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Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Georgia Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Georgia? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Georgia? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

What makes a good Frenchie bed? Size: The bed should be large enough for your French Bulldog to comfortably stretch out in all directions, but not so large that they feel insecure. French Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 16 to 28 pounds, so a medium-sized bed usually works well. Heating or Cooling Features: French Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. If you live in a very cold or hot climate, consider a bed with self-warming or cooling properties. Bolsters or Raised Edges: Many dogs, including French Bulldogs, like to curl up or rest their head on a raised surface. Beds with bolsters or raised edges can provide this comfort. Durability: French Bulldogs can be quite playful and energetic. Therefore, their bed should be able to withstand their energy levels and remain sturdy and intact even after some rough play. Comfort: French Bulldogs, like many breeds, enjoy a soft, comfortable place to rest. Look for a bed with good padding or stuffing that can provide adequate support for your pet. Jump to section. Elevated design and powder-coated steel frame Pros Super easy to clean—just hose it down or clean with soap and water Great for indoor or outdoor use Off-the-ground design reduces strain on joints Cons Not chew-proof but replacement covers are available The mesh can sag over time Doesn't cushion joints as well as orthopedic foam beds Best Calming Dog Bed for French Bulldogs: Best Friends by Sheri Size To Order for French Bulldogs: Jumbo Buy on Amazon Why We Love It If your French Bulldog gets nervous or just loves to nest, a regular dog bed might not make the cut. The high bolsters on this bed help your Frenchie feel safe and secure, though. Plus, its ultra-soft sherpa fabric reminds pups of their mother's fur, adding another element of comfort. Because of its shape, this bed might close around your dog like a giant oyster. Which is as comfortable as it is funny! This flexibility lets the Best Friends by Sheri dog bed adjust to whatever position your dog likes to sleep in. Star Rating: 4. The Bedsure orthopedic bed is a great example. This bed is designed with older and arthritic dogs in mind. The orthopedic egg crate is gentle on their bones, cushioned bolsters add neck support, and the zippered cover is machine washable. Plus, it has a waterproof liner which we love to see. Is your French Bulldog getting the quality sleep they deserve? A comfortable bed is essential for their well-being and happiness. The right bed can make all the difference, improving their sleep quality and overall health. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best bed for your furry friend? There are several factors to consider. Size matters — you'll want a perfect dog bed that accommodates your Frenchie's unique needs. Look for orthopedic beds that provide support and relieve pressure points, ideal for bulldogs prone to hip dysplasia. A washable heavy-duty dog bed is also a great choice, as it can withstand playful puppy antics and be easily cleaned. Don't forget about style! Faux fur beds not only offer comfort but also add a touch of luxury to any room. In this guide, we'll review some of the top-rated beds available and provide valuable insights from customer reviews. From quick delivery options to durability, we've got you covered in your quest to find the ultimate resting spot for your French Bulldog. So let's dive in and discover which bed will have your Frenchie snoozing in blissful comfort! Frenchies are prone to certain health issues, including joint problems like hip dysplasia and spinal disorders. By choosing a high-quality bed specifically designed for their needs, you can help alleviate these issues. These beds often feature orthopedic memory foam or supportive materials that contour to your Frenchie's body shape, providing optimal support and reducing stress on their joints. Enhanced comfort and relaxation, leading to better overall well-being Another advantage of providing your Frenchie with a top-notch bed is the enhanced comfort and relaxation it offers. Just like humans, dogs need a comfortable place to rest and unwind after an active day. A good bed will provide them with a cozy spot where they can relax, stretch out, or curl up comfortably. This level of comfort promotes better sleep quality, allowing your Frenchie to recharge their energy levels effectively. With improved rest, they'll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day full of adventures. Reduction in pressure points, promoting healthier sleep patterns A well-designed bed can also help reduce pressure points on your Frenchie's body while they sleep. Pressure points occur when certain areas bear more weight than others due to improper cushioning or lack thereof. By using a bed that evenly distributes their weight across its surface, you can prevent discomfort caused by excessive pressure on specific areas such as elbows or hips. This reduction in pressure points not only ensures more restful sleep but also helps promote healthier sleep patterns overall. Key Features to Consider When Buying Beds for French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are adorable and lovable companions, but finding the best bed for them can be a challenging task. To ensure your Frenchie gets the restful sleep they deserve, there are several key features you should consider when purchasing a bed. Here are some important factors to keep in mind: Size and Dimensions Suitable for Your Frenchie's Breed and Weight French Bulldogs may be small in size, but they have unique needs. Considering their breed and weight is crucial to provide them with optimal comfort. Look for beds specifically designed for large dogs or those tailored to accommodate the specific characteristics of French Bulldogs. When selecting a bed, make sure it offers enough space for your Frenchie to stretch out comfortably. A cramped bed can lead to discomfort and restless nights. Check the weight capacity of the bed to ensure it can support your furry friend adequately. Orthopedic or Memory Foam Options to Alleviate Joint Pain and Arthritis Symptoms As French Bulldogs age, they may develop joint pain or arthritis, making it essential to prioritize their comfort while sleeping. Opting for an orthopedic or memory foam bed can provide much-needed relief from these conditions. Orthopedic beds are designed with supportive materials that conform to your Frenchie's body shape, relieving pressure on their joints. Memory foam beds offer similar benefits by contouring their body while also providing excellent cushioning. Easy-to-Clean Materials That Are Durable and Resistant to Wear French Bulldogs are known for shedding hair, so choosing a bed with easy-to-clean materials is essential. Look for options that come with removable covers that can be machine-washed regularly. This will help maintain hygiene and keep your Frenchie's sleeping area fresh. Durability is vital as Frenchies can be playful and prone to chewing or scratching. Beds made from robust materials such as nylon or canvas are more likely to withstand their energetic antics. To ensure longevity, consider beds with reinforced stitching and strong zippers that can handle the wear and tear of daily use. Its luxurious design not only adds a touch of elegance to your home but also provides exceptional comfort for your furry friend. The bed features orthopedic support, which is crucial for dogs with joint issues or older pups who require extra care. The premium dog bed is made with high-quality memory foam that conforms to your dog's body shape, providing optimal support and relieving pressure points. This feature ensures that your French Bulldog gets a good night's sleep without any discomfort or pain. The Pupper Dog Bed is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It can withstand regular use and remains in excellent condition even after extended periods of use. This durability makes it an ideal choice for active dogs who love to play and jump on their beds. This innovative dog bed features a gel-infused memory foam layer that helps regulate your pup's body temperature. The cooling gel absorbs excess heat from your French Bulldog's body, keeping them cool and comfortable throughout the day or night. Furthermore, the orthopedic foam base of the Furhaven Chaise offers excellent support for joints and muscles. It helps alleviate any discomfort caused by arthritis or other conditions commonly found in French Bulldogs. Both beds offer excellent durability and are highly rated by customers Durability is a crucial factor to consider. You want a bed that can withstand the test of time and remain in good condition even with regular use. They are constructed with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, ensuring long-lasting performance. Moreover, these beds have received rave reviews from dog owners worldwide. Many customers praise their durability and comfort, emphasizing how their French Bulldogs instantly fell in love with these beds. These beds offer both comfort and specific features tailored to your furry friend's requirements. With its cozy bolstered sides, this donut-shaped bed creates a comforting environment that mimics the feeling of being cradled in your arms. The calming donut dog bed is perfect for dogs who love to curl up while sleeping or resting. Not only does this bed offer extra comfort, but it also comes with a microsuede cover that adds a touch of luxury. The cushion inside is made from soft foam, ensuring your Frenchie has a plush surface to relax on. Whether they want to take a nap or simply enjoy some downtime, this cozy bed will become their go-to spot. This elevated dog bed features a raised design that allows air to circulate underneath, keeping your pet comfortable even on warmer days. The sturdy construction ensures durability while providing ample support for your furry companion. The comfy bolster surrounding the cot adds an extra layer of coziness and acts as a pillow for your Frenchie to rest their head on. Made with high-quality materials such as breathable mesh fabric, this elevated bed provides a cool and breezy spot for your pet to relax. It's also easy to clean, making it convenient for dog parents. Both of these beds cater to the specific needs of French Bulldogs, offering them a comfortable and secure place to rest. Whether you opt for the calming donut dog bed or the elevated cot with a comfy bolster, your furry friend will appreciate having their own cozy space. A good bed provides numerous benefits, such as comfort, support, and a sense of security. When selecting a bed, consider key features like size, material, durability, and ease of cleaning. These beds offer superior quality and comfort that will keep your Frenchie cozy throughout their nap or sleep time. To ensure you make an informed decision when purchasing a bed for your French Bulldog: Consider their unique needs - assess any specific health conditions or preferences they may have. Measure correctly - choose a bed that accommodates their size comfortably. Opt for high-quality materials - prioritize beds made from durable fabrics that are easy to clean. Look for additional features - cooling gel or memory foam can provide extra comfort during warmer months. Read customer reviews - learn from others' experiences to gauge the reliability and satisfaction of the product. Remember that providing your Frenchie with a comfortable bed not only promotes better sleep but also contributes to their overall happiness and relaxation. Investing in a quality bed shows your love and care for your furry friend while ensuring they have a cozy spot to rest after playtime or long walks. So go ahead and choose the perfect bed that suits both your French Bulldog's needs and your personal style. It is recommended to wash your Frenchie's bed every weeks to maintain cleanliness and prevent the buildup of dirt, hair, and odors. Can I use a human mattress for my French Bulldog? While it may seem tempting, using a human mattress for your French Bulldog is not ideal. Dog beds are specifically designed with their needs in mind, providing appropriate support and comfort. Are orthopedic beds necessary for French Bulldogs? Orthopedic beds can be beneficial for French Bulldogs, especially if they have joint or muscle issues. These beds offer extra support and help alleviate pressure points during sleep. Should I choose a bed with raised sides or an open design? The choice between raised sides and an open design depends on your Frenchie's preferences. Some dogs prefer the coziness of raised sides, while others enjoy the freedom of movement provided by an open design. Can I use a cooling gel bed year-round? Cooling gel beds are particularly useful during warmer months but can be used year-round. They provide a refreshing surface that helps regulate your Frenchie's body temperature. How long do dog beds typically last? The lifespan of a dog bed varies depending on factors such as quality, usage frequency, and the dog's behavior. On average, a high-quality dog bed can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. Is it worth investing in an expensive dog bed? Investing in a high-quality dog bed is worthwhile as it ensures durability, comfort, and support for your French Bulldog. A good bed promotes better sleep and contributes to their overall health and well-being. Related Content.