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Check out our Puppies for Sale page for Available pups and anticipated litters! Blue after a successful hunt! DuckCreek Kennels is located about 40 miles southeast of Wichita, Kansas, nestled along the edge of the great Flint Hills. Our labs come from reputable lines that are second to none. We pride ourselves in the fact that they are as comfortable in the field and duck blind as they are on a couch! As we build our kennel, look for good solid litters that will compliment and enhance the Dilute coated Labrador Retriever along side the Standard colors. We strive to enhance the breed with quality dogs that are not only intelligent and easily trained but loving and great additions to your home and hunting trips. Our dilutes have been enhanced with improvement breeding and all our Labs have extensive genetic health testing prior to breeding. Please browse our web site. I hope you enjoy. Take special notice of any print in yellow. It will link you to whatever subject is being discussed. We welcome your input. The puppy whisperers! The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing. For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. And that transfers to how other kids feel. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… The site at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers has served as a trading center and meeting place for nomadic hunting people for at least 11, years. Human habitation in the Wichita area has been dated, in archeological digs, as far back as 3, B. The first permanent settlement in Wichita was a collection of grass houses inhabited by the Wichita Indians in .The city, on the east bank of the Arkansas river, was officially incorporated in .Its position on the Chisholm Trail made it a destination for cattle drives headed north to access railroads to eastern markets. It quickly gained a wild reputation, and had numerous well-known lawmen pass through, employed to help keep the rowdy cowboys in line. Among those was Wyatt Earp. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! These hybrids were the ancestors of the Labrador Retriever, and they were owned and used by fishermen in dragging nets filled with fish out of the sea to the boats. Not only that, but the Labrador Retrievers were also trained to recover fish that got away from the nets or from fishing hooks. The dogs continued to function in that capacity in Newfoundland until the news and deeds of the breed got to the Earl of Malmesbury in the early s, and he brought them to England, where they were used for shooting sports. This breed is fast in movement, most especially when they are running. In addition to their agility and strength, Labrador Retrievers are homely, easy-going, outgoing, intelligent, affectionate and friendly to humans and other animals also. Dog lovers who have children are always keen on getting this breed because of its endearing and non-aggressive nature towards children most especially. Due to its origin and history, this breed is not a breed that sits in a place for a long time. It is a breed that enjoys roaming and hunting, and can also thrive in both warm and cold weather. The Labrador Retriever breed is full of exuberance, boisterousness, and energy, and as a result of this, it needs a lot of training and exercise to keep it active and agile at all times. Therefore, the Labrador Retriever needs as much as minutes worth of training and exercises daily. You need to pay attention to its teeth and nails. Make sure the teeth are brushed from time to time and nails clipped frequently. Our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Labradors are shedders and they shed seasonally during the shedding season, and that is why Lab owners are advised to make adequate plans concerning hair disposal when their Labs start to shed. How is it possible for Labradors to swim and play in deep water? Kindly note that Labradors have the tendency to get obese, so it is important that you watch what they eat and how they eat. Where can I buy a Labrador Retriever? Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Lab puppies. Are Labradors sniffers? Yes, of course. Based on their penchant for wildlife, is it safe to have a Lab around my children? Labrador retrievers are a warm and friendly breed that enjoy playing with children. Do Labrador Retrievers have health challenges? Unfortunately, Labradors also suffer from health challenges just like every other dog. But the illnesses peculiar to their breed include joint problems, obesity, heart diseases, cataracts, and ear infections. Do Labrador Retrievers bark like other dogs? Yes of course. All dogs bark with the inclusion of the Labrador. Half of the time, they are quiet. Can I put my Labrador in a crate? Why not? Keeping your Labrador in a crate is one sure way of training them to feel safe when they are alone by themselves, and also to keep them safe from external forces. Is it true that a Labrador was jailed once? Most definitely yes. Pep spent ten years in jail. Are you interested in purchasing a Labrador Retriever? 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There is a lot of talk about black Boxers dogs; some potential puppy buyers will actively seek out this colored puppy, but their searching is in vain. It may be hard to believe it when you see photos, but black boxers do not exist — the color gene responsible for black coat color does not exist within the breed. Brindle is a pattern of color, it is a striping effect. With most brindle Boxers, the dark stripes are clearly over a fawn background. However, with Boxer dogs that appear to have a black coat, this is due to super heavy reserve brindling. In fact, it can be so dark and so thick, that you cannot see any fawn beneath it. This gives the dog a very dark coat that does indeed appear to be black. Here, we'll go into the facts a bit more to talk about why black cannot exist with the breed and some myths are swirl about regarding this perceived coat color. Why Colors are Misinterpreted It is very easy to see a dog and immediately assume that he is a certain color, based on what your eyes are telling you. However, with some breeds, the Boxer included, you must take a second look. It is sometimes only when you realize how brindle can cause an effect of sorts, that makes a first impression of black, that it starts to make sense. In addition, some Boxers are given the term of black; however, in many cases, this is a shortened term that comes from longer 'black brindle'. The base color of all purebred Boxers is fawn. Brindles are actually fawn with a brindle marking. Those markings are made of a pattern for fur consisting of black striping which covers the fawn… Sometimes just a bit lightly brindled and sometimes a lot a heavily brindled dog. A black Boxer with white flash? Your eyes are playing tricks on you. This pup is super dark reverse brindle with white markings. Cassandra, 5 months old Photo couresty of Christopher Many wonder if perhaps there were black Boxers that were mostly bred out of the lines and that perhaps now and again a dog with a black coat shows up somewhere. However, if we look to the record keeping of the past century, we can see that this is not the case. In this year time period, a black Boxer appeared once, however there is a catch to this. In the Germany, in the late 's a Boxer was paired with a mixed dog that was part Bulldog and part Schnauzer. The resulting litter had puppies that had black coats. Since another breed was introduced into the bloodline, they were not purebreds. These dogs were not used for any further breeding and therefore did not have any influence on genetics going forward. Once in a while there will be a breeder that claims to have black Boxers and will point to this one incident long ago as evidence that black does indeed run in the bloodline. However, since those mixed dogs with black coats were never used for any sort of develop program this simply does not hold true. Another element that shows that this coloring does not exist in the Boxer line is the rule that the Munich Boxer Club created in .This group had stringent control over breeding and development of Boxers in Germany and set the guidelines for the standard, conformation and all elements regarding appearance including coloring. This group did not wish for any experimenting to be done that would introduce the color black and for this reason they made a clear rule that black Boxers would not be accepted. Some make the argument that programs may have ignored this ruling and still attempted to breed black Boxers. However it would have not been in their best interest to do so and additionally, any resulting dogs would have not been part of the Munich Boxer Club since they couldn't have been registered there. This means that any such hypothetical dogs could not have genetically been included in the Boxer's bloodline since they would have been barred from any programs that were developing and perfecting the breed. So, now that we know: This color does not exist in the line The only record of any black Boxer in the last century was a mixed dog and not a purebred Guidelines and strict rules of of the club in Munich that was the foundation of today's Boxers clearly excluded black Boxers.And it is also fair to say: The chance of there being some odd, rare gene mutation that brings black into the coat is extraordinarily rare; mathematically the odds are so low that this can be ruled out Black Boxer puppies cannot be born due to a hidden gene; this is because black is dominant over all other colors. It cannot be recessive, it always comes out over others Why are some people still adamant that this coloring exists? Diesel, at 2 years old Photo courtesy of Brittany Calvert This leads us to the conclusion of only two possibilities in this regard: A 'true' black Boxer simply cannot be a purebred. It is assumed that in this case, it would be done to sell the pups at a higher cost. Some elements to ponder.Their registration papers do not have that color code as an option. Therefore, even if someone verbally dubs a Boxer to have a black coat, the dog - if registered with a recognized club - would officially be another color; and that would most likely be brindle. Since the pup would be handed over to new owners with papers stating he was not black, how can they simultaneously claim to have black Boxer dogs? And this of course, is very unethical. In Summary Every being whether it is a mammal, like a dog, human, etc. These genes determine everything about the being, from skin color to the number legs to where the eyes are.Genes control coat color in dogs, too. In order for a dog to be black, that breed of dog must contain the gene for having a black coat. Boxer dogs do not have that gene. So, there cannot be any black Boxer dogs. It is genetically impossible. A Boxer that is black, or true black with brown points, for example, MUST be a mixed breed or a heavily brindled dog. They were once working dogs on farms and later became popular guard dogs and police dogs. Brown Boxers are medium-sized dogs with a short, smooth coat. They can range in color from light brown to almost black. These dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise. They make great family pets and do well with children. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, thanks to their friendly nature and loveable personality. Boxer puppies are known to be very playful, making them great pets for families with children. Brown Boxer puppies are a beautiful breed that will bring joy to any home they enter. Brown Boxer Full Grown Brown Boxer Full Grown A full-grown brown Boxer typically stands between 21 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. They are known for their powerful, muscular build and their characteristic square-shaped head. The coat of the brown Boxer is short, smooth, and glossy. A full grown Brown Boxer is a massive, beautiful animal. They are very strong, and have an impressive protective instinct. Boxers are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strength, and the dark brown variety is no exception. Dark brown Boxers are often thought of as being more gentle and easygoing than their lighter-colored cousins. The main difference is in the shade of brown. A light brown Boxer will have a coat that is closer to tan or cream, while a dark brown Boxer will have a coat that is darker, more like chocolate. Brown and White Boxer Brown and White Boxer When you search for photos of Boxers on Google, you will find that one of the most common colors of the breed is brown and white. They often have a sleek, solid brown coat with black mask and white markings. But even if you find this color combination common, brown and white Boxers still look regal, alert, and curious. Their differences depend on the originating country, coat colors, and mixed breeds. Although considered medium- to large-sized dogs at .Their legs are thinner and shorter. Their snout is also thinner that their German counterpart. Like their English Boxer brothers, they are medium- to large-sized dogs with short hair. The difference between English and American Boxers are easily recognizable because of their lack of wrinkles when fully grown. Moreover, their ankles, paws, and knuckles are shaped differently. This makes them stand in a distinct manner. They are known to be friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs. Brown Boxadors make great family pets and are good with children. They need plenty of exercise and socialization. This hybrid dog is muscular and stocky, with a short coat that is brown in color. The Brown Pitbull Boxer mix is an intelligent and loyal companion, who is also good with children. This breed does require daily exercise, so they are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle. What is the rarest color for Boxers? White may be most controversial color when it comes to Boxers, but seal brindle is considered the rarest. With tight tiger stripes, seal brindle Boxers look almost black. As such, they tend to be more expensive than Boxers of other colors. Are brown Boxer dogs rare? While brown Boxers are not the most common color for the breed, they are not rare. The Boxer breed is thought to have originated in Germany, and the first recorded boxer was born in .Boxers come in a variety of colors including fawn, brindle, and reverse brindle. Fawn is the most common color, followed by brindle. Brown boxers typically have a white chest and markings on their face. Can brown Boxers change color? Do brown Boxers have any health problems? There are no known health problems specifically associated with brown boxers. However, as with all dog breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that can be prevented through regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer. Some brown boxers may also suffer from allergies or skin problems. How much does a brown Boxer puppy cost? Boxer puppies are one of the most popular breeds and they come in a variety of colors. When considering purchasing a brown boxer puppy, be sure to do your research on reputable breeders. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Popular Posts.

