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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle and grew up raising show livestock in the F. Future Farmers of America. Among my projects were roaster hens, hogs, even a steer, but my passion was always for my lambs. Raising and breeding Standards in many ways is how I have been able to continue my love of raising and showing livestock. What I learned back then taught me how important Genetics are for a strong foundation to begin with. Also, that an excellent feeding program is vital for my dogs to reach their full potential. Finally, I learned everything I know about grooming from my agriculture teacher. I am proud to say I personally groom all of my own dogs. July I suffered an injury to my spinal cord that left me paralyzed from my waist down. They found homes by way of my then mentor. This was a great relief for my family as the focus was now on my recovery. The number one reason was driven to not give up was my dogs. Life kept moving on and I came to realizations that I am still able to give them what they need to thrive and that my support system is there for helping me achieve each challenge that I face. I am proud to say that Extraordinary Poodles successfully Sired two litters in .The results were nothing short of expectations. I continue to groom all of my own dogs and keep in touch with families of past puppies. My happiness has always depended on having something good to do, and at Extraordinary Poodles there is plenty of that to go around. Current Litter sired by Sam looking for wonderful homes. Begin your journey into the world of standard poodles here. Standard Poodles! Standard poodles are the most versatile dog in the world. You will see different variations in these tones. They are good with children if socialized with them and are not inclined to bite, but they do make good alert dogs. In other words, "They give you time to get your gun. People with allergies have a high tolerance for the poodle, making them well known as the ideal breed for people with allergies. Visit our litter page to see available puppies. Training High energy combined with lots of smarts lends itself to excellent companionship when properly trained. How to Train? Start early, using treats as a lure. How to Care? Companionship, quality puppy food, socialization. How to treat? A healthy puppy needs a nutritionally complete puppy food, fresh water, companionship, love and regular vet checkups to stay on top of things How to feed? We recommend Purina pro plan puppy How to walk? Do not pull or drag your puppy. How to equip? A light leash and narrow collar Decided? Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Houston TX? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Houston TX. Uptown makes sure that you can afford a Poodle by giving you the option of breeders, companies and businesses that can offer different prices to you according to the size, color and experience of the breeder. Do your breeders arrange travel for Houston Poodles out of state? Of course! Since the businesses, breeders and companies are highly professional in what they do, finding the perfect families for their pups is the number one goal they have in mind. Therefore, they are used to organizing travel arrangements for the puppies that they love - and that includes transport by plane. How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Houston? We are really strict with breeders, companies and businesses that want to be affiliated with us. There is a strict screening process that they have to pass, they have to take a Breeder Pledge and we have the absolute strictest of standards in place. We look at how professional the breeders are and how well they take care of the dogs and puppies. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Houston? We are different because we care so much. All that matters to us is that puppies connected to us through breeders, companies and businesses end up in happy homes where they will be well looked after for life. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Houston? Most people see dogs as lovely companions and members of the family. But, not puppy mills. The owners of these places look into the eyes of dogs and just see dollar signs. They stick dogs in cages, wait for them to produce litter after litter, and take the puppies away from their mothers when they are too young, causing many health complications. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Houston for sale now? You just need to tell us a little bit about yourself as well as what you are looking for in your perfect pup and, in no time, you will have your perfect pup by your side. There are many different varieties to choose from, so just think carefully about the Poodle type you want, and it will be yours. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Houston? Poodles actually come from Germany and France. It has water as well as herding roots, which makes it a wonderful hunter in the water. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Houston? We are well aware that there are people out there wanting to sell you sick puppies for high prices. We pride ourselves on making sure that good relationships are achieved with both our customers as well as our breeders, companies and businesses. All we care about is that healthy puppies, end up in happy homes - for life!

They also love to snuggle into their laps at the slightest available opportunity. They have an adaptable nature and can cope with any surroundings, though they would not be comfortable enough to stay away from their loved ones for a prolonged period and if so it might lead to pangs of separation anxiety. They have a great rapport with kids emerging as their perfect playmate, though parental supervision is needed to ensure that the little ones do not hurt these dogs. Having Poodle as one of its parents, the Bossi-Poo may have a strong inclination towards swimming. Just as its parents, it may bark to warn its master about an intruder in his territory, but gets along well with strangers after being introduced to them. Care Exercise Being high on energy, they would need an adequate amount of exercise on a daily basis for physical and mental fitness. You can take them out on a walk every day and let them play in your yard if you have one or even indoors. As they love water, you can introduce some water sports for them after they have been trained to swim. Grooming Their grooming needs range from low to moderate depending on their coat type. However, brushing once or twice in a week is needed to prevent the coat from getting matted or tangled. Other hygiene measures include brushing its teeth, cleaning its eyes and ears as well as clipping the nails. Health Problems Being a relatively new breed, there has been not much information about any known genetic issues. However, they may be prone to the ailments of their parents like epilepsy, deafness, bloating, hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye problems. Training Since they are high on intelligence, a trait borrowed from their Poodle parent and also eager to satisfy their masters, training the Poodle Boston Terrier Mix should not be too much of a challenge. To ward off any instances of separation anxiety impart the Bossi-Poo puppies crate training. Introduce your puppy to the crate in a casual way so that he does not get the feeling of being enclosed in a confined space. Keep it in the part of the house where he regularly goes and also put his blanket or favorite toys near it to give him a familiar feeling. Try giving its meals at the back of the crate so that he has to go inside to get it. He may take time to get used to the crate but as he does so, increase the timing and reward him for his achievement. Since it has a knack of chasing, leash training is essential. Channelize its agile nature and love for water in a positive way by teaching it any enjoyable water sport like dock jumping. Once your pet is adept at taking commands and has shown in interest in swimming, you may try training him at this sport. Be energized and active to pass on the positive vibes to your pet too. Start gradually by throwing the toy into the shallow water, and once your dog is comfortable enough in retrieving it, throw it further into the deeper part. However, never force your puppy to get into the water if he does not as it may heighten its fear. Feeding One and a half to two and a half cup of dry dog food every day is needed, along with a diet rich in essential nutrients. Boston Terriers are comedic little dogs that are natural-born entertainers. However, if left alone for long periods of time, the Boston can become bored, hyperactive, or anxious and resort to unwanted behavior. The Poodle is one of the divas of the doggy kingdom and loves being the star of the show. Highly intelligent and quick to learn, the Poodle thrives on ample amounts of exercise and mental stimulation. Considering her colorful duck hunting history, Poodles adore the outdoors and watersports. Your Bossi Poo could inherit any of these aforementioned traits, which makes for a wonderful pet. When seeking out a Bossi Poo puppy, keep in mind that you should only buy a puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder. While the cheap prices of a backyard breeder or puppy mill may sound appealing to save a few bones, your new puppy may develop behavioral or health issues down the road. Generally, they will breed any dog without taking the time to ensure good genetic matches, or do not have their dogs registered with an appropriate breed or kennel club. Sometimes, it can be tough to spot a backyard breeder. Some questions to consider asking before you buy would be: What type of care does this breed need? Does the Bossi Poo have any specific care needs that I should know about? How long have you been breeding Bossi Poos? Do you sell your puppies online, or to puppy brokers, wholesalers, or pet stores? Can I take a tour of your facility? Can I meet the puppies and their parents? Do you conduct any genetic tests before breeding? Can I view the vet records of both the puppies and their parents? Does the puppy come with a guarantee? What will happen if I can no longer keep the dog? Can you provide me with references from other customers? A good breeder should be able to answer all of your questions, provide you with references and the proper medical records, and allow you to meet the litter and the parents. They were also named the state dog of MA in the s! Poodles are originally from Germany. They love to snuggle on the sofa as much as they love living it up in the backyard. Highly intelligent, the Bossi Poo is easy to train and will pick up on basic commands effortlessly. Their eager-to-please nature means that positive reinforcement training works wonders for this designer breed. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Bossi Poos make great pets for families with children of all ages. Your Bossi Poo will love everyone in your family, including other dogs and even the cat! They can obtain all of the exercise they need for the day with either a half-hour walks or a game of fetch out in the yard. This makes them excellent dogs for city folks who live in apartments. Training should be a breeze. However, Boston Terriers can sometimes be a tad stubborn and if your Bossi Poo inherits that characteristic, he may need some extra patience on your part. To get the best results when training your Bossi Poo, opt for reward-based training. On the other hand, the Poodle has thick, curly hair that needs frequent grooming. The name is a portmanteau of both breed names. While both mixes contain Boston Terrier, they are quite different both in looks and personality. Feeling confused? Just wait until you hear about the Chipoo! Are Boston Terriers considered a Bully Breed? Guess How Much They Cost? Do Bossi-Poos shed? Yes, usually at least a little. Poodles are considered one of the most low-shedding dog breeds and truly do shed very little. Most Poodle owners notice almost no fur at all in their home especially if they keep up with regular grooming and coat maintenance. Boston Terriers on the other hand are moderate shedders year-round, and most Bossi-Poos inherit a little from both sides, causing them to shed. Are Bossi-Poos hypoallergenic? Because purebred Poodles are so low-shedding, they may be less likely to trigger allergies in individuals who are specifically allergic to dog dander. While the data shows that so-called hypoallergenic dogs contain the same amount of allergy-causing proteins as non-hypoallergenic dogs, there are still individuals who find that low-shedding dogs are more tolerable for their particular allergies. However, because Bossi-Poos are a mix of low-shedding and moderate-shedding breeds, there is no guarantee that your Bossi-Poo will be any less triggering for your allergies than other dogs. What is a Bossi Poo? What size can I expect a Bossi Poo to be? The size of a Bossi Poo can vary depending on the size of its parents, but they generally range from small to medium-sized dogs. Are Bossi Poos good with children? Bossi Poos are known to be friendly and sociable dogs, and they can generally get along well with children when properly socialized and trained. How much exercise does a Bossi Poo need? Bossi Poos are moderately active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Daily walks and playtime are usually sufficient. How do I groom a Bossi Poo? Grooming needs can vary depending on the coat type inherited from their parents. Regular brushing, nail trimming, and occasional professional grooming are typically recommended. Are Bossi Poos easy to train? Bossi Poos are generally intelligent dogs and can be trainable. Positive reinforcement methods and consistency in training are key to their success. What is the typical temperament of a Bossi Poo? Bossi Poos are often described as affectionate, playful, and friendly. They tend to have a good-natured and sociable disposition. Are Bossi Poos prone to any health issues? As with any mixed breed, Bossi Poos can inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds. Common concerns may include eye issues, allergies, and joint problems. How long do Bossi Poos usually live? On average, Bossi Poos have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, although individual dogs may vary. Providing proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups can help promote their longevity. Related Articles:. Read our complete pet guide on this dapper dog before you take the plunge. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. They often have a playful and affectionate personality and can make great family pets. They can also be protective of their owners and make good watchdogs. In terms of appearance, Bossi-Poos can have a variety of coat types, ranging from curly to wavy, and can come in a range of colors. They are often described as being a low-shedding breed, which can make them a good choice for people with allergies. He loves to be the life of the party and needs constant affection from his human pack. However, this socialness also makes the Bossi Poo prone to separation anxiety. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Bossi Poo is great with people of any age, including young children and seniors. They love to snuggle on the sofa or romp in the backyard with their family. As with any dog breed, early socialization is an absolute must for your Bossi Poo. Without the proper socialization, your Bossi Poo can easily become a shy and unsure dog that barks at strangers. As soon as you bring your Bossi Poo puppy home, introduce him to as many new faces as possible to ensure he gains confidence. The Bossi Poo loves other dogs just as much as he loves people. When introducing your new Bossi Poo to other pets for the first time, make sure to keep a close eye on everyone to ensure the introduction goes smoothly. As such, he needs a high-quality kibble that accommodates his size and energy levels. Feed your Bossi Poo two to three times per day. Even though he can do well in an apartment setting, the Bossi Poo still needs to be walked a couple of times a day. Let him run in the yard or at a dog park, take him jogging with you, or enroll him in doggy daycare for a full day of fun. His keen-to-please personality means that your Bossi Poo will always strive to make you happy. This is why positive reinforcement training methods work best for this dog. The Bossi Poo can be prone to streaks of stubbornness. This will require patience and perseverance on your end. Consistent, firm training will work wonders with this dog. Other than that, clip his nails and clean his ears as needed. Finding a healthy Bossi Poo puppy. Small in stature but big in personality, this dog is a perfect fit for many homes. Origin of the Boston Terrier Poodle Mix Both his purebred parents have fascinating histories, however, and each of their unique lineages can help to give us some insight into what type of personality traits and instincts their Bossi Poo puppy could inherit. Around the late s, an impressively built dog named Judge, who was a cross between a Bull Dog and the since extinct White English Terrier, became the patriarch for the modern day Boston Terrier. This means features like coat color, weight, and height, will be left up to chance depending on which parent the Bossi Poo takes after most. The Boston Terrier is a compact dog with a short, shiny coat that comes in three standard markings: black and white dark brown and white brindle and white. The full-grown Boston Terrier will be inches tall and will weigh anywhere from lbs. The Poodle is athletically built with a thick, curly coat that comes in three standard colors: black apricot. Aside from that, the Boston Terrier is a low maintenance dog who only requires the occasional bathing. The Poodle, on the other hand, will take a bit more upkeep. Although the Poodle is hypoallergenic , his thick, curly coat requires frequent brushing to help keep it from becoming matted. He will also need his nails trimmed to avoid splitting and cracking. Bossi Poo Temperament When dealing with any crossbreed, the outcome in regard to things like temperament can be unpredictable, and the Bossi Poo is no exception. However, both the Boston Terrier and the Poodle share some similar qualities. For example, a prospective owner can except their Bossi Poo puppy to be highly intelligent, eager to please, and fairly active. The Bossi Poo is an extremely intelligent dog who is known for his comedic personality and friendly disposition. He makes an excellent city dog, but he is active and requires exercise to stay healthy and happy. This means he will need more than solely being let outside in the yard to play. We should also keep in mind that if the Bossi Poo becomes bored or is left alone for too long, he may become hyperactive or develop anxiety or destructive behaviors. Still, with proper toys, training, and exercise, this mix makes a wonderful family pet who enjoys being around people and making his family laugh! Training and Exercise Requirements Because both the Boston Terrier and the Poodle are so intelligent and eager to please, we can expect the Bossi Poo crossbreed to be the same, making training easy and fun! The Bossi Poo is an active crossbreed, especially if he takes after his Poodle parent. Proper exercise like daily walks or runs to the dog park can be fun and healthy for your Bossi Poo. Both the Boston Terrier and the Poodle are known to make excellent family dogs, but we still recommend early socialization and proper training with your Bossi Poo puppy. Health Issues and Lifespan of the Bossi Poo As with all dogs, the Bossi Poo can inherit health issues from either of his purebred parents. Because of his shorter, flatter shaped snout, the Boston Terrier is also more predisposed to Brachycephalic Syndrome, which is a syndrome that can cause breathing difficulties and pain. Be aware that your pup could inherit this syndrome and will need the proper care should symptoms arise. Health issues do vary depending on what his parents have passed to him. Early health screening in your Bossi Poo can help avoid or prepare for future health issues. We recommend doing plenty of research before you decide where you get your new friend. Although most shelters incur fees, they are often a fraction of what some Bossi Poo breeders will charge. Most shelters will even cover initial vet fees, ensuring the dog ready for his new home! This will depend on the breeder and parental history of the pup.

