tri merle english bulldog puppies

For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders List page. Boxers are best known for their short coats, but they also come in long-haired varieties. Prices vary on the type of coat. The price of a boxer puppy may also vary because of the place you get the Boxer. For example, most breeders in or around Georgia charge significantly more than a breeder who is located in another state or country. Prices will also fluctuate depending on whether or not the puppy is show-quality. Boxers are known for being loyal to their families and being intelligent. They are generally very friendly with children, strangers, and other animals unless they have been trained to be aggressive American Kennel Club. They require moderate exercise but do best in homes where someone is around during the day because they do not like being left alone especially if they have never been apart from them before. Overall these characteristics make the Boxer a great family pet. These clearances can be found by looking up the parent dogs on the OFA website offa. They should also show you where and how they were raised and keep them until they are at least eight weeks old to ensure that they have been properly socialized, which is crucial for a Boxer puppy. Ask about any hip or eye problems in their lines. Where and how many generations of champion bloodlines do they go back? This is usually more important for those who want to breed their new puppy as it shows they have a lot of knowledge about the breed and can provide you with knowledgeable information. Are there any known health problems in their lines? Most responsible breeders will be able to tell you that they care for all of their dogs and even give them regular check-ups and if not, this is a red flag. Visit Your Georgia Boxer Breeder in Person In order to find a responsible breeder, it is important to do some research. A decent Boxer breeder should be more than willing to tell you about themselves and their dogs. When you visit your Georgia boxer breeder in person, look for cleanliness and organization of the house or kennel. The area should not have any bad odors, and the puppies should appear healthy with shiny coats and bright eyes. They may be very active, which is normal but if they seem lethargic this could be an indication of illness or improper nutrition. It is also recommended that you ask for references from previous customers as well as veterinarians who have seen these dogs before. This will help ensure that you make a good investment when looking for a Boxer puppy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Georgia Once you have found a breeder that meets the previous criteria, it is time to ask for references. A responsible Boxer Breeder will be able to provide any information about their dogs that you request. Ask them if you can speak with past customers of theirs so that you can find out how they were trained and cared for as well as the personality of these dogs. This way, you are making sure that this potential dog is right for your family before you make any final decisions. References can also be found online. If you find nothing, this may be a red flag since anyone can put anything on the internet. Make sure to contact them directly instead of through their website or Facebook page to avoid scams or other dishonest sellers who use these outlets for marketing purposes only. This allows you to get a more honest opinion about the breeder and their dogs without worrying about repercussions later on. We all know that there is little recourse for unsatisfied customers but rest assured knowing that these people will not hesitate to give you an honest answer if given permission to speak freely. Meeting past customers will also give you a better idea of what type of dog they have put into your family. Meeting the previous owners allows you to look for certain traits in a potential puppy, such as energy levels or age appropriateness. Another good way to find out about your breeder is to ask them if they have a veterinarian that they use for their dogs. A responsible boxer breeder should be able to provide you with this information without hesitation since taking care of their animals is important to them. If the Boxer Breeder does not have any sort of medical history available about their lines, this might be a red flag. If they are unwilling or unable to answer these questions, this could also mean that they are hiding something from you or do not know the answers themselves. These individuals may be backyard breeders or puppy mill owners who are looking to make a quick buck and care little about the health of their animals or their customers. A few signs that your Georgia Boxer Breeder is unethical include: They Do Not Have References: If you ask your breeder if they can provide any references from past buyers and they refuse, this could mean several things; Either they do not know how to get in touch with them unlikely or there is something wrong with these dogs that no one wants to talk about. Inquiring further will help you identify which it is but under either circumstance, it is best not to work with this kind of breeder. They Have Inflated Prices: Another way to spot an unethical boxer breeder is by the prices that they have listed on their dogs. If these Boxer dogs seem much more expensive than other breeders you have looked at, this might be a sign that something is wrong with them. This could involve health issues or genetics, but it is likely just a scheme to get more money from you without putting in the proper amount of time and care into these animals. Very Little Information about Their Breeding Program: Ethical and good Dog Breeders will do everything that they can to supply you with as many details about their breeding program as possible. They want you to feel safe and comfortable knowing what types of treatments the dog will receive and what they will be born into. There is no excuse not to provide you with this information; if your Boxer Breeder does not, then move on to another one. If you want a full-bred Boxer dog, make sure that you tell them before you purchase the animal. Many responsible breeders ask their customers for preferences when it comes to the age or sex of their dogs so that they can match up your needs with the right puppy. Responsible breeders will not only be able to answer this question, but they should also be able to provide you with information on what type of issues other puppy owners have experienced. If the breeder claims that all of their Boxer Dogs are healthy, then you should push for further explanation. If none of the puppies or adults have any medical concerns then that should be something that makes you feel safe. However, if there were previous owners who dealt with anything severe in the past, this information should still be available somewhere. This can include genetic conditions or simply problems with allergies or skin rashes. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy When you look at a breed as hearty as the Boxer, it can be easy to underestimate how much work and time this dog will need to be happy and healthy. However, if treated properly and cared for well by their owners, these dogs can make excellent pets; which is why it is so important that you take the following steps before bringing your pup home: The biggest thing that you want to do before you bring your Boxer home is to make sure that the living conditions are appropriate for this breed. You will want to have a large, fenced-in yard where your dog can move around freely and play. If you live in an apartment or condo, then it may be time to start looking into other options; Boxers need room to run which cannot be provided adequately in these types of environments. Another important thing that needs to be prepared is the area where your puppy will sleep at night. Not only should it be isolated from any drafts or cold air, but it should also provide warmth during the winter months. Be sure to look into buying bedding or blankets specifically designed for dogs if necessary. Your Boxer will also require training as soon as possible. This breed is known for having extremely high intelligence, but it does not come naturally to them; you will need to work hard to train your Boxer Puppy and give them boundaries that they can grow up comfortably within. You should start this process as early as possible so that it becomes second nature by the time your pup turns into an adult and needs more rules and regulations than just potty training. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy The most important thing that you need to teach your new Boxer is how to use the potty appropriately. You do not want to deal with any accidents in the house, and making sure they are trained properly will ensure that this does not happen. The best way to accomplish this is through crate training; it may be a very foreign concept for many owners, but it is also one of the most effective methods when it comes to house-breaking puppies. It is recommended that you put your Boxer Puppy into a crate at night while you sleep and then carefully take them out first thing in the morning so that they can use the bathroom right away. Do not allow them too much time without being taken just before bed because they might make a mistake in your absence. Another important step that you should take is to keep your puppy on a strict schedule; this means taking them out for walks regularly and making time every few hours to play with them, feed them, and then let them use the bathroom once more. This will ensure that they do not have accidents inside of the house because their body will be used to getting into the habit of relieving themselves outside. You need to make sure that there are no areas where they can get injured or choke on something by accident. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Available: Now Hey everyone! Chance was an owner surrender to the animal shelter and was in rough shape. Along with a really nasty skin condition, he was emaciated, had an upper respiratory infection, UTI, GI worms, and heart worms. It was clearly evident he had been neglected and abused. He got treated and well fed with a heaping side of love and care so he could be ready to meet his new family. Even though he had a rough patch, he still loves and want to be loved. He is a true velcro Boxer and want to be with you and cuddle. If he can't cuddle, he will be at your side, waiting for your attention and to look into your soul with those big, chocolate eyes. He wants to do whatever you do and be where you are. He is such a joy to be with. He had a good life before his previous owner, so he was already neutered and knew manners and commands. He is very smart and love treats, so I he picks new things up fast. He is house broken and know to stop something if mom says "uh-uh no" or "leave it" in her firm voice. He doesn'tt chew anything and doesn't counter surf. He only barks at delivery people. Chance can share his people, toys, and his bed, but please let him have his food to himself - he didn't always have food and worries. Chance knows the up and down commands, though he won't get on furniture unless you tell me it is okay each time. He also know sit, stay, come, and shake. Chance walk easy on a leash and loves his walks. He corrects easy with voice commands and gentle pressure on the leash. Sometimes, something fun to chase goes by and he wants to get it. He uses a harness and that helps him learn not to do that. He is already much better at it, except with cats and rabbits - those are too exciting. Some of his favorites include car rides, walks, being outdoors, toys, and cuddling. Part of his past was being crated all day, every day without bathroom breaks, enough food, or play time. So please let him play often, with lots of exercise. Also, Chance can not ever be crated at home, the vet or boarding except in emergencies and with medication. Crating triggers panic attacks for him specifically because of his past. The good thing is, he is such a good boy free roam, you don't need to crate him! Chance very much likes dogs and wants to play, but his foster Boxer brother is really old and can't play. He plays with his people and neighbor dogs. Chance does a good job, but can miss some doggie signals and will need help learning all of them for playtime. He acts like a big puppy, so he could knock down or step on little children with his zoomies. He does love all the rubs, pets, hugs, cuddles, ear smooshing, kisses, and scratches you can dish out. He also is happy to be lifted for a bath, car ride, or vet exam, though. We know some of the abuse in Chance's past was done by a man. He is scared of some men - not all men, but certain actions done by men trigger memories. He is not scared of the women and kids he has met. It took Chance a few days to trust him, but I love my foster dad now. He now trusts that his foster family will only let safe people in the house and will steer wide of men on walks doing any of those scary things like swinging a tool or carrying a load overhead. Chance now enjoys walks and visitors to his house. Interested in me? If so, fill out an application and mention Chance. If you are already approved, just email the adoption coordinator and ask to be added to my list. Please consider a donation to help with Chance's medical care.

Quality items in every box Tailored boxes for your dogs Trusted British independent suppliers The Woofbox Why Woofbox is an award-winning dog subscription box company based on the edge of the doggy-paradise Peak District. Everything in our dog subscription boxes is tried, tested, and then carefully examined by our expert dog reviewer, Scrooby, our Jack Russell. We care about your dogs like they are our dogs. This is why we focus on high-quality items and carefully sourced ingredients. Our love for dogs knows no bounds, which is why we run two dog-based businesses, Woofbox and unique dog photography, Bounders! Meet the TEAM.Find the Right Subscription Box for You With a range of options and tailored to your dog, our dog subscription boxes deliver doggy happiness across the UK. Order Your Dog Box Today! Great range of products and quality items inc healthy treats. Definitely recommend! And she loved it! I was even able to customise it according to her preferences e. Will definitely be ordering another. There is always a great selection of toys and treats and the boxes are thoughtfully put together. Customer service is fantastic! Fetch Club Best Natural Treat Box There's also a new type of subscription boxes for dogs which is proving to be extremely popular with dog lovers everywhere - Dog Treat Subscriptions. A range of natural, healthy dog treats delivered regularly are proving to be a hit. Dog Treat Subscription is a super convenient way to get high quality treats on a regular basis without even needing to get in the car. Not only are natural treats healthier for your dog, but they taste better too. Let's face it, we don't always know what ingredients are hiding in some of the treats on our local supermarket shelves. The first thing to say is that although they are super healthy, natural dog treats don't always look the most appetising to us humans - rabbit's ear anyone? If you fancy dipping your toe in the water with natural dog treats but are unsure what to choose, a perfect place to start is a mixed box from UK company -Fetch Club. Their range of Treat Boxes for dogs are handpicked packed full of natural, quality treats and definitely no nasties. We recommend Fetch Club treat boxes because they also offer the option to buy one box without a subscription if you prefer. This is an ideal option if you want your four-legged friend to try the treats trust us - they're pawsome Recently launched for , Fetch Club now offer Letterbox Treat Boxes. Hassle-free treats which land on your doormat! Your trusty Royal Mail postie will drop a letterbox size package of all-natural treats through your door. There are a total of 6 different boxes based on your dog's size and the number of items you want to include. Regardless of which you choose, your first monthly dog box comes with a free dog bow tie and there are more freebies with boxes 3, 6 and 12, so the longer you subscribe the more rewards your dog receives. You don't need to worry, the dog treats included in every box are all natural and healthy. They also offer the widest range of Birthday and Celebration Boxes of all the companies featured so if you're looking for a box to mark the occasion, Postman Pooch are definitely worth a look. Reasons to Buy. Scrumbles Best for most diet options Don't fancy giving your dog turkey or chicken? With Scrumbles, you can choose between a range of different flavours, including salmon and plant-based options. Most of them are grain-free and you can select from a variety of different dietary requirements, including low-fat, gluten-free, vegetarian, hypoallergenic and more. There's nothing more enjoyable than seeing your dog open post addressed to them and having a brilliant time exploring their new treats. Related: The best dog drying coats The best dog beds on a budget Why trust us? All of these dog subscription boxes have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team of humans and dogs has spent hours investigating and researching the best dog subscription boxes, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We produce beautiful black and red, as well as solid black German Shepherd puppies. We keep our puppy owners actively involved from before the time your pup is even born! You will get progress updates on mom, pictures as she grows, videos of the puppies moving in mom, etc all up until the day the pups are born. Then, you will get updates as the puppies are born, as well as pictures. It is not just about coming to pick up a puppy at 8 weeks, but it is a growing relationship between us to truly have you a part of our Samherz family. We become good friends with a lot of our puppy owners, as there will always be questions, concerns, stories, etc to share after you take your new puppy home. We are here to help. We require the best for our puppies, and we want you to have the best too. Samherz is located on 35 acres of gorgeous land, giving our dogs and puppies exposure to sights, sounds, smells and everything in between to ensure they grow up well socialized. We have done extensive research to choose the best pairings to produce top quality companion animals, as well as conformation, sport and working prospects. We currently breed European bloodlines only, avoiding crossing any working lines. Our breeding program proudly uses dogs that have generations beyond generations of solid hip and elbow clearances, as we follow SV guidelines in which all parents, grandparents, etc have certifications. Our puppies are true German shepherds, not American line, and are bred within the breed standard. We breed health tested and stable temperament dogs only. Our dogs are part of our family, loved and cared for and raised in our home. Feel free to contact us with questions, comments or simply to share pictures of your pups! We love to expand our friendship pool! Samherz Shepherds name came from the heart of our kennel, Samurai, call name Sam. The German word for heart is "herz". It is with great honor that our kennel is named after our impeccable companion, Sam. We will see him again on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Proudly created by Wix. Minnesota German Shepherd Breeder located in Brainerd. German Shepherd Resources German Shepherds are truly gems of the Canine world, so it comes as no surprise that you are considering or have decided to add to your family. The breed is highly versatile as it can be used as family dogs or companion dogs, show dogs, police dogs, therapy dogs, and a lot more. They are a true working dog breed with a lot of love to give. They are blessed with high intelligence so they are easily trainable dogs which is what makes them very versatile. States like Minnesota are no strangers to the German Shepherd breed. There are lots of German Shepherd breeders residing in different locations within the state. And just as there are many breeders, not all these breeders are reputable breeders that truly care for the breed. This is why it is recommended that you take out the extra time to know your chosen breeder. In this article, we try to make the search for a good German Shepherd breeder a lot easier for you by providing you with a list of 10 good German Shepherd breeders in Minnesota that have showcased good breeding practices as well as impressive socialization and training programs for each of their German Shepherd litters. We advise that you only view this list as a mere guide to aid you in finding that perfect German Shepherd puppy for you. With that being said, do ensure you read till the end as it promises to be both engaging and informative. Located in Roosevelt, Minnesota, Northern Sky German Shepherds is a reputable German Shepherd breeder that is focused on raising AKC-registered German Shepherd puppies that are mainly bred as family companions but also double as either therapy dogs or service dogs. Their dogs are IPO titled and are either solid black in color or black and red. All their German Shepherd parents are imports from West German show lines with impressive pedigrees and good health. They are blessed with good conformation, high intelligence, and decent temperament. Their dogs are made to undergo genetic health testing as well as orthopedic health testing to show they are indeed ready to be added to their breeding program. When they are not being bred, they are kept as family pets. All dogs both adult and puppies are raised in the home of Lyndi and Russ located in Roosevelt, Minnesota. Their puppies are properly socialized using humans both children and adults to keep them occupied. They are also given basic training and are properly checked by the licensed vet who administers their vaccination shots and deworming. Every puppy should come with a written health guarantee. They should be vaccinated and dewormed and also come microchipped.