Size and Space — One of the biggest considerations when buying a dog crate for your German Shepherd is size. The American Kennel Club writes on their website that the typical height range for a German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches. The breed can weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. Durability and Material — German Shepherds are powerful, strong dogs that serve commendable purposes in society, such as military dogs, police dogs, service dogs and more. We considered crates that have a clever design to prevent your German Shepherd from doing harm to themselves or causing damage to the crate. Portability and Weight — The type of crate that you require will likely depend on your lifestyle. If your German Shepherd is predominantly a guard dog or family dog, you may be satisfied with a stationary crate. Security and Safety Features — German Shepherds are athletically built with a lot of power. They shed all year round but tend to blow out their coat at least twice a year at the changing of the seasons. The Collapsible Crate is simple to set up — it takes less than 60 seconds to put together. My 5ft 2ins wife was able to move it around our home. It has ample ventilation thanks to the diamond-shaped holes that are designed to prevent your German Shepherd from sinking their teeth in or doing damage. It comes with a lifetime guarantee should any part prove faulty. The Revol is a collapsible crate so it offers plenty of portability and versatility. Inspired by baby industry standards, the Revol has an ergonomic design to make all elements of the crate easy to use. We can offer helloBARK! It has a zinc-plated steel paddle latch which provides a robust mechanism for added security against the toughest escape attempts. There are four additional butterfly latches, providing maximum strength and security. Impact write on their website that the small circle ventilation holes are specifically designed to prevent dogs from getting their K9 teeth in and potentially harming themselves. They only offer this coverage on their High Anxiety Crate. It has a thoughtful design with 20 ventilation holes on either side to provide adequate ventilation. However, it does come at a significantly cheaper price. The Best Dog Crate for Shepherds The Overview: keep scrolling to read reviews The German Shepherd working dog breed is agile, high-energy, intelligent and excels at almost anything they're trained to do. Their devotion, loyalty and intelligence often contributes to their impressive escape artists skills. If you have a German Shepherd, German Shepherd mix or a dog who suffers from separation anxiety, we highly recommend you continue reading this article. Rather than us explaining why this escape proof High Anxiety dog crate is ideal for GSDs, we've decided to share thorough testimonials written by our customers! All of these reviews have been submitted by verified customers and the only modifications to this content are the updated crate sizes in parenthesis when a size has been mentioned. What is the best dog crate for anxious German Shepherd Dogs and other escape artist pups? Well, there is no right or wrong answer to this question because as you may know, every dog is different. Fortunately, our team has the opportunity to converse with dog owners every single day and some of these customers are trainers, owners and handlers of German Shepherds. The most common Impact Dog Crate for German Shepherds is the High Anxiety crate because of its durable, welded structure and its escape-proof design. Feel free to read all of these reviews and other product reviews here! Her high anxiety Impact crate was the solution to her anxiety. Not only can she not break out, but she is calmer in her crate and loves it! If you have a pup working their way through all the crates at the pet store, stop wasting your money and buy one of these bad boys! I ordered the size inch high anxiety crate for my German Shepherd mix, Rookie. She has really bad separation anxiety. Her last crate a black wire crate from Petco was a mess. She has broke the door off was held on by carabiners after that and broke the black plastic underneath. When she would escape she would cause damage to the house that cost me thousands. So I had to miss sleep to retrieve the delivery and was unable to fall back asleep after the call. I do not have a picture in her new crate but I do have pictures of her for any size references for others, the damage she did to my boyfriends man cave when she escaped her old crate and a picture of her poor nose when she would attempt escapes out of her old crate and under her butt you can see where she destroyed that carpet as well. Crate was expensive, but it solved a problem that I had been unable to solve otherwise. My 95 lb. German shepherd puppy escaped from his conventional folding wire crate multiple times, sometimes from bending the wire structure and other times from opening the latches. Besides his being loose in the house we feared that he would injure himself during his escape as he did once when we came home to find blood on the floor and wall near his wire crate. The first Impact crate arrived with shipping damage. Impact shipped a replacement crate the same day that we called about the damage to the first crate. The second arrived in perfect condition. So far, no escape from the Impact crate. We bought the accessory covers for the door bars but have not seen reason to install it. We want to leave as much visibility for him through the door as possible. It protects our home and our dog. Excellent customer service helped added to experience. Size 42 inch crate shown. Our dog Toby is a German Shepherd that has separation anxiety and doesn't like being in a crate when no one is home for more that a couple hours. He would break out of wire crates until I would reinforce it to make it more difficult for him. Since we purchased the size inch high anxiety crate, he has met his match! The only thing he as done so far is some scratching on the inside to be expected , and tearing at a dog bed we placed inside the crate. When we are home he will go inside the crate and lay down. At least now when we leave the house with him inside his new crate, we know he will never scratch or dig his way out or it. And will not hurt himself either. I did purchase the door guards for his high anxiety crate shortly after ordering the crate but have not had to install them yet. I really like the solid construction of this crate. Once you buy this crate, you will never have to buy a cheap wire crate anymore. Like others have mentioned, I highly recommend impact crates! Size inch crate shown. This crate though expensive is worth every cent I paid for it. Apparently this sweet baby was abused with a crate or left in one for extremely long times. We had gone through 3 crates, 2 wire ones and 1HUGE hard plastic one. She managed to break out of all three. I had basically become a prisoner in my own home. I love her so much and am giving her the best life I possibly can. Size 40 inch crate shown. Mans Best Friend - Phillip S. However, she had become an escape artist. Two wire kennels and three travel crates later my family decided it was time to invest in a quality crafted kennel. After doing extensive research and talking with several trainers and K9 officers we are friends with, we chose Impact. If you want to stop worrying about your dog breaking free when you leave the house then it is well worth the investment. I would recommend an impact dog kennel to anyone. Not just because of the quality by which it is made but because the staff took the time to answer all of our questions and made sure we were getting exactly the right kennel. Uses size 42 inch crate. It exceeds expectations. My German Shepherd could break out of the front of every other crate we have had. She now only will do turns in the crate, and will not even try to escape. She is very large at lbs. Service was also great. Thank you so much. Worth the money - Elaine F. I have a German Shepherd who any time we left the house would freak and destroy crate after crate that we'd get her from Petco or Persmart. Finally I did my research, after already spending so much on wire crates I went with the high anxiety crate. I was nervous about it at first because it is a lot of money but in the end it's worth it. My pup has not escaped from the crate and she is also comfortable in there. I make sure she has treats and a nice bed to lay on while we're gone and she adapted quickly. Believe me, it's worth it if you want to stop spending money of crates in the end. This is the second Impact Dog Crate I have purchased. I have a highly anxious German Shepherd Rescue that has broken out of nearly every crate we have bought for years, sometimes hurting herself and leaving her parents worried. Being airline compliant is a much needed bonus as well. I cannot recommend this crate enough! Best on the market!!! Miracle Kennel! Worth every penny!! I have a 60lb female Anatolian Shepherd Mountain Cur mix with the most severe case of separation anxiety I have ever heard of. I have owned her for close to a year, and there have been a LOT of ups and downs in her separation anxiety training. Through her desperate attempts to escape, she has hurt herself pretty badly with strained muscles, worn down teeth, and bloody cuts. I decided to invest in this kennel because of the reviews of owners with similar dogs. And although the cost required me to be on a payment plan, every single cent of the payment is worth it. My dog cannot escape this kennel and she knows it! With her exercise and socialization routine, and some positive reinforcement training of this kennel, her anxiety has so drastically reduced that I believe she actually enjoys her kennel. Separation Anxiety - Christa So we got this crate about a month ago now. She has gone through two cages 1 was even 22 gauge steel and she ripped 2 of the bars off so we had to find something else to do. We got the size inch crate for her she is an 83 pound, female and she has plenty of room. I even sat in there with her and we both fit fine. This crate is incredibly heavy duty but surprisingly very light and easy to move with the help of another person. And the airplane rails on the sides did not come assembled, but in the box with assembly directions. The inside paint is scratched off, as expected, but the bars are not bent or disfigured in the slightest. We are exploring other options to attempt to aid her separation anxiety but the crate has done what we wanted: keep her contained and out of trouble. Yes they are very pricy crates, but they are built incredibly well and I would really recommend it! Anxious dog makes an anxious owner - Rhonda M. Impact Dog Crates is a life changer for me. My German shepherd was ruining her teeth pulling on her old wire kennel and I was so anxious knowing that as I left my house and the door bell rang, she would try like crazy to get out of the kennel. There is nothing inside the Impact Dog Crate that she can grab on with her teeth or pull on with her paws. It's awesome! I wish I had found this 2 years ago. We had been crating her in your average dog crate, until one day when we got home from work she had ripped her tooth completely out, root and all. We took her to the vet and she advised us to not use the crate for the fear of her ripping out more teeth. So we were letting her roam free in our living room and kitchen area during the day while we were at work. She destroyed our sectional couch, remote controllers, books etc. Then she started pulling trim off the walls, and eating holes through the drywall. So then we heard about these High-Anxiety crates and I will admit we were a little scared by the price at first, but I will tell you knowing that our dog is safe and not destroying our home makes it worth every penny. The crate is heavy duty, and relatively easy to move. We used to worry every second of every day when we were at work, but now our girl is safe and sound in an Impact dog crate. The customer see that was provided to me was 5 star as well. I have zero complaints with my crate or the customer service I received. Other companies should take lessons from Impact dog crates. Absolutely amazing! I have a German Shepherd who has broken out of every single cage I have bought him. The cost is very expensive and definitely made me second guess purchasing it in the first place for over a year. Delivery excellent. Very pleased WOW. .Finally a crate that works! New Years, 4th of July, storms. .We tried everything, thunder jacket, anxiety meds, you name it we tried it. No matter what we did or how many crates we bought, Albus would find a way to break out of them. He ate the garage door handle and the trim around it. We knew we had to do something bc we were afraid to leave the house for fear that he would cause serious harm to himself. I think he likes the closed in space. He would always try to squeeze into tight spaces, knocking things over. Coming from someone who was at a complete loss for what to do, this is the answer. Thank you Impact Dog Crates for helping us regain our sanity and for making a product that we can stand behind without hesitation. Saved my dog - Whitney C. I have a high anxiety German Shepherd who has noise phobia and does not do well during storms. He has jumped out of window's 5 feet off the ground and hurt himself in standard crates. I needed a way to keep him safe while I was at work. I tried a regular aluminum kennel and he ended up ripping some teeth out. Meds did not work, his anxiety overcame any effect they might have had on him. I didn't want to worry about him while I was away during the day so I purchased the high anxiety crate and it was a game changer. He is unable to get his teeth around the bars and can't tear the inside walls. I don't have to worry about his safety when I am gone anymore. He is also doing much better with his anxiety and I can leave him out of his crate during the day when storm season is over. It is totally worth the price to have a safe and happy dog! Great Product - Joyce G. We adopted the most expensive free dog that should have been named Houdini. Not only could she open sliding glass doors and climb fences but she totally destroyed the standard plastic crates. Other than the severe separation anxiety she suffers from she is the perfect dog. This was our last option to be able to keep her. I wish we would have made the purchase in the beginning. This crate is perfect. She is a 2 year old German Shepherd and the size inch has plenty of room. We leave the door open when we are home and she goes in on her own. Excellent product. I never thought we would spend this much money on a crate but it has made our lives so much easier because we do not have to worry about what we will find when we get home. He is one strong pup and has gotten out of a standard crate and then the next step up crate. He will watch you close it and figure out how to open it or just bend the bars. He has been through several training courses but does not like to be alone and it one smart dog. I bought this crate a few months ago and he has not gotten out. There are a few teeth marks on the inside so I know he has tried. It took only 2 days to get him used to it as it is a little more closed up than a regular crate but after the 2 days he went right into like he did the other ones. When I read reviews when I was looking at these I thought there was a place to upload pictures but I am not seeing that now or I would upload one. Perfect - Kathleen C. I bought the High-Anxiety size inch crate for my German-Australian shepherd mix. He tore apart every other crate, and a bathroom - door and floor - before we had this crate. He took to this new crate immediately and is very content when inside. We also have a tough bed that he can't destroy and it fits well inside the crate with room for water and food dishes if needed. The only 'con' - and it is an obvious one - is that the crate is HUGE! There are two handles on top but unless you are very strong and near six feet in height it will take at least two people to pick it up. Also the measurements for the shipping crate are a bit off and we ended up taking our front door off to get the unboxed crate inside. However I am very happy, and so is our dog, that we have this crate and it gives us all great peace of mind when leaving him home alone or when maintenance is being done on our home. Durable and inescapable - Clay V. We purchased a size size inch crate for our new 30 pound lab-shepherd mix. It didn't take her long to chew through a metal wire crate and escape, so we knew we needed the strongest crate possible. She has horrible separation anxiety and she definitely can't be left alone in the house she escaped and tore up the carpet, trim, and door of my room. We researched for a week or two before finally deciding on an Impact crate. She had to be boarded daily for almost a month while we went to work. Every other crate had reviews that I just couldn't look past. Everything from "my dog escaped" to "my dog is severely injured. If you're thinking that it's a lot of money for a crate, well you're right. But you get what you pay for, and this crate is top notch. She has scratched up the door and bars with her claws and teeth, but the structural integrity of the door is unaffected. Also nothing has chipped or broken off aside from the paint so she can't injure herself. Honestly I understand why they offer their replacement plan, because l highly doubt they have ever had to replace one. If you have a high anxiety dog, please take it from me and buy this crate. People literally don't believe that she needed it but then we show them the crazy scratch marks on the door and they understand. You won't be sorry with your purchase. If these escape artist dogs remind you of your own pup, we highly recommend chatting with our team to learn more about this High Anxiety crate and which size would best fit your dog. If you would like to read more Reviews of all of our crate models and accessories, click here! Buy a larger crate so that it continues to comfortably house your dog as they grow. A full-grown German Shepherd needs space to stand, sit, lie down, and stretch. Not to mention, turn around with ease. And most inch crates come with a wire divider for keeping your