But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Toilet training All new puppy parents expect toilet training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. They love spending time with their owners and letting their playful and fun characters shine through. They are eager to please and very loyal dogs. Originally Boxers were bred to be working dogs, which is why they have such high exercise needs and energy to spare! Common health problems in Boxers Boxers are intelligent dogs who are very loyal to their families. Sadly, like many other purebred dogs, they are prone to certain conditions. If you are thinking of buying a Boxer puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Some of the conditions Boxers may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems in some Boxers with shorter faces. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Eye problems — such as corneal ulcers due to the shape of their skulls and prominence of the eyes. Heart problems — such as cardiomyopathy or aortic stenosis. Before breeding, parents should be screened. Skin problems - such as warts, skin tags, skin allergies and soreness in skin folds around the face skin fold dermatitis. Certain cancers. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your boxer Boxers are fun and active dogs who can be high maintenance due to their exercise needs. If you love getting out and about walking, they could be a good breed for you! A large secure garden is a must if you have a Boxer so they have plenty of space to blow off steam. Boxers can be very boisterous so do better with an experienced and patient! Boxers and barking Your Boxer is likely to make noise and how much they do make will be down to their training and personality. Boxers are naturally very good guard dogs and so are more likely to bark to make their owners aware of any comings and goings around the home. Training and socialisation Boxers are clever dogs but can be boisterous, so positive, reward-based training from a young age is really important. Boxers mature a lot slower than other breeds, so having a large amount of puppy energy in such a big dog can be challenging for some owners. You need to handle your Boxer with a firm but fair attitude and make sure you are patient and consistent. They can be boisterous so make sure you train them not to jump up at people from a young age. Boxers love human company so can develop separation anxiety if left alone. If they are alone or bored, they like to chew which means your furniture and belongings will be at risk! Exercise Boxers are very high energy, active dogs who love playing and being involved in everything going on. They keep their puppy attitude longer than most dogs so you might find your Boxer rarely has a calm moment at home! Your Boxer will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This should be split into a few walks with plenty of opportunities for sniffing around and exploring. You should also give your Boxer plenty of time to exercise off lead somewhere secure so they can have a good run around. On top of this, your Boxer will also need regular, short training sessions. They will also need lots of playtime and free time in the garden to do what they want. Grooming Boxers are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have short fur which only needs a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. As with any dog, you should expect your Boxer to shed throughout the year, more so in spring and autumn. A regular hoover should be enough to keep on top of it. Due to the excess skin around their faces, Boxers are at risk of developing a condition called skin fold dermatitis. Boxers and children Generally speaking, Boxers are good around children of all ages given the right training. An adult only home or one with teenagers is better for a Boxer. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. Puppy socialisation classes are a great way to get your pup used to new dogs. Early socialisation will help your dog get along well other dogs as an adult. They may get along OK with a cat they have grown up with, but you should always supervise your Boxer with smaller pets. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Boxer should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Get ready with the ear plugs, because Boxers are known for loud snoring! Boxers originated in Germany in the s so are considered a fairly new breed. Getting a Boxer Do plenty of research before getting a Boxer. These playful and lively dogs keep their puppy ways well into their adult years so need an understanding owner with plenty of time and patience! Boxers can be really loving in the right household and will love spending time with you. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Boxer. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Boxers are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable You may also recognize these characteristics in your Boxer pooch: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff-type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and for fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn, but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Boxers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Boxers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Boxers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Boxer is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, including your Boxer. Usually, surgical correction can stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary for the best outcomes. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like when playing Frisbee are key in avoiding these painful injuries. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common, or symptoms may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites can make IBD worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifelong medications and special diets are usually required to keep IBD under control. Unfortunately, Boxers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to various kinds of skin infections and diseases. One type, Malassezia dermatitis, is caused by a kind of yeast. When this yeast infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown, waxy discharge. On the skin, this yeast leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. Skin diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal, so early detection is critical. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Boxers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer that is often prescribed as a sedative for travel and anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin of safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for pets with noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Respiratory Distress Syndrome Respiratory distress syndrome, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. Short-nosed dogs have the same amount of tissue in their noses and throats as longer-nosed dogs, but with less area to contain it. As a consequence, the soft palate at the back of the roof of the mouth is too long and may hang down into the airway. All of these differences can lead to a narrow and obstructed airway such that many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, your pet is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, and heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended to alleviate airway obstruction. Taking Care of Your Boxer at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Boxer live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boxer needs help. Put as much thought into treats as you do for the main diet. These, as well, can be loaded with chemicals and dyes. Keep away from raw hides; these are notorious for causing upset stomach and dangerous internal blockage. Not shy away from wholesome fresh foods. Adding veggies and fresh fruit to meals or to gives as snacks is great for Boxers. Carrots, peas, green beans, potato, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries are all great. These fruits are packed with antioxidants which is a great tool to help fight against cancer, a top concern for the Boxer breed. What is allowed to be in tap water is pretty outrageous. Known carcinogens and toxic metals are in tap water.There is a slew of regulated chemicals that, based on one 8-ounce glass, are deemed safe; long-term exposure is not tested. There are also hundreds of untested contaminants. Since our Boxer dogs drink water and only water day after day, for literally their whole lives, it's vital to find another alternative than straight tap water. The easiest method is to install a filter to your kitchen tap. These are moderately inexpensive and not that hard to install. Another option, most applicable if you have a Boxer puppy is to use gallon spring water. Also, be take note of how much your Boxer is drinking; you'll want to make sure that he meets his daily water requirements. That amount can vary depending on age, activity level and the weather more in the summer ; however, in general, a Boxer dog will need a bit over 1. For pups, this should be for at least 20 minutes, adults do good with .But don't stop there. Though this is a brachycephalic breed and Boxers don't do well with super extended duration, shorter jaunts allow a Boxer to build up muscle, keep his metabolism regulated, and exercise is healthy for the heart. Go for hikes, let him run uphill, take him to the beach. While your Boxer will be more than happy to be chilling out with you by the TV, he also needs to get out of the house and release pent-up energy. This is a very inquisitive, curious breed. Nothing is off limits to a Boxer. He'll open cabinets, reach up high on counters, nose through your gym bag.And remember, that it's not just food related items that will be mouthed and it's not even necessarily something that dogs would find enjoyable to chew on. Things are mouthed simply to answer the question of 'What's this? The list of things that have been found and surgically removed from dogs is crazy: needles, fishing hooks, shoe laces, band-aids, even light bulbs. There's virtually an endless checklist of things a Boxer can swallow that can lead to blockage, cause internal injury and even be fatal. At least once a week, go over the house. Don't leave things on the floor; use shelves and hooks. Put child-proof locks on lower cabinets. And a household rules should be that if anything falls, it's immediately picked up. Boxer Dog Care Tip 5 - Keep Ingestion Slow While it can seem amusing that dogs can wolf down their food faster than you blink your eyes, for breeds that are prone to bloat like the Boxer, you'll need to regulate how fast he eats and drinks. The easiest way to do this is to use a slow-feeder bowl for meals. If your Boxer tends to go nuts with water, use this sort of bowl for a water dish as well. You'll want to choose stainless steel dishes, since plastic are too light, scratch too easily and even BPA free plastics can cause a dog to have an allergic reaction. Another option, aside from the slow-feeder, is to use a portion pacer. There are stainless steel balls that are placed into current bowls, that work in the same way to displace and force a dog to go slower. Of course, if he's gotten himself dirty before this, scrub him down. However, looking at this on a regular basis, bathing too often can lead to a dry coat even if you use great products. And if you wait too long, all sort of bad smells can develop, as well as yeast infection and other issues. Keep it free of shedded hairs - The Boxer is a moderate shedder, so you'll want to go over the coat on a regular basis to pull out dead hairs from the coat. While some will fall to the floor, it is when you brush him over or use a de-shedding tool that you'll see just how much falls back into the coat. If it's allowed to stay there, it can block normal air flow and pack up close to skin pores. With the eyes, a common issue is the buildup of eye gunk, also referred to as eye boogers. If you notice excessive discharge, this can be due to a small cut on the retina or even an eye infection. However, a minor yet chronic amount is often just natural discharge that can get trapped around the eyes. Routinely use a canine eye wipe to clean up around the eye area. This should be done anywhere from once per day to several times per week. With the paws, while you want your Boxer to walk on a variety of surfaces to toughen up the paws, this by no means that paws can even come close to being invincible. Walking on small pebbles and both heat and cold exposure can really do a number on the pads. In addition, dry pads can quickly develop into itching, which leads to gnawing, and that can turn into peeling and cracking. If your Boxer tends to develop paw issues , apply a quality paw wax 2 to 3 times per week. Look for a fast absorbing product that allows the paws to breathe. With the nose, small issues can spiral pretty fast. Keep an eye out for dry nose issues. If you do notice this, don't hesitate to use a good nose balm. A quality balm can protect from too much sun exposure, chapping from cold winter weather and general drying and peeling issues, as well as heal many problems. If, however, the nose is so cracked that that it is bleeding, this is your sign that the vet will need to treat this; most likely with a topical antibiotic. Boxer Dog Care Tip 8 - Seasonal Care A Boxer dog's needs will change in accordance with the seasons, so certain care elements will need to be adjusted. In the summer , super hot days means taking your Boxer out for exercise early in the morning and then later as the sun is readying to set, to avoid the hottest parts of the day. If your Boxer is left home alone, if he's limited to one room which is recommended , take care to set things up so that he's keep cool enough with AC, but not stuck right near a vent. Also, check on shades and curtains, so that he's not getting hit by strong rays at certain times. You'll want to always bring along water when out and about, take frequent breaks and keep an eye out early signs of heat stress red gums, heavy panting, rapid heartbeat, thick drool. In the winter , access his cold tolerance. Not all Boxers do great with freezing weather; a vest may be in order. And while it may be tempting to stay in less, his exercise needs remain the same so do try to take him out as normal. The force at which a person or animal or any object is thrown is based on both the speed that a car is traveling and the weight of that object. So, car seats are not just for pups. If a Boxer is not properly restrained in the car, here's what can happen: With a vehicle that is traveling at 35 mph, crash force for a Boxer pup that weighs 20 pounds means that he will be thrown with the force of a pound object; this is the equivalent of falling off a 6 story building. At 35 mph, a 60 pound adult Boxer will be thrown with the force of a 1, pound object. What about going 50 mph? A 50 lb. Boxer would be thrown with the force of a 2, pound object. If your Boxer is a pup, use a certified canine car seat. If your Boxer is over 40 pounds, opt for a properly sized restraint belts. These are often padded and more comfortable than the harness that your Boxer would normally wear while being walked on leash. They blend so well into the household, that you'll sometimes forget your Boxer is a dog. You'll speak about him as if he's another person in the house.While, of course, Boxers love to scent, can be great watch dogs and do all those fun canine things like marking and ripping things apart, when it's all said and done, your Boxer will want to be part of the family and will need you to reciprocate this strong urge to belong in order to feel at peace and at 'at one' with the 'pack'. Boxers are pretty intelligent, are excellent at picking up on the non-verbal vibes of their humans and never let you down when you're looking for company.Be a good leader, expect respect and teach your Boxer with a loving hand. When you have a Boxer or two, or three , this is something that reaches beyond just pet ownership. It really is a lifestyle. And of course, it's one that you or your Boxer wouldn't trade for the world. Did you find this article helpful? Jammed pack with everything you need to know, from puppy to adult. And it's available in both hard copy and eBook. They have such majestic posture, are obedient and alert at all times, and are ideal dogs known to be loyal to the whole family. Brave, fearless, alert, gentle, energetic, and cheerful are just some of the words that can be used to describe the boxer breed of dog. Despite their ferocious looks — Boxers are known to be babies that love attention and are calm in the place of any environment. If you wish to bring a Boxer puppy home there are Boxer dogs for sale in Pune. The boxer breed is known to be very loyal and attentive to their family. The boxer is a working breed of dog that has high energy levels and needs frequent exercise. The dog is definitely a looker with its muscular body, erect posture, and short shiny coat. The boxer breed adapts well to apartments. They get along with children and other dogs and have an underlying sweetness to their behavior and gestures. Boxers have a high sensitivity level and their owners should know about this. The breed does not like to be left alone and enjoys human companionship. You may also want to make a new addition to the family by adopting a boxer puppy. Whatever your reason for interest in the breed — there are a number of factors that you should consider before bringing a boxer puppy home. In this article, we will take a closer look at the specific needs of boxer puppies. By following these rules your dog will grow up to be big, strong, and obedient — what a wonderful addition to the family! Because of the nutritional needs of boxers, they need to be fed high-quality dog food that is rich in Proteins, nutrients, fats, and fiber. Read the ingredients carefully. Avoid packages of food that contain Meat Fillers as this is a low-quality