Preparing for your French Bulldog puppy Here is the list of things you must have before your puppy comes home: The food that I start my puppies on occasionally changes as I search for the very best products. At this time my highest recommendation is to feed a raw meat diet which consists of muscle meats, bone, organ, vegetables, and supplements to ensure your new family members berst health and longevity. You fill find these in the freezer sections of boutique pet stores. You are welcome to supplement with kibble for those times when the food is not defrosted in time, for travel, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Goat milk kefir or yogurt not cows milk! I wean my puppies onto water by 8 weeks old, however I do recommend to have a quart on hand during the transition period just in case. If not used, it can be frozen for later use or your can drink it yourself. Its very easy to digest and puppies absolutely love it! Instead choose freeze dried raw meat treats. These can be ordered online through chewy. Enzymatic cleaner for tidying up potty accidents. Regular bowls work fine but if you would like to go the extra mile there are special bowls designed specifically for brachycephalic breeds which helps slow down eating and therefore swallowing less gas and creating less gas and less chances for over eating and then throwing up those can be purchased online. Raised bowls are an extra plus! Spending all that time bent over a bowl can be painful on the joints. A raised bowl will keep proper body conformation and promote correct position of joints. Choose durable toys and generally stay away from plushies as these can be easily torn apart and the fluff inside is easy to choke on. Edible chews are okay too, just no bleached rawhide as this is toxic. They make both a vitamin-mineral wafer as well as a joint support wafer. I recommend both. Please use my breeders code for a discount on your order: nuvet. Making food available during specific intervals during the day will make bowel movements more predictable, because they typically poop within 20 minutes after eating. You can start to take away food earlier each evening to have less bowel movements over night. If feeding kibble, I highly recommend taking a moment to boil and mash some carrots. This will help to keep their digestive system settled during the stressful transition between homes. If you choose to add any additional supplements, just follow the packaging instructions. If your puppy eats all of it and seems to still be hungry, mix them another portion. There is no need to measure or count calories at this point. Growing puppies need a lot of energy, just like growing children. I will always and forever recommend only raw unprocessed diets for this breed. If this is the case I highly recommend adding canned food from the same brand. I mix this thoroughly until there are no chunks left and the mixture is uniform otherwise they will pick out the chunks and leave the kibble behind. Try not to mix other cooked meat into your kibble otherwise your puppy will never eat kibble without meat. If you are okay with cooking daily for your puppy, then by all means add cooked meat and vegetables into their kibble. Please do not feed beef or chicken based products. If you elect to feed cooked meat, choose organic turkey only at this young age. I always have clean water available day and night. If your puppy is experiencing separation anxiety and not wanting to eat then you can offer goats milk kefir or yogurt as well as egg yolks. Goats milk kefir and egg yolks are hard for puppies to resist and it will provide both hydration and calories. Your French Bulldog puppy should be kept on the diet they were started on for a few months, as changes from what they are used to can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. I am enthusiastically happy to share any resources and guide you on a diet change to raw meat feeding: French Bulldog Puppy Hygiene Your puppy does not need to be bathed unless visibly dirty. DO NOT allow water to enter the ears! Frenchie ears are erect and open, so its easy to water to get in. In addition to this, ears are dark and warm perfect for bacteria or fungus. Dry the ears thoroughly after each bath and walks in the rain and avoid allowing water near the head in general. For cleaning the ears on a regular basis weekly or more frequently I like to use cotton pads soaked in a specifically formulated cleaning solution called Ph Notix. The Ph Notix does an excellent job of melting the ear wax for an easy wipe away. Though, coconut oil, colloidal silver, and any vet prescribed ear cleaner can be used as well. Clip nails monthly at a minimum. The more frequently nails are clipped, the shorter they will become. Same applies to their tail pocket. Puppies don't typically have tail pockets, but as they matures this feature can develop. The most important step is to very thoroughly dry your puppy whenever they are wet! I check this area with each bath, and completely dry the paws especially in between the toes after each bath and each time they get wet. If you notice redness between the toes, then it is likely yeast. I personally do not brush the teeth of my dogs, and have never had a dental issue. Providing large raw real bones for chewing will naturally clean the teeth and this is something that I give all of my dogs. However if you are keen on doing so, daily brushing will provide additional protection to your dogs teeth. There are special savory flavored tooth pastes just for dogs available to make this task more enjoyable for your puppy. As a preventative measure you can also add a specially formulated probiotic into their water to support dental health called TEEF. I administer these vaccines at home in a single dose containing all five strains of virus. I use the brand name Duramune Max and I special order these to be delivered to be via one-day-air on ice to ensure their viability. This initial dose is given once your Frenchie turns at least 7 weeks old. Please wait a minimum of 3 weeks to give the next booster vaccines. This is very important, I do not recommend the leptospirosis vaccine due to a high rate of adverse reactions. It is not necessary unless your French Bulldog puppy will be in frequent contact with wildlife or livestock and you live in an area where leptsospirosis is rampent. Bordetella can be given at 10 weeks old and rabies can be given once your puppy is a minimum of 3 months old. I also give my adult French Bulldogs a booster of Bordetella kennel cough as well as canine influenza vaccine once each flu season. Deworming Simply due to the nature of puppies, I recommend you submit a fecal sample during your initial vet visit. I deworm the entire litter multiple times before coming home to you. But please understand that puppies are messy creatures. Puppies also put absolutely everything in their mouths including each others paws. So please understand its likely that you may need to continue one last treatment of dewormer when your puppy comes home, even if they are having solid poops. All of my mamma dogs are dewormed before and after having their litters as well to reduce exposure to internal parasites. Additionally I deworm all of my adult dogs twice yearly with a combination of metronidazole and fenbendazole, or drontal plus. Certain parasites like giardia are extremely difficult to eradicate in our cool and wet climate. Giardia will live in the soil and water and can be spread through wild animals coming through your yard as well. Adult dogs with strong immune systems will develop antibodies to giardia and will have no symptoms. Puppies who test positive for giarida may or may not have symptoms. I personally have never had a flea or tick problem with any of my dogs in all my years of breeding and I choose not to treat my pets with pesticides. Pesticides are teratogenic and can cause birth defects as well as neurologic disorders such as seizures. Personally I would only consider one dose of oral NexGuard during the hottest month of Summer when these parasites are most active in my geological area. Each individual dog and household must weight the risks and benefits to use or not to use pesticides based on their personal circumstances and geological area. I understand you might live in an area with a known problem with these external parasites or might be living on a farm where it will be necessary to keep them under control. There are many different kinds of medications that can be used but they treat different things, some are applied topically, some given orally, some work for one month and others up to 8 months, and some medications will also treat internal parasites in addition to external. For puppies under six months old the oral medication NexGaurd can be given for fleas and ticks, as well as off-label for mites. A third kind of treatment is a Seresto collar which is a collar made from a special material that is filled with medication that is slowly released and absorbed by your dog. My brother who lives on a farm finds favor with this method and it can be used as early as 7 weeks of age. Ridgefield, Washington. Minimal exercise needs and a low barking tendency make her perfect for apartment living. The French Bulldog descended from the English Bulldog in the s when it was translocated to France. The breed has flourished as an adored companion ever since. The Frenchie is known for its bat-like ears and short, wrinkled nose. She tends to have a curious and gentle nature and is notorious for being the class clown. She will often have sporadic bouts of energy followed by prolonged periods of resting. The French Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your French Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to French Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in French Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for French Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Frenchie looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections French Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in French Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Vida Veterinary Care will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your French Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up, go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even drag his back feet or be suddenly paralyzed and unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. As with so many other diseases, weight control helps to prevent this problem. Spinal Deformities French Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in French Bulldogs in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, French Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older French Bulldogs. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your French Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your French Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Because your Frenchie has eyeballs that naturally protrude, he is more vulnerable to eye injuries. Scrapes or punctures to the cornea the protective covering on the eyeball are the most common injuries. Not only do they hurt, they can become infected and affect his vision. Call us at right away if he has any problems with his eyes. A damaged cornea is painful and should be treated immediately. Medication and sometimes surgery is required. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. You might notice that he runs along and suddenly picks up a back leg and skips or hops for a few strides. If the problem is mild and involves only one leg, your friend may not require much treatment beyond arthritis medication. When symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap to keep it from popping out of place. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your French Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and French Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! It affects French Bulldogs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Skin Infections Your French Bulldog is prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma, which occurs because the folds of skin along the lower jaw are usually moist. Bacteria and yeast can readily gain a foothold and cause a reddened, smelly area that is uncomfortable for your dog. We will examine him for this problem, but let us know if you see signs. When symptoms are severe, the excess skin folds can be surgically removed. Taking Care of Your French Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Frenchie live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Check her facial wrinkles and eyes often. Her droopy skin and eyes can collect debris. She is well suited for apartment living; she will need a daily walk and regular inside play. She can be sensitive to warm temperatures; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your French Bulldog needs help. December 6, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? Quickly rising in the popularity ranks to spot number two, the French bulldog or more commonly known for their nickname Frenchie is a bundle of cute, silliness, and affection! This compact, low-activity, lap companion is a perfect fit for puppy parents that like a relaxed lifestyle! How do you know if the French Bulldog is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on French Bulldogs! When it comes to French Bulldogs, not where they originally come from! These pups actually made their way over to France from England and were actually Toy Bulldogs. During the mid s, lacemakers from Nottingham, England traveled to Paris bringing along their toy bulldogs and cross-breeding them with bull-baiting bulldogs to gain those tall erect bat ears Frenchies have today! Soon, their popularity in France spread as more Parisian women introduced these pups a staple into city, cafe-culture. What are French Bulldog Breed Characteristics? French Bulldogs have short snouts, round adorable bodies and short legs, square-shaped faces but the most undeniably French Bulldog quality.Although these characteristics breed standard, French Bulldogs come in a variety of colorings including white, cream, tan, grey, black, brown, blue, multi-color, fawn, brindle, merle, lilac, and combinations of each of these! What are French Bulldog Personalities like? These pups have silly personalities, love to play, and can settle right up next to your lap. Unlike the common yappy small dog stereotype, Frenchies are quite affectionate and even-tempered. They love their human families, seek companionship, and enjoy playing with their people. If you were looking for a pup that was thrill-seeking and had a protective quality to their nature, French Bulldogs are far more content with a walk, quick game of tug-of-way or fetch, and would probably rather play with new people and dogs than be protective. While they are relatively easy-going, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak so be prepared with obedience training and to coax your Frenchie with some treats! Much like their early days, French Bulldogs are a great choice for puppy parents living in urban, city environments like apartment buildings. Frenchies, while they love to play, are what is known as a brachycephalic breed. High activity can cause them to overheat and they will have difficulty panting to cool off. While the idea of letting your French Bulldog puppy cool off in water seems right, no swimming for these pups. If you live somewhere with a pool or close to a lake, be mindful of your Frenchie, and even keep a protective float or vest on them! All in all, a home that provides space in a room to play, or walks around the neighborhood or in a park are just what Frenchies need to burn off their energy and keep entertained! How to Care for Your French Bulldog! French Bulldogs, like many short-snouted dogs, can suffer from respiratory issues such as wheezing, snoring, and over-heating in warmer temperatures. While their short coats are generally low-maintenance, French Bulldogs can suffer from eye infections and infections in the folds of their skin. Keeping their eyes clean, regular brushing with a rubber glove, and making sure their skin is completely dry after bathing can significantly help prevent these issues! When you first bring home your new French Bulldog puppy, set up an initial visit with your veterinarian to discuss French Bulldog breed nutritional needs, preventive care, and schedule their vaccinations! Thanks to their adorable looks, French Bulldogs receive a lot of affection from their humans. Basic Obedience and Tricks French Bulldogs are fun and easy-to-train breed! However, some Frenchie parents may find bouts of stubbornness such as refusing to take another step on a walk or not coming when called! If you start to experience this with your Frenchie puppy, try to keep them on a leash while under supervision at home to have them follow you and start to establish leadership. Since these pups love a good playtime session, teaching them some fun tricks is a great way to keep them engaged while still working on listening and following your lead! Potty Train Right Away With the right consistency and patience, all puppies can be potty trained! Some French Bulldog puppies may take a bit longer to master pottying in a specific spot so start from the very first day your puppy comes home! Pick a designated spot, start bringing your puppy there every time they have to go potty, and supervise them at home, or crate them at night to prevent accidents! As companion dogs, French Bulldogs can develop separation anxiety so establishing crate times during the day and at night will help your puppy start to feel comfortable being alone and boost their level of confidence. Set times for feeding, play, puppy training, and sleep will provide your puppy with routine and structure, encouraging good behaviors and fewer chances of your puppy developing bad habits. A daily schedule also makes certain things such as potty times far more predictable for you and helps to speed up the potty training process. Lastly, a set routine creates a well-adjusted puppy that will grow up confident, healthy, and happy! One of the best things about a daily puppy schedule is that you can establish one that aligns with your own! Teach them "Drop-It! One of the fastest and most fun! Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! A balanced diet, regular exercise, proper grooming, and regular vet check-ups will keep them healthy and happy. French Bulldog care is a delightful experience that brings so much happiness! In this article, we have collected all the most important tips covering the ultimate Frenchie care! Are Frenchies easy to take care of? French Bulldogs, also known as Frenchies, are a popular breed of dogs known for their charming personalities and adorable wrinkled faces. When it comes to taking care of them, Frenchies are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, and they are not known to be heavy-shedder. They also have a low exercise requirement, making them suitable for apartment living. However, Frenchies are prone to breathing difficulties due to their short snouts, so they may require special attention during hot weather or heavy physical activity. Additionally, they are prone to certain health issues such as skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and eye problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are important. A responsible dog breeder filters these very strictly so that the chances of occurrence can be kept to a minimum. Responsible breeders also help to identify and treat illnesses. Overall, Frenchies can be a great addition to any household with the right amount of care and attention. Frenchies are sensitive to heat French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short snouts, which can make it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature , especially in hot weather. Limit exercise Avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather and opt for early morning or late evening walks instead. Use cooling products Invest in cooling products, such as cooling mats, cooling vests, or fans, to keep your Frenchie comfortable. Avoid overheating Be mindful of signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, red gums, and a lack of energy, and take steps to cool your Frenchie down immediately if you notice these signs. By taking these steps, you can help protect your Frenchie from the dangers of heat and keep them healthy and comfortable during hot weather. Keep your Frenchie fit Keeping a French Bulldog fit and healthy requires a combination of proper diet, exercise, and preventive health care. Here are some tips to help keep your Frenchie in shape: Provide a balanced diet Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, well-balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding, as Frenchies are prone to weight gain. Regular exercise Frenchies are a low-energy breed, but they still need regular exercise to maintain their health. Offer daily walks, playtime, and other forms of physical activity to keep them fit. Offer healthy treats in moderation and avoid giving in to those puppy-dog eyes at the dinner table. Provide mental stimulation Frenchies also need mental stimulation to keep them fit. Offer interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and other forms of mental stimulation to keep them mentally and physically fit. First name Email 3. Here are some tips for grooming your Frenchie: Brush regularly Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, but regular brushing can help remove loose hair and prevent shedding. Trim nails Regular nail trims are important to avoid painful cracks or splits. Watch out for common Frenchie health issues French Bulldogs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. A responsible dog breeder will always screen the parent dogs before including them in their breeding program. By doing so, they can largely reduce the chance of passing over genetic diseases that may affect the French Bulldog lifespan. Here are some of the most common health problems seen in Frenchies: Breathing difficulties Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a short snout, and this can lead to breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather or during physical exertion. Loud breathing, snoring, and grunting are completely normal in French bulldogs. You should take your dog to a doctor if it is visibly bothering him. Skin allergies Frenchies are prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, rashes, and other skin problems. Eye problems Frenchies can develop various eye problems, including cherry eye, dry eye, and cataracts. Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common genetic problem in many breeds, including Frenchies. It is a congenital abnormality that can cause arthritis and other joint problems. Hip dysplasia is always filtered by responsible breeders, and our puppies get tested too. Intervertebral disk disease Frenchies are also prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease IVDD , which is a condition that affects the disks in the spine and can cause back pain and paralysis. It can be prevented by not letting them jump from high places or climb stairs too much. Gastrointestinal issues Frenchies can also suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloat, and megaesophagus. Provide the right diet The right diet for a French Bulldog will depend on its age, size, and activity level, as well as any individual health concerns. Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right diet for your Frenchie: A high-quality, balanced diet Feed your Frenchie a high-quality, balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Consider small, frequent meals Frenchies can also suffer from a variety of gastrointestinal problems, such as bloat and reflux, so consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimize any digestive issues. Avoid table scraps Table scraps can be high in fat and calories, and can also lead to digestive problems and food intolerance. Instead, stick to a balanced, nutritionally complete diet for your Frenchie. By following these guidelines and working with your veterinarian, you can help ensure that your French Bulldog is getting the proper nutrition to maintain optimal health and well-being. Prevent any ear problems French Bulldogs are prone to ear problems due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and bacteria. Be sure to dry their ears thoroughly after each bath or swim to prevent moisture from accumulating. Avoid exposing their ears to water Try to avoid exposing their ears to water, especially during baths and swims. Consider using ear protection, such as ear muffs or earplugs, to keep their ears dry. Ultimate Guide. French Bulldog Care How to take care of newborn french bulldog puppies? Most, if not all, owners will let their litter grow for about 9 weeks before finding them their forever home. These initial weeks are very crucial as the newborn puppies initially cannot see, hear, regulate their body temperature, defecate nor urinate on their own. Although the mother keeps her babies warm, you should always check to make sure that she does not accidentally suffocate the puppies. Other artificial sources of heat like heat lamps, heating pads, or a space heater may be used but be very careful because the puppies can easily dehydrate and die when overheated. Make sure that the temperature of the whelping box is at a range of 86 to 90 degrees. It is important to check their weight every day and make sure that they are gaining weight daily. If not, you should take a closer look at them to make sure they nurse adequately from their mom or provide them with a supplement like goats milk or prepared formula milk for puppies. Stimulation For Bowel Movement The mothers need to stimulate the puppies for them to urinate and defecate. Some mothers will do this regularly but others may not want to so it is up to you to do it. Use damp cotton balls with warm water or a small dab of petroleum jelly on your finger. Gently wipe this over their genitals until they urinate and defecate, then clean them up. Make sure that the puppies and their whelping box are clean to avoid infection. About Us The exclusive destination for all your luxury accessory needs. Inspired by French Bulldogs, made for all pups.

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

They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They make great family pets and are usually very easy to train. Puppies that are bought from a reputable breeder usually have a lower price tag. The price can vary depending on the reputation of the breeder and the location of the puppy. It is important to do your research before buying a French Bulldog puppy so you can ensure you are getting the best care possible for your investment. It is important to find a reputable breeder who will take good care of your French Bulldog and ensure they have the best life possible. Be sure to research the breed before purchasing a French Bulldog, as there are a lot of reputable breeders out there. Feed your French Bulldog a high-quality food to ensure they have the best life possible. French Bulldogs are a loving breed and will require daily exercise. Make sure to provide a safe and suitable environment for them to play in. Be careful of puppies that seem too good to be true or have a price that is too high. French Bulldogs are high in demand, so breeders must spend a lot to get them. French Bulldogs are a popular breed, so there are more people who are willing to pay for them. French Bulldogs are often considered a luxury breed, so they are more expensive than other breeds. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the best dog breeds, so they are in high demand. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds, so they are in high demand. French Bulldogs are often considered to be one of the most affectionate dog breeds, so they are in high demand. This makes these French bulldogs rare and some breeders consider them to be the true lilac. This color is usually the most expensive due to their unique looks and the variety of rare coats they can have. They are small, but sturdy and have a lot of energy. They make great pets for people who have smaller homes or who are just not ready for a bigger dog. They are typically very loyal to their owners, and get along well with other animals. They are also very playful and have a lot of energy, which can be a bit of a nuisance if not supervised. However, French Bulldogs are considered one of the most affectionate and loving dog breeds. Is There a Mini French Bulldog When a French Bulldog is bred, the goal is to create a well-rounded dog that is strong, agile, and has a good temperament. Breeding a French Bulldog to a Miniature Frenchie will create a smaller dog that is still able to do all of the things that a regular French Bulldog can do. These dogs can be good for families with children that are smaller than the average French Bulldog, as they are usually less aggressive and will not require as much attention. They will also be less likely to damage furniture or other items in the home. When looking for a Miniature Frenchie, it is important to make sure that you are selecting a dog that is healthy and has been bred for the purpose of being a miniature dog. There are many dogs that are advertised as Miniature Frenchie dogs that are not actually miniature dogs. These dogs may have been bred to have a small size, but may not actually be a miniature dog. It is important to do your research before selecting a Miniature Frenchie dog, as there are many that are in need of homes. They are known for their high energy and playful personalities. While this breed may be easier to train and housebreak than male French Bulldogs, they are just as loving and affectionate. Female French Bulldogs are also known for their gentle nature and strong affectionate bonds with their owners. They are great family dogs and make great companions. Overall, the French Bulldog is a great breed for anyone looking for a loving and playful pet. They are known for their loving companionship and intelligence. They are also considered to be one of the most active breeds of dog. French Bulldogs are easy to train, and they will respond well to positive reinforcement. They are not ideal for those who are looking for a dog that will perform obedience tasks or compete in agility competitions, but some French Bulldogs have proven themselves to be capable of doing both. French Bulldogs are considered to be one of the most loving breeds of dog, and they are known to be very friendly and social. They are also relatively easy to care for, and they will not require a lot of exercise. French Bulldogs are a good choice for those who are looking for a loving and loyal companion. French Bulldogs can have any color except for black. French Bulldogs are considered rare because there is a limited gene pool of these dogs. French Bulldogs with any other color than black are very rare. French Bulldogs with black are the most rare. When they cry, they are usually feeling anxious or scared. This is why it is important for you to give them plenty of love and attention when they cry, so that they know they are loved and cared for. They come in a variety of colors and textures, but the rarest of all is the white French Bulldog. French Bulldogs with white fur are caused by a number of different genes, such as Albinism, Leucism, Brindle, and Merle. Regardless of their color, all French Bulldogs are incredibly sweet and friendly. They make great family pets and are excellent watchdogs. How Much Is a Blue Frenchie A blue Frenchie costs more than a standard Frenchie because they are bred for their looks, not their working abilities. Blue Frenchie puppies are not as common as other colors, so they can be more expensive. Some people think that blue Frenchie puppies are cute, and others think that they are more elegant than other colors. One variation is the blue Frenchie. Blue French Bulldogs are just like any other Frenchie, but they have a blue coat. They are small dogs, and they are excellent as house pets or apartment-dwellers because they are so small. They make great companions because they are so loving and friendly. A Warning for Pet Owners! They are known for their loving personalities, playful nature, and large size. French Bulldogs are usually 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. They have a lifespan of years. This is because they are a rare breed, and so the demand for them is high. Additionally, French Bulldogs are quite cute. Are Frenchies High Maintenance French bulldogs are high maintenance and are likely to cost more in vet visits than other dog breeds. French bulldogs often incur spinal disorders, heart defects, joint disease and eye problems. To keep a French bulldog healthy and happy, owners must frequently take them to the veterinarian for checkups and preventive care. Additionally, French bulldogs need a lot of exercise and may require a large yard to run in. Because of their high maintenance requirements, French bulldogs may not be the best choice for people who have trouble with taking care of large, active animals. Many French Bulldogs do not bark excessively, making them excellent apartment dogs. However, it is important to always supervise young children and dogs when they are together. French Bulldogs are companion dogs and thrive when they have human contact. You must set a schedule and stick to it. If you are not consistent, your puppy will be harder to train. In a nutshell A French Bulldog in Australia is an expensive pet. Post Views: .Research shows that dog owners are more active, have lower blood pressure, experience lower levels of stress and have a greater sense of emotional well being. But owners of our French Bulldogs already know that! Having the best bred dog is something that you and your family deserve. All our special little puppies are microchipped, vaccinated, vet checked and have a copy of their breeding papers prepared before they leave us for their new homes. We also include a puppy pack to help you provide a good start for your new family member. Who we are? We are a small in-home registered breeder dedicated to breeding high quality and exotic coloured French Bulldogs. We strive to ensure our dogs are healthy and with good structure, taking great care with our bloodlines and breeding program. We are very proud to be the home of the first Isabella French Bulldogs born in Australia. All our puppies are raised amongst our own family members, and are well socialized with both children and other pets. This helps our puppies transition more easily into their new homes. Socialising you new puppy to vital to helping create a well-adjusted adult dog who can go anywhere, is relaxed with other people and is generally fun to be with. Our set of services in the industry We are not a puppy farm! When you come to our home to visit your potential new puppy, you will also get to see how we live with our beautiful Frenchies. They were sired with imported semen from America. The Testable Chocolate gene has only recently been introduced into French Bulldog lines in Australia and we are thrilled to be the first successful breeder! Why choose us One of the reasons we love our French Buldogs so much is their even-tempered and playful nature. Frenchies are also real charmers and smarmers who just love attention, making them ideal for life with singles, couple or families. As a responsible dog breeder we really encourage all our prospective owners to visit us in our home and meet our puppies and their parents. Ask us about this is you feel a mature French bull dog may be more suitable for your home than a playful puppy. For more information contact us on .Families with older children What to feed a French Bulldog? The reason for this is diet plays a significant part in the health of Bulldogs, and a good diet should prevent many of the health conditions they can suffer from. French Bulldogs sometimes have problems absorbing nutrients from food, which can lead to a special sometimes costly diet or supplements. Firstly, I highly recommend avoiding any dry dog food containing wheat or cereals especially those with by-products of those grains. All Bulldogs tend to be affected more by bad diet, medications, and antibiotics than other breeds. Related: Recommended dog foods. This gets me to my next point. Supplements are well worth considering for this breed, especially when your budget prevents you buying an expensive premium dog food. Probiotics are a great idea as these will help your Bulldog digest their food far more effectively. Read the full guide on probiotics which will fill you in completely and give you recommendations. Health Concerns French Bulldogs are prone to a number of health conditions. This disorder is caused by one or more anatomical misformations including small nostrils, narrow trachea, everted laryngeal saccules air sacs , and an elongated soft palate that partially obstructs the airway. This disorder often gets worse during hot weather and makes Frenchies much more susceptible to heat stroke. Reproductive Problems Reproductive problems are more common than not in this breed. Breeding after five years of age is severely discouraged. Genetic Spinal Deformities Frenchies are prone to genetic spinal deformities such as hemivertebrae, a painful condition where the spinal cord is constricted by misformed vertebrae. Surgery to correct these deformities is expensive, forcing some owners to euthanise. Untreated hemivertebrae can result in paralysis, incontinence, and excruciating pain for the canine. Pulmonic Stenosis Pulmonic Stenosis or narrowing of the pulmonary artery is somewhat common with this breed and can lead to fatigue or collapse during vigorous exercise or in severe cases Congestive Heart Failure. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is common in active Frenchies and can cause limping, pain, and immobility of the back legs. This disorder can be corrected with periacetabular osteotomy surgery or made more manageable with medication Retinal Dysplasia Retinal Dysplasia is a hereditary condition characterised by the malformation of the retina. This disorder causes vision impairment, though it is not progressive or life-threatening. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism also known as under-active thyroid usually presents itself in affected dogs around four years of age. This is usually not life-threatening but it can cause hair loss, weight gain, dull coats, and may require medication. Atopic Dermatitis Atopic Dermatitis also known as eczema is prevalent in this breed. Using hypoallergenic shampoos and bathing less frequently can help control the symptoms. Heat Stroke Heat stroke is extremely common with this breed, because of this French Bulldogs should never be left outside for extended periods during hot or humid weather. The steep prices are due to reproductive difficulties in the breed, causing most breeders to resort to artificial insemination. Natural birth is extremely dangerous for Frenchies, so C-sections are required, which makes breeding quite costly. Furthermore, there is a very small window of opportunity for the females, since it is unsafe for them to give birth after five years of age. This balm uses natural botanicals including organic grapeseed oil, hemp-seed oil, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E to ease the pain and moisturise affected areas. Often French Bulldogs will develop tear stains; a gentle sodium hydroxide-based stain remover product will work to diminish discoloration, while not agitating the skin. We like the Petpost Tear-Stain Remover products, just make sure you rinse any remaining product with water after cleansing. Frenchies require shampoos with a super-gentle formula to so as to not trigger skin issues, Earthbath Ultra Mild Puppy Shampoo is a top pick for breeders plus it smells like cherries! What do owners have to say about their Frenchie? These groups are also great for finding a reputable breeder highly recommended. If you have a Frenchie yourself, please tell us all about him in the comments section below! This breed can be pricey. Do not look for the cheapest Frenchie to buy. It will more than likely be poorly bred with the many issues listed above. Also, you cannot go cheap on their dog food. She grows tired super quick when out and about, sadly. Tegan loves coming across other dogs, but other dogs look at her sideways since she makes some weird dog noises. Those thinking of buying or adopting a Frenchie should make sure they can accommodate their physical limitations and are prepared to deal with the health risks associated with this breed. Be prepared to feed a good diet which is meat-based and avoid cheap grain-based kibbles. If you do take home a Frenchie, then make sure you stock up on designer mugs, sweaters, and everything you can think of with a Bulldog on it! Calling Aussie pet lovers — join the mailing list! Leave this field empty if you're human: Or join me on:. The French Bulldog is a cross between the bulldog ancestors from England and the local ratters in France. Behaviour-wise, this dog is adaptable, playful and smart. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Lovely Frenchies ready for a new home, super lively, fun and energetic. All six puppies are adored. They are all vet-check, microchipped and wormed. Now just ready to join a family. Have been toilet trained on astro puppy pee mats and are doing great with it. Our babies are raised in our home as part of our family. Each puppy comes with; Registered papers - are from 5 panel DNA clear families - a puppy pack - are Vaccinated - microchipped - wormed - health checked. These puppies are a beautiful representation of the breed and won't be seen at these prices again. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about these little wonders. Registration number .He has an absolutely beautiful nature, loves people, very devoted. She is so sweet , loves everyone, especially kids. The puppies are raised in a loving family home. They have their own lounge room and access outside to the garden and massive yard. They have had structured play time with the children which they love. Toilet training is going well. Puppies available this weekend or can be viewed prior. Will be have their first vaccination and are wormed regularly. Melissa French bulldog puppies for sale Born 18th August .Two boys and two girls. Taking deposits NOW. We are thrilled to announce the confirmation of our highly anticipated litter of French bulldog puppies, to be born to a magnificent blue Merle father and an enchanting blue dam. Both parents exude elegance and grace with their athletic build, turning heads wherever they go. The father's striking blue Merle coat is adorned with mesmerizing patterns, while the mother's luxurious blue color is simply captivating. Beyond their captivating appearances, both parents possess exceptional temperaments, exhibiting intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards their human companions. They have been lovingly raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring that they pass on their wonderful traits to their offspring. Our commitment to responsible breeding extends to maintaining the utmost care for the health and well-being of our dogs. Both the father and mother have undergone thorough health screenings, with no history of health issues. As a result, we are confident that their offspring will inherit their robust health and vitality. For those truly seeking a lifelong companion of exceptional quality, we warmly invite you to view both parents in person. Witnessing their captivating personalities and impeccable manners will leave no doubt that their progeny will be nothing short of extraordinary. These highly coveted puppies are sure to attract a lot of attention, and thus we respectfully request only serious and committed individuals or families to inquire. The puppies are expected to be ready to go to their loving homes around mid October , so the journey of unconditional love and joy can begin. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information or to arrange a viewing. We eagerly await the opportunity to introduce you to these precious little ones and ensure they find the most loving and responsible forever homes. The puppies have - [ ] Worming schedules completed to current age. Vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies have been hand reared and love cuddles and attention. They will be microchipped, vaccinated and wormed regularly before leaving. Parents are healthy, clear of hereditary disease and have good breathing. Parents are fed a high quality diet including raw food. Each puppy will go to their new home with a puppy pack and registration papers from the ANKC. They are raised on premium nutrition and kept in optimal health. Puppies come with comprehensive health contract, LIFETIME breeder support and impressive puppy pack including food, treats, toys, owner gifts, supplies and so much more. Puppies are hand raised in a kennel free, indoor family friendly environment with THE most care. All our animals are owned by our own family and they are family pets and loved ones first and foremost. We can provide real customer feedback of our healthy animals and impeccable service. We are registered breeders and provide pure breed registration papers with our pooches from Master Dog Breeders and Associates. Our member number is .We start toilet training and placing babies on strict routines as soon as possible to ensure take home is simple and dogs are top quality. We also spread breed education, responsible breeding practices awareness and support local shelters and animal fundraising. Please enquire about mains options. Prices are as a pet only. They are very friendly and playful. Bred in our home in a family environment. Our puppies come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed fortnightly and pedigree registered with MDBA. We will also send our puppies to their new homes with a comprehensive puppy pack with all the essentials to get you started. We are looking for a family to love her as much as we do. She is currently the only dog and I have 2 primary aged children who she is great with. We have had her since a puppy and she is very easy going. She is used to being home alone while we are at work and school during the week and mixes with other dogs well once a week at doggy day care. She is toilet trained. Microchipped and registered Pure bred with papers from a registered breeder Healthy and Happy with no health issues. Born 13th September Nicole Maddison is a sweet and beautiful 2 year old frenchie. We find her very affectionate and loyal. She is toilet trained, desexed, walks well and up to date on all shots and treatments. Justin Sadly due to my partners allergies to dogs we cannot have her anymore. She is roughly 2 years old. She is in good condition and has been well taken care of. Anne French Bulldog French Bulldog, male ,Blue pied, DOB Geoffery is a very well bred boy with a loving nature, His genetic testing shows he has no health concerns, I would like him to placed into a loving home with a single or older couple. They are vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. They're full of quirky and playful energy. The litter includes 4 pure bred Females and 1 pure bred Male. They are fully microchipped and vaccinated If you wants the pups DNA papers that will be at an extra cost But if your just happy seeing mum an dad DNA papers we have that already Pm me for price an can be negotiated Ruby girl Dialga girl Zippy boy Bluey girl this one has the blue eyes Spotty Evan French bulldog Selling my frenchie as I'm now doing night shift work and don't have the time for her that she needs she's good with kids and other dogs and cats pls msg me for more info she's 11 months old and toilet trained she's an inside dog Donna French Bulldogs Pedigree with Papers DNA and pedigree papers of parents available to see. All pups will come Wormed Vaccinated Microchipped Vet checked With a puppy pack containing puppy food and toy bedding and more. I am happy for Personal meetings to see mum and dad and puppies. I am MDBA registered SnuggleMeadows Exclusive puppies for sale Two adorable boys,with an unusual and rare color, are looking for a new loving home! Boys from purebred parents with excellent DNA. No breathing problems and excellent health. Grown with love and care. Wormed treated - 2, 4, 6 weeks. Please message for Main papers welcome for extra. Alla This is George. Selling due to overseas relocation Greg Fluffy French Bulldog Puppy — Jumanji We have a beautiful frenchie named Jumanji looking for her forever loving home. He has been brought up in a loving home and socialized with our kids and now hes ready to join his new family for many cuddles and lots of kisses. Frenchies, as they're commonly known, are all eyes and ears with a large almost square head. The ear shape is unique in the dog world, and without the bat ear shape and set, you don't have a Frenchie. The other important breed characteristic is the short, undocked tail. French Bulldog temperament French Bulldogs are described as intelligent and courageous, however their wilful, stubborn nature can make them challenging to train. They require patience, repetition, and early socialization. They are playful and affectionate and their loyal, loving nature makes them a wonderful companion dog. They thrive on human companionship and are ideal for people that have time to devote to them. Their compact size and calm nature also makes them great indoor pets. Frenchies can easily live with other breeds provided the proper introductions are done. They are good watchdogs, apparently barking for good reason and not 'yappy' like some of the other smaller breeds. The breed is considered very reliable with, and protective of children. How much space and exercise does a French Bulldog need? Frenchies can live happily in a flat and have fairly minimal exercise needs, but do require daily walks, even short ones of around 15 minutes, to keep their weight down. French Bulldogs can't swim because of their stocky physique so care must be taken near swimming areas. French Bulldogs cannot live outdoors and precautions must be taken when exercising during hot or humid weather as they are prone to heat stress. French Bulldogs and grooming needs The French bulldog has only a single short coat that does not shed excessively and only needs occasional brushing. Ears should be cleaned regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton ball around the edge of the canal. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly to prevent splitting and tearing. How much can you expect to pay for a French Bulldog from a reputable, registered breeder? According to the ANKC, these breeders tend to exploit the premise of 'Exotic' and 'Rare Colours' by disregarding the breed standard and falsifying colour. When colour is the main and at times only reason for producing a litter, health can and is at times compromised. Does a higher price mean a better quality puppy? Quality to an owner should relate to the health and soundness of the puppy, whether for a pet or a show dog and proof of health testing should always be provided. How well you can talk to and relate to the breeder, both before and after purchasing the puppy, is also of high importance. Potential health issues in French Bulldogs Reputable breeders will ensure that their dogs and puppies are free of issues that french bulldogs can face so be sure to ask for proof that testing has been done for the potential health problems listed below. It should be noted that NONE of these tests are compulsory, but ethical breeders will do whatever tests are available to them to ensure they are breeding healthy, quality animals. The condition is associated with their face shape long soft palate and narrowing of the nostrils , everted saccules and an underdeveloped trachea. Dogs suffering from BOAS should never be used for breeding. Good breeders aim to reduce these traits by selectively breeding for good palates and open nostrils. Breeding with fully tested specimens who exhibit both phenotypical what we see and genotypical genetic makeup healthy traits, helps to ensure that the offspring inherit desirable healthy traits - including good breathing. Hemivertebrae — The French Bulldog has an average of hemivertebrae. These are misshapen vertebrae that can occasionally cause severe instability of the spinal cord. Testing is recommended to reduce the incidence of this occurring. French Bulldogs can also suffer from Hip Dysplasia which can also be tested for to reduce the incidence of unstable hips. French Bulldogs can also suffer from luxating or slipping patellas dislocating kneecaps. This usually requires surgical intervention to give the dog relief. Again, dogs with this condition should not be bred from. Heart conditions - Cardiomyopathy, heart murmurs and pulmonic stenosis are some of the conditions that can occur. Unfortunately, heart conditions are on the rise within the French Bulldog due to irresponsible breeders - for more information see Heart Health, The French Bulldog Club of Qld for more information. Hereditary Cataracts Called "juvenile cataracts" to differentiate them from cataracts associated with old age or degeneration. Juvenile cataracts appear at an early age and because they are usually inherited, can be picked up with DNA testing. Cystinuria Type 3 is a genetic defect in the kidney tubules that causes bladder stones in male French Bulldogs. Neutering is curative in dogs that are affected, but both males and females can be carriers and should be tested. Cystinuria is thought to have arrived in Australia recently via dogs and semen imported from Europe. Increasing numbers of Australian breeders are testing for cystinuria. It should be noted that a specific test is required to detect type 3 Cystinuria - the French Bulldog version of the defect. Standard DNA testing is not sufficient. French Bulldog general facts The French Bulldog is a small to medium domestic dog, around 30cm high at its shoulders, weighing roughly 11 female —.French Bulldog colour variations The only correct colours for the breed Brindle, Fawn, Pied are illustrated in the images provided in the gallery. Fawn — with or without a black mask, ideally fawn should be clean and clear. Brindle — a mixture of black and fawn hairs creating brindle patterning striping. Pied Pattern — White base with either brindle or fawn patches. Ideally, the white base should be clean and clear of ticking or spotting. For Profit breeders are asking very high prices for so called "rare" colours like blue, lilac, black and tan. When colour is the main and at times only reason for producing a litter, health can be compromised. Breed clubs world-wide are united in their concern about the irresponsible and reckless exploitation of French Bulldogs, particularly by those breeders who aim to produce rare colours. If you choose to buy a French Bulldog puppy for colour - ensure that prior to purchase you have proof of the correct and complete health testing of parents and the puppy - including certified radiographs of the spines and hips and DNA testing for all hereditary conditions. Check our listings for Puppies for sale here and click on the links to our breeders below to go to their profile page. You can also click here to search for Registered French Bulldog Breeders by location.