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. I fell in love with not only their beauty, but intense loyalty and happy go-lucky attitude. After loosing my first berner to cancer at the young age of 4 and knowing the short life span of the breed, I started exploring dogs with the beauty of the berner but life span of a mix breed. That's when I came upon the Bernedoodle. Not only do they not shed or very minimally , they come in a range of sizes for those not wanting a giant breed. The are also perfect for people with allergies and have a lifespan of years. Twice the length of the berner! Since bernedoodles are a hybrid, they are only likely to inherit a health problem common to both the poodle and bernese. Genetic testing greatly reduces the risk of many diseases. This is why all of our dogs are health tested and do not join our breeding program if they have not been. We hope you enjoy our website and look forward to providing you with your new family member! We are a small Bernedoodle breeder located in Southwest Ohio. We strive to produce healthy, happy, long-living puppies with fantastic temperaments. Our dogs are health tested and make wonderful family pets. We are more than happy to answer your questions and concerns. Our family has always shared the love of dogs. We have had Yorkies, Labs and many mixed breed rescues and we even have a Chinese Crested that lives alongside our doodle family. Only breeding privately for family and close friends we decided it was time we share our love for high quality Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Bernedoodles with everyone. All of our dogs are our pets and a large part of our family and everyday life. They all live in our home where they are spoiled with so much love and affection. We would not have it any other way. They also have that cute cuddly Teddy Bear look and soft feel everyone loves. We love our puppies so much and we want to make sure the transition from our home to yours is enjoyable and easy. We prefer using the Puppy Culture method to help each puppy get a jump-start on their neurological development and help shape their little personalities all to ensure happy and socially successful behaviors. We pride ourselves in understand canine genetics and pairing our breeding parents accordingly for the best possible outcome in health, structure, personality traits and of course to get that super cute Teddy Bear look and feel. We want to help you find the perfect puppy for your loving arms and heart, the perfectly matched fur baby for your perfect growing family, your new best friend. Come meet our family and all our sweet fur babies too… We would love to meet you!!! Breeding best friends for life…. Answered More info Puppy contracted rare and life threatening Parvo Virus at breeding facility prior to delivery. Arranged with breeder, Buckeye Bernedoodles to purchase a Bernedoodle puppy. Collected the puppy on March 26th from breeder's premises and transported the dog from the breeder premises in Ohio to my home in NJ, in a car that had never carried any animal before. Dog was only allowed out for feeding and to relieve itself in isolated areas along the highway between Ohio and NJ, away from people and animals. Dog was brought to a home that had not had any animals present for at least 3 years. Parvo virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Parvo has a minimum 3 days incubation before symptoms. Our puppy began presenting Parvo virus symptoms early hours March 29th. We are advised by numerous professionals including multiple independent vets and ASPCA coordinators that it's inconceivable the puppy would have contracted the virus in our home or in isolated areas beside a roadway. Thus, leaving the breeding facility as the only reasonable source of the dog's virus, given that at the facility, our puppy would have been surrounded by other dogs, leashes, bowls and sleeping areas, as well as people constantly in contact with animals and facilities with high exposure to potential carrier animals. The breeder, Buckeye Bernedoodles, supplied us a virus infected puppy but continues to suggest they are not responsible for the puppy's Parvo virus when any reasonable assessment would conclude that they are. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Buckeye Arizona and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

Brown 3 lb 13 oz Our chunky Tank got passed up by Patriot and Spirit! Meanwhile, Trooper dropped to the back of the pack. All pups were gaining weight every day which was a good sign. I forgot to mention that before Raven had her puppies we looked for a small scale to weigh the puppies. Most of the scales we came across had a 10 lb limit. We purchased this baby scale and it worked great with all our puppies. I started clipping nails once a week with regular human nail clippers. When cutting nails I only cut to the part where the nail starts to curve. The puppies all did well during nail trimming sessions and it also gave me a chance to handle all four paws getting the pups used to relaxing with humans. Day 26 — Walking On New Surfaces Now that the puppies were stable and walking more normal I started introducing them to new surfaces. We were able to get them out on the dirt, grass, and concrete in the backyard. Golden Pups Week 4 — Puppies exploring new surfaces. We also start introducing our pups to the crate and start working on teaching them calm behavior while in the crate. I took their regular puppy kibble, soaked it in hot water for 10 minutes, and smashed it up into a mush. One of the early problems is making sure everyone gets an equal or close to amount of food. We allowed the puppies to eat their solid food and still nurse throughout the day. We feed the older dogs Wellness Core Grain Free Original Formula so we figured the transition from the puppy formula to the original formula would be easier on the pups when the time came to move away from puppy food. Golden Retriever pups week 4 is in the books! Check out our other Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week blog posts: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. So tell us a little about your experiences. Have you ever had the chance to raise a litter or meet a 4 week old puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Are you expecting a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Did you just bring home an adorable 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a great book that will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Personalities are starting to emerge. Four week old puppies are ready to venture out of their pen and explore our home. They are old enough for a brief introduction to outside. By four weeks, puppies are beginning to stay awake for longer periods of time and are actively engaging in play. We keep the area outside the pans almost perfectly clean. We gradually decrease the amount of area that is covered by pads as puppies show increasing dependability with doing all their business in the pans. By the time puppies are 4 weeks 5 days, almost all of them are close to doing all their business in the right place. At 3 weeks, puppies have teeth which makes the nursing experience less pleasant for the moms. By four weeks, it can be rather painful for large litters to be biting and pulling as they nurse. Almost all moms will begin pulling away somewhat from the litter between four and five weeks. We offer soaked dog food three times a day. The puppies are fed in one large bowl all together at this age. They eat as much as they want and the mama will finish off the bowl. Introduced to the World Outside Their Pen Starting shortly after 4 weeks, puppies are introduced to the world outside of their pen. We take them initially in groups to various rooms in our home. As confidence builds, we take them out individually. Puppy socialization becomes increasingly important. Puppies are staying awake for longer periods of time. This is the week that our socialization program becomes very intentional and scheduled. Four-week old pictures are usually taken in our front yard. This is their first trip outside. By the time puppies are 4 weeks 5 days, they are ready to be trained to navigate the two steps from our puppy play yard to our side porch. Puppies are ready to begin doggy door training. This is the optimum time to introduce puppies to new things. They are anxious to try new things and to explore their world. For more information on how we raise our puppies, see our Raising Puppies page. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Golden Shepherd Highlights Golden Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Golden Shepherds are black, tan, red, cream, and blue. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. They shed quite a bit. The Golden Shepherd not only loves kids, they enjoy the commotion they bring with them. Though, as with all dogs, playtime with kids should always be supervised. Golden Shepherds have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Golden Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Golden Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Shepherd rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect the Golden Shepherd to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Golden Shepherd Personality Golden Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Golden Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Golden Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. Golden Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Golden Shepherd Feeding An ideal Golden Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. As with all dogs, the Golden Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Golden Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors with their family. Like all dogs, however, Golden Shepherds need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Golden Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Lifespan Sociability When you first set eyes on a pile of wriggly Golden Shepherd puppies, you might find it extremely difficult to avoid coming home without one or even two in your pockets! But remember that these puppies are going to grow into dogs that require a great deal of attention from their dedicated owners. Golden Shepherds need serious mental and physical stimulation every day without fail. When they get bored, which can happen quickly, they might turn their thoughts to destructive behavior. Golden Shepherds were first bred in With German Shepherd Dogs currently taking second place in the breed popularity rankings in the U. The International Designer Canine Registry first recognized this hybrid in .Golden Shepherd puppies can also be registered with the Designer Breed Registry. Golden Shepherds love to look after their families The devoted nature of the Golden Retriever combined with the protectiveness of the German Shepherd Dog means their offspring almost always inherits a fierce desire to protect and look after their families. Otherwise, they might be tempted to make off with your slippers instead! Golden Shepherds will bond strongly with their families. Are These Dogs Good for Families? You might need the whole family to make sure these energetic dogs get enough exercise too! Just be sure to keep the initial introductions short, and make sure you carry them out in a controlled environment. Here are a few things to consider before you make your choice. If you can, try and obtain the same brand to minimize any chance of an upset tummy when you bring them home. Once your puppy has settled into their new surroundings, you can gradually change their diet to the brand of your choice if you prefer. Some Golden Retrievers do tend to put on weight easily, so you might find that your Golden Shepherd inherits this trait. If so, make sure you only feed them the recommended daily amount of their food, cut down on any treats, and increase their exercise if you can. Unfortunately, at this point, their intelligent brain starts looking for other activities to do to amuse themselves. Chewing the remote, raiding the trash can, or ripping apart their bed are a few examples of how your Golden Shepherd might decide to amuse themselves if you forget their walk. Golden Shepherds will also love joining in any outdoor activities. Golden Shepherds excel at activities such as obedience trials, agility, and tracking. Your puppy is likely to inherit these traits, so puppy training classes are essential if you want to make sure your new puppy grows into a well-mannered and obedient adult. Some German Shepherd Dogs do tend to become extremely strongly bonded to their owners, with the possibility that they decide to start guarding you against both other dogs and people. Depending on the parent, your pup could end up with a long or short-haired coat. Your Golden Shepherd will require their nails trimmed every month or so. While this list might seem long, bear in mind that it includes conditions that both parent breeds may suffer from, which may never get passed onto your puppy. Minor Conditions.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? 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! Golden Retrievers are wonderful, right? Well then, of course everyone should have one. Either way, it is vital that you examine your own lifestyle, needs and wants to see if a golden is right for you. And, conversely, you need to evaluate if you can meet the needs of a golden retriever. If you can, we can attest to the fact that owning a golden is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have! They are addicting and people seldom have just one in their lifetimes. Here are a few things to consider: Size Goldens are medium to large sized animals. The standard size for males range from 23 — 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh proportionally from pounds. Females stand around .They normally possess extremely active tails making clean sweeps of coffee and end tables. Quite simply they need room. Uncluttered houses are a must! A fenced in yard is especially important in providing the dog enough exercise. Another option is a fenced dog park or walking trail. You must have a plan to give your golden enough exercise on a daily basis or both of you will be miserable. The younger the golden, the more exercise they generally need. Velcro Dog Goldens are faithful companions. They are usually always by your side, many will follow you from room to room. They will lie in the kitchen while you cook and at your feet while you watch TV. They must be near their humans to be happy. Be prepared to do a lot of hands on petting with your golden — they love it. Some goldens are downright needy in their desire for attention from their humans. Leashes You may have visions of letting your dog play fetch in an open field or running free on the beach. As a sporting dog they are easily distracted by birds, animals or moving objects; they must be kept leashed when being exercised outside of a fenced yard to keep them from running off. Shedding In Florida, goldens shed moderately all year long. Brushing every other day is to your advantage. If you require a fastidiously kept house, a golden is not the dog for you unless you like to do a lot of cleaning. You will always have dog hair around, especially in rugs, on furniture, and OH YES, occasionally even in your food. With a golden in your house, hair becomes a condiment. Oh — and you will have to vacuum much more often than before — or little fur balls will accumulate along your baseboards! Make sure you have a really good vacuum cleaner that you love using before bringing a golden into your home. Health Goldens are prone to allergies, skin problems, cancer and hypothyroidism and you may have to spend a fair amount on vet care over the life of a golden. Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must. There are also quality pet insurance programs available. Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store. There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Grooming Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails. Neatness Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Training Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around. Small Children People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age. Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs Goldens make poor outside dogs. Especially in Florida, they develop skin problems and flea allergies if kept outside. They frequently develop thunderstorm anxiety. As sporting dogs they are easily able to dig out of a fence or sometimes climb over it when left outside for long periods of unsupervised time because they want to be with people. They also are frequent targets for theft if left outside in a backyard when the owner is away from home. Goldens are very social and are pack oriented. They frequently develop behavior problems when they are kept separated from their families. A happy golden is an inside dog. Male or Female? Many people are fixated on getting a female golden, thinking that females are more laid back and affectionate than males. This is not true. Male goldens are blessed with loving personalities. Many people call them big teddy bears and even prefer male over female goldens. Well, there you have it — the inside scoop on owning a golden. Goldens Rescued Since .However, avoid retractable leashes whenever possible: Although they seem easier during walks, retractable leashes are actually dangerous, especially for young puppies who are still getting the hang of walking on a leash. Keep your puppy on a regular leash with a maximum of six feet of space between you both. Snowy Pines recommends slip leads: Slip leads are what puppies are taught to walk on from a young age at Snowy Pines, since they give you as the walker more control over the puppy as he gets the hang of normal walks. You can also opt for an embroidered collar if your puppy seems bothered by the noise or extra weight of the dog tags. Many puppy owners choose embroidered collars since dog tags should be removed when the puppy is left alone as they can pose a hazard. You can stick with a small food and water bowl. Puppy Food Your puppy will need high-quality food to grow strong! In most cases, this means his own dog crate. A good dog crate should be large enough for him to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably. You can choose a crate that expands as it grows to save money in the long run. Most of our puppies at Snowy Pines will do well in a inch wire kennel with a divider that you can remove once he gets bigger. Be sure to check out our dog bed reviews too! Remember that most toys should not be left alone with your puppy since unsupervised playtime can lead to a choking or blockage incident. Image Source Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys keep your pup mentally stimulated while they also have fun. Additionally, these interactive toys provide help with weight management, satisfy natural hunting instincts, and even relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. These toys can easily become a comfort item and help curb any potential anxiety as well. Chase Toys Golden puppies need to have regular exercise. Chase toys are simple things you can buy at any pet store, like ropes and balls, but some interactive chew toys are designed to add a little zing to your daily play routines. So, for example, if your puppy just woke up from his nap and pottied, but you need to do laundry and load the dishwasher, the exercise pen is a perfect solution. It enables your pup to enjoy safe solo playtime. Training Treats Food is a powerful reinforcer , so treats are incredibly beneficial in the early stages of puppy training. Try offering him a treat when he potties outside or uses a chew toy. Quick Tip: The treat should be small and chewy so that he can eat it fast and keep his attention on you! With the proper carpet cleaner and enzyme spray, you can quickly combat any potty mistakes anywhere in the house. Dog Shampoo and Conditioner The Retriever family has a unique, double-layered coat designed to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also dries quickly after becoming wet. It is such an impressive coat that it is essentially self-cleaning when it comes to dirt and debris. Pooper Scooper and Poop Bags A pooper scooper is a handy tool that many homeowners with yards find essential. Instead of bending down every time your pup goes, you can use a pooper scooper to clutch onto the waste and quickly throw it in your outside garbage bin. They are also expected as a common courtesy to other people outside. So before your English Cream Golden puppy comes home, be sure that your home, backyard, and car are puppy-safe and puppy-proofed. In the Home: Image Source Keep the toilet lid closed. Believe it or not, open toilet lids have the potential to be drowning hazards. Secure medicine and cleaning products. Keep these products high up or use childproof locks and latches on lower cabinets. Garbage should be kept lidded and secure. Lidded, secured bins are the best type of garbage cans you can have with a young puppy. Not only do you want to avoid spilled garbage, but a locked lid will prevent your puppy from getting into any potential hazards. Hide electrical cords and blind cords. Exposed electrical cords and long blind cords can prove to be fatal for curious puppies. Keep electrical cords hidden away, buy cord wraps to keep them safely covered, and be sure that your blind cords are tied high and inaccessible. Invest in a pet or baby gate. Gates can be used for doorways or staircases to keep your puppy away from certain areas of the house. In the Backyard: Be careful of plants and landscaping that may be poisonous or dangerous. Many plants are toxic to dogs , so be sure to triple-check if any are growing in your yard. Secure your yard with fencing and add gates around bodies of water. If you plan to let your puppy roam freely in your backyard, you should have complete fencing with no puppy-sized gaps around the perimeter of the property. If you have any ponds or pools, block them off with appropriate fencing to avoid accidental drowning. Keep your yard landscaped and manicured. Long grass and brushy areas can invite ticks, which can be extremely dangerous if any potential bites are not discovered early on. Generally speaking, your grass should not be higher than a couple of inches and potentially even shorter while your puppy is still young. In the Car: Image Source Move any chewable items and lock loose items in the glovebox. Confine your puppy in one area of the vehicle, like the backseat. Keeping your puppy confined to one area of the car is safe for everyone. Many puppy parents choose harness seat belts and car seats for younger dogs, while older dogs are big enough to safely sit in the back seat or trunk with cargo barriers. As your Golden Retriever gets older, you may find yourself opting for different barrier methods that will better suit his size. Kennel your puppy while in the car. Crating your puppy is the safest mode of transportation while in the car. Deciding on a Daily Routine Like children, puppies thrive on a fixed routine because an orderly one instills structure and confidence. Sticking to a schedule can also help reinforce potty training and prevent behavioral issues , like separation anxiety and barking or whining. Think of a schedule that works best for your puppy, which should include: Feeding: Pick out regular meal times and stick to them as closely as possible. Golden Retriever puppies will need three daily feedings until they are six months old. After that, stick to feeding twice a day at the same time each day. Fixed meal times will help you predict when your puppy needs to potty each day, which better ensures easier potty training. Scheduled potty breaks: Take your puppy out to the yard or on a walk to potty immediately after a meal and after they wake up to enforce a schedule that will help with house training. Playtime and exercise: Playing and mental stimulation are key to a happy puppyhood. Even though they will mellow out in personality as they become adults, Retriever puppies are high energy! Place the dog crate in a quiet part of the house since we kennel train at Snowy Pines, and it helps ensure their safety and comfort. And now is the exciting part: Your puppy is finally home! But now what? Puppy Socialization Socialization is vital for young puppies, especially between 8 to 16 weeks of age: A well-socialized puppy will grow into a happy and confident adult that feels secure in various situations. You can also invite friends and family over to meet the puppy. In this case, more is always merrier! To help your puppy feel comfortable around humans in general, expose him to different types of people when he is still young. We also recommend holding off on public settings like dog parks until your puppy is settled into his new home and routine so as to not overwhelm him. Once your puppy is vaccinated, you can consider signing him up for puppy socialization classes. These classes, alongside training courses, can help prepare your pup for a long walk or a day at doggy day camp. Training Techniques Training is just as essential as early socialization. He may become disruptive and exhibit poor behaviors like jumping on visitors, chewing on furniture, and barking incessantly, among other frustrating challenges. Your puppy may also struggle with separation anxiety. They will comprehend basic commands and learn things such as his name, housebreaking, and early manners. They will be able to take on more advanced training and commands, and they should understand what good dog manners are. This age is essential when it comes to instilling how you want him to behave through adolescence. Puppies will begin teething at this point. Your new puppy might use anything possible to exercise his teeth, so you must start teaching him not to use your hand or furniture as chew toys. Anytime your puppy chews on something undesirable, have a toy nearby to put in his mouth instead. You can also try using bitter apple spray to deter biting and chewing on household items. Be firm but loving with clear, consistent commands and minute training sessions each day. Quick Tip: Keep in mind that at this age, this is when the key socialization period ends for your puppy: From this point forward, everything your puppy has learned will influence the way he behaves around people and other animals. While this is good, this age will also be a challenge because he will try to determine his ranking in the household, which can be frustrating when hormones play a role! Although spaying and neutering are standard for most breeds around six months old, studies have found that doing so for Golden Retrievers can actually increase the risk for joint disorders. Therefore, the standard for this breed has recently changed, and many vets suggest waiting to spay or neuter until 12 to 24 months. Training can be an overwhelming process, which is why many Golden puppy owners opt for working with a dog trainer or enrolling in training classes. Snowy Pines offers three levels of training when adopting one of their golden retrievers, which can save you tons of time and frustration in the long run. At your first checkup, you can also ask about getting your puppy microchipped! The AKC states that they are incredibly hard workers whose physical strength aids in their ability to perform their duties well. Though their capabilities certainly have a lot to do with intelligence, their excellent job performance can also be credited to their amazing adaptability. After all — they are super friendly! You may not want to trust your Golden Retriever to protect your home. Golden Retrievers are first and foremost devoted to their families. If an immediate threat was obvious, they may certainly step in. But when a stranger comes to the door, the typical reaction of a Golden is to bark until the new person comes to greet them. And before you know it, the new person has quickly become a new friend — no matter who they are! This is in part due to the fact that Golden Retrievers do not do well alone. It is recommended that Golden Retrievers never be left home alone for more than 4 hours at a time. Golden Retriever require a decent amount of both mental and physical stimulation otherwise they can resort to destructive behavior out of boredom. Most of the dogs we come across were not bred to hunt and retrieve. Instead they are bred to work as service dogs which means jumping into a body of water would not be looked highly upon when their job is to guide a blind person or open a door for a person in a wheel chair. However, you might have to teach them some of the nuances of the game of fetch. If your Golden is having some troubles with the game of fetch your might try reading this article on how to teach your dog to fetch. Goldens Are Mouthy Dogs What one person considers mouthy another might consider bitey. Anyhow, Golden Retrievers are mouthy. They are bred to retrieve and carry birds and other game back to their owners. The good news is they are meant to softly carry birds back to their owners without damaging the bird. The bad news is they like to put their mouth on inappropriate things like your arms, hands, and legs. We often joke that Raven likes to shake hands with her mouth. Here are the top 5 dog breeds in Labrador Retriever.