German Shepherd puppy in a smaller area as they potty train. This can cause joints and muscles to stiffen. An area too small can lead to tightness and stiffness, increase anxiety, and cause long-term joint damage if excessively used. But an area that is too large just takes up extra space. Contrary to what others may say, a puppy or smaller dog will go into a larger crate. You can easily use this metal divider to block off an area that is too large if it bothers you or your German Shepherd. All of the wire kennels on this page are recommended since they have free dividers included except the heavy-duty cage model. Is crating your German Shepherd cruel? For some owners who are new to the notion of crate training, confinement in such a small space might seem cruel or even a punishment. But free-roaming dogs in the wild seek shelter in small, covered spaces for safety from predators and environmental harm. Using the natural history of wild dogs, you can see how German Shepherds can easily be trained to view their kennel or crate as a safe cave or their own private home away from home. You can help them maintain this cozy space since you can take most crates with you wherever you and your German Shepherd go. Your German Shepherd puppy can even be trained to sleep quietly in their crate at night, giving them a warm spot that keeps you from accidentally tripping over them if they were left out and got under your feet. Do you want to learn how to easily crate train your dog using toys? The most common crate varieties are wire crates, plastic crates, and metal reinforced crates for escape artists. Wire crates are great for dogs to travel in or for camping. Keep in mind that wire crates are larger, so they tend to need more space for set-up. I prefer wire crates, as they fold flat for storage and are more economical to purchase. They also tend to last longer and stand up to the wear and tear of life with a German Shepherd. Plastic crates may feel more secure for your dog, as the walls are largely solid compared to the wire crates. But, plastic crates large enough for a German Shepherd tend to be more expensive, not last as long, and are better suited to short times during travel than for more frequent home use. Both plastic and metal crates can be strengthened using strategically placed zip ties to prevent rambunctious puppies and adult dogs from pushing apart the frame. For an escape artist, a rugged not collapsible reinforced preferably welded metal crate is best. These cages are humane when used for short periods of time to keep your German Shepherd from escaping and hurting themselves while unsupervised. They are bulky and need more space than wire or plastic crates, but will last you a lifetime. Some owners are inclined to choose a large-sized crate to give the dog lots of room, but they fail to remember to also make sure they have a wire divider to make the sleeping space smaller. Always opt for a wire divider that you can adjust and move as your German Shepherd grows into her larger crate. Once your dog is fully potty trained a larger crate will prove more useful as they have more room to stretch out and enjoy their comfortable private bedroom. Crate Location I advise placing the crate in an area of your house where both you and your German Shepherd can access it effortlessly at any time needed. I usually place a crate right beside my bed when I have a new puppy. I set another crate in a corner of my living room where I spend the most time during the day working or relaxing. Using two different locations for a crate is not only convenient, but it gives your German Shepherd the opportunity to find a spot away from family and noise should they want time to themselves. In particular, you must immediately clean their space when they soil the area or are sick in their crate. Step 1: Remove their toys, beds, blankets and all of the objects from their crate. Set the items to the side and wipe down their toys, cleaning them regularly with pet-safe disinfectant if they have any urine or feces on them. You can find some great toys for German Shepherds to replace the old, worn-out ones. Step 2: Wash their soft bedding materials. This is especially important if they have an accident in the crate, and it should be done as soon as possible to avoid cross-contamination to other items in the crate or house. Be sure the bedding is fully dry before replacing it back into the clean crate. Your dog should also have a German Shepherd bed to relax on when outside of their crate, and a crate mat or pad when inside their crate. Step 3: Dry the crate outside or in a well-ventilated area. I suggest washing the crate outside, with your garden hose. If you are unable to go outside, choose a room with tile floors that are easier to mop up, such as your kitchen, bathroom, or mud and laundry room. The room needs proper ventilation so that the cage can dry quickly. Use clean cloth towels or paper towels to wipe down the parts to help dry the crate quicker. Step 4: Finding the right cleaning solution. This is critical as some cleaning solutions are harmful and can make your dog sick if they are exposed to it. Never clean their crate with ammonia because ammonia tends to smell like urine to dogs. You could unintentionally encourage them to urinate in the crate if you clean it with ammonia. Here are a couple of good do-it-yourself cleaning solutions that you can mix up at your own home to save some money. Place the following in a spray bottle to make your own homemade crate cleanser: Squirt one part dish detergent to ten parts of warm water Use half a cup of white vinegar to one-gallon warm water Add half a cup of bleach to a gallon of cool water Always take safety precautions when mixing your own chemicals at home. Your GSD needs to have a soft place to rest, enough space to relax, and a comfortable temperature. Place the crate in an area out of busy zones. A quiet corner in the living room is good. Make sure the area has plenty of ventilation, but no cold drafts. Use a cover if needed. Use treats and praise when your dog is in the crate. Let your dog enjoy his meals in the crate while supervised. This creates a positive feeling with the kennel. Offer your dog a special toy to chew or play with when in the kennel. Make sure the toy is safe and supervise his toy time. Their collar can get caught between the bars or wire and cause significant damage to your dog! Use a PetSafe Breakaway Collar to prevent any unforeseen accidents! The breakaway collar stops your dog from hanging themselves by releasing them automatically. Dogs are more agile in their crates than you could imagine, especially puppies, and they get themselves in problems with their collars when you least expect it. Hit, kick, or strike the crate. With or without your dog in it, this creates a fear of the crate. Keep your dog in its kennel for more time than needed. Long times in a kennel can cause anxiety. Leave the kennel in the sun. Your home can get hot enough to cause overheating problems if left in a sunny spot for too long! Your dog could have problems eating the treat or tear the toy and eat it. Yell at your dog when in the kennel or use the area as punishment. A kennel is a safe spot, not a bad zone. German Shepherds are natural den animals source. They prefer and want a safe place to hide or even relax. A crate provides both safety and relaxation for your pet. They prevent unforeseen accidents, like the destruction of your property. Or worse, harm to your dog from staying alone all day left to their own devices. Items to consider when buying your dog a crate: Escape artists need a model made from solid steel While the average dog can get away with a heavy gauge wire kennel Remember, the lower the number on the wire gauge, the greater the strength. They are a great tool for house training and traveling. Need an easy step-by-step guide to teaching your German Shepherd to love their new den? Then follow this helpful guide to crate train your German Shepherd to help save yourself time and stress of using a kennel with your dog. Answering these questions before buying allows you the best outcome: Will you need the crate to be lightweight enough to take for holidays or hotel travels? Does your German Shepherd escape traditional wire kennels? Will you need a crate with two doors to allow multiple entrances? What size will you and your dog feel most comfortable with? Crates are also useful training aids to help puppies learn to be left alone or to encourage house training — but crates should never be used as a punishment. The best crates for a German Shepherd are:. Aug 31, Share Crates are great training tools for puppies and can become a comfort for adult and senior dogs. By nature, dogs will seek out smaller spaces to help them feel protected and secure while allowing them to relax and feel comfortable. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs starting at puppyhood. German Shepherds are strong, intelligent working dogs. You will need to find the right size crate that will be able to keep them secure. It is essential to have a crate that fits a German Shepherd comfortably, without giving too much space to encourage bad behaviors. You will need one between inches, depending on the size of your pup. The answer depends on their individual size. German Shepherds typically range in size from 50 to 90 pounds. Some large males have even reached up to pounds. Because of this, there is no one-size-fits-all crate recommendation. A small- to medium-sized German Shepherd may do well in a inch crate, but this is the smallest size a full-grown shepherd would need. This can give you a rough estimate of how large they will be fully grown. Males also grow to be larger than females. You will want to ensure the crate size is big enough for your dog to stand up, turn completely around, and stretch out and sleep comfortably. Some crate brands will come with a divider that will allow you to adjust the size as needed. Your goal is to make this a safe haven and a place your dog enjoys being. This breed has high energy and will require stimulation. You run the risk of them trying to escape the cage before crate training is complete. Dog Crate Door Number Another convenience is that some brands of crates will come with two doors — one in the front and one on the side. This will allow you some versatility when finding a place in your home to put the crate. This size crate is recommended for dogs weighing 40 to 70 pounds. This size crate is ideal for dogs weighing anywhere between 70 to 90 pounds. This dog crate size is ideal for dogs that weigh more than 90 pounds. How to Choose the Right Crate Size for a Puppy Your German Shepherd puppy needs a crate that is large enough for them to comfortably turn around in but not much else. A crate any bigger will leave room for accidents when potty training. When your German Shepherd puppy reaches adult size, they will need to be able to comfortably stand and turn around inside the crate. For sizing, it is recommended to measure the length from their nose to the base of their tail, then add approximately 2 to 4 inches of extra room. The good news is, a lot of large crates on the market come with dividers. These dividers can be used for puppies and can be moved as they grow and need to accommodate more space. Purchase a crate that fits their estimated adult size and use a divider to adjust the inside space as they grow. Some dog owners prefer to buy cage sizes as they grow, but this is a great option that will save you money in the long run. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are big dogs that will require a sturdy, comfortably-sized crate. When purchasing a puppy, you can get a pretty good estimate of their adult size by looking at the parents. Smaller German Shepherds could require no more than a inch crate, while some of the larger German Shepherds will need a inch crate. Once you find a puppy, you can purchase a crate that fits their estimated adult size and use a divider as they grow. Related Reads:. If you will be gone for hours a day at work, a larger kennel system is a good idea. My girl Aura loves her crate which is like a little den for her. I leave the door open and she goes in it often when she wants to get away from it all. She has the 48x32x35 Petmate Ultra Vari listed above. I work from home and she is rarely locked up in it. What is the best material for a German Shepherd crate? The sliverylake is steel and the Zinger Winger is heavy duty aluminum. The aluminum crate is lighter weight. My girl Aura uses the Petmate crate which is plastic. This kennel breaks down into two pieces. If she just pressed her back against it it would fall right apart and she would be free. Which crate is best for travel? I have a truck and the Petmate crate travels easily for me. I just break it down into two pieces which sit inside of eachother and throw them in the bed of the truck and off I go. Before that I used a folding metal crate. Our other car is an SUV with plenty of room although this will not fit into the trunk of a Honda Accord. Final thoughts on German Shepherd Crates: Crates should always be a happy and safe place for your dog. Never use the crate as a punishment. When I had puppies, they would fight over who got to use the crate and these days my 8 year old German Shepherd goes in and out of her crate several times per week whenever she feels like it. Crates are also amazing tool for potty training puppies. They can grow from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. Male German Shepherds are usually heavier than females, and some individuals could fall slightly outside of this size range. The best way to estimate how big your puppy will be when fully grown is to take a look at his parents. The size of your dog crate should be big enough for your dog to: Turn around completely. Sit up without crouching his head. Lie on his side with paws stretched out. Especially if they have a larger, or male German Shepherd. Is Big Always Best? You might even need to go for a slightly larger option. For some people, it is a matter of space. The bigger the dog crate, the harder it can be to find space for it in your home. However, a crate that is too big for your dog can be problematic for other reasons. If you are housetraining your dog, he may use half of a big crate as a toilet, rather than using it just for sleeping. Crate training your dog will be much easier if you choose one that fits him properly. Too small and they will be uncomfortable and unhappy. Too big and they will soil their space. Puppies grow quickly. The best solution is to start with the size you think you will eventually need when your GSD is fully grown. Many crates come with a crate divider that you can use until they are an adult. Why Use a Divider? Which means I get a lot of use out of dividers for the first few months. Using one will allow you to tailor your crate to the exact size you need. And to change it accordingly as your dog grows! They do this crate 48 inch version, which I have been really happy with and ours has lasted for years. They do dividers to fit for when your pup is young, and they stand up to scratching and wipe down easily if accidents happen. We line ours with vet bedding, but you can also find more traditional dog beds to fit. It comes in 42, 46, or 48 inch sizes. This option is built on top of locking wheels. So, it is easy to move around your home, especially if you will struggle to lift a heavy crate! It has a slide out plastic tray for easy cleaning. It is easy to fold down and store, so would make a great travel crate. It has three doors, so you can put it pretty much anywhere and your dog can still use it. However, this is one we would recommend as a travel option only, especially if your GSD is prone to chewing or digging. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