ingredient that includes corn dust and husk or even feathers. You can add veggies like carrots, peas, blueberries, and strawberries that are great for your dog and aid with their digestion. The best alternative for tap water is that you can give your dog the same water you drink — straight from the filter. Ensure that your dog drinks enough water a day. The way to calculate this is to serve your dog 1. Boxers need a lot of exercise By just looking at a boxer — you can tell that this breed of dog needs a lot of exercises. Puppies need at least 20 minutes of exercise a day — while fully grown dogs need a minimum of 40 minutes of exercise daily. Exercise can include taking your dog to the park, going for walks, or playing with your puppy. Puppy-proof your home Boxers are extremely fun-loving and inquisitive dogs. Ensure that you do not keep any sharp objects at floor level as your puppy may chew on them while teething. You must also be sure to keep plants at home which are not toxic to dogs. Electric cables must be covered and kept out of reach from your dog. Serving your dog small frequent meals aids with digestion. Another fact to be aware of is that Boxer puppies are prone to bloat, so ensure that your dog does not wolf down a whole meal in just seconds. Instead, feed your puppy little by little. Related Posts. This gives the owner an opportunity to see their dog at such a young age and then watch them quickly grown into strong and large adults. If you are purchasing a Boxer puppy, the dog should be at least 8 weeks old. In many regions it is illegal to have a puppy at a younger age. Up until 8 weeks, the puppy will need to be nourished by its mother. We're Home! That Boxer newborn puppy that you picked out has rapidly matured into an 8 week old and it's time for your new family member to join the household. Bringing a puppy home should be well planned in advance. If you have a large family, other members must be told to keep the environment calm and peaceful until your Boxer puppy has a chance to gain their bearings and become used to its new home. Have everything you need so that you do not need to suddenly run out to the store for a forgotten item. Do not allow the puppy to be rushed at by many people wishing to hug, pat and smother him or her with kisses. That can come a bit later. Your new Boxer must be approached gently and with warm voices. Puppies are a good, robust size but are still fragile. It is very sad when a puppy is stepped on accidentally; this can cause great harm. From birth to the 1 year mark, trauma is the leading cause of fatalities with this breed. Children must understand how to gently treat a pup. Very young children should be watched during interaction. All members of the home must be very aware of what may be underfoot. Your Boxer puppy should be given a tour of the home. Do not expect your new pup to know where everything is! Show him or her where they can find their water, where to expect their meals to be served, their dog bed and their toys. A puppy needs the security of knowing where to find what they need. Puppies will need quite a bit of care from you. This includes: Feeding - A puppy should be fed times per day. More feeding information can be found in our Feeding section. Only high quality puppy food must be given. This will be a time of rapid growth and your Boxer puppy needs the right dog food for optimal health. Vaccinations - All puppies will need the full schedule of vaccinations. This is absolutely vital to the health of the pup. If the budget is tight, your dog's veterinarian should be able to provide a discount or recommended animal clinics which provide shots for a very minimal fee. This includes that absolutely necessary Heart worm prevention medication, as well. Comfort and safety - Boxer puppies are rambunctious. They will jump, bounce and play. They will need loving attention and interaction with their owner or owners. Plenty of room to play, lots of toys and acts of love are crucial to the physical and emotional growth of a pup. A puppy is just learning about its world; yelling or hitting is never called for. Through love, patience and understanding a puppy will learn what is expected. Negative reactions from its owner will simply teach the puppy to be afraid. Housebreaking - This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Read more in our housebreaking section. When started early and with consistency, your Boxer puppy will soon learn where it is appropriate to eliminate. A schedule - Puppies know nothing about the world except for what you show them. It is important to keep a puppy on a schedule that they can depend on. Normal times for baths, exercise , walks, feedings, grooming , play time and sleep time are recommended. Some Things to Expect The first year will be full of changing behaviors and a change in physical appearance. Here's what you can expect: A Boxer puppy will whine if he is hungry, wants attention or once he is learning house training, if he has a bathroom need The time to instill training for barking and other behavior is now - before habits can form Puppies are super hyper , but will also sleep quite a bit - Anywhere from 15 to 18 hours per day including night time and daytime naps The first year is one of rapid growth, but do expect starts and stops. As your Boxer reaches adolescence, there is sometimes a brief period of stalled weight gain at which time a Boxer may appear too skinny. This typically only lasts a few months before that final gain happens that allows him to fill out. Puppyhoood is the time to do socialization training - You'll want to introduce your puppy to as many people, other dogs, events and situations as possible so that he learns control and gains self-confidence. Health Check A Boxer puppy should be checked over every day to check for certain issues. Eyes- The eyes should be clear and bright. Any excessive discharge is a reason to go to the veterinarian Ears and nose - These areas should be cleaned each day with a damp, soft washcloth. Discharge of any color is a reason for a checkup with the vet Breathing - A puppy's breathing should always be clear and easy. Forced breathing, wheezing, coughing or other strange sounds must be taken care of immediately through the dog's veterinarian or closest animal hospital Limping - Puppies may be a bit clumsy or wobbling when very young. However limping is never normal. This must be brought to a vet's attention ASAP Tank - 9 months old Photo courtesy of owner: Jaymie Conner Skin - It is normal for a Boxer puppy to have some loose skin around the neck area and there will be some facial folds. These areas can hold in moisture which can lead to a fungal or bacterial infection. Moisture can accumulate when the pup drinks or when he drools. Keep the area nice and dry to prevent any problems.

View Detail Silver Blue Pups. Millie my stunning Blue brindle girl has given birth to her first litter. I have two boys and 1 girl. Health Tested Bronze health tested awaiting Silver Cert. Pups coming along fantastically. Mam has excellent breathing, no skin, ear, eye or heart issues. If you can give my babies a forever loving home, get In touch. Don't miss out on these absolutely stunning pups. Parents have no breathing, skin, heart or issues. Health Tested One girl left to reserve. This means pups will never get any of these hereditary diseases. Gorgeous blue pups, some will carry chocolate as dad has produced chocolate pups. She is self whelped and raised indoors with us in a family environment, is well soc text nadia at xxx-xxx-xxxx xxx-xxx-xxxx View Detail Cute French Bulldogs All our pups are raised in our house and are fed a raw diet which we think gives them the best start in life. Blue gene and chocolate gene carriers. Vet checked at birth, 2 weeks and 11 weeks. Raised on royal. A very reliable, loving, and gentle breed, this dog makes an excellent companion for children and adults. .These little ones are raised in our home with constant contact to family.Text us at. .Loves to be held, but also loves to play. .She is just like a lil toy and loves to play! Sweet kisses and lots of love. Both parents have championship bloodlines! They are 12 weeks old. They will go fast. .They love to play and run around, and their personalities will melt your heart! AKC Registered Adult weight lbs 10 weeks and ready to go home! The girls have been wormed every 2 weeks and are flea'd. Please contact contact petzlover. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.

German Shepherds are a very good breed and are known for being alert, loyal, and energetic. They have an outgoing, friendly nature that makes them fun to be around. However, in Asheville NC, these puppies may not be able to stay with you long because of the high cost of boarding. You can find German shepherd puppies for sale at almost any pet store , and they can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of one thousand dollars. Most people who are interested in owning one of these dogs purchase them from puppy mills. Puppy mills are typically places that breed dogs for profit and do not take care of them or provide them with adequate shelter. You could also be purchasing a puppy that has been used for breeding purposes. Although you will most likely pay more for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, it is important to research the dam and sire before purchasing the puppy to ensure that the dam has been carefully tested for health problems and is free of disease. You should be prepared to pay an outrageous price for these puppies because they are very rare and because breeding them is difficult. There is a high chance that the puppy you are purchasing has a genetic predisposition to be sickly or defective. Because of this, breeders usually only allow show champions in breeding their dogs. German Shepherd breeders that only allow champions or dogs that pass all conformation standards would be the best choice to go with when purchasing a German shepherd dog for sale in Asheville NC. German shepherd puppies for sale in Asheville NC will be full of health problems if they are born there. The chances of a litter of healthy puppies are extremely slim, which is why it is so important to choose a reputable breeder. You should never pay money for puppies from a pet store. German Shepherd puppies that come from puppy mills or uncertified places are often sickly and unhealthy. Ask the breeder about the health history of the breeding pair you are considering. German shepherd puppies for sale in Asheville NC are usually bred at a commercial kennel where they live in puppy mills and are used for breeding purposes. Puppy mills are places that are often dirty, unkempt, and overcrowded. It is impossible to find an apartment complex that is large enough for a large dog such as a German Shepherd puppy. Your best option would be a home that allows the puppy to have more space to play and roam. It is important to ask the breeder about the kind of diet the German Shepherd puppies are receiving. A German Shepherd puppy should be offered a well-balanced diet, including plenty of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Do your research and only purchase German shepherd puppies that are being cared for responsibly. Dogs that come from puppy mills are prone to several illnesses including ear infections, allergies, and broken bones. Before purchasing any puppy, be sure to research its health history thoroughly. Ask the breeder to show you the medical reports and certificates. German shepherd puppies for sale in Asheville NC are great pets and great companions. Your new best friend will be with you for many years, so make sure you are making the right decision when purchasing a puppy. With proper care and love, your new best friend can become a faithful friend or a loyal life companion. They are loyal, protective, and have a love of kids. German Shepherd puppies can grow up to become sweet, loving, lively adult dogs. How to adopt German shepherd puppies Asheville, NC is the perfect city for finding these unique animals. German Shepherds were originally bred and raised in Germany. They have a short coat that is beautiful and long. They make very good watchdogs because of their strong sense of smell. They also do not shed much. These dogs can live for up to twelve years if cared for properly. How to adopt German shepherd puppies Asheville, NC has German Shepherd breeders who raise these dogs lovingly and responsibly. Puppies are tested for temperament before they are brought into the world and usually go into foster homes before they are fully grown. Breeders do not leave their purebred puppies in cages. They are given up to families that need them. German Shepherd puppies come in different colors including white, tan, chestnut, black and brown. You can choose a color that is best for you or that fits your family. German Shepherd puppies come with a health guarantee, so you are sure that your puppy is healthy and happy. Their grooming takes only minutes a day and you can brush and bathe them daily. You will notice that after they have had a bath, they are so clean and you will not find any dirt or grime in their fur. German Shepherd puppies are extremely smart and eager to please. They can be very demanding when it comes to working. They are very affectionate and do not need much exercise. They have an active and playful nature and are very playful. They are very protective of their owner and they can become extremely aggressive if they feel that someone is infringing on their territory. If you have small children living with you then you must make sure that there is always adult supervision when your German Shepherd puppy is around children. They are very jealous and will attack anyone that attempts to get close to the dog. This behavior can last for several minutes but sometimes can take longer. German Shepherds are very loyal and will follow their masters to the best of their ability. This dog will respond very well to training. Training sessions should be conducted when the puppy is still a puppy because they are very responsive at this time. When your puppy is older, the training process becomes more difficult but it can still be done successfully. If you decide that you would like to bring a puppy into your home then you may want to go to an animal shelter to look for one. Some shelters allow pet owners to adopt the puppies free of charge and others require a minimum deposit. When looking for Asheville German Shepherd puppies for adoption, you should make a deposit and meet with the shelter in person to determine if the puppy they have available is suitable for you and your household. You should also ask the shelter if they have any recommendations on local breeders in your area so you can go and visit them and if possible meet the breeder personally to ensure that you will be getting a healthy and happy puppy. They have a long and strong back and good agility, which make them excellent in any kind of environment. They also have a thin hair coat that can become dry and brittle. Their coats need to be brushed regularly but you should not brush too hard as this can cause damage. As long as you can keep your puppy clean and well-brushed he will stay healthy. German Shepherd puppies can become territorial, once they are fully grown. So you must socialize and train your puppy to accept all members of your family. It is also a good idea to get your puppy used to other animals and different smells. When your puppy does begin to go out, there are certain things that you can do to help him develop these skills. For example, you can take him out every couple of days to the park and introduce him to different people and dogs so that he will become more comfortable around them. You should also take him to the vet so that you can get any health problems fixed up early. The last thing that you will want to do before bringing your puppy home is to get him used to his crate. You should take him to the park and let him go through it with you, making sure he goes through it quietly and without a fuss. He will also learn to understand that his crate is his sleeping area. You should also let him stay in his crate for at least one hour after dinner to accustom him to how long he should rest. Share this:. Hi everyone! I am looking for a family that would love me as much as I will love them! I was unfortunately in a car accident a few months ago that left me with some gait instability. At first, I was paralyzed in my hindlegs. But I underwent two spinal surgeries and after some long, hard recovery, I am now able to walk short distances! With some help with my balance, I can go even further! Not to toot my own horn, but I quickly became a neighborhood favorite! My other challenge is occasional bladder and bowel incontinence. When the accident happened, at first, I lost complete control of both, and needed to be expressed. But I appreciate you being understanding about my recovery. When I pee, I need a little help from someone holding my waist as I walk around the backyard to relieve myself. When I poop, I usually need a sling under me for mild support. I love everyone I meet dogs, cats and children! I do fine when left home alone. I wander the house and am smart enough to know not to go into rooms I am told not to be in, not to jump onto any furniture, and not to chew up any toys. But I prefer spending most of my time with my family if possible. And I enjoy that time even more if we spend it together outdoors. I am smart, adapt quickly, and learn new rules and routines well. Please give me a chance! Please contact my family today at to arrange to meet me. Contact the foster parent or Mountain Pet Rescue at pets mpravl. Please note that visual breed identification of companion animals has been proven to be unreliable, so for most of our animals we provide a best guess at predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each of our animals as an individual and do our best to describe and place pets based on personality not breed label. September 14, , pm.