Try to look for breeders that specialize in German Shepherds. When you bring home a plush coat German Shepherd, be ready to have a high-energy dog with you at all times. They can live for up to 15 years so take your time to research the dog breed that best fits your lifestyle since this is not a short-term commitment. Their nickname is the German Shedder. German Shepherds all shed and they shed frequently. The Plush Coat German Shepherd will shed longer hair. A recessive gene causes the Plush Coat length, so finding this breed is a little difficult. Die-hard German Shepherd breeders tend to dislike this coat, so if puppies are produced with Plush Coats, it means each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Image Credit: Jumpstory 4. Medium-haired German Shepherds still have the intelligence, courage, and work ethic to be military and police dogs. They can also be personal service dogs. Their ears stand up on their own. Their bite is super strong. While the dog might be 90 pounds, they can deliver a bite with a force of over pounds. Image Credit: Jumpstory 7. The name was changed. The name was changed back in .The Plush Coat German Shepherd is an extremely smart dog. Their ability to be trained so easily combined with their loving natures make them popular choices for family pets. With the same personality and traits, this dog has a strong work ethic and is a wonderful companion. Regular brushing can help with the shedding, but this dog is going to shed frequently no matter what. As family dogs, Plush Coat German Shepherds are great with kids and make loyal and loving pets. That is because a dog with a medium coat would still be disqualified from the show ring if his color is considered a fault. German Shepherd color , therefore, interferes with the price , so a short-haired type might command a higher price for being a rarer, more valuable color. Because medium coats have the best of both worlds in terms of fur length and undercoat, they also shed the most of both kinds. Medium vs. In nature, medium coat German Shepherds have the same social temperament as other varieties, but they get treated more positively because they are cuter to the masses. This reinforces friendliness and keeps them from seeing every human as a threat. Of course, social experience is a prerequisite for this, and poorly socialized or untrained medium coat dogs do not develop this trait. Medium Coats Are Admired by the Show Crowd The dog show crowd is quite different in that it admires dogs not for their mass appeal but for specific traits. Often dogs loved by the public for their beautiful colors are dismissed by the show circuit because of an arbitrary breed standard. The plushness of the medium-haired German Shepherd is one of the rare traits admired by the public at large and the dog show niche. A trait admired by these circles gets intentionally bred into the working line in a matter of years. They so fiercely admire the plushness of medium-haired German Shepherds that they have not just come up with a name for it but have made that name stick. The reason is the looseness factor. If you have read my post about long-haired German Shepherds , you would know that most of them cannot participate in conformation events. They have a wolf-like appearance but with a hint of cuddliness. Upon looking at a medium-coated GSD, you cannot help but pet it. In contrast, female plush-coated dogs stand 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 49 to 71 lbs. Temperament of the Medium-Haired German Shepherd The temperament of the medium-haired German Shepherd is the same as other varieties, no matter their coat type, color, or pattern. They are affectionate and caring towards their owners and form an intense bond that you can never break. They are also friendly with the surrounding community because they grow up being admired by people. Their fluffiness ensures that they have positive social experiences with people, making them open to human interaction. A medium coat German Shepherd sees you as his parent and friend, which is why he extends his loyalty to your family. Their social nature, alongside their curiosity, makes them great dogs, and their protective instincts and loyalty make them even better family members. However, their fur is replaced almost as soon as it is lost. Generally, a long coat will shed less than a plush coat dog purely because of coat volume and having an open coat. The short hair German Shepherd has two coats, but because of the shorter guard coat, the overall trapped loose fur is less than with a plush coat. You should brush them around twice a week and more in the heavy shedding season. Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat FURejector button releases hair with ease Ergonomic handle for comfort and easy use Remove loose hair without damaging the coat or cutting the skin when used as directed Deshedding tool for large lbs dogs with long h Buy on Amazon Health and Lifespan Health is essential, and your medium coat friend is likely to stay healthy as long as you take care of his fitness, give him the proper diet , and visit the vet at least once a year. That said, you must know the potential health complications your dog might have. The following health issues have nothing to do with the coat itself, but here are the problems many German Shepherds face. Elbow dysplasia — Ask for confirmation of parental joint health as normal grade or above. Degenerative myelopathy — Ask the breeder to show a SOD-1 gene-mutation test indicating both parents have normal genes. Bloat GDV — To prevent this, avoid big meals and give small, more frequent meals. Provided you take care of the above, your German Shepherd can live up to 13 years. However, once the dog is beyond seven years, his metabolism will slow down, and his appetite will not adjust to match it. Making sure your dog stays active is the best way to make sure he lives a happy and healthy life. FAQs Plush Coat vs. Stock Coat German Shepherd A short stock coat German Shepherd has a topcoat with hair no longer than one inch in length, whereas a plush coat has hair between 1 to 2 inches. The hair on the plush coat stands taller from the root but hangs a little towards the end, giving the coat a worthy look worth caressing. A stock coat German Shepherd has fur that stands more erect, albeit shorter. The surface area of this fur is still significant. Among the things that plush and stock coats have in common is a chance at dog shows. Most plush coats are admired by the show crowd, while stock coats can come from both the working line and the show line, with only the latter preferred by the dog pageant circuit. Plush Coat German Shepherd vs. Long Coat A plush coat German Shepherd has topcoat hair between 1 to 2 inches, a length crossed by long coats that have over 2 inches of fur. However, plush coats have an undercoat, which is often missing from long coats. The greatest consequence of this is that the extreme admiration received by plush coats is contrasted by the complete dismissal of long coats in the show circuit. This difference in treatment is also reflected in the prices of the two dogs, with long coat GSDs being among the lowest priced dogs and plush coats commanding one of the highest dollar values for a German Shepherd. German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The outer coat can vary in texture from dog to dog, but it is generally considered to be coarse. Final Thoughts German Shepherd is a term that encompasses dogs of various looks, which is why knowing as much as you can about their different coat types will help you articulate the kind of dog you actually want. Moreover, you should know if you are okay with the drawbacks of a long coat German Shepherd, mainly their irrelevance in the show ring. The best compromise is a medium-haired German Shepherd who can be workers and show dogs alike. Related Posts You May Like:. A rich diversity of lengths, colors and pigment—combined with a number of varying body types—make the German Shepherd one of the more structurally diverse of all dog breeds. From the short stock coat of the East German working line dogs to the extreme long stock coat of some West German show-line dogs—there is a shape, style and color tailored to you and your lifestyle. There are three main types of hair on German Shepherd Dogs: ground hair undercoat , guard hair topcoat and whiskers. Dogs with both an undercoat and a topcoat are called double coated. The first layer, or undercoat, functions primarily as insulation and is soft and usually of a lighter color. The second layer, or topcoat, consists of thick-shafted, coarse hair. It also has weatherproofing qualities ideal for working and playing outdoors. With rare exception, most German Shepherds have double coats—though the degree of undercoat can vary widely. German Shepherds can have little to almost no undercoat or have massively dense, woolly undercoats that require daily maintenance. Double coats are ideal for maintaining warmth in colder months, but also provide cooling in the summer by keeping heat away from the surface of the skin. For this reason, the shaving of double-coated dogs is not recommended if they have prolonged exposure to the elements. Their coat helps regulate body temperature and protects their skin from harmful UV rays. Shedding German Shepherds, aka German Shedders, shed and shed a lot. Working dogs are required to do their jobs regardless of weather or terrain. To keep their coats in optimum condition—daily, excessive shedding is needed. Unfortunately for us, this means additional brushing and bathing. If you do not own a good vacuum cleaner or sweeper, you will need to purchase one if you have one or more German Shepherds inside your home. In the spring, their thick winter undercoat is shed and replaced with a thinner, cooler undercoat. In the fall, their summer undercoat is shed and replaced by a thicker, warmer undercoat. Care and Grooming Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Bathe and groom puppies frequently so they learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the experience. Most German Shepherds enjoy a good grooming and since most love water in any form , bathing can also be a pleasurable experience for them. Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Brushing Most double-coated breeds like German Shepherds need to be brushed regularly—especially if they have a thick undercoat. In the spring and fall when their coats are being blown, daily brushing is important. This helps reduce the amount of hair inside your home and removes their undercoat more quickly. While regular brushing is great for removing loose and dying hair, it also gets rid of mats and tangles—which are common with long- and medium-length coats. Mats are not only unsightly, but they can be painful due to their closeness and tightness to the skin. In southern parts of the country where humidity is high, mats can also lead to skin irritations as the dampness can encourage the growth of skin irritants and other microbes. Check your German Shepherd often for mats—paying special attention to areas behind the ears, between the legs and along the back of the thighs. If your dog is a short stock coat with little undercoat, occasional brushing and bathing is all that is required to keep their coats looking great. Click HERE to learn about elbow hygromas and options for treating and prevent them. Keep your German Shepherd's elbows soft and free of calluses and hygromas. Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Water resistant and tear resistant cover. Non-skid bottom. Replacement covers available separately. This short coat, with a thin undercoat, is easy to maintain and can require little or infrequent grooming. Bathing is a breeze as their coats are designed for waterproofing and dry quickly. Water generally rolls off of the guard hairs of German Shepherd Dogs. For all of these reasons and more, short stock coats are the preferred coat type for service dogs, police dogs and military dogs. The dog pictured to the right is an excellent example of a very nice, healthy coated, short stock coat—with minimal undercoat. Medium stock coats have longer, thicker hair on the neck, underbelly and along the back of the thighs. Their undercoat tends to be more dense than that seen in the short stock coats of West and East German working lines. Medium stock coats require additional grooming to keep their coats in optimum condition. Note also that medium- and long-coated dogs do not shed more than their short stock-coat counterparts—the hair shed is just longer. Hair around the face, ears, chest, bottom line and back of thigh panties can exceed four inches in length. This coat requires regular care and grooming. Hair, especially behind the ears and between their rear legs, is prone to matting, and requires daily brushing. The American Kennel Club AKC is one of the few show organizations that still considers a long stock coat to be faulty. Long stock-coat dogs are not only accepted by most German Shepherd Club organizations, including the German SV, but they have become valuable and sought after in recent years—and compete at the highest levels in Germany and world wide. Note also that these coats often continue to grow in length and density with age, so older dogs require additional daily care and grooming. All coat colors and lengths mentioned above are attributes of purebred German Shepherds. However, some breed organizations consider certain characteristics to be breed faults and can be penalized or even disqualifying in the show ring. However, if you plan to show your dog, you will need to study the standard and requirements of your desired show organization s to ensure your dog is eligible to compete and title in the show ring. But the German Shepherd of today actually comes in a variety of colors and patterns as pictured above. The color of their coat is determined by genetic makeup. Genes that are dominant are more common, while those that are recessive are more rare. Black and Tan This is the most common color pattern—which is usually black all over, with tan or cream-colored chest, shoulders, legs and thighs. There are many color variations to this pattern, most commonly—black and red, black and cream and black and silver. Bicolor Another variation to the traditional black-and-tan colored dog are bicolored dogs. Their bodies are predominantly black with a secondary accent color on the lower legs that can be tan, cream, gray