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 French Bulldog Overview Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. Aesthetically, other breeds undeniably are more glamorous and showy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what many behold in the French Bulldog are the attributes that make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa. That love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. French Bulldogs are intelligent, and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. They are free thinkers and are not an ideal breed for competing in obedience or agility although some have risen to the challenge. This freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature, and if they decide to dig in their heels there is no budging them. Frenchies are loving companions who thrive on human contact. If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Frenchie is not the breed for you. This is a dog who enjoys lavishing love on his human companions as much as he loves the same treatment in return. They generally get along well with everyone, including children. They can, however, be territorial and possessive of their people, especially in the presence of other dogs. Socialization is a must for this breed, but with their easy companionship this is an enjoyable task. With a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, the French Bulldog needs to live with someone who is consistent, firm, and patient with all the antics and idiosyncrasies that make him both frustrating and delightful. They can be protective of their home and family and some will try to defend both with their life. French Bulldogs do not need a lot of room and do very well in apartments or small dwellings. A couple of minute walks per day should keep them from becoming overweight. Keep the Frenchie in cool, comfortable surroundings. This is not a dog who can stay outside on a hot day. French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. French Bulldog Highlights Friendly and playful: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to cuddle and play fetch. Low-maintenance: French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only require moderate exercise and grooming. Good with children: French Bulldogs are good with children and other pets. They make great family dogs. Intelligent: French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. Adaptable: French Bulldogs can adapt to different living conditions. They are a good choice for apartment dwellers or people with active lifestyles. Healthy: French Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and cherry eye. Overall, French Bulldogs are great dogs for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are friendly, playful, and low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any family. They were originally bred to be bull-baiting dogs, but this practice was outlawed in England in .French Bulldogs were then imported to France where they became popular as companion dogs. In France, French Bulldogs were often kept by lacemakers and other artisans who worked in small shops. The dogs were prized for their gentle nature and their ability to adapt to cramped living quarters. French Bulldogs also became popular with the French upper class, and they were often depicted in paintings and sculptures. French Bulldogs were first brought to the United States in the late s, and they quickly became popular with American families. The dogs were known for their friendly and playful personality, and they made great companions for children. French Bulldogs also became popular with celebrities, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. Today, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, their low-maintenance coat, and their adaptability to different living conditions. French Bulldogs make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and his charm was soon discovered by Americans as well. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds. French Bulldog Personality This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. Brachycephalic Syndrome : This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, or elongated or soft palates. Their airways are obstructed to varying degrees and can cause anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates. Allergies: Allergies are a common problem in dogs. The medication for inhalant allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. It is important to note that ear infections often accompany inhalant allergies. Hemivertebrae: This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle. This malformation can occur on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra can cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and or paralysis. There is no treatment for the condition unless there is spinal cord pressure. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts — the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf — is not properly lined up and slips in and out of place luxates. This causes lameness or an abnormal gait the way the dog moves. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. When the disc pushes into the spinal cord, nerve transmissions are inhibited from traveling along the spinal cord. Intervertebral Disc Disease can be caused by trauma, age, or simply from the physical jolt that occurs when a dog jumps off a sofa. When the disc ruptures, the dog usually feels pain and the ruptured disc can lead to weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. In some cases surgery can help, but it must be done within a day or so of the injury. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation. Treatments such as massage, water treadmills and electrical stimulation are available for dogs and can have excellent success. It affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Occasionally blood is found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medications. Cleft Palate : The palate is the roof of the mouth and separates the nasal and oral cavities. It is made up of two parts, hard and soft. A cleft palate has a slit that runs bilaterally or unilaterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit. A cleft palate can affect both the hard and soft palate separately and together and may cause a cleft lip. Puppies can be born with cleft palates, or a cleft palate can occur from an injury. Cleft palates are fairly common in dogs, but many puppies born with a cleft palate do not survive or are euthanized by the breeder. The only treatment for a cleft palate is surgery to close the hole, although not all dogs with a cleft palate require the surgery. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendation from your veterinarian. Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the extension of the roof of the mouth. When the soft palate is elongated, it can obstruct airways and cause difficulty in breathing. The treatment for Elongated Soft Palate is surgical removal of the excess palate. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Regardless of how healthy your dog is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. French Bulldog Care French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. This breed is prone to heat exhaustion and should not be exercised in hot temperatures. Limit walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn. It is important to crate train your French Bulldog puppy even if you plan to give him the freedom of the house when he reaches adulthood. French Bulldog Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Frenchie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially at the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of brindle — a coat patterned with specks and streaks of light and dark markings — such as black brindle and the striking tiger brindle, and brindle and white, known as brindle pied. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver a solid reddish-brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose , mouse a light steely gray , and black with white or tan. Run from any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and thus worth more money. Having your heart set on a fawn female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and brindle males. French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and need only an occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average shedders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. When you are grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infections. You should also check ears, eyes and teeth for any discharge or bad smells. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the veterinarian. Clean ears regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Keep the facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to thoroughly dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep the natural oils in his skin and coat. French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchie. That said, no dog should ever be left alone with a young child. When they are socialized to them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. French Bulldog Rescue Groups French Bulldogs are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. All dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives. French Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the French Bulldog. Now you can find out how popular the Frenchie dog is based on AKC most popular dog breeds in .These findings were based on stats on AKC registration statistics. It is important to note that even though the French Bulldog is listed as the fourth most popular dog there are many rare Frenchie colors that are not accepted and therefore do not have the AKC registration. The Frenchie breed is popular for their fun-loving, laid back nature and this has contributed to their almost universal appeal among dog lovers. If you have been searching for the perfect Frenchie puppy , we must warn you that this is where your search comes to an end. Armed with an overdose of cuteness and a tough-on-the-outside,sweet-on-the-inside expression, you are minutes away from a French Bulldog puppy fever. Discover the history of the French Bulldog on Meet the Breeds! Is the Frenchie dog breed the right breed for me? French Bulldogs have a unique personality than other breeds and it is recommended you learn more about this breed before getting one. Society stigmatize them as a lazy low maintenance small breed you can just carry everywhere. This is far from the truth. French Bulldogs often require as much attention as a newborn baby. Appearance of the French Bulldog dog The Frenchie dog is one of the miniature dog breed. One of their signature physical attributes are the over-sized bat-like ears that add spades of cute to this furry fellow. They have a muscle bound, compact frame with heavy bones. Their heads are large and square, compared to the rest of their body which tapers off to lean and smaller hind quarters. They have a wrinkly, almost flat face featuring a very short and often black muzzle. This gives them a scrunched up, eternally long-suffering look that provides several funny expressions and makes them look almost human. Their eyes are small, dark and set just above the muzzle. They have strong necks, wide chests and smooth, soft coats that come in a variety of colors. Their tails are usually short and either straight or screwed. The Frenchie dog is alert, friendly and sturdy. Their signature sitting positions will often remind you of a turkey leg. You most definitely will want to nibble on that! How do you know what color is your Frenchie puppy? First, examine the genes and colors of the parents, then examine certain features such as mask, maskless, brindle, tan points, sable etc. If you have questions or unsure you can always ask a more knowledgeable breeder or do a genetic test. Did you know the Fawn french Bulldog comes in many different shades? Here is a short breakdown of the different variations in Fawn French Bulldog puppies: Masked fawn French Bulldog A fawn Frenchie coat color can range from cream and light tan to golden tan and dark reddish tan with the distinguishing feature of a dark mask. Brindle streaks can occur. Their coats look like a pale lighter fawn color and usually puppies have lighter eyes. Their eyes will change in time from blue gray or green to brown honey or hazel color depending on their genes. Sable Frenchie dogs usually look like masked fawn Frenchies with darker black hairs and black-tipped hairs covering throughout the coat. A sable Frenchie puppy may be indistinguishable from sable in an adult French Bulldog. Maskless Fawn French Bulldog A Fawn maskless Frenchie coat color can range from cream and light tan to golden tan and dark reddish tan just like the masked fawn Frenchie. The only difference is that this coat color in Frenchies do not include the dark black mask around the eyes and muzzle. Red Fawn French Bulldog A red fawn Frenchie coat color can range from light red to dark reddish tan with the distinguishing feature of a dark mask. Brindle and sable can occur. The Red Fawn Frenchie coat color is considered rare. Lets talk French Bulldog genes! Two French Bulldogs that are masked brindles - expected to produce masked fawn, masked brindle or maskless brindle. A masked brindle Frenchie and a sable ayayE French Bulldog- expected to produce Frenchie puppies that are masked fawns sables or brindles. A masked brindle Frenchie and an ee red Frenchie - expected to produce depending on the A genes in the ee red blacks and some black with tan pigment, which could either be masked or brindled. If you work most of the day, and planning on leaving your Frenchie at home alone until you come back, please re-think getting this breed. It is too often that this breed is being surrendered to a rescue due to the inability of spending time with the dog. French Bulldogs will get angry and destroy things to get your attention if you are ignoring them or not there for them. If you are retired, and want a great loving companion this might be the breed for you. Should I get a French Bulldog puppy or a Pug puppy? There is no simple answer to this question. Deciding whether to get a Frenchie or a pug puppy can be a hard decision. They might look similar however there are many differences between the French Bulldog and the pug dog breeds. Both the Pug and the French Bulldog make a great family pet. Both are very loving and crave human attention. Both do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. The Pug never outgrows his or her puppy persona, and in contrast the French Bulldog is very laid back as he or she matures. The Frenchie is less active than the pug who might tend to bark more though not excessively. Similarly the Pug needs more exercise per day than the French bulldog. In addition Pugs life span will usually be longer than the French Bulldog. Both breeds do not do well in hot or cold weather. The Pug requires a lot more grooming and brushing than the Frenchie due to their thicket coat. Both breeds need daily wrinkle cleaning to avoid skin infections or tear stains. Frenchies cost more than Pug puppies. This is due to the fact that Frenchies can't reproduce naturally and all the costs associated with breeding the Frenchie. Both the Pug and the French Bulldog are prone to a long list of health problems. When making the decision whether you get a pug or a Frenchie you should consider your space, budget, and lifestyle. Maybe this decision proven to be too hard for you and in those cases you might consider getting a Frug. What is a Frug? A Frug is a crossbreed between the Pug and the Frenchie dog breeds. How do I find the right Frenchie? You generally have two options for getting yourself a French bulldog. You can either choose to get one through a reputable breeder or you can adopt a puppy from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. How can I rescue a French Bulldog? We are involved with many French Bulldog organizations you can always ask us if you need some guidance in the right direction. Are Frenchies healthy? French bulldogs are not known for their great health. In fact, they can develop several health issues. This is largely due to several factors including their physical attributes. Keep in mind that not all Frenchies will have these health challenges. They are simply associated with the breed and may not occur at all for your furry buddy. With adequate knowledge about their health issues, you can better make intelligent decisions when it comes to picking your Frenchie-puppy. What is the life spam of a French Bulldog? On average, the French bulldog lives between 10 and 12 years although, it is common to see some live for longer, up to 13 or 14 years especially if your French Bulldog is at an ideal weight. Do Frenchies smell? A French Bulldog tend to be more smelly than other dog breeds. Their delicate stomach and breathing issues can cause a lot of gas. Additionally, the Frenchie's facial folds can have a bad odor if not cleaned daily. How much should a French bulldog puppy weigh? Our Frenchie Weight Calculator can tell you an approx weight of your puppy or dog instantly based on on your dogs age and breed size. A general idea of an ideal weight would be lbs for a male Frenchie and lbs for a female French Bulldog depending on frame and height. French Bulldog dog breed is considered one of the lazy breeds since they love to lay around and sleep a lot. Frenchies can become overweight or obese very quickly and that can lead to many health issues that can be avoided with proper and ideal weight. My Frenchie is too thin, what should I do? First ask yourself, is your Frenchie months of age? If so its natural for them to look skinny, they are still growing and filling up to their mature body. Has your Frenchie been through any medical proceedure in the last few months that requires anesthesia? It is normal that your French Bulldog is skinnier after a proceedure such as neutering, spaying, boas surgery etc. If your French Bulldog is not a puppy and have not been through any medical procedures but still looks thin there are a few options to help them gain a bit of weight and reach an ideal weight: -De-worm your Frenchie and rule out intestinal parasites with the help of your vet. Things like chicken or beef broth, a dollop of non-fat plain yogurt are safe for your Frenchie to consume in moderation. Does your Frenchie eat raw, dry or wet food? Ask yourself does he or she like the food? This type of supplement usually comes in a tube and is easy to give the dog. How will being underweight or overweight affect my Frenchie's health? Just like people an overweight or obese Frenchie may exprience a shortness of breath with little to no exercise. It is a matter of life or death for a breed like the French Bulldogs that already has respiratory issues in the first place. In addition you can expect an overweight Frenchie to have Diabetes and heart disease. They may also experience joint problems and inability to walk or run. Even 5 pounds would affect a Frenchie tremendously due to their already small size. If your Frenchie is underweight it could be a sign of a serious health problem. It would best to talk to your vetranarian and test for major health issues such as parasites, gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease etc. How can I tell my French Bulldog is overweight? Did you know that more than half of the dogs in the world are overweight? Chances are 50 percet that your dog may fall into that catagory as well. The signs of an overweight Frenchie is : - No muscle tone - Heavy breathing with little to no exercise. What should I do if my Frenchie is overweight? Here is a list of things to consider when it comes to a French Bulldog that is overweight: - There has been extensive research in regards to thyroid health and dogs that pull on dog collars. Are you using a collar or a harness on your French Bulldog? Does your Frenchie pull? Is it possible the collar is affecting your French Bulldog's thyroid gland? A collar pushes on the throat exactly in the area of the thyroid gland, and any trauma created by the pulling can inflame the thyroid. Read the label which will list protein, fat content and calories per cup. Ask your vet for any suggestions for your specific needs. Should I free feed my Frenchie? It is not recommended to free feed a French Bulldogs since Frenchies will typically overeat. That is not to say that every Frenchie is the same and yours might do well with free feeding. How much should a French Bulldog puppy cost? Why are Frenchie puppies so expensive? French Bulldogs puppies are more expensive than other dog breeds due to the fact that Frenchies can't have Frenchie puppies naturally. Is this breeder posting a scam? Stay away from