly to every age group of the family. German shepherd puppies should be fed times per day and slowly reduce the feeding time to 2 increasing the quantity. That means they primarily eat meat. Even then most of the dog food brands bag ingredients are grains and other stuff to cut down the cost of manufacturing. For the best growth and controlled weight it is very important to feed meat primarily in their diet. Make sure you check the ingredients before making a choice on which dog food to purchase. Never feed German Shepherd food that contains produced meals, soy, wheat or corn. It is important to weigh your dog. A healthy and normal full grown male German Shepherd dog weighs anywhere between 30 to 45 kilograms. You can take your dog to a vet to weigh him. An adult German Shepherd requires a proper balance of water, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. German Shepherd puppy will need some very specific nutrients and he will need them in some very specific amounts. This will give him the best chance of growing up with a strong, healthy immune system. Plus strong and healthy bones, brain, and body systems! Feeding a German Shepherd puppy should always aim to meet these guidelines: Calcium — It will help German Shepherd to develop strong joints and bones, eyes and teeth, brain and immune system. Aim for a calcium content of no more than 1. Phosphorus — Making their joints and skeletal system form and grop properly. Phosphorus binds with calcium to do its job. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.