or silver. All of these black areas, also called points, on the legs and toes should be richly pigmented. A dog is not considered to be bicolored unless it has these distinctive black markings and they can appear on both dual- and sable-patterned dogs. Sable The word sable means the color of black. The definition of a sable pattern refers to guard hairs being tipped with black. The more guard hairs and the longer the tipping, the darker the dog. Black sables are dogs with heavy tipping and less ground color. Agouti is a term that refers to the banding or grizzling of hair coloration that can be seen in varying amounts in the neck, shoulder, tail, croup and border markings in saddle-marked dogs. Some German Shepherds have so much grizzling in the black blanket or so much undercoat showing, that they are hard to distinguish from sables, and some sables that carry the partially-hidden, saddle-pattern recessive gene have so much of that recessive showing through that they look like washed-out saddles. Melanistic is another term associated with black coloring. Melanistic refers to the amount and density of melanin black pigment found within the hair shaft. Melanistic coloring refers to the masking of a color or pattern with black. Sable-colored German Shepherds are infamous for changing colors multiple times before reaching maturity. Adult dogs can have a completely different coloring and pattern then what was present as a puppy. No good dog is a bad color. Black is uncommon due to being a recessive gene but still prevalent within the breed. Typically, they are completely black with no other colors on the body. Solid White Solid white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their color is the result of a recessive gene that can be carried by any colored dog. When learning about pigment and color patterns, understand that white is not a color. There is no solid-color gene for white. The more pure white a dog, the lighter the color of its masked color underneath. Every white German Shepherd is really a traditional color and pattern covered by a white mask. The blue colors in these dogs replace the black areas of their more common black-and-tan counterparts. Blue dogs often appear as a dusty or somewhat light gray with a gray leather nose. Sometimes puppies are born with very light eyes as well. This, too, is a rare recessive gene and considered by the AKC to be a faulty eye color. Isabella An Isabella German Shepherd, aka lilac or mouse-gray German Shepherd, is the result of a recessive gene dilution giving them a washed-out silvery-blue color. The color is not technically a blue, however. The color is most widely recognized within the Weimaraner breed. Because Isabella German Shepherds are less common and considered faulty for showing purposes, there are fewer reputable and responsible breeders. Select your Isabella GSD breeder carefully and insist on thorough health testing information and lineage information. Liver Liver is another recessive gene leading to liver-colored offspring. In a liver-colored dog, all the black parts are a brown or liver color, ranging from light to dark shades. They might also have light eyes—which typically changes into a darker color with maturity. Panda The Panda German Shepherd is a piebold-colored dog meaning no more than 35 percent of its body is white with mixed patches of black and brown. Research confirms that this pattern is not the result of crossbreeding—but rather a genetic mutation. Ticking vs. Roan vs. Blue Merle Ticking is flecks or spots of color on white areas. Most ticked dogs are born white and develop ticking as they mature. Generally, ticking is heaviest on the legs and muzzle. Roan is a pattern of white and colored hairs evenly mixed over the white areas of the body. Roaning creates a near-solid pattern over a white coat causing a dog to appear dusted with white. If the predominant color of the dog is black, then the roaning can appear bluish in color. People sometimes confuse merle dogs with roan or ticked dogs. Merle dogs do not have a white base coat of color, however, some merle dogs are ticked. The genes responsible for ticking, roaning and merle are dominant so a purebred German Shepherd cannot produce these patterns without being crossed with a dog breed that carries the genes. As we can see from the images above, German Shepherds come in an array of coat colors and patterns—including saddle, blanket, bicolor, sable and solid colors. The organization does not, however, allow dogs of these colors to be shown in the conformation ring as these characteristics are faults according to the German Shepherd breed standard. Dogs carrying the liver gene or the recessive dilution gene that produces either Isabella or blue dogs also carry serious penalties in the show ring. Liver, blue and Isabella are not recognized because of the color of their leathers; and the solid whites are omitted due to the absence of black in the hairs on top of their backs. If you wish to campaign and show your dog in the conformation ring however, you will need to keep with animals with traditionally accepted colors and patterns. Dogs that are liver, blue or Isabella are severely penalized. Reverse Mask and Maskless German Shepherds The reverse mask aka wolf mask German shepherd is not a mix or hybrid, but rather a dog presenting a pattern that appears when both parents carry the gene for this coloring. These patterns date back to some of the earliest German Shepherd foundation dogs and still appear in certain lines, today. Rin-Tin-Tin was another reverse-mask without the stripe German Shepherd. The reverse mask can also present with or without the wolf stripe running down the nose. Some dogs are born with the wolf stripe but it fades with maturity—while others maintain the stripe. Maskless German Shepherds are dogs born with no mask, meaning their face coloring is the same as that of their body. Maskless dogs most commonly present as solid cream, tan, gray or silver. Both reverse mask and maskless German Shepherds are considered faulty lacking pigment for conformation purposes. Impression and Expression Impression — an idea, feeling, or opinion about a dog formed without conscious thought—or formed on the basis of little information. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Aside from overall outline, size and strength of body, the head is the most prominent feature of a German Shepherd. It is here that we find expression. The head should convey strength of character, intelligence, confidence and nobility—even in the very young. In recent years, some show lines have developed a black-face mask in which the entire mantle and muzzle of the dog is predominately black. Any feature that detracts from the overall impression or expression of a dog can be less desirable. Black-faced German Shepherds have become very popular, but some traditionalists believe this pattern can in fact, change the expression of the dog—giving it an intimidating or less approachable expression. Most of the top VA dogs in Germany still carry the traditional mask pattern, but there are many up-and-coming black-faced dogs vying for the top spots. Another example of how color can impact expression is eye color. Light eyes on a German Shepherd overpower other aspects of the dog and change its expression from that of a traditional, loyal shepherd to that of a more elusive, mystic wolf. For this reason, the breed standard calls for the eyes of German Shepherds to be as dark as possible. In the show ring, light eye color—especially yellow hues—are penalized. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend

Aggression is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. A professional will be able to assess the situation and help you come up with a plan to address the aggression. Other Considerations To Keep In Mind With proper training and socialization, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting behavior and will be a well-mannered companion for years to come. However, the key is to start early and be consistent with your training. If you allow your dog to mouth and nip sometimes but not others, they will be confused about what is acceptable behavior. In addition to that, dogs are much more likely to pick up on good habits if you teach them from a young age. Finally, be patient! Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need time to learn what is expected of them. With a little time and effort, you can help your Goldendoodle learn to keep their teeth to themselves. Of course, it also includes lots of tutorials and resources on how to tackle excessive Goldendoodle puppy biting. Do not scream or hit your dog, as this will only make them more likely to bite again in the future. This will help your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. If your Goldendoodle continues to bite, you may need to seek professional help. When Do Goldendoodles Stop Biting? So, when do Goldendoodles stop biting? This is a common question among Doodle owners, and unfortunately, there is no single answer. One of the most common questions new Goldendoodle owners ask is when their puppy will outgrow the biting phase. Typically, Goldendoodles grow out of their biting phase once they get all of their adult teeth. Until your pup has grown into all of its adult teeth, there are a few things you can do to help discourage your pup from nipping. For starters, never play rough games with your Goldendoodle that involve hitting or wrestling. These games only encourage them to bite. You can also provide them with plenty of chew toys to help satisfy their need to gnaw. Early socialization is also vital, as this will teach your puppy how to appropriately interact with you, other people, and other pets. With a little time and effort, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting impulses and become a well-mannered companion. If your Goldendoodle is older than a year old and still biting, there may be an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. The good news is that you can easily fix the boredom issue by giving your pup plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise. With the help of a professional, you can develop a training plan that will help your Goldendoodle learn to curb their biting impulses. Goldendoodle Biting: Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are wonderful, loving companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be properly trained and socialized in order to become well-mannered members of the family. While Goldendoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can sometimes bite due to excitement, boredom, stress, or fear. If your Goldendoodle is biting, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior, including providing chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and desensitizing them to their triggers. If the problem persists, seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. With some patience and training, you should be able to stop your Goldendoodle from biting for good. The Goldendoodle is a mix of both a Golden Retriever and Poodle, resulting in an incredibly unique mixed dog breed. They have great temperaments and are fantastic to have as a family pet, even if you have kids. Next time your puppy bites you, switch out your hand for a toy. The puppy will eventually learn what to bite and what not to bite. Plus, chew toys can improve dental health and even help ease their boredom. You can also consider giving them a bone instead of a chew toy. Just keep in mind to only give them raw bones, such as the few noted here. Never give your dog cooked bones, such as chicken or pork bone, which can become lodged in its intestines. This exercise is a great way to build muscle, stamina and spend energy. Tug-of-war is recommended by vets worldwide for this very reason. The short term helps tire them very quickly, perfect for when your puppy just will not settle down for anything. Tug-of-war is also a great way to improve dental health, depending on the type of toy used. Socializing a puppy is always recommended due to several reasons. To socialize them, introduce them to other humans, which will distract them onto other matters. If you never take control and continue to let your puppy nip at you, the situation may only elevate and turn into snapping at older ages, which is harder to train and fix. It does not take much; a halt of fun activities any time your puppy bites may be enough. You may also consider rewarding your dog when they listen to any commands to stop biting by giving them a treat or vet-approved bone to chew on. Positive reinforcement is important. To anchor them, simply attach a collar and tie them to a point, such as their opened cage, usually used as a bed, or perhaps a doorknob, anything works. This can help teach them to be a little more reserved and keep you from having your puppy towering over you while trying to sleep. This same tactic is used similarly by their canine mothers and fathers. To do this, each time you command your puppy to stop biting, and they listen, give them a small treat. It may take some time to begin working, but the puppy will inevitably learn that not biting so hard or not at all means that they receive a tasty reward. This tactic is used for many training purposes, such as with police dogs, and works great. To have better results, when your puppy bites you, stop playing immediately. After a few times, your puppy will learn that biting means playtime is over. They paired us with others our age, which always led to a calmer afternoon as we spent all our energy having fun with our friends. This same concept works wonders with puppies. If you do not know of any other puppy owners, look around on local Facebook groups for others also looking for playdates. You may find someone who lives close by with a puppy of similar age. Playdates are a great way to socialize your puppy and spend all of that trapped energy. Exercising your puppy can help reduce the nipping by using up some of that pent-up energy. Try taking your puppy for a short walk each day, or better yet, play in your backyard if you have one by tossing a toy back and forth. This not only uses up the energy but also helps make your puppy stronger and healthier. You can also exercise your puppy by training them. Start by hiding treats in certain areas, and each time it finds a treat, tell them to find the next one. This will keep them busy while also using all of that positive energy. Takeaway