buying a Frenchie puppy if the price is too good to be true. It most likely be a scam. Furthermore never purchase a Frenchiebulldog puppy without references from prior buyers, and a contract in place. Never transfer money in western union or any other means that will not cover your purchase in case the deal went south. Even if its not a scam, a breeder can only offer a Frenchie for a cheap amount if they bypass many necessary testings. Buying a healthy Frenchie puppy will never be cheap and can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care as well as heartache. Why does my male Frenchie squat and not lift his leg when going potty? It is normal for male French Bulldogs to go to the bathroom squatting instead of lifting their leg. This is due to their stocky built and their short body. When your dog is marking his territoty or around other dogs it is possible he might lift his leg. Can I place another dog with my Frenchie in the same crate? It would have to depend on your dog's personalities and whether they get along. Another thing to keep in mind is not crating the opposite genders if they are not fixed. If your Frenchie shown any aggression to the other dog it is not recommended you crate them together. However, if they get along well and are best freinds it may be beneficial to crate together to eliminate separation anxiety. Make sure the crate is large enogh for them to be comfortable. My Frenchie puppy ate the pee pad, what should I do? Don't panic! A lot of French Bulldogs go through a chewing phase where they eat everything in sight. Your Frenchie will most likely pass the pee pads in stool. Watch your Frenchie for any signs of blockage like constant vomitting and unable to go to the bathroom and take your French Bulldog to the vet if you believe there was any issue in passing the pads. My Frenchie bulldog is aggressive towards children. What should I do? Do not allow your Frenchie to be mean to kids or other pets. Your French Bulldog needs to have respect to other household members. When French Bulldogs get away with this behavior this problem will only get worse so correct it as soon as it starts. Another method of eliminating aggression in French Bulldogs is to overly praise them when they are affectionate, and when they are not, ignore and stand your ground. At times positive reinforcement with Frenchies work the best since they are very emotional. My Frenchie suffers from allergies and cytopoint. My vet recommended the use of the medication Apoquel. Every Frenchie is different and off course they each have their own sets of problems and symtoms, however, as a responsible owner you need to educate yourself on the medication Apoquel before giving it to your dog just like you would with any other medication. There are wonderful holistic vet care facilities everywhere that take a different approach that does not include drugs. This medication works because it suppresses your Frenchie's immunity system so they don't feel the need to itch. The downside is that its a highly addictive drug which your Frenchie will need to rely on for many years, and when you stop giving it to them the symptoms might come back and be worse than they are before starting. Another side effect stemming from Apoquel is constant ear infections. Some dog owners reported cancer after prolong use but there is no scientific research or proof that it causes it. Before starting such a serious medication you can always try a more holistic approach like special shampoos, bath treatments, immunity booster treats, goat milk, supplements, coconut oil etc. Should I give my Frenchie a bully stick? Absolutely not. French Bulldogs are known to choke on bully sticks. In fact it is recommended you never give a Frenchie any type of hard bone including Antlers etc. For a treat it is always recommended to use a soft treat that can easily dissolve even if they swollow it whole. Although, French Bulldog breeders can, and do, go beyond these, there are three main colors that Frenchies come in. These are brindle, fawn and pied. While these are the most common colors, they do come in such a mix that you could reasonably assemble French bulldogs with different coats. Brindle is the most dominant color of the breed. A brindle Frenchie has a mostly dark coat with light hairs mixed in here and there. According to the French Bulldog Club of America, the coat isactually made of a base of fawn hairs, through which black hairs extend in bands. This means there must be a patch of enough fawn hairs to show the brindle pattern, no matter where that patch is located. Other shades of brindle french bulldogs include: The strong brindle Frenchie - Mix of brown and tan coat coloration in Frenchies. The brindle pied French Bulldog - A Frenchie dog with a chest, head, neck or toes sporting white hairs. The seal brindle French Bulldog- A French Bulldog with very light white hair that may even seem invisible. It is also common to see some of the dogs with coats that have a light tan, golden tan or a reddish tan. When Frenchie dogs have a dark reddish fawn color, they are referred to as a red-fawn. Although fawn Frenchies usually have lighter masks as well, it is more common for them to have a dark mask and a black nose. Their ears are also commonly dark and they may even have some brindle streaksin their coat. Pied Frenchie Bulldogs have a coat that ranges from white to eggshell color. Their coat may look porcelain white or a bright cream. Often,these color types will have one dark patch that stands out and gives them their personality. This may be around the eyes or some other place on the body of the Frenchie dog. The Frenchie dog breed comes in a variety of unusual colors. Rare colors in French Bulldog puppies can be exceptionally expensive depending on how rare the puppy is. Also there is some debate about how healthy a rare colored Frenchie can be. Rare colors can be merle, lilac, blue and more. That will help them feel comfortable and friendly toward visitors human or animal that come to their home. Otherwise, they may be standoffish with strangers. But make no mistake—French Bulldogs are friendly dogs who bond deeply with their people and love to have a good time. Because of those deep bonds, they can feel neglected and anxious when their people are out of the house for too long. Speaking of their people, the French Bulldog breed is good with kids and babies, but as with any dog, they should always be supervised. They also get along with other dogs and cats, as long as you introduce them properly. The French Bulldog is primarily a companion dog. They also make good watch dogs, often barking if someone new is at the door. Sure, they need solid training ground rules, but they aim to please and their short coats are easy to brush. Grooming French Bulldogs are an easy-to-groom, short-coated breed. Clean their face folds and eyes every day. They might also need an occasional assist to keep their bums clean. Introducing the process to your French Bulldog as a puppy will make the task more manageable in the long run. Brushing will help reduce the amount of loose hair you find around the house. Another weekly task to stay on top of is cleaning their ears. Occasionally: Unless they get exceptionally dirty, Frenchies only need a bath about once every months. Get the how-to here. Overbathing removes the natural oils from their coat and skin. Between baths, you can keep them clean with a damp washcloth or cleaning wipes. Trim their nails as needed. Training One of the keys to training a French Bulldog can be summed up in two words: start early. Frenchies respond well to positive reinforcement—think treats, toys and praise. If they get frustrated during training sessions, take a break. We all need one now and then. These intelligent, sensitive pups are eager to please their humans, and are motivated by food, two attributes that will help you achieve your training goals. Typically, they do well on high-quality commercial dog food. Some Frenchies are prone to obesity, especially since exercise can be difficult due to their flat faces. Collaborate with your veterinarian to find the right combination of quality food and regular exercise. Keep an eye on the scale and adjust amounts as needed. A treat once in a while is fine and helps with training, but remember: treats equal extra calories! Have more questions about what to feed your French Bulldog? With their short legs, large bodies and flat faces, these dogs are more suited to brisk exercise rather than distance running. Opt for a game of fetch in the yard or a nice walk around the neighborhood. Be sure to keep an eye on their breathing while they exercise. As a brachycephalic flat-faced dog breed, Frenchies are prone to airway issues more on Brachycephalic syndrome in the Dog Health section below. Ideal Environment French Bulldogs can adapt to many home situations. They can handle life in a city apartment as well as life in a small-town or a rural country homestead. Two things they cannot handle well: extreme hot or cold. Frenchies prefer a moderate climate. During hot spells, bring them outside during the cooler parts of the day and consider buying a few products to help them keep cool and prevent heatstroke. In the winter, limit outside time and consider keeping your pup warm in a cute dog coat or dog sweater. With all their needs and personality quirks, does that mean you have to be an experienced dog owner to have a Frenchie? Not necessarily. French Bulldogs are a good choice for first-time pet parents, if you can commit to their training—the earlier, the better. Frenchies prefer to be with you as much as possible. If you have to be gone for long, check them into doggy day care or arrange for a neighbor or pet sitter to come play with them. Back to Top French Bulldog Health With good food and exercise and common sense on your part , the French Bulldog lifespan is about 10 to 12 years. Unfortunately, they suffer from some health issues. Be aware of these concerns, so you can help your pup live a long, happy life. Allergies: Allergies are a common condition with French Bulldogs and can be caused by various natural causes—pollen, dust, mold, food and insects, to name a few. Allergies often show up as itchiness, although a dry nose can also be an indication. Your vet can prescribe treatments depending on the cause, including a change in diet or medication. While these noises may seem harmless, the fact is their physical attributes cause them health problems. Brachycephalic breeds, including Pugs, Boxers, Pekingese and French Bulldogs, may develop difficulty breathing during exercise because their nostrils, airways and palettes are too small. You can manage symptoms by keeping your dog at a healthy weight, but severe cases might require surgery. Ear Infections: French Bulldogs are somewhat prone to ear infections their ear canals are narrow. If your dog suffers from frequent ear infections, your veterinarian can show you how to properly and safely clean the ears to help prevent future infections. Underbite: Underbites may cause dental and gum problems or even make it difficult for pups to chew. Treatment may include ball therapy where the dog is encouraged to carry a small rubber ball behind their teeth , removing teeth or braces. Skin Infections: Those charming face wrinkles can trap bits of food and moisture so gross! Bacteria can multiply there, leading to skin infections. If you see signs of infection irritated or swollen skin , visit your vet for a topical treatment. Spine and Orthopedic Issues: Your French Bulldog may also be susceptible to common issues like intervertebral disc disease IDD , hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. IDD is a disease of the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, pain meds or surgery can be used to treat the condition. Treatment can range from weight management to physical therapy to surgery. Patellar luxation is a knee issue where the knee slips out. Keeping your pup at a healthy weight is your first line of defense; severe cases might require surgery. Eye Problems: The French Bulldog dog breed is susceptible to common eye issues, including cataracts and cherry eye. Cataracts, a cloudy lens, can cause blindness, but surgery can correct it. Cherry eye is a condition when the third eyelid slips out of place and swells. Surgery is the only solution. They were developed as a smaller type of Bulldog aka English Bulldog and were popular with people in the lace-making industry in the s. Gaining notoriety for their temperament in Nottingham, a center for lace-making, they became a bit of a lace-maker mascot. After the Industrial Revolution changed the lace-making industry, many lace-makers moved to France, where their diminutive bulldogs became fashionable. By the end of the s, Americans began taking notice of the charming bat-eared dogs, and established the French Bull Dog Club of America in .American French Bulldog enthusiasts favored the bat ears, and as in France, the French Bulldog became fashionable in the United States, especially among socialites. Following World War II, their popularity decreased, but experienced a steady rise until the s and eventually surging in the s. The breed catapulted dog-apulted? Considering a French Bulldog as a pet? Be sure the breeder you buy from screens their dogs for health and temperment issues. Breeders often spay their females after two litters and then find them loving permanent homes. French Bulldogs produce dander and saliva, and these, along with normal shedding, may trigger allergies in some people. Are French Bulldogs smart? Can French Bulldogs swim? Boston Terrier vs. Frenchies have a stockier and heavier body type, leaning toward the bully breeds, while Bostons lean more towards terriers and have a lighter bone structure. Bostons are more energetic compared to Frenchies. They are agile and have a comparable temperament to Frenchies, and are similarly great with kids and other dogs. However, Bostons are generally more high-spirited than Frenchies. Read more about Boston Terriers here. What are the top French Bulldog names? For more name inspiration, check out our dog name guide. What are the most common French Bulldog mixes? Sure, there may be the occasional health concern, a bit of grooming work and that Bulldog attitude, but nothing worthwhile in life ever comes without some effort. Here are 5 more facts about Frenchies. Expert input provided by veterinarian Dr. Female Names. The Frenchie is adaptable to any home environment, as long as it has air conditioning. In fact, other than being a little pugnacious with other dogs, it would be hard to imagine a better dog for city living. The French Bulldog should be on the short list of breeds for anyone who lives without a vast tract of suburban backyard. The Frenchie will make you laugh. It also means he absolutely, positively cannot live in the backyard or garage, but only indoors as a member of the family. The Frenchie can also be a little hard to housetrain and may not be safe with a slow-footed family cat. A short daily walk of 15 to 20 minutes will help to keep them in shape. Schedule walks and outdoor playtime for cool mornings and evenings. Frenchies are sensitive to heat and can quickly succumb to heatstroke. This is not the breed for you if you enjoy hiking or jogging with a dog. Breeders like to send French Bulldog puppies to their new homes when they are nine or 10 weeks old. The French Bulldog does best in a family where someone is home most of the day. Other Quick Facts French Bulldogs are restful and have minimal exercise needs, so they are a good choice for couch potatoes. The French Bulldog should not weigh more than 28 pounds, making him easily portable. French Bulldogs can be stubborn when it comes to housetraining. Frenchies snort, snore and grunt, and they are known for making other odd noises. Frenchies are not good swimmers and should not have access to pools, spas or other bodies of water. Small bulldogs were popular pets with the local laceworkers, keeping them company and ridding their workrooms of rats. After the industrial revolution, lacemaking became mechanized and many of the laceworkers lost their jobs. Some of them moved to France, where their skills were in demand, and of course they took their beloved dogs with them. The dogs were equally popular with French shopkeepers and eventually took on the name of their new country. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the dogs became popular with members of the Paris bohemian class: ladies of the night, artists, writers such as the novelist Colette, and wealthy Americans doing the Grand Tour. Today, the breed ranks 21st among the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club, up from 71st in , a testament to his qualities as a companion. A Frenchie loves almost everyone he meets and will seek out anyone who is willing to provide a lap. Frenchies are known for their quiet attentiveness. They follow their people around from room to room without making a nuisance of themselves. This is a highly alert breed who barks judiciously. If a Frenchie barks, you should check it out. Frenchies can be stubborn about any kind of training. Motivate them with gentle, positive techniques. When you find the right reward, they can learn quickly, although you will find that they like to put their own spin on tricks or commands, especially when they have an audience. Frenchie play tends to be on the destructive side. Avoid giving them toys on which they could choke, such as rawhides, pig ears, and dental chews. A word of advice: any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained or unsupervised. And any dog can be a trial to live with during adolescence. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines like kennel cough to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines including rabies, distemper and parvovirus have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. What You Need to Know About French Bulldog Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The French Bulldog is prone to certain health problems. These small, flat-faced dogs are prone to a couple of conditions. One is called brachycephalic airway syndrome. Dogs whose facial bones and tissues are compressed can have obstructed breathing because they may have an elongated soft palate, laryngeal collapse, narrowed nasal cavities or related problems. Dogs with these problems are said to have brachycephalic airway syndrome. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome cannot tolerate excessive heat or exercise. In some cases, surgery may be needed to improve airflow and breathing. In addition, Frenchies can suffer from spinal malformations and a spinal condition called intervertebral disc disease. Reproductive problems are the norm, not the exception. They may also develop eye problems, such as cataracts, and intestinal malabsorption disorders. Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. Optional tests are OFA cardiac heart and thyroid exams. Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. French Bulldogs are sensitive to heat. Never leave one outdoors on a hot day or in a home without air conditioning. Keeping a French Bulldog at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. Brush him weekly with a rubber hound glove or a soft bristle brush. Bathe monthly or as needed to keep the coat clean. During the spring and fall shedding seasons, use a stripping comb and grooming mitt to remove the excess hair. The only other grooming required is routine nail trimming, ear cleaning, tooth brushing and wrinkle care. The deep skin folds may need to be cleaned only a couple of times a week or every day. Wipe out the crud from the wrinkles with a soft, damp cloth or a baby wipe, then dry them thoroughly. If moisture is left behind, wrinkles become the perfect petri dish for bacterial growth. Do the same for the indentation at the tail set and the outer vulval area. The rest is basic care. Trim the toenails as needed, usually every few weeks. They should never get long enough that you hear them clacking on the floor. Brush the teeth frequently for good dental health and fresh breath. Finding a French Bulldog Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a French Bulldog Breeder Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not, and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps she takes take to avoid those problems. Start your search at the website of the French Bull Dog Club of America , which maintains a referral list for breeders. Besides screening breeding dogs for genetic diseases, good breeders sell only with a written contract and guarantee a home for any dog they breed if the owner becomes unable to keep him. Choose a breeder who is not only willing but insists on being a resource in helping you train and care for your new dog. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. The cost of a Frenchie puppy varies depending on his place of origin, whether he is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation show and, ideally, working titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Frenchie might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult French Bulldog may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. Adopting a Dog from a French Bulldog Rescue or Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Frenchies available on Petfinder across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Frenchie. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. You can also search online for other French Bulldog rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Frenchie home with you to see what the experience is like. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Frenchie, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, take your Frenchie to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. These charming pups love to play just as much as they love to snuggle up on their owner's lap to take a snooze. They won't get taller than 13 inches at the shoulder, making them a great option for city dwellers. It doesn't take much space to keep a Frenchie happy. This breed has an easygoing personality and they make wonderful companions for families, children, or seniors. They're easy to groom and easy to please, and they thrive on human contact. They have a small, compact body that's well proportioned and fairly muscular, with the exception of the wrinkled skin around their face and shoulders. Frenchies most often come in colors like cream, fawn, and white, but they can also have brindle patterns or black masks. They have trademark dark brown eyes and an adorable "squished up" face. Their smooth, shiny coats only require occasional brushing to stay clean, and they shed a moderate amount. A healthy full-grown French bulldog tops out at around 28 pounds, making them the miniature version of a classic bulldog which can get up to 50 pounds. According to the AKC, "two distinctive features of the French bulldog are its bat ears and half-flat, half-domed skull. They do well with companion pets, so long as they have been socialized properly. Training comes easy to this breed when there's food involved. As free thinkers and fun lovers, they'll be more eager to learn if training feels like a game. Becky Smith, president of the French Bull Dog Club of America FBDCA notes that people with "patience, a kind disposition, gentle hands, and a loving spirit are the ideal owner for this darling breed," who thrive on human interaction. Frenchies just want to give love and get lots of belly rubs in return! French bulldogs are also more prone to heat exhaustion, so a minute walk or play session in the cooler evenings will give them plenty of physical activity. They're wonderful apartment dogs , because they don't need a large yard or a lot of space to be happy. They'll require a bath about once a month , giving extra attention to their hallmark wrinkles to make sure they don't get infected. Owners also need to regularly check their bulldog's skin for lesions or scabs and see a vet right away should anything seem out of the ordinary. Like many breeds, a French bulldog needs to learn how to socialize from a young age. They can be very protective and possessive of their humans. So long as they are socialized as puppies , Frenchies get along great with new faces and other dogs or cats. If a little drool on the furniture bothers you, a Frenchie might not be the breed for you. They can also be difficult to potty train. They are intelligent, yet free spirited, so they may dig in their heels when it comes to appeasing commands. Training a Frenchie will take a little patience and a lot of treats, but they respond well to positive reinforcement and praise for good behavior. Just stick with it and your little guy will come around. Health French bulldogs have a life span of 10 to 12 years, but owners should be aware of some common health risks that the breed is known for. Frequent panting, difficulty eating, coughing, or snoring can all be warning signs of something more serious. Upon exercising, they can develop hyperthermia [heat stroke] due to the inability to breathe adequately. French bulldogs can also be prone to eye conditions, like cherry eye , or skin allergies passed down from their parents. A responsible breeder will test for these conditions. History Contrary to their name, the French bulldog's story doesn't begin in France—it originates in England. In Nottingham, lace makers kept toy-size bulldogs to chase away rats in their small working quarters. During the height of the Industrial Revolution in the s, lace workers were replaced by machines, so many were forced to relocate to France, where lace was still made by hand. The French fell in love with the smaller bulldog that came along with the workers, and after decades of crossbreeding, the breed developed their iconic bat ears and the French bulldog was born. Parisians took a great liking to the breed, and soon every artist, actor, and celebrity in the city wanted one. Americans visiting overseas loved the miniature version of the bulldog, and it wasn't long before Frenchies took off in the U. In the early days of the breed, there were two types of ears on Frenchies: the bat style popular with Americans and the rose ear commonly seen on their kin the bulldog. This ear difference was the source of great controversy amongst breed aficionados. Americans insisted that true Frenchies had to have the bat ears we know the breed for today; British and French breed lovers disagreed. A group of prominent French bulldog fans founded the French Bulldog Club of America in April to establish and document the breed standard and demanded the bat ear become the breed standard. They eventually won. Fun Facts French bulldogs can't swim … and they can't fly, either. Being in the flat-nosed family, flying on a plane can be life threatening and many airlines have banned all brachycephalic breeds. There are still ways to travel with a Frenchie; owners just need to take some extra precautions before hopping on a flight. Carrie Fisher's Frenchie Gary became a mini celebrity himself, showing up everywhere the actress went, even the red carpet. French bulldogs love to talk, and they definitely aren't afraid to speak their minds. Walter Geoffrey the Frenchie has thousands of subscribers on YouTube for his temper tantrums. Was this page helpful? Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The French Bulldog is a sturdy, compact, stocky little dog, with a large square head that has a rounded forehead. The muzzle is broad and deep with a well-defined stop. The nose is black, but may be lighter in lighter colored dogs. The upper lips hang down over the lower lips. The teeth meet in an underbite and the lower jaw is square and deep. The round, prominent eyes are set wide apart and are dark in color. The bat ears stand erect, are broad at the base narrowing in a triangular shape and rounded at the tips. The height at the withers to the ground should be approximately the same as the length from withers to the base of the tail. The tail is either straight or corkscrew. The chest is broad and deep with the front of the dog being wider than the back end, forming a pear shape. The dewclaws may be removed. The medium-fine coat is short and smooth. The skin is loose, forming wrinkles around the head and shoulders. Coat colors include brindle, brindle and white, cream, cream and white, fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle, white, white and brindle, white and fawn, black, black and fawn, black and white, fawn and black, fawn brindle and white and gray and white. Temperament The French Bulldog is a pleasant, easy-care companion who is playful, alert and affectionate. It is enthusiastic and lively, without being yappy and loud. Curious, sweet and absolutely hilarious, it has a very comical personality and loves to clown around. It is bright and easygoing. The Frenchie gets along fairly well with strangers and other animals and enjoys being with its owner. It plays well with other dogs. Those Frenchies that are allowed to believe they are alpha may become dog aggressive. This breed needs leadership and will not thrive without it. The Frenchie cannot be owned and ignored. When it senses an owner is meek or passive toward it, it will become very stubborn and even snappish. They can be trained if the owner is calm, but firm, consistent and patient. Proper human to canine communication is essential. Do not give them affection or sweet talk them if they are displaying any type of unwanted behaviors; instead correct them sternly with an air of calm authority. French Bulldogs are clean, and most will try to avoid puddles. Most cannot swim so take caution around water. This breed does best with considerate children who know how to display proper leadership. This breed may drool and slobber ; however a good percentage of them do not. They are also a relentless hunter of mice. Do not allow this sweet little bully to develop Small Dog Syndrome. Height, Weight Height: 12 inches 30 cm There are two weight classes of French Bulldog: 19 - 22 pounds 9 - 10 kg and 22 - 28 pounds 10 - 13 kg. Over 28 pounds is a disqualification. Health Problems French Bulldogs are prone to joint diseases, spinal disorders, heart defects and eye problems. Dams often have to deliver pups by cesarean section, because pups have relatively large heads. They often have respiratory problems. They tend to wheeze and snore and have trouble in hot weather. Prone to heatstroke. An overweight Frenchie may have trouble breathing, because of a swollen abdomen. Do not overfeed this breed. Putting them under anesthesia is risky because of their breathing issues. French Bulldogs are high maintenance and potential owners need to be aware that their vet bills may be high. Take this into consideration before choosing a Frenchie puppy. Living Conditions Frenchies are good for apartment life. They can be fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They do not do well in temperature extremes. Exercise The French Bulldog needs to be taken on a daily walk , where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Simply running around a large yard is not going to satisfy their migration instinct. Take care in hot weather. They love to run and play and can play for hours if you let them. Some have higher energy levels than others. Life Expectancy. The breed is small and muscular with heavy bone structure, a smooth coat, a short face and trademark "bat" ears. Prized for its affectionate nature and balanced disposition, they are generally active and alert, but not unduly boisterous. Frenchies can be brindle, fawn, white, and brindle and white. Brief History In the latter part of the 19th century, the lace makers of Nottingham, England, began selectively breeding a smaller toy Bulldog as a lap pet. Displaced by the Industrial Revolution, many of the lace makers crossed the English Channel, taking their small bulldogs with them to France. Some of these toy or miniature bulldogs made their way to Paris, where well-to-do Americans on the Grand Tour of Europe saw them and began bringing them to the US. In , the French Bull Dog Club of America was formed, the first club in the world dedicated exclusively to the welfare of this wonderful breed. To learn more about the history of the French Bulldog, click here. Expression is alert, curious and interested. To view the complete French Bulldog Breed Standard, click here. They are not noisy and most of them are very fond of people, though there are individual differences in how well they get along with other animals. They should never be allowed to run free, and should only be allowed outdoors in a fenced yard or on a leash. French Bulldogs must never be left unattended around water, as they are poor swimmers and can easily drown due to their front-heavy structure. French bulldogs do best in moderate temperatures and should be carefully supervised in both high and low temperature ranges. Panting or shivering are both indications of excessive exposure. Indestructible dog toys are best, as those powerful bulldog jaws can destroy less durable ones; and rawhide type chews should not be used because when they soften they can become lodged in a Frenchie's throat. Regular cleaning of the ears and of the deep facial folds will prevent these sensitive areas from becoming irritated, and regular checking of the anal sacs will prevent problems with these. Your vet can advise you on how to care for the ears, skin folds, and anal sacs as well as on feeding your puppy. Health Care and Concerns Find a good veterinarian, preferably one who has other short-faced patients; and provide your Frenchie with regular checkups, routine vaccinations, tests for intestinal parasites, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick control. The short face can make their breathing less efficient than that of long-nosed breeds, so Frenchies have less tolerance of heat, exercise, and stress - all of which increase their need to breathe. Keep your French Bulldog cool in warm weather, and avoid strenuous exercise. If your dog seems to overheat or become stressed too easily, with noisy breathing and sometimes spitting up foam, consult the vet and have its airway evaluated for pinched nostrils or an elongated soft palate. Anesthesia is also more risky in short-faced dogs, so be sure your veterinarian is experienced with such breeds should your Frenchie need to be anesthetized for any reason. The spine also merits special attention. While the spine is supported by good musculature, herniation of degenerated discs can cause major problems, and most symptomatic back problems are due to disc disease rather than to abnormal vertebrae. All dogs should have a thorough musculoskeletal exam by a veterinarian, but most Frenchies can safely engage in regular moderate exercise, which is essential to help maintain healthy weight and good physical condition. Training A crate trained puppy is easier to housebreak. A dog regards its crate as its den, a safe haven and home. If you travel, the dog is safest in his crate in your vehicle and also when you stay in hotels or visit other people. If he should be ill or injured and need to be kept quiet, this is much easier if he is happy in a crate. In warm areas, cooling pads and fresh water should be placed in the crate too. You should take your French Bulldog to training classes as soon as your veterinarian feels he has proper immunity This will get him accustomed to being around other dogs and people, will teach you how to communicate your wishes to him, and will teach him such basics as walking well on a lead, sitting, staying, and coming on command. Although cute and cuddly-looking, a French Bulldog has a big personality and needs an adequate amount of training to make it a civilized companion. There are now many French Bulldogs who compete very successfully in obedience, rally, agility, and a few have even done field work tracking, coursing, herding. They can also be excellent working dogs in all kinds of Therapy Dog roles in volunteer settings such as schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Be sure that your dog conforms well to the breed standard and has a good temperament, being neither overly aggressive nor overly shy. If you are thinking of breeding your Frenchie, read our Breeding a Frenchie page. Be sure that you will be able to place all puppies in good and loving homes, and should these placements not work out, that you would be able to take back the puppies. Whatever your plans for your new Frenchie companion might be, be prepared to be enamored with them in no time! Breed Info.

Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. In conclusion How often should I walk a Labrador Retriever puppy? For instance, your four-month-old Lab puppy can walk or play for 20 minutes a day, twice a day. Of course, puppies love to play , so all that time may not be for walks. You can allocate half the time for walks and the other half to play with your Labrador pup. This means that you can actually walk your four-month-old Lab puppy for 10 minutes a day, twice a day. Then play with them for 20 minutes. Some puppies are still learning how to properly go on walks. So, if you are still training your Lab puppy how to behave on walks. You can focus most of the estimated exercise time on their leash training and walk training. Whatever happens during your outdoor walks, always remember to listen to your Labrador pup. If they get enough exercise but still want to play, play with them for more minutes until they get their fill. How often should I walk an adult Labrador? When your Labrador is fully grown, you can use your better judgment to know how often you should walk your Labrador. Most canines will have slightly different personalities and needs. So you can try experimenting with how often should you walk your Labrador to know what suits them. It may be good to know, though, that most adult Labs like to go on walks at least twice a day. Aside from that, many adult Labs will need at least one hour of exercise every day. You can use minutes of that time to walk them, but some Labradors will enjoy walking for 30 minutes twice a day. For instance, relaxed Labs may want only 45 minutes of exercise a day and will only want to use that time to walk. In contrast, energetic Labs may want nearly 1. Energetic Labs may also want to run, hike, or swim to burn off all their extra energy. How often should I walk a senior Labrador Retriever? Mature man walking his senior dog If your Lab is a senior, they still need to go on walks to stay healthy and prevent common Labrador health problems. However, your senior Lab will not have the same stamina and energy that they used to have. Therefore, you need to walk them very often, but for shorter periods of time. For instance, a senior Labrador can go for a short 5-minute to minute walk. However, you need to walk them times a day, depending on their health. Walking a senior Lab frequently for short periods of time will help them stay fit without pushing them past their limits. Can you walk a Labrador too much? There is no such thing as too much when it comes to walking a Labrador Retrievers. Of course, as previously mentioned, if your dog is very active, they may need longer walks at least twice a day. Signs your Labrador Retriever wants to go on more walks If you think that your Lab still has lots of energy and walks to go on more walks. Here are some signs that you can look for: Destructive behavior e. Actually, there is no one answer to these questions. The response will depend on the activities that you and your Lab do during those walks and how active your Labrador is in general. For example, if you have your Labrador Retriever do plenty of games or retrieving play during your walks. Other ways to give your Labrador exercise What many people fail to realize is that there are a lot of different ways in which Labrador Retrievers can exercise. You do not need to use all of your exercise time for walks. Especially since Labs will also want other ways to burn off their excess energy. Some other ways you can give your Lab exercise include the following: Going on hikes Swimming , although your Labrador must be at least months old and be trained how to swim first Playing fetch Going on runs Tug of war Keep in mind that you have to be gentle in your pulls and to let your Lab win to avoid aggressive behavior. Labs that exhibit aggressive behavior should not play tug of war. When should I not walk my Labrador Retriever? Unless your vet has approved having you take your Labrador for long walks. You should not walk Labs in the following scenarios: While they are still very young puppies When they feel unwell or pain While they are still recovering from an operation or injury When they are very old In conclusion How often you walk your Lab depends on their age, personality, and needs. Post navigation. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway.

Lori's Labradors has been raising quality Labrador Retrievers for 25 years. We are a small kennel, and we strive to produce quality dogs with calmness, intelligence, and trainability. Our family of 3 generations now operates the kennel, and we are so excited to be able to raise your next forever friend. As life-long animal lovers and dog owners, we know the importance of raising healthy, happy, and well adjusted dogs. Our dogs and puppies are all socialized with our children to make sure they are used to all ages. We have 20 years experience working in the veterinary field and have raised animals our entire lives. We have worked side by side with the previous owners to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the same standards that dog lovers have experienced over the past 25 years. And we now to look to the future to continue raising quality and healthy animals! Size The adult females weigh lbs. AKC Registered Our dogs are hunters for ducks and geese, as well as upland game birds. They have been trained to find antler sheds, get a beer from the refrigerator, take out the trash, get the leash, and retrieve your shoes. Of course, these dogs are only as good as you train them. They are very intelligent, and you will be pleased with your results from the time spent training these fine animals. We are now taking deposits on litters! Breeding all colors in ! Contact Us to Reserve Yours Today! Our dogs have been placed in homes of families diagnosed with cancer. Other puppy donations include 6 puppies to the Ducks Unlimited Foundation. The Latest from Facebook. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale in Montana Our Labs can be found across the country in forty 40 states from the great Southwest to historic New England, from frigid Alaska to the great state of Montana Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have delivered more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in the state of Montana. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Did you know… Just south of Billings, Lt. George Armstrong Custer and his troops made their last stand. State Flower: Bitterroot.

If you're working on a project and pug images could help elevate it, you've come to the right place. Our stock image collection boasts a vast range of high-quality JPG, AI, and EPS files that are perfect for a broad range of projects, from websites to print media and beyond. The benefits of pug images Pug images are perfect for many projects for several reasons. Firstly, pugs are undeniably adorable, making them an excellent choice for grabbing your audience's attention and making them smile. They can lend a sense of fun and playfulness to any project, whether you're designing a children's book or a website for a pet store. Pug images are also versatile and can be used in a vast range of contexts, from greeting cards to posters, and everything in between. How to use pug images effectively When using pug images, it's essential to consider the context and tone of your project. For example, if you're designing a website for a food brand, a cute picture of a pug eating a pizza might not be the best image choice. Instead, consider using images of pugs that are relatively neutral—such as a pug standing on a neutral background. Alternatively, opt for playful images of pugs only when your project calls for a more lighthearted or fun tone. Browse our collection of pug images Our collection of stock pug images is extensive, with thousands of files available for download. Whether you're looking for a specific type of pug picture or just browsing for inspiration, you're sure to find what you're looking for in our collection. With files available in a range of file types and formats, our images are suitable for a broad range of projects. Don't compromise on the quality of your project's images—browse our collection of high-quality pug images today and find the perfect image to elevate your project! Dachshund Getty Images Smooth, wirehaired or longhaired, there's a type of dachshund for everybody. They even come in two different sizes: standard and miniature. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below English Setter Getty Images Called the "gentleman of the dog world," the English setter is known for both its style and its strength. Just don't describe their coats as spotted. The speckled pattern is known as "belton. Swiss farmers originally raised them as good-natured helpers, so they're super strong. The pups only develop the spots later in life though; the litters start out completely white. Labs have been the number one dog breed in America for more than 25 years in a row! An abandoned Cairn terrier named Terry went on to become one of the biggest canine movie stars in history. Caroline Picard Contributing Writer Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience. From to , she held various editorial positions at Good Housekeeping, including as health editor, covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins. 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. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. A bit goofy and rambunctious, pugs have also earned a reputation as a canine class clown. Pugs are ideal house dogs thanks to their stable temperament and loving disposition. Although you'll need a quality vacuum, as they shed profusely! Playful but not requiring lots of activity, pugs are content to do whatever their owner wants to do, whether that be watching a movie or going for a walk around the block. Very intelligent, and at times willful, pugs are happy and affectionate pups who remain very loyal to their owners. As a brachycephalic breed, that adorable smooshy face can also be the source of common health problems for pugs, which potential owners will want to understand before they choose to become pug parents. Pugs come in two standard colors with a few tonal variations: fawn with a black mask or all black. The fawn or tan coat color can range from a warm apricot to a cool and rarely seen silver. Their heads feature their signature short, flat, black muzzle covered with deep wrinkles. Their prominent eyes dominate their comical, wrinkly face and showcase a range of emotions, from surprise and happiness to curiosity. They sport moles on their cheeks, called "beauty spots" and a clearly defined "thumb mark" on their forehead. Their short coat is actually a double coat, and they shed like crazy, especially during the summer months. According to the AKC standard , the perfect pug tail has a double curl. Temperament A pug's favorite place to be is right by your side. Bred to be companions, they are completely content snuggling up on your lap and lounging the day away and aren't afraid to hop right into bed with you. But be forewarned: Pugs wheeze, snort, and snore so you may want to invest in some ear plugs. They will be quite unhappy—and will let you know it—if you don't shower them with affection or if you leave them alone for long periods of time. You shouldn't expect a pug to hunt, guard, or retrieve. A pug will have nothing to do with such activities. A funny little dog, pugs often find ways to create their own silly entertainment—but please for their sake pay attention to the show they are putting on—while maintaining a dignified manner when necessary. While they are a toy breed, pugs are a bit tougher than other similar-sized pups and are up for playtime. Avoid disappointment and make sure the kids know pugs aren't likely to play fetch or chase a soccer ball though. Pugs are pretty amenable to getting along with anyone, including other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pugs also make great companions for those living in apartments and older individuals because they don't require too much indoor space for activity. We're not necessarily saying pugs are lazy, but they are known to sleep up to 14 hours per day! They also don't bark much because breathing is a bit difficult for them. Their breathing challenges combined with their short legs make them poor swimmers, too. Although they'd likely benefit from a dip in the pool on hot summer days, as they don't tolerate heat—or the cold—well. So be diligent in helping manage their intake—limit their treats and don't feed them table scraps no matter how cute and pleading their stare may be—because their small stature makes them likely to gain weight quickly. You should also encourage exercise, although they don't need much in a day. They find creative ways to burn off energy on their own. Bathing about once monthly and regular brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove help manage significant pug shedding. And those sweet facial wrinkles need extra attention because they are a breeding ground for infection if they are damp and dirty. Dry your pug's wrinkles thoroughly after bathing and wipe them out in between baths—a dry cotton ball will do the trick. Pugs also need their nails trimmed regularly, as they don't naturally wear by spending lots of time outdoors. Regular teeth brushing is a must as pugs are susceptible to gum disease. Training can be a challenge, Nichols says. Remember their ultimate goal is simply to spend time with you. If those surgeries are not done, expect a lifelong loud snoring dog. These are symptoms of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , which can also cause saliva disorders, sleep issues, and difficulties with regurgitation. Pugs can face a fair amount of other health issues, including back problems, epilepsy, allergies, hemi-vertebrae or misshapen vertebrae , hip dysplasia , patellar luxation,and nerve degeneration later in life. A variety of skin conditions may affect pugs, including yeast infections, staph infections, or demodectic mange. While their big, dark eyes are adorable, they are especially vulnerable. Pugs sometimes face corneal ulcers, proptosis , and dry eye, among other ailments. Skin conditions such as walking dandruff—caused by a small mite—need to be treated by your veterinarian. Pug parents also need to watch that their pugs maintain a healthy weight; obesity can exacerbate their breathing problems. A study released in comparing the health of pugs to other dogs found "many critical health-related welfare challenges to overcome for pugs. Conversely, according to the study, pugs had significantly reduced adjusted odds of having heart murmur or lipoma tumors. One affliction unique to pugs is Pug Dog Encephalitis , afatal inflammatory brain disease. There is no known cause or test for it unfortunately. It causes a pug to seize, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. Research is ongoing. History Pugs are an ancient breed—perhaps the oldest dog breed, in fact—that originated in China. Going back some 2, years, flat-faced, or short-nosed toy dogs like the pug were popular with Chinese emperors and lived lavish lives because of it, the AKC says. They were only given to those outside the Far East as gifts. But in the s and early s, Dutch traders arrived in Europe with the breed and thanks to popularity with royal households they quickly gained popularity across Europe. Their long history reveals a number of different names for the breed including lo-sze Chinese , mopsi Finnish , doguillo Spanish , and mophonds Dutch , among others. The name pug is supposedly derived from the Latin word "pugnus"—which means "fist"—to reflect the fact that a pug's face looks like a clenched fist, the AKC writes. Pugs were also very popular during the Victorian era, featured on postcards, in paintings, and as figurines. For years they remained largely pets of the aristocracy. Queen Victoria had many pugs and bred them , and Marie Antoinette also had a pug named Mops. They were standardized as a breed in the early s. Upon taking over the Chinese Imperial Palace in , the English discovered several pugs and began breeding them back in England to improve the breed. It wasn't until after the Civil War that pugs came to the United States. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Initially very popular, pug ownership and breeding waned until the s when the, the Pug Dog Club of America was created and recognized by the AKC. Fun Facts One legend says the pug became the mascot of Holland's royal House of Orange after a pug barked a warning to save the life of the Prince of Orange before an attack by Spanish troops, the AKC writes. Another legend holds that some pugs were prized in Chinese culture because their wrinkles resembled good luck symbols in the Chinese language. A group of pugs is called a grumble. Not surprisingly, pugs' cute mugs have graced the big screen. In recent years, many pugs have become insta-famous on Instagram as well. Doug the Pug is undeniably the most popular of the bunch. With more than 13 million social followers, the celebrity pup rubs noses with stars like Joe Jonas and Shakira. Pug owners and enthusiasts are just as quirky and loveable as the breed, often dressing up their pups and hosting get-togethers and pug parades. Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. Punk and Star Photo courtesy of The Kuney's If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 59 human years; however this is a guideline that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise a dog is able to handle and so forth. An owner can have a Pug in this teens that still loves to run around the park! Let's look at the milestones that a Pug will enter from birth until the senior years. Birth to 8 Weeks - Many owners do not see this stage, however newborn Pug puppies double and triple their weight very quickly. Newborns will sleep up to 22 hours per day. Those at the 8 week mark will sleep up to .Growth is going to be rapid. It will last several months. Females will have their first heat if not spayed. Males will have viable sperm. Though technically a female can become pregnant at this young age, breeding is recommended at the age of 1 year old or older. Males should be at least 9 months old. Some Pug puppies will stop growing by the age of 9 months. For others, just a few pounds will be gained from now until the 12 month mark. By the time, full height is usually reached. The adult Pug will fill out in width, most noticeable in the chest area. The dog is muscular and will not grow any larger. Extra weight gain at this point may be deemed unhealthy. Pugs that gain a significant amount of weight after the age of 18 months should be checked out by the veterinarian. The Pug dog is muscular and in his or her prime. Most vets will classify a dog as a senior by age 7 or 8. Even if this is not officially done, 9 years would be the limit that one could hold off on dubbing the Pug a senior. Pug Weight and Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect in how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. An 8 week old Pug puppy will weight between 2 and 4 pounds. Though the AKC breed standard gives us a final full size of pounds 5. It's a funny thing because the changes happen gradually and owners usually do not notice.And then, one day it reaches a certain point and the owner will say, "When did my dog get old!? Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a down position. He or she may walk slower up a staircase. A quality canine mattress is recommended for any age, however during the senior years an orthopedic canine bed is more important than ever. Expect an older Pug dog to take more naps and retreat more often due to a lower tolerance for noise levels. When your dog reaches the age of 8 or 9, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. Skin looses its elasticity and cleaning wrinkles will be more important than ever. An older Pug will be more susceptible to infections. Take extra time to clean the folds and keep them dry. Your Pug's veterinarian should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well. Just as with humans, an older Pug may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, arthritis , have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. The pounds that they have been carrying around and the body structure that they have short legs especially have been taking its toll. At this age, excess weight be a problem. It is recommended to make a gradual change in the diet, to ensure that meals have a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. If you previously gave no-so-healthy snacks, make an effort to change over to a solid, healthy meal and snack plan. It will be time to make a change in regard to a vitamin and mineral supplement, switching to a senior formula. Additional supplements can be helpful depending on a Pug's specific needs. Most often, this breed does best with supplements to aid in joint health. Omega 3 can help to keep the skin and coat healthy and combat drying issues. The intensity of exercise should be scaled back a bit for seniors ; though daily duration of activity should remain as normal if the older Pug can handle it. It is still important go for walks so that a dog's heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your Pug dog is a senior, you do not want to overdo activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture or make any changes that could cause stress or confusion. Creatures of habit, dogs know where things are and it can be disturbing if the environment is changed. The ability to hold elimination may weaken as bladder and bowel muscle loose some strength. At this time, you may want to start using doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your senior does have accidents, never scold or punish. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pug - My Virtual Dog is hands down the best virtual pet game on the market, with more content than any other pet game. Platform Game: A complete platform game inside the pet game! Mini-games: Play one of the 50 mini-games and earn money! Nurture: Take care of your Pug by feeding, cleaning, playing with and getting him to sleep when he is tired. Customize: Dress and choose from over 1. Build: Build the house of your dreams by choosing wallpapers, furnitures and decorations. Garden: Grow your own flowers, flesh-eating plants and mushrooms in the adorable garden. Stickers: Find and collect lots of virtual stickers of your Dog doing silly things! Cards: Unlock collectable and beautiful cards of your Dog! Cat evolution: Combine small cats and watch them evolve! Fish evolution: Travel under the sea and discover thrilling sea creature and breed them! Paint: Draw beautiful images with over 18 different colors and share them with your friends. Building Blocks: Play with building blocks and create your own castle. Aquarium: Take care for fishes and style your own aquarium. What are you waiting for?! Download your own pet today, it is free! Updated on.

I am such a loving, playful and goofy boy. I was brought to my rescue after being neglected by my previous owner and I am now learning how to be a dog! I love to play out in the yard and go for long walks. I am good with other dogs after a slow and proper introduction, and I especially love young and playful dogs! I have lots of energy and am looking for someone to exert my energy with! I would be a great addition to a home with someone that is an experienced dog owner, has a backyard and lives an active lifestyle. I would do best with humans that will continue my training and with older kids in the home. I am fully vetted, and crate trained! Im currently in a foster home and my foster mom is teaching me boundaries and the good life. I've learnt to love cuddling in bed and chilling on the couch. I am working on channeling my excitement and being an overall good boy! If youre interested in Lucas, please submit an adoption application on our website or email adopt mercyfullprojects. Today you are doing an adoption application. This application does not guarantee adoption. Once we receive the application an adoption coordinator will reach out to you within the next 72 hrs to set up a meet and greet at our facility. The animal you are applying for most likely will be in a foster home NOT at our facility. Please read the bio before sending an application - we answer all we know about the animal here. If the question is not answered in the bio please send emails to adopt mercyfullprojects. If you are meeting a puppy or kitten that is not ready for adoption there is a waiting period until they are fully ready to go home. Adoption fee -Along with daily care costs, the adoption fees help Mercy Full Project cover vet bills, maintain their facility and cover the cost of their operations to rescue more animals in need Thank you for completing the application. Below are our newest added Golden Retrievers available for adoption in Sarasota, Florida. To see more adoptable Golden Retrievers in Sarasota, Florida, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Exercise Grooming The Golden Retriever is believed to have originated from the Russian tracker dog which has now gone into extinction. It has its origin from Scotland, United Kingdom and originally bred in Scotland in the midth century. As of then, wildfowl hunting was a quite popular sport amongst the Scottish elite. The retriever breeds as of then were inadequate in retrieving the games from both land and water and as a result, the best water spaniels as at then were crossed with existing retrievers which is how the Golden Retriever came to being. The Golden Retriever is best described as a kind, friendly and confident which is why it makes a really good family pet. It also has an eagerness to always please its family. In addition, it is a very active and fun-loving animal with a well-mannered temperament. This breed is well suited to rural environments and homes that have yards, it can also easily adapt to a cold environment because it possesses a lot of hair. Although it loves the outdoor life, it still remains a family dog that requires regular family interaction. The Golden Retriever can do well both indoor and outdoor if it is properly trained and stimulated. A Golden Retriever requires exercise at least twice a day in order to avoid boredom and hence destructiveness. Golden Retrievers in a working field will require more exercise than non-working Retrievers but on average, the Golden Retriever should be exercised for at least one hour twice a day. This breed requires regular baths and grooming, in order to prevent ear infection, it needs its ears cleaned regularly. With frequent grooming, the amount of hair shed by the Golden Retriever is minimized. However, excess shedding in the Golden Retriever is an indication of an underlying health issue. Our Golden Retriever puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. A healthy male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 to 75 pounds while growing up to 23 to 24 inches tall. A female weighs between 55 to 65pounds and can grow up to .How long does it take a Golden Retriever to reach its full size? For Golden Retrievers, full physical maturity takes one to two years. Once this is attained, its bones become fully grown and can perform the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Do Golden Retrievers smell? Golden Retrievers often smell bad because of its thick water-resistant coat. You can, however, maintain its cleanliness to control its bad odor. How can you keep a Golden Retriever healthy? There are several ways to keep this dog healthy few of which are high-quality food, providing it with plenty of clean and freshwater, developing a good feeding schedule, etc. How many times a day should a Golden Retriever be fed? The required food for a Golden Retriever is dependent on its age, activity level, size and built. Vets recommend about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day for two meals. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? This dog is a sporting breed and therefore requires a whole lot of exercise when fully grown, high-intensity exercise is very beneficial to it. Is it alright to get a Golden Retriever in a hot climate? The Golden Retriever can thrive well in hot climates; all it requires is a shaded and aerated area with lots of water. However, it should not be allowed to exercise too much in the heat. What age can a Golden Retriever Puppy be brought home? A puppy Retriever should not be taken from its mother earlier than when it is 8 weeks old. This is because up until that age, it gets important socialization and learns important skills from its mother and siblings. Should a Golden Retriever be left indoors or outdoors? A Golden Retriever naturally wants to be with its family, if its family is indoor, you will find it right there with them. Does a Golden Retriever bark a lot? The Golden Retriever is not one to bark a lot except in cases of boredom or mental stimulation. Are you interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. We have been breeding and showing Golden Retrievers for over 20 years. Many of our Goldens have gone on to win numerous awards at competitions throughout the U. Some of our pups even starred in Disney movies! Eagleridge has been recognized multiple times for our outstanding achievements and dedication to breeding outstanding Golden Retrievers. We are proudly registered as a Breeder of Merit by the AKC, as recognition for our dedication and passion of breeding beautiful, healthy Golden Retriever puppies. The AKC has also rewarded us with their Silver Medallion as recognition of our success over the years. Baby Francis 3 arriving January ! Testimonials Gus "Good morning! I wanted to reach out and send some photos of Gus who is now a little over a year old. He has gotten into Dock Diving in the last few months and has earned his Dock Senior title. Thank you for a great dog! When I tell you that he did it with no effort, I'm not exaggerating. He did it all on his own! I think he would have passed the test when I received him in July. I think you and your staff should be very proud of the training you provide your puppies! Please thank everyone who worked with Dwayne. In two weeks, he will become a therapy dog with Easter Seals of Alabama. Jen was so helpful, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the whole adoption process. She communicated regularly with us, providing so many updates and videos along the way. We are so fortunate for her and her staff! Thank you Jen and Eagleridge Golden Retrievers!! Jen was always super responsive, knowledgeable and able to answer our many questions. We have had Kevin for about a month and a half now we got him in September and he is settling in perfectly. The training program was a great addition, he is able to follow commands and is very well tempered and so smart. From the adoption process to the training program, we would absolutely recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a great experience! This FL boy is definitely enjoying the Northeastern Autumn! Furthermore, being a client since , I could honestly compare the experience from four 4 years ago to this present time. It was as stress free working with Jen Francis as it could possibly be! Her knowledge about this variety of a K9 is remarkable. The quality health , temperament and of course breed beauty and more are on full display at EagleRidge!