As a family-owned Goldendoodle breeder based in Burlington, North Carolina, we take great pride in raising our puppies right in the comfort of our own home. Our mission is to provide families with the perfect companion in the form of a healthy, happy, and well-socialized Goldendoodle puppy. Our Goldendoodles are carefully bred from health-tested parents to ensure that your new furry family member is healthy and happy. As a Goldendoodle breeder, we take pride in raising the best quality Goldendoodles with excellent health, great temperaments, and beautiful coats. Our puppies come with a lifetime health guarantee and support, and we're always here to answer any questions you may have. We provide a loving home environment for our puppies and ensure they are well-socialized with people and other pets. In addition, we are pleased to offer delivery of our Goldendoodle puppies within the United States. We understand that it can be difficult to travel long distances to pick up your new puppy, so we offer a convenient delivery service to bring your new furry family member right to your doorstep. Thank you for considering Doodles of NC for your next furry family member. We look forward to helping you find the best Goldendoodle to join your family! Why do we exclusively offer Goldendoodle puppies for sale? Their loyalty, affection and non-aggressive temperament make them great family dogs - especially families with children. With our dedication to raise the puppies in our personal home, the F-1B Goldendoodles are the perfect breed to trust around our two young daughters. What are F-1B Goldendoodles? An F-1B Goldendoodle has become very popular and is known for its friendly, loving nature paired with its hypoallergenic fur. The resulting dog has the wonderful disposition of a Golden Retriever with the almost non-existent shedding of the Poodle. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our town is a small boating and farming community within an hour of the Outer Banks. We are a true family operation I, Heather, built my program with the intention of having it become a true family operation, with great help from my children, husband, mother, her husband and my brothers. We consider ourselves an average family. My mom and I are both nurses. My mother, Tracey, lives with us and keeps our other Goldendoodles, Nani and Lilo, and her poodle, Hope. In addition, we have other poodles and goldendoodles all placed in excellent guardian homes with local families. Producing perfect family dogs is our passion I have been around animals the majority of my life ranging from household pets to livestock and am finally living my dream of breeding dogs. I chose the Goldendoodle breed because I've owned both golden retrievers and poodles. Although they are both great breeds, I believe that combining the intelligence and non-shedding characteristics of the poodle with the goofy, family-oriented golden retriever yields the perfect family dog. Each litter is born and raised inside our home What sets us apart from many other breeders is our unique Guardian Home Program , where all of our dogs and puppies are raised in a nurturing home environment with real families, and never in an outdoor kennel. Each litter is born and raised inside our home, where they are exposed to normal household noises, socialized with other dogs, and handled daily by adults and our children alike. Your puppy will be bomb proof! Our breeding dogs are always put first To honor safe and responsible breeding practices , we look at each breeding female to determine if it is better to breed back to back heat cycles or to skip a heat. We prefer to retire our females at a younger age. This helps to produce healthier litters and reduce prolonged trauma on our Doodle Mommies. We love our dogs and will always put them first. OBX Doodles proudly utilizes the following companies to health test, raise, and register our puppies and breeding dogs click on an image to learn more Building relationships with families like you When you place a deposit with us, we make ourselves readily available anytime by phone, email or in person. We try to build relationships with our adoptive and guardian families by sending one another updates with letters, pictures, and communicating through our Facebook page. We'll try to match you with a puppy that will best fit your family based on personalities and your lifestyle. Families who have already placed a deposit have a phone conference with us and use the pictures, videos and temperament description we provide to select their puppy. This meeting allows us to advise if the puppy will be a good fit for your family. We hope you'll consider us as your next breeder, and we look forward to welcoming you into the OBX Doodles family Sincerely, We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle 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! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Goldsboro North Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. Be sure to measure the food using a standard 8oz measuring cup, which holds 4. The Importance Of Water Intake Adequate water intake is crucial for the overall health and well-being of your Labradoodle puppy. Water plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including digestion, absorption of nutrients, circulation, temperature regulation, waste elimination, and maintaining proper hydration levels. To ensure that your Labradoodle puppy gets enough fluids to meet its nutritional needs, you should provide clean and fresh water at all times. One guideline suggests providing an ounce of water per pound of body weight daily—for instance, if your pup weighs 10 pounds; it would need about 10 ounces of water each day. Keep an eye on the water bowl throughout the day and refill it when necessary. Age And Weight Labradoodle puppies have different nutritional needs than adult Labradoodles, and their age and weight play a huge role in determining how much to feed them. Puppies younger than 12 to 18 months old require higher levels of protein and fat to support their growing bodies. Large breed puppies, including Labradoodles, should not be overfed because too much food can lead to obesity or other health problems later on. On the other hand, underfeeding can also cause issues such as stunted growth or malnourishment. Activity Level The activity level of a Labradoodle puppy is an important factor to consider when determining how much food to feed them. Active puppies burn more calories than those who are more sedentary, so they may require larger portions. For example, if your Labradoodle puppy enjoys long walks or playing fetch in the yard, they will have higher energy needs compared to a puppy that prefers napping on the couch all day. This assessment helps determine whether they are carrying excess fat, which can lead to obesity and other related health problems. It is important for Labrador owners even more so because this breed has been known for gaining weight easily when not fed right and exercised regularly. Puppies with sensitive stomachs or allergies may require a specialized diet that excludes certain ingredients. Dogs with medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, or gastrointestinal issues will have specific dietary requirements. Instead, opt for high-quality commercial dog food or homemade meals that meet their nutritional requirements while avoiding excessive calorie intake. Nutritional Requirements Labradoodle puppies have specific nutritional requirements that must be met to ensure healthy growth and development. These pups need a balanced diet with macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fat, along with micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Look for commercial dog foods formulated specifically for growing puppies that meet the minimum protein and fat requirements. Feeding Guidelines For Labradoodle Puppies Establish a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle puppy and measure the amount of food to maintain balanced nutrition, with wet and dry food options available. Types Of Food Wet, Dry, Homemade Labradoodle puppies can eat different types of food such as dry, wet, semi-dry, raw, dehydrated or freeze-dried food. It is essential to note that not all dog foods are created equal — some contain artificial additives while others may lack essential nutrients necessary for optimal growth and development in puppies. Meal Frequency Labradoodle puppies have specific dietary needs that must be met in order for them to grow and develop properly. Meal frequency is an important consideration when feeding your Labradoodle puppy. Puppies under the age of four months should be fed small, frequent meals throughout the day, as their tiny stomachs cannot handle a large amount of food at once. Generally speaking, most Labradoodle puppies should be fed three to four meals per day until they are six months old, after which time two meals per day will suffice. Many owners choose wet or dry dog food that comes with detailed recommendations on how much food should be given based on these factors; others opt for homemade diets or mixtures of both types of food. Here are some best practices for managing their weight and ensuring proper development: Choose a high — quality puppy food brand that is specially formulated for their growth needs. Measure out the appropriate amount of food based on their weight, age, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, with small meals per day until they are around six months old. As they grow older, you can reduce the frequency to two meals per day. This involves assessing their body shape and feeling their ribs without excess fat. Consider supplementing with omega — 3 fatty acids or other nutrients if recommended by your veterinarian to support healthy joints and brain development. By following these best practices, you can help ensure that your Labradoodle puppy is getting the nutrition they need for optimal growth and development while avoiding potential health problems in the future. Tips For Feeding Your Labradoodle Puppy Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Labradoodle, monitor their weight and adjust food intake accordingly, stick to a consistent feeding routine, avoid overfeeding and feeding table scraps, and consider training treats as part of their overall daily food intake. Consultation With A Veterinarian It is important to seek advice from a veterinarian when determining the appropriate feeding guidelines for your Labradoodle puppy. Regular check-ups can ensure that your Labradoodle stays healthy throughout their life stages, receiving all necessary nutrients while avoiding overfeeding or undernourishing. Here are some tips on how to monitor and adjust their food intake: Use a Digital Scale: Weigh your puppy every few weeks using a digital scale and keep a record of their weight. Also, note if they have noticeable waist or tuck up. By monitoring their weight regularly and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your Labradoodle puppy receives the right amount of nutrition for healthy growth without becoming overweight or underweight. Stick To A Consistent Feeding Routine Labradoodles thrive on routine, making it essential to establish a consistent feeding schedule. Feeding your puppy at the same times every day helps them maintain healthy digestion and prevents accidents in the house. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems down the line. Make sure everyone in your household knows when mealtime is so that nobody gives your pup any extra treats or scraps outside of those designated times. Giving in to their begging eyes with occasional treats is fine, however, too many high-calorie snacks or meals from the table can lead to obesity, which can cause joint problems and shorten their lifespan. Instead of giving in to those pleading brown eyes with human food or extra treats that are not part of their balanced diet, try rewarding them gradually throughout training sessions. Choosing low-fat dog treats that are healthy for your pup provides an appropriate way to reward good behavior while keeping them on track towards healthy growth. Training treats provide an excellent incentive for good behavior — they can reinforce positive habits such as potty training or leash manners. However, overfeeding these treats can lead to weight gain and other health concerns in puppies. FAQs: 1. The amount you feed your Labradoodle puppy will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. As a general rule of thumb, puppies under six months old should be fed three times per day while those over six months can be switched to two meals per day. It is recommended that you give your Labradoodle puppy high-quality dog food specifically formulated for puppies. Look for foods that contain a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to meet their nutritional needs at this stage in their development. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems while underfeeding can result in stunted growth and malnourishment. Some signs that you may be overfeeding include excessive weight gain or difficulty breathing while underweight dogs may have low energy levels or seem lethargic. Conclusion Feeding your Labradoodle puppy the right amount of food is crucial for their growth and development. With the help of a veterinarian, you can determine how much to feed your furry friend based on their age, weight, activity level, and nutritional needs. Establishing a feeding schedule with appropriate portion sizes and meal frequency is also important. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. From left to right here are some examples of faucet lixits, an adapter to allow for a Lixit to always be on a faucet without need for removal, and then indoor or traveling Lixits. Over the years, with many conversations with Vets, that I respect, I've learned that puppy food is essentially a marketing ploy. In fact, when we first found Life's Abundance they didn't even have puppy food. It was redundant for them to carry puppy food. However, after pressure from so many customers that had decades of "Puppy Chow" commercials engrained in their heads, Life's Abundance decided to include a puppy food. If you prefer to feed the puppy food for the first couple of months we understand and feel is your decision to make and we do support you. We just ask that you stay with Life's Abundance as it's the best dog food and it's what your puppy has been consuming it's entire life, as well as, it's mother's entire pregnancy and life. This video is a great video to explain how to compare dog foods. First, I have strong opinions about most things, it's just my personality. I'm a Momma Bear type with my doodles. Some of my insanity I was just born with and the other sixty percent was gained by enduring some tragedies I don't ever want any of my families, including you, going through. In case you don't know, Life's Abundance, the company that makes all our food, supplements, treats, grooming products, and cleaning products are all delivered right to your front door for a very affordable amount. Life's Abundance food is very affordable and I will include a video at the bottom for you to watch. The dog food is made fresh every two to four weeks then immediately shipped out so your doodle's food isn't sitting on some shelf, on some semi-truck, in some warehouse, who knows where , and for who knows how long. Instead, we know where the food is being made and it's then on our front door step. Why does this matter? Well, your doodle can't say to you, "Hey, my food tastes moldy and I think it's why my liver and kidneys are hurting me but you won't know until I have bloody urine or I'm really sick. Do you think you could get me some fresh food? Many years ago I had a lab mix that was getting really sick and after being diagnosed with terminal liver problems did we realize the food was moldy. Next, one of our doodles many years ago got into a bag of China made chicken treats and ate more than the recommended serving and within four days she was dead. It was the worst tragedy that even writing about it now makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up. My doodle was a normal, happy, fun loving doodle then suddenly the next morning she was so severely ill we had to go straight to the vet. Our doodle had no appetite, didn't want to move, was non-stop vomiting, with increased diarrhea with blood in it, she kept drinking water despite her belly looking so full, and she was constantly peeing and it was text book for poisoning from these treats. Telling this story has done me in for the night and I'm going to continue with my site later. I only explained this to help you from experiencing the heartbreak our family endured. From our experiences we searched long and far for a USA made dog food that never had a recall. When we did this search we found Life's Abundance. I checked and double checked this company. We learned it was started by a Vetrinarian which really impressed me from the beginning. Our doodles tested the food and loved it. We tried all the products and loved them. I searched all the dog food review websites and found rave reviews with an average of 4. I love that it was made fresh and never sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for months, in most cases. I've heard of some big box companies buying tons of food from different companies to get discounts and most of the food sits and waits, in some random warehouse that isn't temperature controlled, for the food to sell so it to can make in onto a shelf at your local store to then be purchased by you. The question remains, how long has that food sat from when it was first made? With Life's Abundance, I know the answer, it was made fresh then shipped to you and I. Without a doubt, I will continue to find good products for our doodles and I will passionately share them with you, our doodle families. If for some reason Life's Abundance changes their quality or their product goes downhill or there is a better product then I will change our website and I will tell you why. I take being a "Full Service Breeder" seriously. I believe that my job begins once you adopt one of our doodles. When you adopt your doodle and take it home you are also gaining a doodle friend and confidant that you can call and get support from for life. I'm here to help you so you can just enjoy your doodle and come to one place for sound, honest advice. As my mother used to say, sometimes I'm too honest so be careful what you ask : lol. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I love it when my German Shepherd sleeps on its back because she looks so happy and relaxed. But, there are actually many reasons that my German Shepherd could be sleeping on her back. So, why does my German Shepherd sleep on its back? This is Rada, my German Shepherd, sleeping on her back while propped up against a wall. You might find your German Shepherd asleep on its back throughout the day or night. That said, there are actually many reasons that your German Shepherd might choose to sleep on its back. And some of these reasons are helpful to your dog and show a lot about their personality. Think of lying on the floor and stretching out. Especially if you have a double layer of fur to rest upon the GSD has a double coat of hair. Sleeping on its back gives your German Shepherd a feeling of relaxation, allowing them to rest more comfortably than lying on their stomach with their legs under their body in a tight position. German Shepherds sleep upside down because they feel safe and this allows them to doze off without fear about an attack from predators or enemies. When my German Shepherd sleeps on her back I know that she feels secure and protected in her home and around me. Lying on the back allows more air to circulate around the body, over the belly, and to move around the paws. They also sleep in many other positions that can tell you a little bit about their mindset. Here are some of the most popular sleeping positions for a German Shepherd Dog. Sleeping close to you I love it when my German Shepherd sleeps next to me. She tends to like to sleep on the floor by my bed, close to me, but still with enough space to keep her cool. German Shepherds love to be part of a pack and sleeping close to you lets them feel more secure and relaxed since they are with their group. Curled up tightly I rarely see my German Shepherd sleeping curled up since curling up tightly allows a dog to maintain their heat more efficiently and she loves the cold. Some dogs also find curling up in a ball comfortable. Tail covering its nose Another way a German Shepherds sleeps is with their tails lying across their dark nose. This sleeping style mainly serves to keep their nose protected from the elements — such as snow, wind, or rain. See, they are almost attached at the hips? From stretched out under the table to plopping themselves right in the middle of the floor with the legs becoming a trip hazard, this side position allows your German Shepherd the greatest amount of real estate to extend their bodies. They can focus on stretching and relaxing, as opposed to being ready to run or having to protect themselves. Here she is again sleeping on her side next to my other dog. Do you see him right above her head and neck blending in with the dark blanket? They may also enjoy sleeping in the side position to lie next to something they enjoy — like another dog or cat they are friends with. On their belly This is one of the least common positions for a German Shepherd who is comfortable around you and their home. It is, however, the most alert way for a dog to sleep since they can easily stand up or jump quickly. Sleep helps to keep your German Shepherd healthy and relaxed. As your dog gets older and becomes a senior, they might also sleep longer and more deeply to make up for their lack of energy. And puppies need to rest so their bodies can have the energy to grow. Take care to let them have their downtime. Sleeping also allows their body to heal and revive itself, much like sleeping for people does. If your dog has an especially long day of exercise and activity they need the extra sleep in order to recharge their energy and let their muscles rest and recover. Find all about the healthiest exercise routine for your German Shepherd now! Should I wake my German Shepherd up? Waking a dog up can scare them and cause them to bite or nip you out of fear. And, how would you like someone to wake you up if you were sleeping soundly and having a wonderful dream? Let your German Shepherd sleep and rest. If you simply MUST wake them up for any reason use a small bit of food treat and place this under their nose. Why does my German Shepherd walk in circles before lying down to sleep? Making circles is natural for a dog to place their bodies in a comfortable position before they lie down. It also allows them to feel the ground with their paws and see if the surface is to their liking for a nap or sleep. Dogs tend to make circles to flatten the ground before the dog sleeps on the grass or dirt. Why does my German Shepherd twitch its body when sleeping? Much like when people sleep German Shepherds experience different sleep cycles. One of the sleep cycles common to both German Shepherds and us is called REM sleep, or rapid eye movement. During this phase of sleep, you may notice your German Shepherd moving their eyes back and forth under their closed eyelids, twitching their paws sometimes wildly and even hear a soft bark. Perhaps they dream they really can catch that squirrel this time… finally! Conclusion So, why does my German Shepherd sleep on its back? Animal behaviorists believe dogs sleep this way to be more comfortable, relaxed, safe, and happy. You might cause them discomfort, fear, or interrupt their dream during deep sleep. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This article covers everything you need to know as a german shepherd owner about GSD puppies and their sleep schedule. German Shepherd puppies sleep 15 — 20 hours a day. Yes, they sleep a lot. The bodies of GSD puppies go through a cycle of development in the first 12 months of being born, and hence the long nap time. Of course, understanding your puppies sleep schedule is crucial to taking good care of it. So that your puppy can grow healthy, and happy. In the beginning, the schedule is absolutely random. Once you have the schedule figured out, you can work around it to make things easier for yourself. When you first bring your puppy home, it might confuse you with the odd sleeping hours. Your pup might wake you up during the middle of the night, for bathroom breaks. A lot of german shepherd dog owners even get woken up 2 or 3 times. But, after a few weeks, your german shepherd puppy will get used to the schedule and not wake you up at night at all. Here are the causes behind the lengthy nap schedule of GSD puppies. Some are natural, while others can stir up concern for the owner. And a lot of this growth occurs during nap time. Most sources recommend 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age. So a 20 minute exercise session should be good for your 4 month old gsd puppy. However, the problem might be solved just by doing these. While others may prefer feeding them a home made diet. Raw diets are also becoming popular. It can cause problems later on. Your best bet is to check in with your vet, and ask for diet recommendations. So how much exercise should they do regularly? According to most of the sources, a 5 minute long walk at a time for every month of age should suffice. This means that if the puppy is 2 months old, then the exercise routine should be a 10 minute walk at a time. Here are the pointers that indicate when to stop exercising. Your puppy slows down. Your puppy starts panting. Your puppy starts laying on the ground. Age also plays a role in the intensity of workouts. Do not make it run excessively. Do not make it exercise on hard surfaces like sidewalks. Grass is the best area for your GSD puppy to exercise. Do not let it jump from the couch, furniture, or obstacles. Light fetch is also fine, after a few weeks. So you have to make sure that their brain stays engaged in their waking hours. Get your puppy their favourite toys. Take time training your puppy. Play a variety of games with your puppy. Get your puppy contraption toys that make the puppy do something with their paws, or sense of smell, instead of static toys. Give your puppy small healthy treats once they complete a task. Take Your Pup to the Vet This is the first option you should be considering if your puppy is sleeping too much or too less. Lack of sleep may cause your German Shepherd puppy to become aggressive , or even worse, not grow healthy. Give it a quiet and comfortable room to sleep. Let the puppy sleep whenever it wants or as much as it wants. No interruptions, just let it have its much deserved peace and quiet. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Comfortable Environment To Sleep You may not want your puppy to sleep on the bed, or the couch, due to various reasons like danger of falling or maybe hair fall. Buying a small dog bed or crate for your puppy is ideal. Make sure the crate or bed has soft material for your puppy to sleep. German shepherds are hardy animals. Just make sure their bed is soft and comfortable. Neither too hot nor too cold. Refrain your puppy from going into direct sunlight. Keep it in cool or shady areas. Make sure it has access to cool to cold water. Similarly, anything below 40 degree Fahrenheit or even 50 degree Fahrenheit is too cold for the puppy. If winter in your location hits hard, install heaters or a central heating system. Prepare cozy blankets for your puppy. Make sure your puppy is sleeping comfortably 15 — 20 hours a day. Have fun with your cute little puppy! Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Final Thoughts When your German Shepherd is a young puppy, it needs a lot of sleep to get enough energy for physical and mental growth. When it is awake, it will be more active, exploring new things and experiencing new sensations after a good, comfortable, and secure sleep. The time of German Shepherd sleep routines varies depending on the age. When it is a puppy, it needs hours, but as an adult, your doggy may sleep for hours per day and feel great. The Shepherd deprived of good sleep can develop behavioral disorders and get sick easier. The most commonly asked questions about the German Shepherd puppy sleep schedule relate to its early age. Your puppy needs about 18 hours of sleep per day, and some young doggies may even need a bit more. So, hours per hour period is considered a norm. As your furry friend gets older, the sleeping time reduces. Your 4-month-old puppy may even sleep 11 hours per day and feel perfect. Meanwhile, adult dogs sleep for hours per hour period. You need to keep in mind that your pup will not sleep the whole night before its 6-month mark soundly. The reasons are missing the littermates and mother and feeling insecure surrounded by new smells and noises. However, the most important reason is the small size of its bladder that does not allow it to retain from potty for such a long time. So, it may start whining and crying if it wants to go potty. The latter issue is vital for potty training — you need to go out to potty times per night before your doggy reaches months old to avoid accidents. You may even need to wake up your puppy at night to do without unexpected occasions. Your little pup may also start crying at night for other reasons, for example, if it is scared or feels lonely or hungry. You can try to help it sleep better in several ways. First of all, ensure that your pet is tired enough before going to bed. Take it out for 5 minutes to walk during its first month and add the next 5 minutes for every month of its life. For example, your 4-month-old puppy can walk for 20 minutes. If your puppy is very young, let it sleep in your room when you first get it home. Put the crate beside your bed to comfort it easily during the night. You also need to offer your new pet familiar objects, for example, clothes or toys with the scent of its previous home. Arrange a comfortable sleeping place equipped with blankets, stuffed toys, and snacks. You may even play soothing music during bedtime, eliminating anxiety and preventing whining. Classical music is a good choice for this purpose. Comfortable bedding is essential. The space should not be large because they may attempt to do their business right where they are sleeping if they find a vacant spot. However, move the crate out of your bed when it gets older. Do it gradually, moving it farther and farther every night. Then, the time will come to take it away from your bedroom, and your puppy will feel comfortable with it. The difference between human and dog sleep cycles is dramatic. They are much shorter in dogs. Dogs have only two REM cycles at a time. They last 6 minutes. Dogs are polyphasic sleepers because they can also go to bed in the daytime. People are monophasic, sleeping hours at night. That is why while people spend their daytime working and alert, dogs need about 5 hours of rest per day. They do not necessarily sleep fast during this time. There has been a discussion on whether dogs can dream. Yes, dreaming can occur during the REM phase. Puppies may dream even more than adult dogs because they sleep more and their nervous system is not stable at all. So, they may dream about their daily activities, food, playing with you, and other things that are processed in their brain. When you notice that your pup moves its limbs as if running or murmurs something while sleeping, it is evidence of its dreaming. What do they mean? The most widely observed position is sleeping on the back. The reasons for this position are the following: Your pet feels entirely comfortable. This position provides complete relaxation. The pup feels safe and protected. Your dog trusts you if it exposes its vulnerable stomach to the outer world. It does not expect attacks from any enemies or predators. That is why canines rarely sleep on their backs in the wild. Your doggy wants to express submission. It does not mean challenging your authority or confronting other animals in the house. The German Shepherd may just want to feel colder. Its thick plush coat, especially if it is long-haired, does not allow it to cool down easily, so it lays on its back to let the air circulate around its body, over the belly, and paws. In this case, you may notice your dog lying on its back on the cold tile or even near the open window. German Shepherds also sleep in many other positions. The most popular of them include the following: Close to their owner. It is pretty pleasing when your doggy sleeps by your bed or is somehow close to you. Shepherds like to feel a part of a pack, so if they sleep like that, they feel more secure. Tightly curled up. This position allows a German Shepherd to maintain the heat efficiently. These dogs usually sleep like that in cold weather or if they feel something threatening to protect their neck and stomach against unexpected attacks. With the tail on their nose. A German Shepherd has a very sensitive nose, and it wants to protect it from rain, snow, or wind. It happens when your dog sleeps outdoors, especially in winter. On the side. This position allows the doggy to extend its muscles and joint as much as possible. It also means that the Shepherd feels comfortable and confident in this environment and does not expect any enemies or unwanted encounters. This position can also be observed if they sleep next to another animal — a cat or a dog — they consider their friends. On the belly. If your doggy feels comfortable, this position is uncommon. Moreover, it is neither comfortable nor relaxing. However, it can easily and quickly stand up and jump or run from it if it is needed. They mostly depend on their personality. The question of sleeping with your German Shepherd puppy is essential for many dog owners. The common advice is not to do that during the first months of your pup in your home. Instead, you can put its dog bed or crate next to your bed to soothe it quickly if it feels uncomfortable or scared. Moreover, your young doggy may have accidents at night, and you need to potty train it first. However, when your dog is an adult, you can do it, and it will bring a lot of positive moments to both of you. When your doggy is well-behaved and trained properly, you may get a lot of benefits from sleeping with it. They are the following: you will increase your comfort and security; your overall health condition can improve; the risk of sudden death will decrease; the cholesterol and triglyceride levels will go down; the blood pressure will become lower; this kind of sleeping can promote creativity; it will regulate your heartbeat rates; your memory will improve; you will wake up in a great mood due to the flow of oxytocin; you will feel absolutely protected and safe; the furry and cuddly friend will make you feel cozy and comfortable; the immunity will boost. Of course, close and continuous contact with animals can provoke allergic reactions. However, recent research shows that children who sleep with their pets are less likely to develop any allergies when they grow up. You may wonder why your doggy sleeps so much or has just changed its sleeping habits dramatically. Generally, an adult German Shepherd sleeps hours per day, but puppies and senior dogs sleep longer, which is normal. You can consider different causes if your pup sleeps too much and decide what you can do after talking to your vet. Your doggy needs this time to develop or restore its brain, central nervous system, immune system, and muscles. It uses so much energy during the day that it needs to compensate for it while sleeping. However, if your grown-up German Shepherd sleeps more than 14 hours and is apathetic all the other time, you may start to be concerned and take your pup to the vet. Excess heat. German Shepherds are bred to feel comfortable in colder environments. That is why they have double-layered coats. When the weather is very hot, they become sleepy to cool down. Just give it access to shade and cool areas and provide it with good amounts of water during the day. Never let it stay in direct sunlight. Your pup does not feel well. If your German Shepherd started sleeping more for no reason, it might be a sign of some health issues. So, you need to have it checked by the vet immediately. Your doggy is bored. German Shepherds are working dogs with a lot of energy and drive. You should exercise your pet a lot. At least one hour of intense exercise per day is vital. However, be careful not to overexercise your pup when it is little. Add 5 minutes of walking and training per every month of its age, or you can damage its bones and joints. Pick out an appropriate diet. Poor diet may be a cause of extensive sleeping. Talk to your vet to choose the diet your Shepherd needs, or opt for one meant specifically for German Shepherds. Age is a crucial factor. You know now that little puppies need a lot of sleep, and it is normal when your fluffy cub sleeps hours per day. The same is applicable to senior dogs. Older animals need more sleep to restore their muscles and brain activity. Moreover, they get tired easily and need a lot of rest. To make your pup sleep according to its age and environment, you may need to make some changes and deal with different factors. Consider the weather conditions too. If your pup sleeps more when it is cold or hot outside, it is also a normal reaction to temperature changes. If it gets to sleep immediately after feeding , you may need to adjust the diet a bit. If not, make some changes. Always check whether it has constant access to fresh water. Underhydration can be one of the reasons for a long sleep. Of course, when you notice abrupt changes, you must take your pet to the veterinarian. Long sleeping time may be the first sign of some unpleasant health disorders. Little puppies can sleep hours per day, while adult dogs usually need hours of sleep round-the-clock. If your German Shepherd starts sleeping too much, it may be a sign of a minor illness. The excess sleeping may also be a result of heat, boredom, or a poor diet. Older German Shepherds can also start sleeping a lot. Why does my German Shepherd sleep on its back? When your dog sleeps on its back, it always looks cute. The reasons for it can be different, but the main one is that it feels comfortable and absolutely trusts you. It can also show submission in this way, or it is too hot, and your doggy wants to cool down. Why is my German Shepherd breathing so fast while sleeping? Breathing faster means that your doggy is in its REM phase of sleep, which is accompanied by a high amount of brain activity. So, your pup needs more energy and starts breathing faster to get an additional amount of oxygen for the brain. Breathing fast helps it transfer this oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream, converting it into energy. How many hours does a German Shepherd sleep? The number of hours your German Shepherd pup can sleep is pretty individual. There are no strict standards. Little puppies sleep hours daily, while adult dogs reduce this number to .Senior dogs can sleep more — hours is normal. Ill doggies can sleep most time because sleeping helps them recover. Final Thoughts Remember that comfortable and safe German Shepherd sleeping is key to its healthy and happy life. All sleeping habits are pretty individual. If your German Shepherd sleeps well, you will enjoy long years together. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. As mentioned, German Shepherd puppies have short bursts of energy followed by long, restful naps. When playing or on a walk, it may seem like your puppy has a limitless store of excitement. Once they wear out, however, they tend to fall into a deep sleep—and may even snore! On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. During growth periods, they may only get up to eat or go for a walk. Once fully grown, a German Shepherd will sleep around 12 or 14 hours a day. German Shepherds will take naps throughout the day, then sleep while their human sleeps for 6 or 8 hours. You can ensure your German Shepherd gets adequate exercise by taking it for long walks or hikes, playing fetch, or engaging it with agility workouts and puzzle toys. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and need mental and physical stimulation for health and happiness. German Shepherds are naturally alert and protective , making them ideal for farm, police, military, and guard work. If you live in a busy area, you may want to provide your German Shepherd with a dark, quiet room to sleep in. If you use a crate or kennel, you can drape a blanket over it to shut out some light and sound for restful sleep. This is especially helpful with young puppies that may experience separation anxiety. Cars, buzzing insects, appliances, televisions, and cell phones can all make noises that put your dog on alert. German Shepherds usually live between 9 and 13 years. During this stage, your German Shepherd may sleep a bit more than the expected 12 or 14 hours a day, just like an older human. Along with the change in sleep patterns, your senior German Shepherd may show some graying around the eyes and muzzle, less interest in playing, and less energy for walks and hikes. If your German Shepherd is sleeping more than 14 hours as an adult, should you be worried? In some cases, longer sleep or more frequent sleep could indicate that your dog is experiencing a minor illness. If your German Shepherd is sleeping excessively for several weeks, however, you may want to take it to the vet for a checkup. Conditions like diabetes , hypothyroidism , Lyme disease , and arthritis can lead to increased sleep and may require treatment. Related Reads:. By Retriever Pets Ever wondered why your german shepherd sleeps a lot and is in weird positions? While asleep, your body can fix what has been injured or depleted, improving your mind, health, and general wellbeing. This is not only true for human beings but also for German Shepherds. But how much should a german shepherd puppy, adult, or senior sleep? A German Shepherd should have hours of sleep on average. This pattern may change with the kind of lifestyle the dogs end up living. For instance, older and younger German Shepherd tend to sleep more, while working or active German Shepherds tend to sleep less. You may have a German Shepherd that is quick to nap and you may have one that looks like it is a night owl. In this article, we talk about German Shepherds and their sleep patterns. We also discuss lifestyles that prevent German Shepherds from sleeping well and the dangers of such lifestyles. Read on and find out more about naptime and German Shepherds. Importance of Sleep to a German Shepherd German Shepherds are some of the most active and energetic dogs. They are highly intelligent maintaining a strong reputation as loyal and protective dog breeds. Initially bred as herding dogs, they portrayed strong guarding and protective instincts and have over the years become the preferred guard, guide, military, police, search and rescue dogs. What a resume!!!! But to have all these possible, German Shepherds have to be in tiptop shape. They have to be trained, fed, protected and constantly shown attention. Like all mammals, sleep is a very important element in the well-being of German Shepherds. Through sleep, German Shepherds can attain the following benefits: For better brain function — German Shepherds face many mental challenges on a typical day. For the dog to be highly effective in both mental and physical activities during the day, it has to have a certain period of mental and physical inactivity to rejuvenate brain function. This keeps the dog alert throughout the day. For Memory Retention — German Shepherds are intelligent and can often be taught a variety of lessons throughout their day. To ensure that these lessons stick, sleeping plays a key role. A well-rested German Shepherd can perform and remember certain tasks better than a fatigued German Shepherd. Strengthens the Immune System — Sleep-deprived German Shepherds are more prone to sickness and infections. For Physical Recovery — Sleep is a naturally rejuvenates. A German Shepherd is extremely active and, by the end of any day, could be extremely exhausted. By Sleeping, German Shepherds can rest and recover from physical exhaustion. German Shepherd puppies need to sleep for hours if they are to grow well. Sleep deprivation can suppress the release of this hormone, among others, that are critical for proper mental and physical development. Sleeping Habits of a German Shepherd Puppy Young German Shepherd puppies require more hours of sleep so that they may grow and develop. Typically, these puppies require hours of sleep per day. They require adequate food and rest as they easily get tired, especially during training and play-time. Due to its guarding and protective nature, you may find an adult German Shepherd sleeping lesser hours due to how active it is during the day. Additionally, the need to protect forces the German Shepherd to remain alert; hence, they end up becoming light sleepers. Their bodies are slowly deteriorating. Just like young German Shepherds, these senior citizens will sleep from hours. Do you own a German shepherd and want to get a cat and want to know if they get along? Why does my German Shepherd sleep so much? You may be wondering why your German Shepherd sleeps a lot. Several reasons could explain this behavior. German Shepherd puppies sleep for hours a day. This allows them to grow well, developing a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles. Adult German Shepherd sleep for hours a day. Depending on the kind of lifestyle they are living, adult German Shepherd needs to be alert and hence will sleep less. When they do sleep, they are extremely light sleepers keeping an ear out for danger. Senior German Shepherds sleep for hours. Their body organs are slowly deteriorating and they are becoming less and less energetic. At this age, German Shepherds tire out more quickly and end up sleeping more often. As the adult German shepherd grows older, it will certainly start sleeping more often. Nature Unlike human beings who require hours of sleep a day, a German Shepherd sleeps for hours a day Coile, .This is an important process as a German Shepherd is quite active and energetic. During the day, you will find the dog playing and roughhousing. Heat The current temperature can also greatly affect how much a German Shepherd sleeps. German Shepherds were initially bred to thrive in cold environments hence why they have double coats. However, in regions where the weather is hot, German Shepherds become sleepy sleeping for more than 14 hours a day. If you live in a warm or hot area, ensure your German Shepherd has access to shade, cool areas, and water throughout the day. Also, ensure that you take your German shepherd on walks when the sun is not directly overhead. Illness When a German shepherd is sick, it can also sleep longer than it is used to. If you notice that your German shepherd sleeping suddenly, more often and exhibiting certain behavioral changes, such as being lethargic, it is likely they are sick. Check-in with your vet if you suspect this. Boredom German Shepherds sleep because they are bored. With such an active and energetic personality, German Shepherds need a lot of physical and mental stimulation throughout their day. They also require a lot of attention from their owner. When German Shepherds are not mentally stimulated, they can easily get bored and sleep more often. You must consider increasing the number of activities that your German Shepherd is exposed to in a day. If it is a puppy, limiting the amount of exercise is critical for its growth as it can end up hurting its joints. Diet The diet you are feeding your German Shepherd also contributes to how long it will sleep in a day. Your German Shepherd requires a healthy and balanced diet to ensure it has a normal sleeping pattern. However, if you change its diet and it is not balanced, your German Shepherd may start sleeping more than usua Research on the best German Shepherd diets to follow to ensure you do not end up giving your pup an unbalanced diet. German Shepherds sleep problem Yes, German Shepherds can have sleeping problems if their state of mind is affected. Certain mental conditions or diseases could lead to the development of sleeping problems. They often act out the dreams they are experiencing with vocal sounds, sudden violet leg movements, twitching, and other bodily movements. In extreme cases, the German Shepherd can attack objects violently and run wild. When they wake up it is as if nothing happened and they continue with their life as normal. This is most common in obese German Shepherds whose airways have been narrowed by fat deposits. Such dogs will often snore loudly to the point of being startled by their own snores. They will wake up sluggish and tired. In extreme cases, Chronic Sleep Apnea can be fatal where the dog is unable to breathe properly when asleep. Insomnia — When German shepherds have certain health and mental issues, such as depression, stress, flea infestation, anxiety, chronic pain, and pent-up energy, they may experience insomnia. Narcolepsy Sleep Disorder — It is a sleeping disorder that causes a German Shepherd to suddenly collapse and sleep when it is excited or during physical activity. The German Shepherd does not experience any pain. Sleeping positions You may find your German Shepherd sleeping in a weird position, one that looks as though it is defying the laws of nature. This is typical of all German Shepherds. The sleeping position your German Shepherd chooses often spells out the kind of life they are living and the influence the surroundings may be having on them at that particular moment. Let us check out a few sleeping positions and understand what they mean. Sleeping upside down This is one of the weirdest and hilarious positions to find your German Shepherd taking a nap. The legs are usually suspended in the air, and the dog practically looks like it is playing dead. Finding your German Shepherd sleeping in this position could mean one of three things: The pup is relaxed and comfortable with its paws facing up. The dog is submitting to its owners The dog feels very safe and does not have to worry about being attacked by enemies The dog is trying to cool down Sleeping on the side A German Shepherd sleeping on its side normally has its paws outstretched before it. This is one of the most common sleeping positions for German Shepherds and is evident when the dog wants to stretch its legs so that they are more relaxed. Also, if you find them sleeping in this position, it signifies that the dog is feeling comfortable and safe in that environment. Sleeping while curled up like a ball This is also one of the weird positions you may find a German Shepherd sleeping, especially where the pup chooses to cuddle up in a small space, such as a basket or box. Typically, your German shepherd sleeps in this position to keep warm. You will often find the puppy curled up this way in colder months. Sleeping on its front This is one of the most natural sleeping positions for German shepherds. It is a position that allows them to stay alert and attack in case of anything. This position gives them an added advantage as they can quickly rise to their feet and charge. Tail wrapped over its nose This position is not as common. A sleeping German Shepherd will want to protect the most exposed part of its body, being the nose, from any injuries or flying elements. You will find a German Shepherd sleeping in this position during seasons where the weather is harsh, for instance when it raining, snowing, or windy. Sited but Upright Picture a Kangaroo sitting down. Yes, this is a legitimate sleeping position for a German Shepherd. It is hands-down, one of the weirdest and uncommon sleeping positions. The pup sits on its tail with its hind legs stretched before it, and the upper body rests either on a wall or back of a chair supported on either side. Such a position just shows how comfortable and safe your dog feels. Also, it allows the pup to cool off. These are some of the most common German Shepherd sleeping positions. They communicate a lot about their current situation and the influence the environment may be having on them. For instance, if you find your German Shepherd sleeps while curled up during extremely hot days, it may be an indication that the pup is coming down with something. Where should a German Shepherd Sleep? Now that we have covered the reason a German Shepherd sleeps and its sleeping habits, let us talk about where it should sleep. We all know that a good bed or sleeping structure highly contributes to how well we rest. Is this true for Germans Shepherds as well? Yes, providing a safe and comfortable environment where a German Shepherd sleeps is important. Most German Shepherd owners provide a doggie bed; however, this is not enough. Ensure that the bed is placed in a suitable location. Place the doggie bed in a location that not too hot. Also, ensure that the dog has access to clean water from where it sleeps. This will give the dog a comfortable sleeping environment. Since you are part of their flock, they will want to sleep next to you. Its Protective instincts German Shepherds have very strong protective instincts. At night especially, they would rather sleep next to you and protect you, than in the other room. Separation Anxiety Genetically, German shepherds were bred as herd animals. They will want to spend every waking moment with members of their flock. As a member of its flock, expect the German Shepherd to get quite anxious and angry when you leave it behind. This is why it is attached to you and may also want to sleep in your bed at night. They are trained to sleep next to people Your German Shepherd may have been trained to sleep next to people as a puppy. If you allowed your German Shepherd to sleep in your bed, or if its previous owners allowed the pup to sleep with them, then sleeping with you even in old age is normal. This is the most likely reason for their behavior. In summary: German Shepherd sleep Position, Habits and quantity An adult German Shepherd should have hours of sleep each day, while puppies and senior German Shepherds sleep for hours. Of course, the amount of sleep highly depends on the lifestyle and health of the German Shepherd. A Healthy German Shepherd will get its beauty sleep, and most times, the sleeping position will communicate how comfortable, safe, and rested the dog is. However, if the pup is battling any sort of health condition, whether mental or physical, sleep patterns may likely be affected. You may find that your German Shepherd sleeps less or more depending on the kind of illness it is battling. Therefore, if you want a healthy German Shepherd, be sure to check on its habits and conditions. Ensure you provide the most comfortable option for the pup, be it sleeping on its own bed or yours. Puppies are similar to babies, they eat, poop, play and sleep. This article will answer those questions and give you some insight into German Shepherd puppy sleeping habits. Yes, German Shepherd puppies sleep a lot. A GSD pup will normally sleep upwards of 18 to 20 hours a day. They are usually asleep unless you are engaging with them in some way. It is normal for German Shepherd puppies to sleep up to 20 hours a day. GSD puppies sleep so much because their bodies are still developing and growing fast so they need to sleep to fuel that process. As they get older, they will sleep a little less. German Shepherd puppies should sleep in a crate when really young and not yet trained. This is because if your puppy has too much space to roam, it will be harder to get them potty trained as they will just find a spot to do their business away from where they are sleeping. Some of the best crates for German Shepherd puppies are ones that can grow with your pup and come with a divider. This is not to say your pup has be crated forever, think of this as a tool to help them get house-trained faster and to keep them safe. As mentioned above, it is too easy for them to find a spot to do their business if they have free access to the whole room at night. However, once your puppy knows how to wake you up for their bathroom break, it is really a personal decision as to whether you want your pup to sleep in your bed. German Shepherd Puppy Sleeping Habits As mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies will usually sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day, which is totally normal. It is also normal for a puppy to not be able to sleep through the night. Just like newborn babies need to get on a schedule so does your new puppy. When my GSD puppy first came home, she usually woke me up two or three times each night for potty breaks. Final Thoughts German Shepherd puppies sleep a lot because their bodies are developing and going through a lot of growth when they are really young. It is normal for a puppy to only be awake for 6 hours a day when you first bring them home. Unless they are playing with toys , eating, drinking, or going outside, they will probably be sleeping. If you feel like your GSD puppy is sleeping too much you can check with your vet to make sure all is ok just for peace of mind. Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might sleep so much and the signs to look for. Nature It is natural for a German Shepherd to sleep for between 12 and 14 hours per day source. Since German Shepherds use up a lot of energy it is necessary for them to get a lot of sleep so that they are able to direct their energy towards growing and repairing the muscles. With that being said, if your German Shepherd sleeps for more than 14 hours per day and it is lethargic when it is awake then it may be cause for concern and it would help to take it to a vet. That is unless it is a puppy or it is old in which case it would be normal for them to sleep for more than 14 hours per day. Heat Heat can also contribute to a German Shepherd becoming sleepy. German Shepherds are designed to thrive in colder environments which is why they have double coats. As a result of this, when the weather starts to heat up, it can cause them to be more sleepy. Heat would be much more likely to be the reason that your GSD has been sleeping a lot if it suddenly started to sleep a lot more when the weather became hotter. If that is the case, it would help to make sure that it has access to shade, cool areas and water throughout the day. It would also help to avoid letting it out in direct sunlight when the sun is directly overhead. Illness Illness can also cause a German Shepherd to be more sleepy. This would be more likely to be the reason if your German Shepherd suddenly started to sleep a lot more than it used to. It would also be more likely if its behavior changed suddenly or if it became lethargic as well. If you think that it might be sleeping too much due to illness then the best option for you would be to have it checked up on by a vet. Boredom Boredom could also be the reason that your German Shepherd has been sleeping a lot. German Shepherds are meant to be working dogs which means that they are designed to be very active when they are awake. Generally, it is recommended that a German Shepherd should get an hour of exercise per day. If your German Shepherd is not currently getting that much exercise then it would help to make sure that it does. However, if it is a puppy then it is recommended that you limit the amount of exercise that it gets to 5 minutes per month of age each day. This is because too much exercise might damage their joints. Diet A poor diet could also be why your German Shepherd sleeps a lot. This would be especially likely if it started to sleep more at around the same time that you changed its diet. You can look at this website to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. If it is young or old As mentioned above, the age of your German Shepherd will have an impact on how much it will naturally sleep. German Shepherd puppies need to sleep a lot since it is when they are sleeping that they grow and they grow fast. This is why it is normal for a German Shepherd puppy to sleep for between 15 and 20 hours per day source. On the other hand, when a German Shepherd gets older it will sleep a lot then as well. This is because they tire out more easily. Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to sleep less it would help to consider a number of things. If it suddenly started to sleep more If your German Shepherd has always slept a lot but it is lively when it is awake then it is likely that it sleeps a lot naturally. Whereas, if it has suddenly started to sleep a lot more than it usually does then it would be more likely that there is something wrong. The list mentioned above could all be reasons that your German Shepherd suddenly started sleeping a lot. It would help to consider what else changed at around the same time that it started to sleep more than usual. If it has also become lethargic when it is awake or its behavior has changed then it would likely be worthwhile for you to take it to the vet. When your German Shepherd sleeps a lot It would also help to consider when it seems to sleep a lot. For example, if you notice that it only seems to sleep a lot when it is hot outside then it would likely be because of the heat. Whereas, if you notice that it sleeps shortly after feeding it then its diet might have something to do with it. What to do about your German Shepherd sleeping so much Below, I will mention a number of things that you can do about your German Shepherd sleeping so much. Allow it to As mentioned above, it is natural for a German Shepherd to be sleeping a lot. With that being the case, one of the best things that you will be able to do is to allow it to continue to sleep as much as it needs to. Make sure that it is able to sleep comfortably Seeing as they are meant to be sleeping a lot, it would help if you can make its sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. You can do this by ensuring that it is not too hot where it sleeps, it is comfortable for it and that it has access to water when it wants it. Make sure that its diet is right Seeing as its diet could be contributing to it sleeping so much it would help to ensure that it is getting the right diet. Keep it cool Seeing as its diet could be contributing to it sleeping so much it would help to ensure that it is getting the right diet. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd is sleeping so much or you think that there might be something wrong then the best option for you would be to have a vet look at it. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. During sleep a German Shepherds brain, central nervous system, immune system and muscles develop. Since German Shepherd puppies grow quickly it is necessary for them to get a lot of sleep so that they are able to direct their energy towards growing. With that being said, if your German Shepherd puppy sleeps for more than 20 hours per day and it is lethargic when it is awake then it may be cause for concern and it would help to take it to a vet. Other things that can cause a German Shepherd puppy to sleep a lot While it is normal for a German Shepherd puppy to sleep a lot there are also a number of other factors that could be contributing to it sleeping so much. Additionally, if it is more than 16 weeks old, it should be starting to sleep much less than it used to. If it is sleeping for more than 14 hours per day then it could be that there is something else contributing to it. Below, I will mention a number of things that could be causing your German Shepherd puppy to be sleeping a lot. Heat Heat can also contribute to a German Shepherd puppy becoming sleepy. German Shepherds are designed to thrive in colder environments which is why they have double coats. As a result of this, when the weather starts to heat up, it can cause them to be more sleepy. Heat would be much more likely to be the reason why your GSD puppy has been sleeping a lot if it suddenly started to sleep a lot more when the weather became hotter. If that is the case, it would help to make sure that it has access to shade, cool areas and water throughout the day. It would also help to avoid letting it out in direct sunlight when the sun is directly overhead. Illness Illness can also cause a German Shepherd puppy to be more sleepy. This would be more likely to be the reason if your German Shepherd puppy suddenly started to sleep a lot more than it used to. It would also be more likely if its behavior changed suddenly or if it became lethargic as well. If you think that it might be sleeping too much due to illness then the best option for you would be to have it checked up on by a vet. Boredom It might be the case that it has been sleeping more than usual due to boredom. German Shepherds are highly active, while they are awake, when they are young. If they do not have things to stimulate them in their environment then it can cause them to become bored. German Shepherd adults require a lot of exercise. However, the amount that you should be exercising your German Shepherd puppy will be a lot less since their joints are not fully developed yet. Instead, you can keep it occupied, while it is young, by training it to behave the way that you want it to when it is older. It is important to take the time to train it while it is young since it will be easier to change its habits and you will be able to avoid behavioral issues when it gets older. Diet A poor diet could also be why your German Shepherd puppy sleeps a lot. This would be especially likely if it started to sleep more at around the same time that you changed its diet. You can look at this website to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd puppy. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. You can get dog food specifically designed for German Shepherd puppies on Chewy here. Too much exercise While it could be the case that your German Shepherd puppy gets bored, it could also be the case that it is getting too much exercise. Since German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly it is important not to exercise them too much otherwise it can damage their joints. According to the Kennel Club , a good rule of thumb is to give your German Shepherd puppy 5 minutes of exercise per day for every month of age. So, if it is 3 months old, it would be recommended to limit its exercise to 15 minutes. If your German Shepherd puppy is lethargic when it is awake then it would be a sign that you are giving it too much exercise. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Consider if it suddenly started sleeping a lot more If your German Shepherd puppy has slept a lot right from the start but it is lively when it is awake then it is likely that it sleeps a lot naturally. Whereas, if it has suddenly started to sleep a lot more than it usually does then it would be more likely that there is something wrong. The list mentioned above could all be reasons why your German Shepherd puppy suddenly started sleeping a lot. It would help to consider what else changed at around the same time that it started to sleep more than usual. If it has also become lethargic when it is awake or its behavior has changed then it would likely be worthwhile for you to take it to the vet. What to do about your German Shepherd puppy sleeping a lot There are a number of things that you can do about your German Shepherd puppy sleeping a lot that I will mention below. Allow it to sleep as much as it needs to As mentioned above, it is natural for a German Shepherd puppy to be sleeping a lot. With that being the case, one of the best things that you will be able to do is to allow it to continue to sleep as much as it needs to. You should find that it will, gradually, begin to sleep less as it gets older. Make its sleeping environment comfortable Seeing as they are meant to be sleeping a lot, it would help if you can make its sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. You can do this by ensuring that it is not too hot where it sleeps, it is comfortable for it and that it has access to water when it wants it. Ensure that its diet is right Seeing as its diet could be contributing to it sleeping so much it would help to ensure that it is getting the right diet. Give it access to cool and shaded areas If you live in a warm area then it would likely be helpful if you can ensure that your GSD puppy has access to cool and shaded areas when it wants it. It would also help to avoid taking it outside when it is hot out and to do it in the morning or evening instead. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd puppy is sleeping so much or you think that there might be something wrong then the best option for you would be to have a vet look at it. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. They are the second most popular breed in America. German Shepherds are an active breed that requires extensive physical and mental training to stay engaged. Their bites have lbs of force, which is close to 3 times the force of a human bite. Make sure train to your pup not to bite unless the person is an intruder. A German Shepherd puppy can adopt the same routine as a human baby. Incorporate enough time throughout the day for a rotating schedule of eating, potty breaks, playing, and sleeping. Providing a balanced and engaging schedule for your puppy will get him or her more able to become accustomed to sleep training. Your new puppy will be getting used to their new home with you and adjusting to your sleep schedule as well. When the pup is not playing, eating, or taking potty breaks, he or she may squeeze in a day time nap. Their bladders are not fully developed yet, so they are always in need of a potty break. Be prepared for your puppy to wake you up in the middle of the night the first few weeks of bringing him or her home for midnight potty breaks. If you have multiple adults in the house, create a rotating schedule of who will take out the dog for a midnight potty break based on the day of the week. If you have yourself and two others in your home, try a schedule like this: You: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday Significant other, roommate, or another family member: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Your older child or teenager: Saturday nights only What Are Other Reasons for Sleeping a Lot? There are other contributing factors as to why your German Shepherd puppy is sleeping a lot. When they are just months old, their normal sleep schedule will be for normal growth and development of their brain, immune system, and joints. Keep an eye on the other factors that could be reasons as to why he or she is sleeping more and adjust their environment accordingly. Poor diet, excessive exercise, sickness, heat, and boredom could be other reasons for your puppy sleeping more than usual. If your pup is not eating the right nutritious food, he or she could become sleepier throughout the day. Your pup should eat protein-rich nutritious dog food specially formulated for German Shepherds. According to Pet Care Rx , the age, activity, and general health of your pup will decide how much calories it needs throughout the day which is anywhere from to per day. Pet Care Rx suggests giving your pup one of the following for a balanced diet. Young puppies are still in the process of developing their bones and joints. Excessive exercise will only tire your German Shepherd puppy out faster and repeated instances of too much exercise could mess up their sleep schedule. The German Shepherd Shop recommends the following exercises to help your pup stay healthy. Limit tug of war activities to only minutes at a time. Take your puppy on small walks around the block for optimal exercise. Play fetch for about 5 minutes at a time which could be a good throws. Encourage normal puppy free play with their toys at their leisure. German Shepherd Shop discourages doing the following high-impact exercises with your pup. Prolonged games of fetch or tug of war Long hikes or walks Agility training that is not aged appropriately for your pup Sickness If your German Shepherd puppy is sick, he or she may sleep more to fight off the bad bacteria and viruses. If your puppy is acting differently and not as active as usual, take note of this for repeated occurrences. A common German Shepherd sickness is hip dysplasia which could lead to arthritis because of the continuous inflammation in the hips. Degenerative myelopathy, bloating, blood disorders, and epilepsy are also common health issues in German Shepherds. If your German Shepherd puppy continues to act abnormally than how he or usually behaves, schedule a visit with the veterinarian to be on the safe side. This breed naturally thrives better in colder climates and a high amount of heat outside or inside the house can cause more sleepiness. In the summer, be sure the air conditioner is at a comfortable temperature so your puppy feels comfortable. Consider placing a waterproof dog mat or bed and a dog bowl of water at this area for your pup to stay properly cool and hydrated. If your puppy loves the snow during winter, only give him or her a few minutes of snowy playtime so they do not get hypothermia. Your Pup is Bored Naturally, boredom leads to sleeping more. Refer to German Shepherd Corner for some of the best toys for German Shepherds to get ideas of what toys to get for your curious pup. Purchase a few toys as a start and observe your pup. Does he or she like to chew, tug, or fetch more? Maybe get one toy each that encourages these activities and see which toy your German Shepherd puppy loves most. Once you have figured that out, you can stock up on their favorite toy for when the original one becomes worn out. Related Posts. They need to go to the toilet How to stop a german shepherd puppy crying at night? There are many different reasons that your pup may be crying at night. Fortunately, there are also lots of ways to help him sleep better at night. Here are a few of the ways you can stop your german shepherd puppy from crying at night: Exercise to tire your German Shepherd puppy out: Your puppy should be taken out for 5 minutes for however many months old they are. For example, a 3-month-old puppy would be taken out for 15 minutes. Make sure you tire them out enough to help them sleep better at night. Let your German Shepherd puppy outside before bed: Make sure you let your puppy outside to relieve himself before putting him to bed. Surround your German Shepherd puppy with familiar objects: Bring clothing with the scent of the home or the breeder next to him while he sleeps. This will help give him something familiar and help him ease into the transition to his new home. Play soothing music: Playing classical music before and during bedtime can help alleviate whining and anxiety as well as drown out other noise or unfamiliar sounds that may upset or rouse your puppy. The average dog sleeps for only 45 minutes at a time, while human sleep cycles are much longer, lasting 70 to minutes. Dogs can only experience two sleep cycles during that time period. Dogs also differ from humans in that they are polyphasic sleepers, which means they sleep on and off throughout the day. Humans, on the other hand, are monophasic sleepers. Most humans receive their 7 to 9 hours of sleep all at once. While humans spend most of their waking hours awake and alert, dogs dedicate up to 5 hours of their day to simply resting. Dogs who rest more during the day tend to seem happier and more relaxed. Do dogs dream and what about? Dreaming occurs mainly during this REM phase of sleep. And dogs do cycle through REM during their sleep. So its make sense to believe that dog do dream. A puppy will spend more time in dream sleep than an adult dog as they fall asleep more often. So just what are our furry friends dreaming about? Anything your dog does during the day is being processed while they sleep and relived in their dream. This can be observed by their twitching whiskers, the whimpering, and the running paws while they are sleeping. Chances are that your dog may also be dreaming about you if you spend enough quality time interacting with them. They will be dreaming about your play session, walks, and cuddle time together. Where should my German Shepherd puppy sleep? German Shepherd puppies should sleep inside with comfortable beddings. This is because if your puppy has too much space to roam, it will be harder to get them potty trained as they will just find a spot to do their business away from where they are sleeping. You can place the crate beside your bed or in an area close to you. In this way, your new furry friend can smell you. And it gives him a sense of security. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Your puppy needs to get used to a regular schedule, work on their independence, and see you as the dominant figure. Once your GSD has become an adult months-old to 2-year-old , it will be fine for you to sleep with him. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep with me? A new dog may need some time to adjust before they are ready to sleep in your bed. If they show interest in sleeping with you and are well-behaved , you can always let them on the bed later on down the road. What are the benefits of sleeping with dogs? If you are still reading, chances are you might like to sleep with your dog at night. Pets offer comfort and security, but they may affect sleep quality or trigger allergies for some people. Petting dogs in particular has proved to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. If touching your pet is part of the key to gaining health benefits, cuddling up together at night is only to make it better. Sleeping with dogs promotes creativity Studies have shown that when dogs are with their owners their heartbeats sync up. This experience promotes theta brainwaves which can be seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. Sleeping with dogs boost your mood Studies have found that people who spend time with dogs reported fewer depressive symptoms. Not only is it fun to be with your furry friends, it also helps us relax and increases our flow of oxytocin, the love chemical. Sleeping with dogs makes you feel safe Think about it — your GSD is hard-wired to protect. Many people and having the dog protecting them helps them feel more secure and sleep more soundly. Sleeping with dogs is comfortable That furry, cuddly animal is likely to love lying with you just as much as you enjoy laying with them. The level of comfort a dog brings to the bed helps put you at ease and makes you feel cozy. Sleeping with dogs promote immunity Many people have hygienic concerns when it comes to sleeping with their dogs. However, one study found that infants who slept with their pets were less likely to develop allergies later on in life. After all, your new furry friend will sleep for at least 15 hours per day during their short lives. And the better they sleep, the healthier and happier they are. Further reading.