Puppies are truly a work of nature. They can quickly bring a smile to anyone and are some of the most joyful beings on the planet. Yet, when the biting starts, it can be challenging to find out how to stop it. Here, we have listed ten ways to stop your puppy from biting you. Keep in mind, some may work better than others, so if one does not work, try another and give it time. Often, many puppies go through a nipping and biting phase that may stop on its own. Related posts: Dog Eating Grass Frantically? What Should I Do? Written by Brian Rucker Brian Rucker has been a dog lover since childhood. They enjoy playing outdoors together. Brian loves sharing his knowledge about all things dog on this website. Read more of Brian's articles. Goldendoodle puppies are adorable and playful creatures. But like with any puppy playtime can quickly turn into a nipping, chewing free for all that can leave you feeling like a chew toy. Goldendoodles puppies usually bite because of teething and as a form of play. Older dogs may bite due to aggression or habit. Biting and chewing should be discouraged at an early age to prevent unwanted behavior. The key to stopping this unwanted behavior is understanding why Goldendoodles bite and how to discourage, and if possible, inhibit them from doing so without being harsh. Earlier on, it might just nip playfully at you, which comes across as rather cute and ticklish. However, the nipping soon turns into full-fledged bites, which could hurt and are not so pleasant anymore. Both parents — the poodle and the Golden Retriever — excelled at retrieving things from the water or anywhere else, so it is simple to comprehend why Doodles like to use their mouth as often as they do. Whether it is a human or any other animal, nipping and biting form an integral part of the game and should be taken sportingly. In the process, if the Doodle gets hurt, it will most likely yelp and expect to be persuaded. How would you react? An eruption of new teeth is often accompanied by an itching sensation in the gums, which the pup tries to relieve by biting. Constant itching can be quite irritating, so it would be unfair to blame the puppy for seeking relief, even though it implies biting everything in sight. To help your pup, provide it with plenty of chewable toys, stuffed or otherwise. Teethers full of water are also good options as the Doodle can keep biting at it and experience satisfaction and relief. You can even improvise by filling a sock full of stuff and letting your Doodle have a go at it. Alternatively, give them an empty bottle that rolls around and can be chewed at without suffering any significant damage. Biting Can Be an Aggressive Behavior By nature, Goldendoodles are not aggressive unless indicated by you as the pet owner that they can get away with it. Given that dogs are pack animals, aggression is an innate trait. However, the good news is that it can just as easily be controlled through early training and positive reinforcement. To this effect, aggressive biting can be maintained at the puppy stage or even later through firm and consistent training. Goldendoodles do have all their teeth by this time, and if they are still biting, it is probably out of habit. Since this implies that the Doodle is biting out of habitual compulsion rather than any specific objective, it needs to be stopped. From your end, discourage the behavior by distracting it from a biting session and getting involved in other activities. With all this talk of biting you may feel concerned about having a Goldendoodle around kids. In my article, Are Goldendoodles good with kids , I explain all the reasons why they are great to have around children. Discouraging Goldendoodles From Bitting or Chewing Biting can turn into an unpleasant scenario for you, especially when the Doodle grows older. Not only could it impact your relationship with an otherwise adorable and intelligent pet, but it also transforms into destructive chewing if not controlled or rectified in time. Teach how to Smart-Chew — Praise and reward your pup every time he latches on to a chewable toy or a bone that is meant for the purpose. At the same time, please do not ignore that it might be chewing your slippers because the Doodle might take it as an affirmation and experiment with all the other footwear at home. If it refuses to let go, keep your slippers out of reach till it gives up on them and finds something else to do. Firm and Consistent Training — Suppose you catch your Doodle in the act, do not be harsh physically or mentally while reprimanding. Instead, draw it away from the object, praise it on letting go and explain gently not to repeat the behavior. Final Thoughts Remember that it is normal for Goldendoodles to bite while playing, and a simple act on your part of hitting on its face or waving your fingers and toes in front of It will only encourage this behavior. Lastly, do not stop playing with your Doodle just because it may have bitten or nipped once. Instead, address the issue and teach and train that playing can be just as fun without biting or nipping. Diane is a lifelong owner of Labs, Retrievers, a Poodle, Labradoodle, and, more recently, a Goldendoodle. She loves dogs and enjoy's taking her Goldendoodle Nala for walks in the woods with her daughters. Recent Posts. Goldendoodle puppy teeth can be painful, and puppies tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Goldendoodle puppies usually stop biting when they are months old when their adult teeth have grown. Goldendoodles are bred to retrieve things, and their mouthy tendencies need bite inhibition training. Bite inhibition training should involve the same method that puppies learn with their littermates. It involves a loud squeal, stopping the play, and ignoring the puppy for up to a minute. Play dates with other puppies can also help teach bite inhibition. Giving puppies frozen fruits, teething toys, bully sticks, and engaging them with chew toys can help deter biting related to teething. Having new teeth pushing through your gums is uncomfortable, and chewing on things can help reduce that discomfort. Tasting things is also another way that puppies explore the world. Without hands or opposable thumbs, their mouth is the best way to determine the texture and firmness of an object. Additionally, Goldendoodles are the product of two breeds that were bred to retrieve things from the water. Golden Retrievers and Poodles were both bred to collect birds that hunters had shot. That means a tendency to hold items in their mouth was actually bred into them. Goldendoodles tend to be inherently mouthy, so you will have to teach your puppy to have better bite inhibition reducing how much force they bite down with during play. The younger your puppy was when you brought them home, the more difficulty your Goldendoodle may have with bite inhibition. Teaching Bite Inhibition When left with their littermates long enough, puppies learn that biting a playmate too hard causes the fun to stop. To teach your puppy bite inhibition, you have to do what their littermates would have done. Anything else — yelling, bopping the puppy on the nose, continuing to play — reinforces the biting behavior. So next time your Goldendoodle puppy bites you, think like a puppy yourself. Squeal, stop, and ignore. Play Dates Playing with other puppies is also an excellent way for your Goldendoodle puppy to learn bite inhibition. When they bite another puppy too hard, that puppy will let them know. Make sure all puppies are up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations before letting them play together. More Ways to Stop Biting Not all biting is related to a lack of bite inhibition. Teething is a significant factor that causes puppies to want to bite and chew on anything possible. Provide plenty of chew toys in different textures and shapes. Teething oil or gel can help soothe sore gums. Play tug of war with your puppy gently. Fill a Puppy Kong with peanut butter, then throw it in the freezer. The cold will soothe their gums while they chew on the rubber, and working on getting out the peanut butter keeps their brain engaged. Give your Goldendoodle bully sticks to chew on while you are around to supervise. Bully sticks are a healthy alternative to dangerous rawhide, but puppies may swallow large pieces if left unsupervised. You need to use different techniques to manage this type of biting compared to teething or play biting. Continue doing whatever it was you were doing before the puppy started to bite you. Continue brushing your puppy while they struggle. Try to get the puppy to bite the brush rather than your hands, but still try to keep brushing. Once your puppy stops fighting and biting, reward them with praise and a treat. If you stop brushing your puppy every time they bite you, your Goldendoodle learns that biting makes bad things stop. Play provides crucial bonding between a Goldendoodle and their people. The goal is to teach them to play nicely, not to discourage playing with you at all. These things are likely to encourage your puppy to bite your hands and feet. Hitting a puppy for playful mouthing can make them bite harder. It can trigger your puppy to play even more aggressively. It can also make your puppy fear you or create real aggression. Avoid all punishments that might hurt or scare your puppy. That encourages your puppy to jump after the hand or foot and resembles play. If your puppy likes to bite your feet when you walk, you can try spraying your feet with a bite-deterrent spray like this one. Eventually, they should learn to turn that urge to bite toward their toys instead of your skin or clothing. Encourage non-contact forms of play like fetch and tug of war. Rough play with your hands tends to entice your puppy to bite. Luckily, though, there are many things you can do to discourage various types of puppy biting. With a little bit of time and consistent training, puppy bites should be a thing of the past by the time your Goldendoodle is 7 to 8 months old. Do Goldendoodles Chew Furniture? Often though, this joyful time is marred by painful nips and bandaged hands. A biting phase is all too common in puppies, but it should not be what defines your relationship. How do I get my Goldendoodle puppy to stop biting? Provide the puppy with a variety of teething aids to help soothe sore gums. Consistent bite inhibition training will teach your puppy that biting people is unacceptable, as will refusing to interact with or give attention to an actively biting puppy. Most of all, remember to be patient as your puppy gets through this frustrating and painful time. When they bite, divert their attention with a chew toy. If biting continues, walk away and ignore. Everything you need to get started and help your dog reach his full potential. Temperament, sizes, generations, and coat types. Necessary supplies and feeding guidelines. Reward-based training. Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Common behavioral issues and possible health concerns. Grooming and total body care. And much, much more! Eliminate the guesswork and pick up your copy today! Unfortunately, gnawing on fingers and toes is completely normal puppy behavior. All puppies, not just Goldendoodles, go through a biting stage, but thankfully, it does not last very long. So, what causes the urge to bite and chew on everything in sight, including your poor fingers and toes? While there is likely no pain when the puppy teeth are lost, there is probably a lot of discomfort as the adult teeth push through the surface of the gums. Puppies often seek relief by chewing on anything and everything within reach, including you. Exploring Puppies explore much of the world around them with their mouths. They learn about different tastes, textures, and sizes by putting items in their mouth. They discover which items are fun to chew on slippers — delightful! Puppies naturally learn bite inhibition controlling the intensity of their bites from their littermates and their mother. This is one reason why a puppy should stay with the breeder as long as possible. When a puppy bites too hard while playing with a sibling, the other pup will yelp and stop playing. The puppy quickly learns that the fun ceases when he bites too hard. If he makes the same mistake with his mother, the puppy will receive a firm correction from her, and he will likely not do it again. Seeking Attention Puppies love all types of attention. Some quickly learn that biting leads to attention, even though it is often negative and in the form of discipline. This is called unintentional negative reinforcement. Genetic Makeup Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, used to create the beloved Goldendoodle, were bred to be outstanding water dogs, skilled at retrieving waterfowl. You can learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here. The desire to have things in their mouths was intentionally bred into them. This trait is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles, particularly puppies. As is the case with most retrieving breeds, the intense need to chew and carry things in their mouth sometimes equates to excessive mouthiness in young puppies who are still learning what is acceptable and what is not. Providing your Goldendoodle with sufficient daily exercise is a key component in eliminating unwanted behaviors, like biting. How much is recommended? Check out this article. For most puppies, the biting begins to taper off as teething come to an end, usually around 7 — 8 months of age. By this age, almost all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and the chewing, biting, and nipping urges greatly diminish. By the time your puppy has finished teething, more maturity should be evident as he nears adulthood. When do Goldendoodles typically stop growing and transition to adulthood? Find the answer here. Many puppy behaviors, such as whining, submissive urination, and biting begin to disappear by this age. Get Your Copy Today! Try offering frozen pieces of carrot, banana, or strawberry to soothe sore gums. Frozen blueberries are great too. Many puppy teething oils see on Amazon are available to numb tender mouths. Provide a wide variety of puppy chew toys multipack on Amazon of different shapes and textures. A puppy Kong can be packed with a treat like peanut butter and frozen. The natural rubber satisfies the chewing urge, the cold numbs the gums, and working to access the treats inside provides mental stimulation.