They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognized by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Related Pet Care Articles. 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. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. Conclusion About the Breed You must have seen at least one Labrador Retriever for real because they are the most commonly owned dogs in America. They are affectionate, intelligent, athletic, muscular, easy-going, and love to stay around people, which makes them the favorite choice of almost every American family. Their intelligence and loyalty make these high-energy dogs perfect for adventurous, outgoing people who are looking for a medium-large-sized four-legged companion. On the other hand, if you need a fun-loving, super-friendly, and completely harmless dog, this one is also your go-to choice. Labrador Retrievers come with huge hearts, which may contain an immense amount of love for all the family members. Due to the very same reason, this dog is being used as a therapy dog in old age homes and hospitals. Since they are easy to train and understand commands really very quickly, this breed has won various agility and obedience competitions. Besides, they have served the military and police forces for a long time as rescue dogs and for drug and explosive detection. And have we mentioned their extraordinary performance as assistance dogs for disabled people? All in all, this single dog offers a one-in-all sort of package to its owner as with their versatile and colorful personality, they can transform, from a companion dog to a show dog to a rescue dog to a field retriever, in a wink. The Labrador Retriever club has confirmed that this dog breed originated in St. John, the capital city of Newfoundland, Canada. By , these St. These dogs help their owners retrieve the lost fish and ducks, haul fishing nets, and fetch ropes. Although the lineage of St. In around , the second Earl of Malmesbury brought these dogs to England to be used as retrievers whereas, in the reign of the Third Earl of Malmesbury, these dogs began to get referred to as Labradors. When this dog breed was thriving in England, it nearly got extinct in Newfoundland around the year .The reason behind this near-extinction situation was the strict tax laws and government restrictions. The government of those times even constituted a law that one family could keep only one pet dog, and if they chose that pet to be female, the family had to pay a heavy dog tax. Still, somehow, the breed managed to survive and in , the kennel club officially recognized it as a separate breed. On the other hand, the American kennel club AKC recognized this popular breed in .Since the count of Labrador Retrievers was still alarmingly low in America and Canada, the breeders over there began to import British Labs to their countries. After these untiring efforts, Labrador Retriever dogs finally got categorized as the most popular dog breed by the national breed club of America, by the end of world war ii, in .However, Adjutant, the oldest living Labrador, managed to live for about 27 years. Therefore, a Lab puppy should never be allowed to go outside when the temperature is above ninety degrees Fahrenheit. A Labrador can hold its pee for about hours so you better schedule their bathroom breaks accordingly. Labrador is one of those few dog breeds that communicate through their body language rather than barks and growls. If a Labrador loves you, it will express it with its wagging tail, licking, and following you everywhere around. Unlike other dogs, this Lab breed can sense your sadness by reading your facial expressions and change in your pointing gestures. The best age to bring Lab puppies to your home is when it gets eight weeks old. Research has shown that the Labradors have tendencies and enough emotions to hold grudges. They remember past events quite clearly and can throw tantrums for some time. Even though it happens once in a blue moon, a Labrador Retriever can bite with a strength of about PSI. Labrador Retriever Appearance When it comes to appearance, Labradors are divided into two major categories; one containing thicker, blocker, and heavier bodies called the English Labradors and the second containing lankier and taller dogs called the American Labradors. Generally, all these deep-chested dogs feature sturdy and squared body frames, supported by athletic legs. Size The height of a fully grown Labrador Retriever depends upon its gender as males are mostly taller than females. Generally, a male Lab may grow up to cm tall, whereas the size of a female Lab could be cm. Considering the maximum size to which a male Labrador Retriever could grow, these strong dogs are classified in the category of medium-sized dogs. Weight Again, based on sex, the healthy weight range of a Labrador may vary. Generally, a 6-month-old, male Lab may weigh around kgs, whereas the weight of a female Lab could be between kgs. However, some Labs may even put on an extra weight of about 45 kg due to their uncontrolled greediness and appetites. Coat Labrador Retrievers are also special when it comes to their coat type. They feature a hard, dense, and thick double coat that consists of both hair and fur. The outer coat comprises wiry, short, and dense hair, whereas the undercoat consists of soft and smooth fur which is weather-resistant and insulating. Besides, some Labradors also look big and fluffy as they have long hair on their bodies. This condition is quite rare and caused by a non-dominant, recessive gene. Likewise, some Labradors come with a sparse undercoat which makes them look like single-coated canines. Color Labrador Retrievers are divided into three major types as per the coat color; chocolate brown, black, and yellow. The most dominant and common breed type is the one comprising black Labrador. Besides these common colors, some Labs also feature silver, fox red, and polar white, but these options are super rare. In addition to this, many Labs come with some white markings or small patches on their chests that are acceptable. However, any Lab that possesses coat color other than what is mentioned above, is considered mixed bred canine. Labrador Retriever Temperament and Personality Speaking of their temperament, they are fun to be around since they are light-hearted, playful, emotional, and smart. Since their bodies contain a huge amount of pent-up energy, these dogs are the happiest when busy. You can leave a Labrador Retriever alone at home for hours. Just make sure they have easy access to the bathroom and someone who could feed them after some hours. Even though Labs can do well on their own for some hours, but make sure to compensate for those absenting hours by playing with them. Remember that an ignored and bored Lab may develop separation anxiety really quickly. And as we stated before, they are more emotional than other dogs, their damaged emotional health can also have adverse effects on their mental and physical health. After developing separation anxiety, a Labrador Retriever may exhibit anxious behavior like chewing doors and furniture, digging, winning, pacing, growling, and barking. Similarly, as this dog ages, it grows even calmer. Even though Labs are known for their super friendly and social natures, these dogs can be the best watchdogs, if trained properly. On the other hand, when not trained, the same dog might help the intruder to come inside your property. Likewise, these dogs can be reliable guard dogs since they can sense the danger and do whatever it takes to protect their owners. But again, it all depends upon their training. Labrador Retrievers make excellent family dogs due to their sweet nature, gentleness, and protectiveness. Generally, Labs love the whole family, but they tend to make one member their favorite. Resultantly, the dog will be more protective and compassionate towards that one person. Speaking of their behavior towards other pets, Labradors can chase small animals around, due to their strong retrieving and ducking instincts. Labrador Retriever Health and Care Generally, a Labrador Retriever is considered a healthy breed but still, some Labs may develop the following health problems; Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is the most common hereditary disorder, which usually attacks very strong dogs with a tremendous amount of energy, packed in their bodies. In this condition, the hip joint and thigh muscles get partially detached from the pelvic socket. Resultantly, your dog feels restlessness and discomfort while walking or moving rear limbs. As the condition worsens, his rear limbs may get completely immobilized. The only treatment to cure this condition is surgery. And to prevent it from transmitting to the next generation, make sure to have a proper DNA test of your cured Lab, before taking him for breeding. Some other forms of this disease are elbow dysplasia and knee dysplasia which affects the elbow and knee of your labs. Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Tricuspid valve dysplasia is a heart disorder that is found in Labrador Retrievers more commonly these days. Some puppies, somehow, may manage to survive, but most of them die in a couple of weeks. Resultantly, when the pain worsens, they bites at tail, causing the limber tail. Besides Labrador Retrievers, other Retrievers including Golden Retrievers, are also prone to catch this disorder. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This condition attacks the eyes of your Lab, destroying his photoreceptor retina cell and turning him first into night blind and then completely blind. Acute Moist Dermatitis As the name suggests, this disease is about skin that develops an acute bacterial infection due to insufficient hygiene. Ear Infections Since Labrador Retrievers have floppy ears, they are highly prone to catching ear infections if not cleaned properly. Use specially formulated dog shampoo and cleaner and clip your dog hair to prevent them from matting. Even though the overall grooming requirements of the Labrador Retriever are low, they shed a lot which means they need regular brushing. Trim their nails, brush their teeth, and feed them good-quality dog food. Lastly, this sporting dog breed needs vigorous exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. Thus, take them for daily walks and play with them for about one hour daily. However, avoid overdoing it since exercise-induced collapse is quite common among Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retriever Training Labrador Retrievers are one of the easiest dogs to train, but only if you employ the right technique and stay consistent. Since Retrievers are quite protective of their families, they might feel threatened and jealous around unfamiliar people. Therefore, to tone up their positive, friendly, and social nature, socialize your Labs with new people and new pets. Instead, they might begin to feel scared of you, which in turn might fuel their escape-artist nature. On the other hand, you can get a Labrador pup from an animal shelter for free. Some of those Labs offered by the rescue groups are even neutered and vaccinated, which saves you from additional costs too. Related Guide:. They've won the dog personality popularity contest for so many years, as Labs are devoted to their owners—always willing to show you their affection and receive your adoration in return—are highly intelligent, and are happiest doing any and all family activities. Their enthusiasm not only makes them fun to be around, but also makes them a hard-working breed. Labs are companionable, bonding with all family members, and famously friendly to every person and pup they meet. While they have high energy and require lots of activity , they are eager to please and highly trainable. Appearance Thanks to their role as a hunter's companion, the Labrador retriever is a sturdy dog, weighing in at anywhere from 55—80 pounds. Labs come in three colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. While black Labs were an early favorite with breeders, all three types of Labs are common today. Some breeders do offer "rare" Labs, including polar white, fox red, and even silver, but these are simply variations of the three original Lab coloring combinations. Their top coat is short and thick. Their undercoat is softer and helps provide protection from the weather, especially cold temperatures and water, a nod to their original role as retrievers. A Lab's tail serves a purpose in their heritage as well. They are thick and tapered, an "otter tail" that acts as a rudder when Labs swim. But watch out on land—this happy breed gets to wagging their tail often and eagerly, and won't stop if you happen to be in the way. Yellow Labs might be easy to confuse with golden retrievers. Though both are friendly pups and popular with families, they distinctly different breeds. Temperament "The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non aggressive towards man or animal," the breed standard says. They are friendly with new people and animals they meet. Tops in the personality department, Labs are also highly intelligent, making them very trainable. They do have lots of energy, so you'll need to stay active with them, but they are also happy to relax at home for family movie night. What many veterinarians do find, however, is that each Lab is an individual with his own personality. Some Labs are more mellow, while others can be higher energy. Some tend to be more anxious dogs. And you can even have a Lab that is a bit of a goofball. But no matter what personality your Lab puppy grows to develop, one thing is always the same. Living Needs Labs adore their owners. They will want to live indoors and sleep as close as possible to you—or even on you. They like to get outside to play, but don't leave them unattended for too long as they may prove they have a naughty side. Labs have been known to dig and chew, so invest in plenty of sturdy chew toys to keep yours entertained. If properly introduced and trained, Labs can also get along well with other pets in the home including cats , other dogs, and small animals. They are competitors, doing well in agility, field tests, and at dog shows. And they absolutely love to swim. Care When you welcome a Lab to your home, be prepared for lots of shedding. Grooming isn't substantial, but brushing your dog daily will help reduce the tumbleweeds of fur scattered about your house from their thick double coat. They should be bathed every other month to keep them smelling fresh. Brushing their teeth a couple of times a week, keeping their nails trimmed —likely once or twice a month—and checking their ears for redness or odor should also be on your Lab care checklist. A daily minute walk or a lively game of fetch will help your pup burn off some of his energy. Lack of activity could lead to undesirable behavior, but don't overdo it—this "workaholic" breed is apt to exhaust itself. Don't let Lab puppies run and play on hard surfaces for their first two years so they don't damage their joints. Of course their reputation for good behavior precedes them, but that doesn't mean you can skip training sessions with your Lab. Training is important to ensure they don't grow to become too rowdy. Introduce Labrador puppies to other humans and animals early to help socialize them properly. This, coupled with ample positive reinforcement , will allow your pup to grow into the friendly Lab many know and love. Health Labs are a pretty hearty and healthy breed , living 10—12 years. But, as with all breeds, there are some common conditions to be aware of. Elbow and hip dysplasia , heart disorders such as tricuspid valve dysplasia TVD , epilepsy , and hereditary myopathy or muscle weakness can all affect Labs. They can also face eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Owners should also be aware of a condition called exercise induced collapse EIC. Labs may also develop hot spots —or acute moist dermatitis—cold tail, and ear infections. History A bit misnamed, Labs actually come from Newfoundland—off the northeastern coast of Canada—not Labrador, according to the Labrador Retriever Club. Descended from St. John's water dogs, Labradors are a traditional waterdog used to retrieve ducks and keep fishermen company. At the end of the work day, Labs were then happy to head home to spend the night with the fishermen's families. They became increasingly popular starting in the early s, when they were brought to England by nobles who appreciated their work ethic and disposition. Public Domain It may be hard to believe, but by the s, Labs were almost extinct because of government restrictions and tax laws—the same laws that led to the St. John's water dogs' extinction, according to the Canadian Broadcast Corporation. Thankfully saved by English breeders, they were introduced to the U. After World War II, the Lab's popularity took over and grew for decades until they ultimately achieved the status of America's—and England and Canada's—most popular pooch. Fun Facts In , for the 29th year in a row, the Lab was voted the number one most popular breed. King Buck was the model Labrador retriever featured on a U. Another famous Lab is Ben of Hyde , born in .Considered the first documented yellow Lab, today most lines of yellow Labs can be traced to his bloodline. The star of the show, Marley, is actually several different Labs who played the role to reflect the various age stages of Marley during the film. His family adopted another chocolate Lab, Seamus , after Clinton's presidency ended. Was this page helpful? One can easily recognize their breed since they are primarily selected and trained to be human companions. They are always featured in magazines and news articles due to the geniality and popularity among dog owners. Labs can be seen as a part of law enforcement for detection and screening, or a therapy dog that helps people with disabilities such as blindness and autism. Their loyalty, kindness, and obedience makes them the best candidate for these roles and also being the best buddy at home. Labs are considered the most versatile breed among dogs. Labrador Retriever Characteristics Labs are identified with having a medium well-built body that is perfect for their easygoing and sporty lifestyle. Females are normally smaller and their height ranges from .Their counterparts, the male Labrador Retrievers stand .Labrador Retriever Life Span — Male and Female Labrador Retrievers are very fun to be with, and anyone will want to spend their whole life with the best companion like them. Their average lifespan is between years. They wag their tails to strangers, fellow dogs and are the most loving with kids. Labs make a great partner because of their affection and loyalty to their owners. They have become a popular and favorite breed. That is why they are always featured in photos, commercials, and news where they stick with their owners no matter what. They have saved someone from an accident, or are just plainly eating dog food in a commercial, being a good boy — or girl. This dog breed is remarkably obedient and intelligent, making training easy. They are playful and hyperactive. Labrador Retriever Exercise With their high level of energy, Labrador Retrievers need their exercise. The recommended activities for Labrador Retrievers are daily walking, running in the park, training, chewing on some pet toys, and fetching games — anything that helps them release their stored energy. Be careful though, they are known to be very enthusiastic about being active that they exhaust themselves if you do not intervene and stop the playtime. Labrador Retrievers who lack activity may resort to undesirable behaviors like chewing some items in your house or digging a hole in your backyard just to release some of their pent up zest. So always remember to keep them busy and train them properly. Labrador Retriever Training Training is crucial and yet natural for this breed. They produce an exemplary outcome for Labrador Retrievers themselves and their owners. They are easy to train due to their unparalleled enthusiasm and intelligence. There are different types of training for a Labrador Retriever depending on the career they are going to take. Labrador Retriever History This dog breed, despite its name, Labrador, actually came from Newfoundland, which is an eastern province in Canada. They were initially called St. The Labradors were brought to Britain through ship trading because they were known to be great companions of fishermen. Englishmen took notice because they recognized the skills of the breed as great retrievers, and used them for sports like hunting or water fowling. Labrador Retrievers have always been considered as an awesome helper or partner throughout history with their personality and traits. Their short weather-proof undercoat is perfect for outdoor activities and water sports. Their dedication to their owners and trainability are highly praised even then. The Labs were almost extinct by the s because of the new tax and government restrictions made in Canada for dog owners. They