Staffadors live between ten and fourteen years. This figure is only an estimate, and we base it on the lifespans of the Labrador and Staffy. Labradors typically have a shorter lifespan than the smaller Staffy. So the genes the puppies inherit will partly determine their lifespan. Other factors will be important; the health of the parent dogs will be a crucial factor in how their offspring develop. Staffy Lab Characteristics When you mix a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Labrador, the result is a medium-sized dog that is robust and well-built; typically, you will see a broad head and a long, permanently wagging tail. They could have the thick, dense waterproof coat of the lab or the short, smooth coat of the Staffy. In addition, the Staffy is a bit healthier than the Labrador, so hopefully, that will also pass to the litter. A propensity to be overweight is a problem for both parent dogs, mainly because the Staffy and the Lab are greedy dogs and will eat until they burst. So attention needs to be given to this area when the puppies grow a little older. Labradors are always one of three colours, black, yellow, or chocolate, but Staffies can come in various solid colours and brindle. Overly enthusiastic play from children is unlikely to antagonize the Labrastaff. You can be sure that your children and Labrastaff will have a great time if you provide them with a secure area where you can keep your eyes on them. Even though they are lovable, they are still pretty big dogs for young children. Add in the boisterous nature, especially when young, and accidents can happen. Brad Davenport Brad has spent his entire life surrounded by dogs and has owned all sorts of breeds, including Dachshunds, Great Danes, French Bulldogs and he currently has a little Hasanese called Biscuit. Brad is an experienced dog writer who is obsessed by canine health, care and psychology and has completed several courses on dog care and training. 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 Labrastaff Highlights The Labrastaff is a mixed breed dog. The most common colors of coat for a Labrastaff are black, brown, and brindle. Labrastaff dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds, and the dog will take on a guardian role to your kids. Early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Labrastaff for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. The Labrador Retriever originally hails from Canada, where it was bred for hunting and retrieving before changing roles and becoming renowned as a guide dog. The Labrador Retriever is widely believed to be one of the most popular dogs in the United States. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has hunting roots. Nowadays they make great family pets, and most of their aggression has been bred out of them. The Labrastaff has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Labrastaff Size The Labrastaff is usually described as a medium-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 40 to 80 pounds and range in height from 17 to 24 inches. Female Labrastaffs might be visibly smaller than their male counterparts. So if you can offer a safe and fenced in outdoor space that you can also supervise, your kids and your Labrastaff will frolic away the afternoons very happily indeed. While Labrastaffs are usually great around humans , they can become wary of other dogs. Aggressive tendencies might otherwise emerge. Labrastaff Health Labrastaffs are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Staffordshire Bull Terrier face. Some of the more common health problems Labrastaffs suffer from include: Bloat Hip Dysplasia Labrastaff Care The Labrastaff is a dog that thrives in an outdoors arena. Ideally, walks will also offer the opportunity to turn into runs and swims; safe off-leash areas will also bring out the best in the dog. Labrastaff Feeding An ideal Labrastaff diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. Its texture is straight. Getting your Labrastaff used to being groomed from a young age is key—otherwise the breed might start to act stubborn around the brush! In general, the Labrastaff is a pretty adaptable dog when it comes to climate. But always make sure to provide a dog coat if the weather gets too frosty and your canine seems cold. Also, during hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during the outdoor play times the breed loves so much. Just be wary to leave the breed alone during feeding times—this is a dog that does not tolerate being busied while trying to chow down! If you have existing household pets, be sure to properly introduce your Labrastaff to them and set boundaries. This also applies to dealing with other dogs encountered during walks. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Labrastaff Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labrastaffs because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. View recommended products below and visit our Staffie shop for more. It has been carefully formulated with all natural ingredients to provide wholesome nutrition and contains no artificial colours or flavours, no dairy, no soya and no added wheat. Harringtons provides the conventional benefits associated with premium pet foods. These tasty meals will delight your dog and provide a healthy diet. All have been carefully formulated to provide wholesome grain free nutrition and contains no artificial colours or flavours, no dairy, no soya and no added wheat. Puppy recipes have been developed to ensure the best start in life, with all the vitamins and minerals needed for bouncing energy and healthy growth, and help support immunity. Complete and Balanced: meals rich in all the nutrients your dog needs. No Nasties: no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Grain Free: naturally gluten free - no grains or bulkers. Healthy Growth: calcium for bones and high quality proteins for muscle growth. Beneficial Oils: Omega 3 and 6 - helps support your puppy's natural immunity. British and Irish Farmed: we only work with suppliers we know and trust. A Wholesome Bowlful: we believe nothing is better for your dog than nature's most nourishing food. We carefully prepare all our meals right here in the heart of England with natural ingredients from British and Irish farms and only use suppliers we know and trust, to make delicious and nourishing food for dogs. Made with natural ingredients. High in tasty meaty proteins. No cereal or soya fillers. All the vitamins and minerals your dog needs. No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. All natural meaty goodness with added vitamins and minerals, for great tasting, complete and balanced recipes every meal time. It's fun being as fit as a Butcher's dog. Suitable for home use as well as for working dogs. Main features: Reflective edges and chest strap: One of the most important functions of the IDC-Powerharness is that it works well as a visibility vest too. The grey line on the chest strap and the edges of the harness are made of reflective materials to help keep your dog visible even from a great distance, when out walking in the dark. Scientifically proven comfort: a chest strap leaving the neck of the dog free. Heavy-duty buckles: The high-quality buckles of the IDC-Powerharnesses are thoroughly tested and checked. The buckles work perfectly during wintertime, and do not break even in frosty weather. Closable handle: With the new handle fixing option, you can fix only the steel ring, only the handle, both of them or none of them. With these you can minimize the dog's chance of being stuck. It's really important especially for hunting dogs, search- and rescue dogs. Side bag attachment option: Side bags are available in 3L and 4L versions for Powerharness sizes 0 to 4. A smaller IDC Universal side bag is also available. With its cm3 capacity, it is ideal for carrying documents, vaccination papers, cellphones and dog treats. Flashlight holder: The flashlight holder is made of an elastic, high quality German material, so it can hold various sizes of flashlights. It can be used simultaneously with the side bags. It is essential for search and rescue dogs and service dogs working at night. Water repellent cover: Developed to be water resistant, highly durable, comfortable and secure, the IDC-Powerharness is the dog harness of choice for professional trainers, security personal and pet owners alike. Since ! Recommended by dog trainers, veterinarians, search and rescue and working dog organizations for 10 years now. If you've been looking for premium natural dog treats that won't break the bank then your search is over! A delicious range of flavours, shapes and textures, without any artificial colours. Great for training aids or just as a reward to make their day a happy one. Baltic dried sprats for dogs are high in healthy fish oils like Omega 3. Pork is the only ingredient making it a perfect pet safe alternative for a good boy or girl. Below Dogs Barn take an in-depth look at the staffy lab cross, we look at the temperament and the nature of this dog and the even more in demand puppies for sale. Does a Staffy cross Labrador make a good family dog? What do you get when you breed two of the most popular dogs in the country, which are playful, clever, loving and great with children? Yes, that's right a Staffador. For those of us who, like Goldilocks, want something not too big, not too small, not too hard not too soft. This mix-up of a Staffy and a Labrador is just right. Here at Dogsbarn we think they are the perfect choice for a family pet. With them and their crossbreeds accounting for around 1 in 4 dogs. Standing at around " and weighing in at lbs for females and up to 40lbs for males they come in all colours of the canine rainbow except liver and merle and are exceptionally strong for their relatively small size. Stocky and muscular they have suffered from a bad reputation in recent years, which is entirely undeserved. Unfortunately, they are the breed most often to be found in rescue centres around the UK and account for the majority of the 8, dogs put to sleep every year. The silly Staffy is the joker of the canine world, his tail is always wagging and he is at his happiest when amongst his family, especially children. Playful, kind yet energetic Staffys are the perfect family pet. England's bloodthirsty history contributed to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier being originally bred for bull or bear-baiting and subsequently dog-fighting in the mid 's. Bulls arriving at markets were actually set upon by dogs as a way of tenderising the meat. Therefore, these early bull breeds were not bred for looks but rather gameness and stamina. They were also used as protection for the wives and families left behind, of soldiers fighting the Crimean war. Their loyal, gentle, protective nature earned them the nickname of "Nanny Dog. Gentleman Jim and Ch. Staffy's have an impressive physique. A broad head with dark round eyes, short snout and a wide mouth that gives them a permanently smiling expression. They have a scissor-like bite and rarely drool. A strong neck leads to a square muscular body and they have a powerful tail. These athletic dogs suffer from few health problems although they can be susceptible to skin allergies. They have a lifespan of between years. They are keen to please and one of the easiest breeds to house train. They need to be socialised at an early age as they can be aggressive towards other dogs. Staffys do have some terrier traits they love to dig and left alone outside can easily burrow under a fence. They can also have a strong prey drive like most terriers, so watch out if your hamster escapes. They are being used more often these days as working dogs they have a good sense of smell and make excellent therapy dogs. Contrary to popular belief they don't make good guard dogs they just love people too much. The job they adore the most though, is childminding, playing with and cuddling their extended family. Loyal and fearless a well-trained Staffy loves life and is a happy addition to any home. The Labrador Retriever or Lab as it is commonly referred to, is one of the most popular breeds in the world being ranked number 1 in both the USA and UK in .Highly intelligent, gentle, kind and even-tempered they make fantastic pets as well as working dogs. The English fishermen who settled there in the 16th century used them to retrieve fish that had fallen from the lines or help haul the nets in. Unlike many other dog breeds, with their dense coats and webbed feet they love the water, are excellent swimmers and can tolerate extremely cold water for long periods. Eager to please their retrieving abilities made them a fantastic sporting dog being the "king of retrievers" their mouths are so gentle they don't damage the fowl. In fact, a Labrador can carry an egg in its mouth without breaking it. The name Labrador was first mentioned by the Earl of Malmesbury who wrote a letter referring to them as his "Labrador Dogs" and the name stuck. Over the years they were imported to England where, because of their exceptional qualities they were bred into other retriever lines including the Curly Coated Retriever. They were finally recognised by the Kennel Club in .Puppies of all colours can be found in a litter, originally only the black ones were recognised as true Labs. The brown and yellow are caused by a recessive gene and these pups were culled at birth. These days all colours are acceptable. .There are two types of Labrador-Show and field lines. Show Labradors or English Labradors as they are known in the US, tend to be smaller and stockier than their counterparts with a thicker coat, otter like tail and more sedate nature. Field or working Labs are taller, rangier, lighter in frame with a less broad face, longer nose, more energetic personality and are easier to train. Labradors along with German Shepherds and Spaniels are one of the most common working dogs on the planet. Their outstanding sense of smell means they excel at tracking and make excellent search and rescue dogs being used by both the police and military over the years. Gentle and intelligent they also make fantastic assistance and therapy dogs but the job we are most used to seeing them doing is as guide dogs for the blind. Guide Dogs is the world's largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. The majority of dogs being bred now are now Labradors crossed with Golden Retrievers which produce puppies having the best characteristics of both. Labradors love to chew and they don't care what. Shoes, socks, furniture, hands they just love having something in their mouths, which is why it is a good idea to have a box of strong toys handy to give them something appropriate to munch on. Guide Dog breeds This infographic is brought to you by The Telegraph. Guide Dog breeds - Telegraph They are also renowned for having voracious appetites and are not generally fussy eaters so their food intake and exercise needs to be monitored to prevent them becoming overweight. A relatively healthy breed their lifespan is usually around years. Good articles for further reading on diets. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with a Labrador will be a medium sized dog and they will be strong and quite heavy set with a broad head and a permanently wagging tail. Both breeds are boisterous and energetic so if you are looking for a low energy pooch this combination is not for you. Depending on which characteristics they inherit from the parents the health problems should be fewer. The dense coat of the Lab helping with the Staffy's susceptilbilty to skin problems and keeping them warmer, and the Staffy's slightly longer lifespan and good health counteracting the Labs propensity for hip dysplasia. They will more than likely be greedy dogs as both Staffy's and Labs have a love of food and depending on which gene is the more dominant these pups will be a variety of colours although solid white won't be as common as it is with purebred Staffys. Here are some of the things you need to know about a Staffy x Labrador Are they easy to train? Without a doubt, yes! Both breeds are intelligent and have an inherent eagerness to please their owners. Even novice owners should quickly and easily be able to train their Lab x Staffy everything needed to become a well-mannered adult. However, it should be noted that both breeds are boisterous, and mouthy when young, things which need addressing sooner rather than later. They can cause a fair bit of damage knocking over both ornaments and people when excited and puppy's teeth are sharp even when playing or not meaning any harm. Both of these dogs are also renowned pullers on the leash The solution to that can be found here so it worthwhile drumming in the "Heel" command early on in training. Does a Labrador cross Staffy need much grooming? All dogs benefit from grooming it gets them used to being handled, improves circulation and is usually a pleasurable bonding session between pet and owner. That said a Staffy cross Labrador coat is likely to be short if slightly thicker than a purebred Staffy so should just need regular brushing. With the prices of professional grooming increasing every year, more dog owners are just buying the tools themselves and doing it at home. Both breeds are average shedders so a daily brush through will keep hairs to a minimum. Another thing to watch out for is a muddy puddle both these breeds love mud so if you don't fancy too much bathing keep them away. Does a Staffy x Labrador retriever need much excercise? Although not as much as some breeds a Staffy cross Labrador definitely needs quite a bit of exercise. As mentioned above both breeds can be excitable, a well-exercised dog is calmer in the home and less rowdy. Also both dogs are prone to overeat and may suffer from health problems caused by obesity such as arthritis and diabetes. So it is important they have regular walks to burn those calories. Temperament-Is a Labrador x Staffy good with children? There should be no better playmate for your children than this crossbreed. Both the Lab and the Staffy have a special place in their hearts for our offspring and are incredibly tolerant, playful and gentle. Neither breed is particularly nervous or highly strung so can cope happily with the noise and rough and tumble of the average family home. As with any dog they should always be supervised with young children as a pulled ear or lip can provoke a reaction from the gentlest of dogs. What is the cost of owning a Staffador? Both these breeds suffer few health problems so vet bills should be lower than some purebred dogs. Of course any breed can become ill or suffer and accident so it is always worth taking out insurance. The cost of this will also be lower not only due to the fact it is a dog of medium size but also a crossbreed. Food shouldn't be expensive either as neither breed are fussy eaters and will chow down on almost anything. Easy to train.