Find Out Now! Introduction You may be wondering if your French Bulldog is too skinny. This can be a difficult thing to determine since some Frenchies are naturally more slender than others. But there are some signs that may indicate that your pup is too thin. With the help of this article, you can make sure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. What is a French Bulldog? A French Bulldog is a small and muscular breed of dog that originated in the United Kingdom. They are an intelligent, playful and affectionate breed. French Bulldogs have distinctive big ears and a wrinkled face that is sure to make you smile. They usually weigh between 10 and 14 pounds and are an excellent companion pet. If you think your Frenchie is too skinny, there are some signs you can look out for. Check for a waist and spine. Look for muscle mass and a healthy coat. Typical Weight of a French Bulldog A healthy French Bulldog should weigh between pounds, depending on the individual. Its size is usually proportional to its height, with a larger head and shorter body. Frenchie puppies may weigh less due to their growth rate and size. It can be difficult to tell if your Frenchie is too skinny or not. These can be indicators of malnutrition and should be taken seriously. It is also important to consider possible causes such as poor diet, worms and other parasites, stress or anxiety, and medical issues. If your Frenchie is too skinny, you can help them gain the necessary weight. Feed them with a healthy and balanced diet and make mealtime an enjoyable experience. You should book a vet appointment to ensure that there are no underlying medical issues. By taking these steps, you can help your French Bulldog stay healthy and happy. One of the ways to do that is to make sure they are at a healthy weight. Here are some tips that can help you understand if your Frenchie is too skinny. Look for a waist and spine. Check for muscle mass and make sure it is proportional. That way, any underlying issues causing the weight loss can be identified and treated. In the meantime, you can do your part to help your pup gain weight by feeding them a healthy diet and making mealtimes enjoyable. Be sure to consult your vet for the best diet and nutrition advice. With the right help, your French Bulldog should be at a healthy weight in no time. When assessing whether your French Bulldog is too skinny, one of the first things to look for are visible ribs. It is important to note that the ribs should not be overly visible and that the abdomen should be slightly tucked in. If there is a pronounced tuck, then this could be an indication of your pup being underweight. A healthy Frenchie should have a visible waist, which can be seen from the side. If either of these elements are missing, then your pup may be underweight and in need of help. See also Can a Chihuahua Kill a Human? A healthy pup will have a smooth, shiny coat. If you cannot, then this could also be a sign of a nutritional deficiency. If you suspect that your pup may be too skinny, then consult your vet to determine the best course of action. Checking for a Waist and Spine When you are checking your French Bulldog for underweight, it is important to look for a waist and spine. The waist should be clearly visible, and there should be a space between the ribs and hip bones. The spine should appear lean and defined, and not be hidden by a layer of fat. You can also check how much muscle mass your Frenchie has. A healthy French Bulldog will have an evenly distributed layer of fat over their body, and their legs should look strong and sturdy. They should also have a smooth and shiny coat with no bald patches. If your Frenchie has lost muscle mass and their coat looks unhealthy, this is a sign that they may be too skinny. Checking for Muscle Mass and a Healthy Coat When checking for muscle mass and a healthy coat, you should pay attention to the general body condition of your French Bulldog. Check for any visible ribs protruding from the sides and a noticeable waist. Consider adding wholesome ingredients such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to their usual kibble. Making sure your Frenchie is getting enough nutrition is key to their health and wellbeing. With the right diet and plenty of exercise, you can ensure your French Bulldog stays happy and healthy. Poor diet is one of the most common reasons as Frenchies require a balanced diet with sufficient calories to maintain their weight. If your Frenchie refuses to eat, it could be a sign of worms or parasites, and you may need to take them for a vet check-up to make sure everything is alright. Stress or anxiety can also be a factor, so be sure to provide your pup with plenty of love and attention. Medical issues can also be the reason for weight loss in French Bulldogs. If your pup is showing signs of a lack of appetite, excessive drinking or urinating, or abnormal stool, it could be a sign of a more serious issue and you should book an appointment with the vet immediately. Remember that if you suspect your French Bulldog is unwell, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. When it comes to helping your French Bulldog gain weight, the best solution is to provide them with a healthy, balanced diet and make mealtimes enjoyable. If your pup is refusing to eat, try adding different types of food or introducing new recipes. You may also want to book a vet appointment to rule out any potential underlying health issues. With the right diet and care, you can ensure that your French Bulldog is happy and healthy. Poor Diet It is crucial to make sure your French Bulldog is getting a balanced and nutritious diet. If your pup is underweight, one possible cause is that they are not getting the right kind of food or not enough of it. To help your pup gain weight, talk to your vet and make sure their diet is balanced. Make sure your Frenchie is getting enough of the right kinds of food and nutrients, and look for foods that are high in calories and protein. If necessary, use treats to supplement their meals and make sure their food is always fresh and appetizing. Keep in mind that an overweight Frenchie is not healthy either, so portion control is key. Refusal to Eat If your French Bulldog is refusing to eat, it could be because of a variety of reasons. To help get them to eat, try adding some wet food to their regular kibble, or switch to a different type of kibble altogether. Give them treats and make sure their mealtime is a fun and enjoyable experience for them. Your Frenchie needs to be taken to the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment. The vet may prescribe medication, or they may recommend home treatments, such as giving your pup a dewormer or giving them natural treatments like raw pumpkin or papaya. Regularly clean up any messes your pup may have made and make sure their bedding is regularly washed. Vacuum and sweep your floors frequently, as well as outside areas where your pup spends time. Be sure to use natural flea and tick treatments, as chemical-based treatments can be dangerous for your pup. Keep an eye out for any signs of parasites, such as worms in the feces or flea or tick bites. If you see any signs, take your pup to the vet right away. With the right diagnosis and treatments, your pup will be back to their healthy weight soon. Stress or Anxiety It can be especially worrying when your French bulldog begins to lose weight unexpectedly. Stress and anxiety can be a hidden culprit. If your French bulldog is feeling overwhelmed, they might not take in enough energy-dense food to ensure they stay healthy and fit. Signs of stress and anxiety include: barking and howling in the night, destructive behavior, avoiding eye contact, and hiding. The first step is to identify the source of the stress and anxiety. Have you recently changed your routine, moved or adopted a new pet? If so, that could be the culprit. It can also be beneficial to spend more time with your pup and provide comfort during times of distress. Make sure your Frenchie has plenty of toys to play with and set aside time each day for interactive activities. It can be useful to establish a consistent and predictable routine to help reduce stress. If your French bulldog continues to show signs of anxiety, it might be necessary to visit a vet. They may be able to provide medication, supplements, or other helpful treatments. You may want to look into engaging activities like dog sports or behavior training. These can be great ways to build confidence and help your pup become more comfortable in their environment. In any case, the most important thing is to ensure your pup feels safe and secure. Medical Issues If your Frenchie is looking a bit on the thin side, it could be due to medical issues. These can range from allergies to parasites, thyroid disease, and even cancer. It is important to have your vet check your French Bulldog for any underlying medical issues that could be causing its weight loss. Your vet may suggest a blood test or an x-ray to diagnose the issue. If your Frenchie is found to have a medical issue, treatment will depend on what is causing the weight loss. If it is due to parasites, it can be easily treated with medication. If it is due to cancer, then you and your vet will have to make the best decision for your pup based on the individual situation. No matter what the cause, it is important to take the steps necessary to keep your Frenchie healthy and happy. Get the Facts Now! The first step is to ensure they are eating a healthy diet with an appropriate amount of calories. Consider switching to a high-quality dog food with all of the necessary vitamins and minerals. Adding in supplemental proteins, such as eggs or canned tuna, can provide additional nutrients. It can also be beneficial to add in a bit of olive oil to the food, as the fat will help your pup gain weight. When it comes to mealtimes, it is important to make them enjoyable. Rather than just throwing the food into their bowl, take the time to sit with your Frenchie and feed them by hand. This can help them associate mealtime with companionship and enjoyment, and encourage them to eat more. Make sure to keep the food bowl in a quiet location where your pup can eat peacefully. A professional can help diagnose any potential illnesses and provide the necessary treatments. With the proper diet and medical care, your French Bulldog should be back to their happy and healthy self in no time. Feeding a Healthy Diet Feeding your French Bulldog a healthy diet is essential to ensure that they are fit and healthy. This means avoiding any diets that are too low in fat and protein, as these are essential for keeping your pup healthy. Look for a diet that is balanced and contains the right amount of vitamins and minerals. You should also make sure that you are feeding your Frenchie enough food, as this will help them maintain a healthy weight. If you are unsure of the portion size, you can always speak to your vet who will be able to recommend the right amount of food for your pup. Make sure that you are avoiding any unhealthy treats or table scraps as these can easily upset the balance of their diet and put them at risk of being too skinny. Making Mealtimes Enjoyable Making mealtimes enjoyable for your French Bulldog is essential for helping them gain weight. Provide a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for your pup during mealtimes. Make sure they are comfortable, and give them praise and attention when they eat. You can also consider adding a treat to their food to make it more enticing. Consider adding wet food or a special oil to their kibble in order to further increase its appeal. Keep their food bowl clean and add fresh food regularly to ensure they get a balanced diet. Making mealtimes enjoyable for your pup is an important step to help them gain weight. Booking a Vet Appointment It is always best to bring your French Bulldog to the vet for a check-up at least once a year. This will give you and your vet the opportunity to discuss any potential health issues and come up with a plan for addressing them. If you suspect that your Frenchie is too skinny, make sure to discuss it with your vet. They can assess your dog and determine if there is an underlying health problem or behavioral issue that is causing the weight loss. Your vet can also provide advice on the best diet and lifestyle changes to help your pup regain weight. Conclusion If you think your French Bulldog is too skinny, there are a few things you can do to help. Start by making sure your pup is getting a healthy diet. A balanced diet of high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats is key to putting on weight. There could be underlying health problems that are causing your pup to lose weight, like worms and other parasites or an underlying medical issue. Take it easy on your pup. With the right diet, regular checkups, and lots of love, your French Bulldog will be back on track in no time! Post Views: .Is My Frenchie Too Skinny? Usually, pet owners will worry about their dog being overweight and rarely about being too skinny. But an overly thin dog can be a cause for concern as much as an obese dog can. French Bulldogs are exceptionally muscular little pups and if anything, might be more at risk for gaining weight. This Brachycephalic breed, labeled as such due to their short noses, undoubtedly has a low tolerance for exercise. This may be a result of difficult breathing, but nonetheless, they should not be allowed to become overweight. One of the principal concerns with owning a French Bulldog is keeping them at an ideal weight. If they acquire bad habits, just like humans, they may inevitably gain weight that will contribute to health issues regardless of whether male or female, spayed or neutered. Male Frenchies generally will weigh in somewhere between twenty and twenty-eight pounds and measure eleven to twelve inches in height. This is a standard weight, but there will be exceptions in both height and weight. They will weigh just a bit more than their female counterparts. Females weigh in at slightly less than males, somewhere between eighteen and twenty-six pounds. Their height is equivalent to that of male Frenchies measuring between eleven and twelve inches as a general standard, but again not without exceptions. These, however, as general weights will be subject to other factors that can influence what is considered to be a standard ideal weight for a Frenchie. Both body shape and genetics will influence individual dogs. Statistics suggest that half of all dogs globally are overweight, so for Frenchies, with their particular build, short legs, and respiratory considerations, being overweight is more likely than being too skinny. Dogs should be able to reach the back of their paws and their rear end to groom. Look for signs of too much weight like rolls, or a pudgy appearance. Even as a stout little dog, your Frenchie should have a well-defined muscular physique. Stomachs should be contoured before the back legs. Ribs should not be visible but there should not be any excess fat in the rib area. See also: Do Frenchies Like Water? Is My Frenchie Too Thin? A French Bulldog that is underweight is also a cause for concern. When feeling the rib cage, each rib should be able to be defined and easily felt. If ribs protrude, the dog is what is considered emaciated. Puppies tend to be an exception because they are very active and in a growth phase. Chubby Frenchies are known to be at risk for heart disease or diabetes, worsening respiratory difficulties, and joint discomfort. Five extra pounds on a French Bulldog is like at least forty extra pounds if not more packed onto a human being. Underweight Frenchies cause owners to worry because it can imply serious health issues such as gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease. Your vet may ask for a series of tests to be run to verify if your dog has an underlying medical issue that requires attention. If your dog is underweight, you will need to increase his or her daily calorie intake. If weight loss is associated with a specific medical condition, your dog may require pharmaceuticals as well as a prescribed special canine diet for medical conditions. Such is the case, for example with kidney disease and with gastrointestinal disease. The same thing stands to reason if your dog is pudgy. Your vet will determine if there is a medical cause or if it is simply a case of too