disappeared from their homeland, but thanks to the English fans of this breed and the Malmesbury family, they were protected and saved. In , the Kennel Club acknowledged the Labrador Retriever as an independent and specific breed. Years passed and the Labs from Britain were imported to the US and are now among the most favorite breeds in America. Labrador Retriever Health Problems The energetic and easy-going lifestyle of a Labrador Retriever makes them healthy in general, but like other breeds, they can still have some health issues that most pet owners should look out for. Most of their common health problems involve musculoskeletal and eye-related issues. Here are the common diseases and illnesses with Labs: OCD Osteochondritis Dissecans — OCD is a condition that causes painful rigidity to the elbows and sometimes in the shoulders. Excess feeding of high protein foods or treats that encourage faster growth is considered to be one of the causes of this disease. It can be dislocated partially or completely. Some Labs may show symptoms like an irregular way of walking and also signs of pain. Others may not show any symptoms at all. Labs with this condition are best not to breed to avoid passing on the DNA. Elbow Dysplasia — Similar to Hip Dysplasia, this disease is hereditary and it usually occurs to larger dogs. This causes supple limbs that are painful and uncomfortable for your canine. Vets would suggest getting surgery or prescribe a pain reliever medicine. Early cases result in an inability to see with dim lights, and then progress to a full loss of vision even in the day time. It whitens the lens of the eyes, and blocks the light from coming into the retina. It grows gradually and can affect dogs of any age. Treatment available for dogs that have Cataracts involves removal surgery, which normally has a high success rate. Myopathy — This disease is due to the muscle tissues or fibers not functioning properly. This makes your canine friends really weak, causing rigid movements and muscle tremors. This may be acquired from birth or due to injury or a developmental issue. There is no cure for this and keeping your Labs warm and well-rested helps with lessening the symptoms. Since it gets worse over time, some owners are given the option to euthanize their pets and are advised not to breed. Ear Infections — Labrador Retrievers are prone to ear infection due to the way their ears are made and their lifestyle of loving the water. If your dog shows frequent head shaking or you notice a change in their ear odor, have them checked. Weekly cleaning is necessary to maintain good health for your pet. Cold Tail — When you see your dog trying to catch or bite their tail, they are either playing or they have a cold tail. This condition causes tail pain and becomes flaccid. It is common for Labrador Retrievers and is not alarming since it goes away on its own. This results in inflamed red spots on the skin surface. Treatment includes proper hygiene, hair trim, and antibiotics. This requires a surgical emergency because the gas in the stomach creates pressure in the blood flow, which makes it fatal for the dog. There is still no accurate information about what causes this illness but the chances of getting it gets higher as your dog ages. Pups get them as soon as they are born and some may survive it and others just perish. TVD is caused by having an abnormal shape of the tricuspid valve. There is no current treatment yet for this disease. Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide are common medications for pets. It is highly advisable to have your labs undergo a full-scale evaluation and EIC DNA test to detect diseases as early as possible. This will also help breeders to determine which dogs are okay to prepare for breeding. It is important for them to be around their human companions, and to have their playtime and exercise like running outside and playing fetch in the park. They love affection and attention from their owners. Leaving them alone for too long at home or in your backyard may result in an unhappy Lab. Given their enthusiasm for activities and burning energy, they enjoy chewing anything for hours. Giving them a toy to chew for hours will keep them happy and content. Another thing to consider is to settle them in a kennel or a place of their own so they will not create a mess or destroy things in your house accidentally. Since they are overly joyful creatures. Nutrition and Feeding for Labrador Retriever When caring for a Labrador Retriever or any pet in general, you must think about how, what, and how much to feed them. Over time, dogs grow and have their preferred food. It is best to feed your Labrador Retriever with foods that are high in protein and fat. Feeding them high-quality food is the best option. It also depends on if you want them to eat commercial food or homemade meals. Knowing your dog is fundamental in learning how to feed them properly. Not all dogs are the same. The amount of food you need to feed your Labs depends on their age and size. But in general, they should be fed cups of dry food spread out to 2 meals a day. Treats are helpful in training and keeping your Labs happy, but anything excessive is always not a good idea. These 2 layers help them become more resilient to cold and water. Their coat is one of their best assets since they can easily go in and out of the water without ice crusting in their fur. Black coats of Labrador Retrievers were a favorite by breeders before but the demand for golden yellow and chocolate brown increased, which made them a staple color for Labs too. There are some fans that breed Labs with white and fox red coats, which can be considered rare. Regular nail trimming should be done. Long nails cause Labs to be uncomfortable with their feet. This also helps to avoid scratches and being hurt when your Labrador Retriever excitedly jumps on you. Brushing their teeth often to keep your canine friends clean and healthy is a must. It helps prevent any mouth issues like gum disease, the buildup of plaque and tartar, and tooth decay, which causes bad breath. One thing to consider that is common with Labs is the excessive shedding of their coat. Having a vacuum for the area where your Lab mostly hangs out is a thing to consider to manage all the furs that fall out. Brushing their coats frequently helps with their loose hairs. Remember, grooming is not just about making sure they are polished but it can also be a time for you to spend more time with your dog and check for potential health issues. They are easy-going, lovable, and have low aggression, which makes them okay with being touched, petted, and cuddled. Labs enjoy being with kids since they can match their energy and glee. They will happily play together for hours and are very affectionate towards children. It is important to supervise them, no matter how kind and friendly your dog is. This is to avoid any biting or tail and ear pulling on either side. Training your dog on how to act towards children will help them have a better and safe interaction. Reiterate to your kids not to bother any dog when they are sleeping or eating. This is why there are specific breed rescue groups that take in and look after these neglected Labs. Dogs that are rescued are put up for adoption and these groups ensure that they are given to families that will provide a new home where they will be loved and taken care of. Breed organizations are founded to be the keeper and provider of information about Labrador Retrievers. They organize social gatherings for fans and set up activities or conventions for them. Breed clubs can also raise funds for research and development for Labrador Retrievers. They can also set the rules and regulations about the breeding of their particular breed. If you want to check out any Labrador Retriever rescue list or participate in a Labrador Retriever breed organization, you can contact your local community in charge of Labs or the National breed club, the National Labrador Retriever Club Inc. More About This Breed Bench shows in England require Labrador Retrievers to have a working certificate to become a champion in their contest. There is an anti-interbreeding law requested and set by the fans of the breed due to the excessive inbreeding done with Labs. Labrador Retrievers are great swimmers, thanks to their water-resistant coats that keep them insulated and their webbed toes for swiffer swimming. It is said that the nobility in Britain normally refers to territories as a whole. Since Labrador is near Newfoundland, British people referred to it as one place. Another theory is that since they are seen swimming in the Labrador Sea, it often makes others think that they got their name from it. Labrador Retrievers are fast. With them being athletic and full of stamina, Labs can hit mph at full speed. But this veterinary medicine treats everyday pain in.December 16, For aches and pains, we humans have a lot of options when it comes to relief, both natural and pharmaceutical. After a nice evening run, warm water and heating pads.December 14, We know how important your dog is to your family. Pet owners hate to see their pets in pain or discomfort, and at times, administering any kind of.November 30, .Thrives on exercise and athletic activities Steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Peaceful with other animals Very responsive to training The Bad Needs a goodly amount of exercise, not just a couple of short walks around the block High energy and exuberant jumping, especially when young Sheds a lot Risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. Chocolate Labrador. Developed as hunting dogs to fetch and carry birds back to the hunter, Labs love to carry toys around. How big are Labrador Retrievers? Usually they're inches at the shoulder, with males typically in the higher half of that range, and females in the lower half. Weight can be as low as 55 pounds, but is usually pounds. Unfortunately, the trend seems to be for heavier and heavier Labs, with a lot of individuals topping 90 pounds. I say unfortunately because heavier weight isn't good for their joints. This breed was supposed to be a medium-sized hunting retriever who could fit comfortably in a bird blind or a small boat. Show type Labrador Retriever. Much stockier than field type Labs. Are there different "types" of Labrador Retrievers? Not officially. There's only the one breed. They come in several colors, yet they're all Labrador Retrievers. For hunting and field trials, though, black Labs are by far the most common color. In my obedience classes, yellow Labs are often the calmest and most mild-mannered. In contrast, the chocolate Labs I've worked with have all been very energetic. Of course, it might just be coincidence! But apart from color, you'll definitely see Labs who look quite different from other Labs. Different builds, different body shapes. In particular, Labrador Retrievers used primarily for hunting and field trials look very different from Labs you see at dog shows that emphasize conformation. They have a narrower head, longer muzzle, lankier body, and a sleeker coat. Labs from show lines are heavier-boned and stockier, with a large blocky head and dense coat. To me, those dogs don't really look like the classic Labrador Retriever. But they do tend to be very sweet dogs with mellow temperaments that fit well into many families. How much exercise do Labrador Retrievers need? Many owners don't give this breed the exercise it deserves. These athletic, bouncy dogs need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become bored, which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. Labs also need mental stimulation, which means interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated: For example, a challenging dog sport agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, frisbee, field trials ; interactive dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; fetch games and tricks. Black Labrador Retriever. Black is the most common color. Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train? Yes, training most Labrador Retrievers is easy. They housebreak quickly and are usually willing to please. But this breed is strong and energetic, especially adolescents. Many Labradors between one and three years old are dropped off at animal shelters or rescue groups because of dog behavior problems such as pulling vigorously on the leash and jumping on people. Focus on teaching loose-leash walking, indoor calmness, and no jumping. All of these are taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies. Are they friendly with strangers? Yes, most Labs are happy to see everyone. They'll bark when someone comes to the door, but they're not protective. This is a friendly, trusting breed. Are Labrador Retrievers good with children? Most Labs are among the best possible dogs for children. However, remember my cautions about exuberance and jumping. Young Labs up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. That means things can go flying — including people. If your Lab has been allowed to jump on people, you should stop this behavior immediately. Jumping can injure people, and even when it doesn't, it puts a dog in a heightened state of arousal that isn't good for him. If you don't yet have your dog and your home includes toddlers or infirm adults, you might consider skipping the challenging puppy and adolescent stages. Look into adopting an adult Labrador Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a more settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Are Labrador Retrievers good with other pets? Most Labs are fine with other dogs and cats, fine with livestock, and even fine with very small pets such as rabbits and ferrets. Of course introductions should be made properly. Don't just plunk a baby bunny onto the floor and let your full-grown Lab loose in the room. Even a friendly dog can make mincemeat of a small fragile creature simply by jumping on it. Labrador Retriever puppies hardly shed at all.Grooming: Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think — on the high side of average at least. The bulk of their shedding occurs twice a year, for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches to a cooler summer coat, and three weeks in the fall as their summer coat switches over to a winter coat. But they also shed some all through the year. Labs need more brushing than some other shorthaired breeds because of the high shedding. If you don't diligently pull out the dead undercoat during regular grooming sessions, it will all fall out on your floors and furniture. On the plus side, obviously Labs need no trimming! Yellow Labrador. How long do Labrador Retrievers live? Are they a healthy breed? Labrador Retrievers typically live years. Many Labs do live to 12 or 13, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis. Unfortunately, an increasing number of beloved Labs are lost in middle age to inherited forms of cancer or heart disease. Common orthopedic diseases in Labradors include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella loose knee joints , each of which causes chronic pain and lameness and can require expensive surgery. Labs are very prone to rupturing the ligaments in their hind legs — expensive surgery again. And if one hind leg ruptures, the other is likely to follow at a later time. Another surgery. It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a Lab. A number of eye diseases cause blindness in Labrador Retrievers. The breed is at higher-than-average risk for an emergency gastrointestinal syndrome called bloat, which can kill a healthy dog within hours. One example of an odd neuromuscular disease is called exercise-induced collapse. As the name suggests, affected Labradors who have been vigorously exercising suddenly begin swaying, collapse, and require a rest before they can move again. Here is a complete list of health problems in Labrador Retrievers. The three major colors of Labs are black, yellow, and chocolate. What colors do Labrador Retrievers come in? Officially, Labrador Retrievers come in black, yellow, and chocolate. They also come in silver gray , but this color is frowned on by breed purists. These are just made-up names for yellow Labs whose shade of yellow happens to be golden or reddish or whitish. Whatever the shade, it's still just a yellow Lab. Chocolate also comes in shades: from light coffee to deep chocolate brown. Now, what about silver Labrador Retrievers? The official breed clubs, and breeders who show their dog in the conformation ring, state that silver is a disqualified color for showing purposes. In fact, most Labrador breeders insist that silver dogs aren't even purebred. Their position is that the silver gene infiltrated the Labrador's gene pool by crossbreeding Labs with Weimaraners. I think they're probably right. I think that one or more Weimaraner crosses probably did introduce the silver gene at some point. However, since genetic diversity is a good thing in living creatures, I don't view cross-breeding as an evil thing. So if there are some Weimaraner genes floating around in a silver Labrador, that wouldn't bother me. On the other hand, if I wanted a dog who could be counted on to look and act like a Lab, you're more likely to get that in a Lab who isn't silver, especially if the silver breeder is still using Weimaraners in his breeding program. And based on the appearance of some silver "Labs", there are breeders who are still crossing in Weimaraners. But almost certainly silver Labrador Retrievers are here to stay. Even though they can't be shown, the AKC still accepts them for registration. However, in a funny twist, those registration papers don't say silver. Remember, the AKC says that Labs can only be black, chocolate, or yellow. So they register silver Labs as Chocolate, because they consider silver to be a dilution of the chocolate gene. In other words, according to the AKC, your silver Lab is actually a chocolate Lab also has inherited dilution gene that washes the chocolate into a silvery gray. It doesn't end there. Some silver Labs aren't silvery gray, but dark charcoal gray. Yellow, black, and chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies. I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member. Or check out my training tips to teach your Labrador Retriever puppy to be well-behaved. Also see my advice on Labrador Retriever health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a Labrador Retriever puppy, but you want one.I can help you with that, too. Labrador Retrievers are the most common breed in the United States, so they're very easy to find. The problem is finding one with the best chances of staying healthy through the years. First, you need to think about the different types of Labrador Retriever we talked about earlier. You can buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from a show breeder who breeds Labradors to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. Or you can buy one from a performance breeder who emphasizes an energetic temperament and strong working drives for hunting. But how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly. Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter. Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Labrador Retriever ends up with cataracts and crippled joints. Labrador Retrievers are often available from dog rescue groups. Labrador Retrievers may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or need more exercise than the owner was prepared to give. Or perhaps they pull on the leash or jump on people. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise and training that they are lacking. Labrador Retrievers more often, Lab crosses and mixes are frequently found in animal shelters. However, shelter personnel can be overzealous in labeling every medium- to large shorthaired black dog as a "Lab cross. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to Labrador Retrievers? The Golden Retriever is similar to a Labrador in being a great all-around family dog and a great choice for first-time owners. Compared to Labs, Goldens tend to be even more outgoing toward everyone and more eager to please. Goldens do shed more than Labs and have a greater risk of health issues. Compared to Labs and Goldens, the Flat-Coated Retriever needs more exercise and interesting activities to keep them busy. This is not a good breed for a casual or couch potato owner. Flat-Coats also suffer from serious health issues. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great dog for experienced owners. Compared to the Lab, a Chessie has a stronger temperament, needs more exercise, is more reserved with strangers, and can be bossy toward strange dogs. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. Labrador temperament varies between the types. Occasionally, especially in American Labrador temperament there can be nervousness and anxiousness that results in aggression. But choosing your puppy from friendly parents and socializing it well can avoid these minor risks. Most Labradors have minimal guarding instincts and make terrible protection dogs. Accept your lovable, greedy, friendly, bouncy lab for what he is. Let him be a Labrador. There really is nothing nicer. Measuring Labrador temperament Improvements in the accuracy and relevance of tests for evaluating temperament in adult or nearly adult dogs are important. This is especially the case in Labradors and other working dogs. Some studies have been carried out on guide dogs. Their findings are often relevant to Labradors because most guide dogs are either Labradors or Labrador mixes. Studies on guide dogs have come up with useful results. And temperament evaluations are often used by dog rescue organizations in order to provide a good match when re-homing dogs in their care Differences in temperament between dog breeds Studies show that there are measurable differences in personality traits between different groups of dogs. One aspect of canine temperament or personality that has the most serious impact on people, is aggression. Unfortunately, this article was confusing readers by taking information from a report about personal injury claims and the dogs causing them. Popularity Contest Essentially, the dogs blamed for biting, were dogs that happened to be popular. The fact of course, is that a proportion of all dogs will bite. The more popular a dog breed is, the more dog bites will be reported for that breed. That does not mean that individuals of that breed have an increased chance of biting someone. Like so many issues however, this one is not straightforward. Studies have shown that distinctive differences in dog temperament do exist between different breeds. A study showed that Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Jack Russell Terriers were more likely to show aggression towards both strangers and their owners. Australian Cattle Dogs were more likely to show aggression to strangers. American Cocker Spaniels and Beagles were the most likely to show aggression towards their own owners. The effects of aggression will depend on the size and biting style of the dog. This is why dog bite studies show that some breeds of dog are more likely to kill or cause serious injury than others. In a 12 year period between and for example, Americans were killed by dogs. And by choosing your dog carefully and socializing him thoroughly as a puppy, you can reduce this risk further. What is Labrador temperament like? Labradors are generally well known for their equable and friendly nature. This is not a myth. This includes aggression toward both humans and other dogs. So you can rest easy on that score. Now here are some of the other frequent assumptions made about Labrador temperament. Labrador retriever temperament is outgoing On the whole this statement is true. Most Labradors are confident, outgoing friendly dogs. Happy to talk to strangers, and to welcome guests into your home. You should be aware that this welcome may be extended equally to burglars! There are ways to minimize the risk of your Labrador turning out this way. Labrador retriever temperament is kind Kindness is another of those traits that is difficult to quantify. All we have to go on is anecdotal evidence. Labs tend to be very affectionate. There are many reports of Labradors showing great kindness and empathy when their humans are sad. The breed is even tempered It is pretty hard to provoke or annoy most Labs. Being hugged and climbed on by small children for example. You really need to check carefully on the parents before you buy a puppy. And, because tolerance levels vary from dog to dog, you need to supervise interactions between dogs and children Labrador retriever temperament is intelligent Some experts like to look at intelligence separately from temperament. But Labrador intelligence is legendary. Intelligence may vary from one dog to another within a breed, and can be difficult to define. The Labrador breed as a whole is generally considered to be highly intelligent. The ability to learn and willingness to learn are hard to tease apart. A study looked at trainability differences between different groups of dogs. The Labrador belongs to the sporting group. The study found that the dogs in this group were more trainable than non-sporting dogs. The Labrador is this willing and able to learn. The breed is usually gentle Hmm. This assumption is subject to some provisos. It is certainly true of many mature Labradors. On the contrary, Labradors under a year old can be extremely boisterous and clumsy. They can actually pose a small risk to anyone unsteady on their feet. Different types of Labrador temperament People often make assumptions about Labrador temperament based on their color. Black Lab temperament In the same way, Black Labs tend to be favored by the hunting or shooting communities. They may be considered by some to be smarter because of this. The fact is, that Labrador coat color does not directly affect the personality traits of individual dogs. However, the genetic information a dog inherits from his parents most certainly does. English Lab temperament vs American Lab A study published in showed that dogs bred from working lines were more trainable than dogs bred from show lines. This is not particularly surprising bearing in mind that working line or American type Labradors have been selectively bred for this characteristic. Labrador temperament problems The Labrador breed is not immune from temperament problems. Aggressive or reactive Labradors can and do exist. This can be a bigger problem than aggression in other breeds. This is mainly because people tend to approach strange Labradors in the expectation that a Labrador will be friendly and pleased to meet them. Owning a grumpy Labrador is not fun. So how do you make sure your Labrador puppy will have a good temperament? Choosing the right parents Your first step to success though is dependent on your choice of breeder and on the parents of your puppy. A puppy that has been bred with care will have two parents with excellent temperament. This gives you the best chance of raising a good natured dog. Do your utmost to see both parents when you are choosing a puppy. And be absolutely determined to walk away if the parents are not friendly and welcoming. I cannot stress how important this is. Mum should come happily out to greet you, tail wagging furiously. If you cannot see Dad, make sure you get a reference from someone that has met him. The temperament of the parents may give you some idea as to the potential temperament of the puppy. However, a part of his final temperament is dependent on correct socialization. Socialize your puppy Effective puppy socialization is the other essential ingredient to good temperament. The more thoroughly and effectively you socialize your dog, the more confident and fearless he will be. Fearless dogs are normally friendly dogs. Fearful dogs are more likely to become aggressive. Your puppy might seem to growl and bark more than you thought he might. This may just indicate that your pup is excited. You can read our article on Labrador puppy aggression here. The better a dog is socialized, the less things he will find threatening. A very well socialized dog will feel threatened by very little and is more likely to invite a burglar in and offer him the key to the safe, than to chase him away. Many people want a dog that is both friendly and good natured, especially around children. But they also want a dog that will guard their home. Or at the very least, bark at intruders. Strange as it may sound, I actually receive a lot of correspondence from people overseas, asking me to tell them how to teach their Labrador to bark! People want to know how they can stop their dog being so friendly! Asking for a dog to be both great around kids and to keep intruders at bay is actually quite a tall order. But not all. And there are serious risks in increasing guarding instincts deliberately. This is especially true when bringing a large dog into a family where there are small children. And a dog with guarding instincts can be a real worry and a problem when you have frequent child visitors.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. I have been with One Love since I was about 3 months old and all of my brothers and sisters have found their furever homes. Annnddd, I would really, really like to find my person s to watch over and love with all my might. Maybe you are wondering why I am still with my foster parents for over a year now. Car rides scare me but I am getting better and can sometimes look out the window when we are going down the road. I am working on meeting new people and trusting them around those I love. I really just need a small family that I can hang out with, watch over and have them watch over me. Let me know if you want to meet! Dover would do best with a single person or couple without children or a lot of people coming and going, he needs consistency. He needs someone who will watch his skin color and behaviors that will tell when his allergies are getting bad, which can put him in a bad mood because he is miserable the allergy shots are a savior. Dover is always on alert, until he trusts a person or situation , so it is hard for him to relax and be the happy go-lucky dog who wants to meet everyone. New situations can overwhelm Dover and he needs to be handled with confidence and attention. He does not like larger crowds of people or dogs. He loves to play - whether it is tug-o-war with a rope or throwing his favorite toy to himself - but also loves to lounge around just knowing you have his back just as much as he has yours. He will always let you know if someone or something is out of the ordinary around the house. Dover is a super handsome and good boy who is just looking for his person to watch over and be best of buds.

They are moderately active, but highly social which makes them well suited to life as a family pet or companion. This is a guide to taking care of them through their early months, from birth to puppyhood. Neonatal During the first 4 weeks of your French Bulldog's life, they should spend most of their time with their mother and litter-mates. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your French Bulldog puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks introduce a few dry kibbles soaked in warm water. Health During this time it is important to monitor your French Bulldog for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach Behaviour During most of this time your French Bulldog will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. Weaning When you take your French Bulldog home usually at around 8 weeks you should shower them with love and attention. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. Make the most of this time and treat every interaction with your Frenchie as a learning opportunity to develop their fun, playful personality. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Frenchie's small size and young age. French Bulldogs are notoriously food-driven, but if they develop a taste for human food, they will likely become fussy eaters and cause headaches later in life by refusing dog food. Be sure to familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid. Colostrum, rich in natural antibodies, proven to enhance immune response 2. DHA from omega-rich fish oil helps nourish brain and vision development 3. Colostrum proven to balance intestinal micro flora, helps protect your puppy from common intestinal upsets 4. Highly digestible quality ingredients for superior nutrient absorption 5. Easy rehydration of kibble for weaning 6. Scientifically proven antioxidants to boost immune defence 7. No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives Know more Health During this time you should provide your puppy with a small, shallow bowl of clean water and refresh the contents frequently. Your puppy will also need to be toilet trained during this time so that they don't make a mess of your home. Your Frenchie will soon be a fun and loyal friend, but for now you will have to clean up if they have particularly unpleasant bowel movements. You can combat this by not changing their diet suddenly as this will stress their digestive system. Behaviour Due to changes in diet and environment, your Frenchie will likely be under a significant amount of stress. As a social breed, it is important that you are affectionate and supportive during this time so they feel at home in their new surroundings. Yelling at your puppy during this will only alienate your Frenchie as they are particularly sensitive to human voice — being too aggressive with them may cause fear and distrust. Puppy By the time your French Bulldog reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed. Show them love by appealing to their intelligent and often funny personality by playing with them regularly, exercising daily and introducing them to new friends from an early age. Nutrition Your French Bulldog puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Keep snacks such as dog treats and table scraps to a minimum during puppyhood and familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid. No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives Know more Health French Bulldogs have a fair amount of energy and should be walked regularly to avoid excessive weight gain. Be aware that later in life, many French Bulldogs develop breathing difficulties due to their unusually flat face. While mostly up to genetics, you can reduce the symptoms of problems by keeping your puppy fit and not allowing them to exert themselves on hot or humid days. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters. Behaviour French Bulldog puppies are generally very friendly and well-suited to spending time around other animals and children. However, it's very important to proactively introduce them to the outside world including other people, dogs, places and children to avoid development of aggressive behaviours based on fear later in life. It is highly recommended that you take your French Bulldog to puppy training classes. Recommended Articles. Provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development Promotes regular and healthy stools with the special blend of prebiotics Gentle of small stomachs Not suitable for pups with a maize or gluten allergy or intolerance FAQs How much food does a French Bulldog puppy need? The amount of food your Frenchie puppy needs depends on how much your pup weighs, and whether you're opting to give them a wet puppy food or dry food diet. Every type of food will have its own feeding guidelines so you can use these to figure out how much food they should have compared to how much they weigh. When they get to six months, increase their food intake to up to two and a half cups daily, but only feed them two times a day. Frenchies are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep an eye on their weight. If you start to notice your pup is piling on the pounds more than they should for their age, you should reduce their portion size by half a cup. If you have any concerns about your pup's weight, speak to your vet. Can French Bulldog puppies have allergies? Allergies are a common problem with French Bulldogs. These can be genetic, but they can also be food-based. They can usually get acne that causes sores or dry, flaky patches on their body. If you spot your Frenchie pup excessively and constantly scratching, chewing or biting at their legs, paws, face, sides or their behind, it could be a sign they have an allergy. We suggest eliminating or isolating certain ingredients in their diet to find out the trigger, which can be a little trial and error. You can then opt to feed them puppy foods for sensitive stomachs as these are typically made without ingredients that dogs are commonly allergic or intolerant to. We would also recommend collaborating with your vet to find the best food for your French Bulldog puppy. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. By choosing a dog food with top ingredients, you can ensure your Frenchie receives the essential nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life. Salmon, poultry, and lamb are particularly beneficial sources of protein for French Bulldogs. Healthy Fats Healthy fats, such as omega-6 fatty acids, are an excellent source of nutrition for French Bulldogs. These fatty acids help maintain a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin, and result in a glossy coat. By providing your Frenchie with a diet rich in healthy fats, you can support their skin and coat health while helping to moderate inflammation. Beneficial Supplements In addition to high-quality protein and healthy fats, beneficial supplements like prebiotic fiber, probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega fatty acids should be considered for French Bulldog dog food. Prebiotic fiber and probiotics are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system and promote digestion. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential for joint health and support joint and cartilage health maintenance. Taurine and omega fatty acids have been found to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Some dog foods that include these beneficial supplements are: Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food, which contains taurine for cardiovascular health Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Food — which provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. By choosing a dog food with these beneficial supplements, you can provide your Frenchie with a well-rounded diet that supports their overall health. Potential Allergies and Sensitivities in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs may be prone to allergies and sensitivities , making it important to research the ingredients in their food and consult a vet if necessary. Some common sensitivities in French Bulldogs include corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. If your Frenchie shows signs of allergies or sensitivities, it is essential to evaluate the ingredients in their food and seek veterinary advice if needed. If you suspect your French Bulldog has a food allergy , you may want to consider a limited-ingredient dog food or a grain-free diet. By being aware of potential allergies and sensitivities and choosing the right dog food, you can help your Frenchie maintain a healthy and happy life. Feeding Guidelines for French Bulldogs Feeding guidelines for French Bulldogs include following label recommendations for feeding quantity and dividing daily servings into smaller meals for sustained energy supply. For French Bulldog puppies , it is recommended to provide them with 1. Puppies aged between 2 to 6 months should be supplied with three meals per day, whereas older puppies should be given two meals daily. Adult and senior French Bulldogs should also be fed two meals per day. By following these feeding guidelines, you can ensure that your Frenchie receives the right amount of food for their age, weight, and activity level, helping them maintain a healthy body weight and preventing potential health issues. Our Top Picks: Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in Our top picks for the best dog food for French Bulldogs in include a variety of options tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of this charming breed. From weight management formulas to grain-free options and specialized diets for puppies and seniors, these dog foods offer the essential nutrients your Frenchie needs to thrive. Pet owners recommend this dog food for its weight maintenance benefits, quality ingredients, and multiple protein sources. Additionally, it is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and contains taurine, which acts as a natural antioxidant for your pup. By choosing the best overall dog food for your Frenchie, you can support their overall health and well-being. This dog food is specifically tailored for overweight and less active dogs, providing an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to help them reach their weight goals and maintain an energetic lifestyle. However, the benefits it offers in terms of weight management and affordability make it a great value option for French Bulldog owners. Food and food are both great options when it comes to feeding your French Bulldog puppies. Both provide a complete, balanced diet for their growth and development. Food provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. It is also easy to digest for optimal nutrient absorption, making it an ideal choice for your Frenchie puppy. It is worth noting that some puppies may not take to Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, and it is more expensive than other dog food options due to its breed-specific nature. However, the benefits it offers in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it a top choice for French Bulldog puppies. It provides optimal nutrition to maintain their health and wellbeing. This specialized diet is formulated for French Bulldogs over the age of twelve months and includes L-carnitine and top-notch protein to sustain optimal muscle mass, probiotics to minimize intestinal fermentation, and a kibble design that is easy for Frenchies to consume and encourages chewing. While some dogs may not accept Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food and it is costly, the benefits it provides in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it an ideal choice for senior French Bulldogs. Customers say their dogs love the taste of this food. Additionally, it is excellent for dogs with food allergies. No longer will they suffer from itchy paws or diarrhea. By choosing a dog food specifically designed for French Bulldogs with allergies, you can help alleviate their allergy symptoms and provide them with a diet that supports their overall health and well-being. Customers have reported that their dogs enjoy the flavor of Wellness Core Grain-Free Kibble and have maintained a healthy coat when consuming this food. By choosing a grain-free dog food option for your French Bulldog, you can support their overall health while accommodating their dietary needs. They come in a wide variety of flavors and are packed with lots of nutrition. Our dogs do deserve the best! Gradually introducing the new food over a period of days can help avoid these problems. If your dog experiences any digestive issues or stomach discomfort, consult your veterinarian for advice. Foods to avoid include chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, and raisins. Instead, consider offering your Frenchie safe and healthy alternatives such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice, fish, chicken, vegetables carrots, green beans, broccoli , and fruits apples, bananas, blueberries. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are uncertain about what foods are appropriate for your French Bulldog. By providing your Frenchie with safe and healthy food alternatives, you can promote their overall health and well-being. Homemade Dog Food Options for French Bulldogs While commercially manufactured foods are generally recommended for French Bulldogs, some owners may prefer to prepare homemade dog food for their pets. Suitable ingredients for homemade dog food for French Bulldogs include cooked lean meats, cooked eggs, cooked vegetables, cooked grains, and healthy fats. If you choose to prepare homemade dog food for your French Bulldog, it is essential to ensure that the diet provides the necessary nutrients to support their health and well-being. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on creating a balanced and nutritious homemade diet for your Frenchie. Summary In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for your Frenchie is an essential part of supporting their overall health and well-being. By understanding their unique nutritional needs, choosing high-quality ingredients, and providing a diet tailored to their age, weight, and activity level, you can ensure your Frenchie thrives. With the right nutrition, your Frenchie will enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Frequently Asked Questions What are Frenchies allergic to? French can suffer from environmental allergies such as dust mites, pollens, molds, and grass as well as food allergies such as corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. Taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens can help keep your Frenchie healthy and comfortable. This could include things like keeping the house clean, using air purifiers, and avoiding areas with high pollen. What should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? As the owner of a French Bulldog puppy, it is important to ensure your pup is getting the right nutrients. Feed them high-quality, nutritionally complete puppy food and, if desired, lean raw meat to provide them with the balanced diet they need. When he's not spending time with his furry best friend "Freddy II", you can find him reading up on the latest Frenchie trends or exploring new parks and hiking trails with his dapper little Frenchie by his side. Whether you're a seasoned Frenchie owner or just starting your journey, Freddy is excited to share his experiences and insights with you through his articles on this website. However, we are not huge fans of the fact that there are no fruits and vegetables from whole food sources, and that many of the meats are very generally labeled, meaning they could be made from sub-par animal parts. Overall, Victor puppy food may work as a high protein, supplemental food but we do not recommend it as a regular every-day kibble for French Bulldog puppies. Though most of these grains are healthy whole food sources, for the finicky Frenchie tummy, excessive grains can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The few wholesome fruits and vegetables in this food are way down at the very bottom of the ingredient list. Food made from mostly grains and added vitamins and minerals is a cheap way to give your dog food that is good enough, but not by a lot. Quite frankly, we do not think the price tag and possibility of digestive upset to your puppy is worth this mediocre-quality food. Pros First ingredient is chicken meal No artificial dyes or preservatives DHA and antioxidants for healthy eyes Cons Few whole food ingredients besides grains Most good oils, minerals, and vitamins are additives 7. However, the lack of quality in the rest of their ingredients leaves a lot to be desired. Plus, no fruits or vegetables means that your puppy will not get the benefit of most of those added vitamins and minerals. Can I feed my French Bulldog puppy raw meat? Yes, just remember to remove any small bones that could stick in the throat or shatter. The best meats for a French Bulldog are lean meats including chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, quail, and a variety of fish. Meats like beef and pork are fine in smaller amounts but may contribute to obesity if they overindulge. Can I feed my French Bulldog peanut butter? Our puppy testers love the occasional peanut butter treat! What foods are safe for a French Bulldog puppy with diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach? If your pup has digestive upset, your best bet is to feed them super simple and easy-to-digest food. Nutritious, soothing foods for a Frenchie belly include rice brown is best! Substitute tablespoons of their kibble with one of those, cooked and unseasoned, for a fiber-rich, nutritious aid to their digestion. A good starting point for French Bulldogs aged 8 to 12 weeks is .These pups are notoriously fast eaters, which can cause all kinds of digestion issues, so smaller meals a day will help their belly do its job better. As they grow you will need to gradually increase this amount and can decrease the number of meals over which you stretch that amount. Do French Bulldog puppies need a special diet? Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are prone to developing food allergies and gastrointestinal issues. That means you need to pay extra attention to the ingredients in your choice of puppy food and, if necessary, search out brands with fewer ingredients that are higher quality. Being small dogs, they also mature faster and can become obese more easily than larger breeds. Nutrition for a French Bulldog Puppy Just like humans, dogs are omnivores and need a variety of nutrients from both animal and plant sources. Stick to lean meats for a French Bulldog, as your puppy will grow quickly and could put on extra weight if fed too much fat-rich meat. With the proper amount of fat in their diet, your French Bulldog will see benefits like flexible and resilient paw pads and nose, as well as a healthy coat and skin. The sensitive tummy of the French Bulldog often has trouble with simple carbs, like sugars and starches, which digest quickly and for a fast burst of energy. Most whole fruits, vegetables, and grains are complex carbohydrates that give your dog a steadier supply of energy. Complex carbs are much better for your French Bulldog puppy, as opposed to simple, because they are far more nutritionally dense and often fiber-rich. Common high fiber ingredients in dog food include rice, corn, oats, other grains, and a plethora of fruits and veggies. For a pup with a notoriously sensitive stomach, it is particularly important that the fiber-rich ingredients in the food be of superior quality and carefully chosen. Vitamins and Minerals Your French Bulldog puppy will also need an array of vitamins and minerals to support various important functions within their body. They are most bioavailable when your dog consumes whole foods that contain these nutrients. Major minerals for good health include phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. Whole foods are minimally processed which makes them easier to digest and helps retain all the good and healthy nutrients they contain. That means you should be on the lookout for awesome ingredients like: Chicken or turkey Fruits, like banana and blueberries Vegetables, such as carrot and broccoli Specifically named fats from whole food sources, like salmon oil and chicken fat Organically grown foods, so no pesticides or nasty chemicals And French Bulldog puppies will benefit specifically from foods such as: Brown rice, a higher quality grain that is good for sensitive stomachs and easy to digest Sweet potato and pumpkin, which aid digestion Lean proteins like fowl, fish, and eggs Unhealthy Ingredients in French Bulldog Puppy Food Unfortunately, not all dog foods are created equal. Some brands talk big on the bag or can and regale you with mumbo jumbo about wolves or try to sell you on all the benefits of their food. Remember, dog food packaging is like the sales pitch meant to sell their food to you. Even though the information on the package cannot be technically false or misleading, it is still an advertisement. Stay skeptical and focus on the ingredients list. Wheat by-product? Hold your horses, what the heck does that even mean and why would I want to put it in my belly? Here are some common, poor quality ingredients that many companies use simply because they are cheaper: Brewers rice castoffs and fragments of processed white rice. There are hundreds of different options on the market all claiming to be the best, no wonder our Frenchie parents constantly turn to us asking what they should feed their puppies. The usual nutritional needs of French Bulldog A well-balanced Frenchie diet should contain the correct amounts of macronutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, this is only a general guideline, and a more accurate calculation can be made based on specific factors. For instance, the age and activity level of your dog are essential factors to consider. Hormonal changes can cause neutered dogs to become less active than their fertile counterparts. Store-bought vs. Most commercial dog foods and canned goods contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring, and other additives. Instead of real meat, they often contain animal by-products or meat meal, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email When you cook food for your dogs, you can be sure of what goes into their bowl. Finally, homemade meals can prolong the average French Bulldog lifespan , so we definitely recommend homemade food! Why is it so hard to find the right dog food? Feeding is an evergreen topic among Frenchie parents in our Facebook group. They know they should feed their puppy with high-quality premium dog food to keep their baby healthy and fit, but they are left puzzled when they see the plethora of different choices. The answer is actually quite simple: every Frenchie is different and what works for one puppy may unfortunately cause problems for the other. The best French Bulldog breeders will always give you advice on how to continue feeding your puppy once you welcome them home. So what are the most important things to consider while trying to find the perfect food for your Frenchie? Read on to find out! The quality of dog food is always determined by the percentage of its protein content, in other words, the amount of meat or fish it contains. So what should you pay attention to when looking at the ingredients list? This could be beef, lamb, salmon, or any other type of meat. The list usually ends with some sort of animal fat, vegetables, and fruits. Jasper, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Any other ingredient not mentioned above is only included to increase the volume of the dog food and to ensure the most economical production possible. So, if you see that a food contains an unrealistic amount of filler ingredients like wheat, corn, or chemical preservatives, it is definitely not a suitable and healthy choice for your Frenchie. Dog foods without chicken and grains A question that always comes up when choosing the right food for a Frenchie is whether it has to be chicken or grain-free. For that reason, we usually recommend giving chicken and grain-free food right from the start to avoid any possible problems. Makayla, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies That means that if you look at the list of ingredients, you can find companies whose food meets all the criteria we mentioned above and is much more affordable. Like with so many things, the name is not everything! On the other hand, if the kibble is too large they will have difficulties consuming the food. The flavor of the dog food When looking at dog foods, you can choose from lots of different flavors like a lamb, fish, beef, duck, etc. If one of the foods from a particular brand works fine for your Frenchie, the flavors can and should be changed as long as they have the same nutritional values. A varied diet is important not only for humans but dogs as well, not to mention that your fur baby will be very happy to taste some new flavors. The stool of your Frenchie A very important criterion and perhaps the best indicator of the given food is suitable for your Frenchie is their stool. A healthy stool should always be completely solid, which means you can easily collect it with a bag. You should always ensure a smooth transition by gradually mixing in more and more of the new food with the old to avoid any dietary issues. Signs of a food allergy in your Frenchie We have already mentioned that Frenchies tend to be allergic to chicken, but what are the actual signs of a food allergy? The most common symptoms include scratching, hair loss, dull lifeless fur, inflamed eyes and ears often with some discharge, paw licking, swelling, but also vomiting, and loose stools. You may not notice all of these and the degree to which they occur may also vary. Any of these symptoms indicate that an immediate change of diet is necessary, about which you should always consult your vet first. Eating a bit more slowly and with less appetite are usually signs telling you to cut out the middle meal. As for the amount, nice-looking French Bulldogs are a bit stockier, so you should always increase and lower the amount of their food with that in mind. Read our article to learn more about maintaining a healthy body weight for your Frenchie. Odie, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Special recommendations by TomKings Puppies The best food for French Bulldog with a sensitive stomach For dogs with sensitive stomachs, we always recommend home-cooked food , so you can be sure of what your dog is eating. However, it is important to ensure that the transition from store-bought to home-cooked dog food is gradual. Consultation with a veterinarian can also be helpful in determining the best wet food for a French Bulldog. It is essential to choose a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Look for products that are labeled as complete and balanced, which means they contain all the essential nutrients your French Bulldog needs in the right proportions. The best dry food for French Bulldogs Although cheaper dry food may appear to be similar to premium brands based on the label, there are significant differences in the quantity and quality of the ingredients. Additionally, we advise you to switch to adult food at the age of months. We always inform new parents of Tomkings puppies of the brands we used to feed the pups and we recommend to continue using the same brand for some time. The best raw food for Frenchies There are several types of raw food diets for dogs, including the Prey Model Diet, the B. To ensure that TomKings puppies receive only the highest quality food, we continuously evaluate available options and test the latest trends. We consult with a panel of experts and experienced puppy parents within the TomKings Frenchie Family, and we are proud to recommend the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. Consulting with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. In general, weight management dog foods can be a good option for overweight French Bulldogs. These foods are formulated to be lower in calories and fat while still providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients. Avoid feeding table scraps or high-calorie treats, and make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. In some cases, a prescription diet recommended by a veterinarian may be necessary to help your French Bulldog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Best food for French Bulldogs with skin allergies If your French Bulldog has skin allergies, it is important to choose a diet that is specially formulated to help support skin health and minimize potential allergens. Consultation with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. Some high-quality dog food brands offer special formulas that are designed for dogs with skin allergies. These foods typically contain limited ingredients and exclude common allergens such as wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy products. Instead, they may use alternative protein sources such as fish or venison and may contain added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support skin health. Some veterinarians may also recommend prescription diets that are formulated specifically to manage skin allergies in dogs. These diets may contain hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down into smaller components to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Even though processed dog foods might not look healthy to us, they actually contain all the nutrients that Frenchies need to stay healthy. Home-made and raw diets like B. Should I opt for dry kibble or canned wet food? Wet foods are of course more appealing to dogs, which means they get used to them easily and will not want to eat dry food again. If your Frenchie is a picky eater you can mix the dry and wet food but never give them the latter only. We recommend wet food for dogs who are ill and have no appetite. How much time does my puppy need to adjust to a new food? At what age should I switch to adult food for my French Bulldog? We usually recommend switching to adult food at the age of months old. If you notice that your puppy looks a bit chubbier or bigger compared to other Frenchies you can make this change even sooner. What is the best food for a Frenchie puppy? The best choice for your Frenchie puppy is to continue providing the same brand the breeder used to provide. This should be a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. What is the best food for an adult French Bulldog? You have several options. You can buy high-quality wet and dry god food at your local pet store or if you want more control over what goes into the bowl, you can feed your adult Frenchie with home-cooked food. Raw diets like B. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. May 31, Are you head over heels for your adorable French Bulldog puppy? These little bundles of joy bring so much laughter and love into our lives. Best Food for your French Bulldog puppy According to vets and French Bulldog experts in the US, the best bulldog diet should contain proteins, carbohydrates as well as an equal amount of healthy fats for brain power and energy. Just like humans, your dog could be allergic to some kind of food, such as corn or soy, but in most cases, they are actually allergic to fillers found in processed food. These fillers are used to add mass to the product, but have no nutritional value and are difficult to digest. The best way to save your dog from this kind of suffering is avoiding fillers and giving him whole food ingredients. These budget-friendly choices mostly trigger allergies and contribute to various health problems. Having earned the highest of all ratings, NutriSource is a great choice for puppies! Contains all the essential nutrients for the optimum health of your pet. Contains no animal by-products, whole corn, artificial additives or preservatives. Fromm Besides containing nearly all of the essential nutrients, the fact that you can get grain-free varieties and non-grain-free varieties is great. Salmon oil and probiotics have been added to aid digestion and promote good health. No corn and no wheat. Highest consumer ratings!