little daily exercise and too much food intake at mealtime. An increase in exercise will help however it needs to be gradual and controlled due to respiratory concerns. The Bottom Line Especially in the case of French Bulldogs, a visit to your veterinarian is always the best option. Your vet will decide if there are health concerns to factor into a specific diet or exercise regime. Frenchies are great companion dogs. They are social, amusing, loving, and loyal to a fault. If you have a Frenchie, you will want him or her to enjoy a long and healthy lifespan at your side. To ensure this, keeping your Frenchie at a healthy weight, neither too overweight nor too skinny is an important step toward a life-long partnership together. Susan R Elliston I have over 11 years of experience as a vet working with a wonderful variety of species of innocent and lovely animals. Whilst I still work two days a week for a local practice, I realized that I could help more people by sharing my knowledge and experience with my readers. Related Posts:. Hide treats around the house Running up and down the stairs Skinny French Bulldog? How to know if your Frenchie is underweight Visibility of Ribs: In a healthy dog, you should be able to feel their ribs easily when you lightly run your fingers over their side, but the ribs should not be visibly protruding. If you can see each individual rib, your Frenchie might be underweight. Visibility of Spine, Hips, and Shoulder Bones: Similarly, you should be able to feel these bones, but they should not be clearly visible or protruding. If these bones are prominent, this is another sign that your dog might be underweight. Hourglass Figure: Looking at your dog from above, they should have a discernible waist behind their ribs. If this abdominal tuck is very severe, this can be another sign your Frenchie is underweight. Energy Levels: Underweight dogs often exhibit low energy levels, lethargy, or other changes in behavior. The best way to determine whether or not your Frenchie is underweight is by having them evaluated by their veterinarian. Why is my Frenchie skinny? Poor Diet : The dog might not be eating enough or might not be getting the right nutrients from its food. Illness or Parasites: Medical conditions, such as digestive disorders, or parasites can cause weight loss in dogs. Dental Problems: If your dog has dental issues, it might have trouble eating. Stress or Anxiety: Changes in environment or routine can lead to weight loss because the dog might eat less due to stress. Avoid foods with fillers and artificial ingredients. Instead, look for food that lists a source of animal protein, like chicken, beef, or fish, as the first ingredient. Increase Feeding Frequency: Instead of feeding your Frenchie two large meals per day, consider providing smaller meals more frequently. This approach can stimulate appetite and increase overall calorie intake. Increase Portion Size: On the side of most dog food bags is a feeding chart. They usually have a range of how much food to feed them based off their weight. Regular Exercise: While it might seem counterintuitive if your dog is underweight, regular exercise can actually stimulate appetite and contribute to muscle development. Make sure your Frenchie is getting regular, appropriate exercise. Male French Bulldogs typically weigh between pounds kg , while female French Bulldogs typically weigh between pounds kg. How can I tell if my French Bulldog is overweight or underweight? If you can see the ribs, spine, and hip bones prominently, your Frenchie may be underweight. A healthy Frenchie should have a slight waistline and tuck in the abdomen. Consult with a vet for an accurate assessment. How often should I feed my French Bulldog? Most adult French Bulldogs are fed twice a day. Puppies require more frequent feeding. The amount of food will depend on their age, size, and activity level. My French Bulldog is losing weight rapidly. What should I do? Rapid weight loss can be a sign of a serious health problem. Consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Why might this be? Weight gain can result from a variety of factors, including decreased activity levels, aging, or underlying health issues. Just remember The key to weight loss in both humans and animals is the same: diet and exercise. Did we miss anything? Got a suggestion? Posted on. So, is your French Bulldog too skinny? Adult male Frenchies should weigh 20 to 28 pounds, while females should weigh between 16 and 24 pounds. In this article, we are going to help you get a definite answer to whether your Frenchie really is too skinny and how to fatten up your french Bulldog , so keep reading… Is Your French Bulldog Too Skinny? There are a few reasons why French Bulldogs might lose Weight. Some common causes of weight loss in Frenchies include Poor diet Excessive energy output due to high activity levels or puppies that are constantly growing Health problems Anxiety Poor Diet One of the most common reasons for weight loss in French Bulldogs is a poor diet. Frenchies are notoriously picky eaters, and their small stomachs mean that they need to eat high-quality food that is packed with nutrients. To make sure your French Bulldog is getting enough to eat, talk to your vet about what type of food is best and how much you should be feeding them. You may also want to invest in a quality dog food dispenser that can help you control how much your Frenchie eats. Your Frenchie may also suffer from a sensitive stomach, and in this case, you need to get them foods that will not upset their stomachs. You can check my full guide to the best foods for Frenchies with sensitive stomachs , or you can check out my quick recommendation, which is the Purina pro: 1. There is also a wet formula that is done especially for dogs who like to eat food with a soft texture. Excessive Energy Output Another common reason for weight loss in French Bulldogs is excessive energy output. Frenchies puppies have high energy , and they need a decent amount of exercise to stay healthy. However, if your Frenchie is burning more calories than they are taking in, they will start to lose Weight. To make sure your Frenchie is getting enough exercise, try to provide them with a good amount of physical activity every day and set aside time each day for playtime. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to stay active and healthy. You can also make sure your Frenchie is getting the right type of exercise by taking them on walks or playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, or even hide and seek. If you like hiking, you can take them with you to keep you company, but you need to make sure to provide them with plenty of water along the way, give them breaks, never walk too fast and pay attention to their body signs to know when to stop. Your Frenchie will also most likely need good shoes whether for hiking or just walks, and you can check out my full guide to the best French Bulldog shoes here for the best value-for-money options you can find today. Some common health problems that can cause weight loss include: Cancer. Is your French Bulldog losing hair in patches? It is really important that you buy the best quality food that you can afford and here is a guide to help you. Has your French Bulldog got teeth problems? Now, you just need to put that weight back on! Below I provide some quick tips on how you can feed your underweight French Bulldog. Firstly, this is a process that will take weeks not days so it is important to be patient. Secondly, use this calculator based on target weight and how active your dog is to find out how much to feed them everyday. Thirdly, divide that figure by three or four and feed them three or four times a day. Feeding them little and often will help their stomachs digest the food more easily. And finally, stand next to them as they feed and take the food away when they stop eating. A healthy Frenchie is neither too thin or too chubby! Being either underweight or overweight makes these cuties susceptible to a number of serious health problems, which can shorten their lifespan, not to mention the damage it can cause to their physical structure. So how do you avoid this? Feed him right. The body size and weight of your Frenchie largely depends on what you feed her. And when you feed her wrongly, the results will definitely be unhealthy for her. To keep your French bulldog in shape, avoid the following five most common feeding mistakes; How often do French Bulldogs go into heat? Not getting a special feeding bowl for your Frenchie: Like humans, dogs are also creatures of habit and will always do things out of habit. Feeding your Frenchie from a special feeding bowl will prevent her from eating from any other way. The only place to eat from is a bowl! Not considering the right portion of food: The size, age and activity level of your Frenchie will determine her nutritional requirements and how much food she needs to maintain a healthy weight. Just like how dogs can become underweight when they eat too little food, giving her much more than she needs will put her at risk of excessive weight gain and obesity. Not taking the age and lifestyle of your pet into account Younger and very active dogs need more food that fully grown and less active dogs. Puppies and dogs less than 8 months can be fed as often as 4 to 6 times daily because they need more nutrients for healthy growth while less active adult dogs will need to eat only twice daily. Sharing your food with your Frenchie Sharing some of your food with your Frenchie may seem harmless, but it is because your pet will form the habit of always expecting to join you during meals. Besides never peacefully enjoying your meals, your Frenchies may refuse to eat from his bowl alone. Giving your Frenchie too many treats Rewarding your Frenchie for good behaviour with fun treats is great for positive reinforcement but giving her too many treats for every little thing may be unhealthy because of the extra calories. There are some general guides as to how much your Frenchie should weigh as it grows up and here are some key markers. February 6, 13 Comments French Bulldogs make everyone fall in love with them with their cute, droopy faces and larger than life personalities. So if you are lucky enough to own such a wonderful dog, you want to ensure that you are keeping them healthy and safe. One of the biggest concerns with owning a French Bulldog is maintaining an ideal weight. Both male and female French Bulldogs can fall into poor habits, just like anyone else, and quickly become overweight. This can lead to health issues down the track. The most important thing for an owner to do is pay attention to your dogs weight and stay diligent before it turns into a problem. What is the ideal weight for a male French Bulldog? Male French Bulldogs should weigh between 20 — 28 pounds 9 — 13 kilograms and be a height of 11 — 12 inches 28 — 30 centimeters. They generally weigh slightly more than females. What is the ideal weight for a female French Bulldog? Female French Bulldogs should weigh between 18 — 26 pounds 8 — 12 kilograms and be a height of 11 — 12 inches 28 — 30 centimeters. However, for both male and female Frenchies, the ideal weight is dependent on a number of other factors. Such as genetics and body shape. How do I know if my French Bulldog is overweight? More than half of the dogs in the world are overweight, and that makes it very likely that your French Bulldog could be overweight, too. There are three basic signs of a French Bulldog being overweight: heavy breathing after little exercise inability to groom itself properly, and no muscle definition. French Bulldogs are playful dogs. Of course, Frenchies are known to have difficulty breathing, so these symptoms may not necessarily be signs of a weight problem. Dogs need to be able to reach certain parts of their body in order to groom themselves. Take a look at your dog for obvious physical signs of being overweight. Do you notice any rolls? Frenchies are known for droopy faces and athletic bodies. The below visual from Wiley gives you a good guide on how your dog should look from different angles. Yes, this is a larger breed of dog in the image, but many of the same principles hold strong with French Bulldogs. This is how your Frenchie should look too. How do I know if my French Bulldog is underweight? Most French Bulldog owners worry about their dog being overweight, but you also want to ensure that they are not underweight too. What are the health implications if my Frenchie is over or underweight? Overweight Frenchies are vulnerable to a variety of different diseases including diabetes and heart disease. An overweight Frenchie, who is already known for having breathing issues, may experience even more respiratory issues with increased weight. They may also experience joint problems. These problems will start sooner than you may think. While five pounds may not seem like much, remember that this is the equivalent of an additional 40 pounds on a human. Your French Bulldog being underweight can be a sign of an even bigger issue. They could have parasites or a serious disease, such as kidney disease or a gastrointestinal disease. But of course, there are LOTS of innocent reasons that your dog is underweight too. Speak to your vet for medical advice if you are worried. You can also help your dog by giving it more exercise if its overweight. Remember that French Bulldogs are social creatures, so getting them together with other dogs can increase their energy as well. One of the best things you can do to get your French Bulldog to the perfect weight is to take your dog to a veterinarian and get expert advice about your concerns. They may be able to give you special food or other tips. They will also be able to diagnose any serious problems that your dog might be experiencing. This is especially important if extra exercise and changing eating patterns do not work. Our recommended food for Frenchie weight management is the Pet Plate meal plans. Pet Plate is a meal delivery service that offers vet-designed, human-grade meals with real ingredients. All of their freshly-cooked meals are made with USDA-certified meats and fresh produce. Wrap up Frenchies are one of the greatest joys in the world. And if you are blessed to have a French Bulldog as a pet, you will want to keep your buddy around for as long as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that your dog maintains a healthy weight. Generally, the best ways to treat underlying conditions and change the diet or lifestyle are to encourage muscle development. If your dog is truly too skinny, you can help them gain a bit of weight relatively easily, but if you have a naturally petite dog, you make your pup overweight by altering it. Of course, there will be variance in size, but on average, you can expect your male dog to be between 20 and 28 pounds, while a female is usually a bit lighter at 17 to 26 pounds. Is Being Underweight Always Bad? Sometimes, you have a particularly tiny dog for the breed. It is probably fine if your dog is proportionately small, though your vet will confirm this. How to Know if My Bulldog is too Skinny: One of the easiest ways to tell if your Frenchie is too skinny is to look at their body type. Look down on your pup from above. Do you see their ribs protruding? Visible ribs are a telltale sign of being underweight. Is your dog slowing down due to a lack of energy? Is your dog not toileting enough? These are signs that there may be a problem that you will need to address. If your dog is too skinny, it is probably a cause. You could cause skinniness, or it could be caused by a medical condition that will need treatment. Thankfully, most causes can be treated. Not Eating Enough: The classic reason for being underweight is not feeding your dog enough. Or, your pup may not be eating enough for some reason, such as pain or a medical condition, even if you are providing the right amount of food. Feeding the Wrong Food: The food you feed may be inappropriate. If you feed something your dog is intolerant to, you can cause all sorts of issues. Worms or Other Parasites: Worms or other parasites can also cause weight loss and an inability to put any weight on. However, not all parasite areas are visible. A vet should be able to diagnose parasites if they are present. Other Medical Conditions: Other medical conditions can lead to weight loss and being underweight. Cancer, kidney problems, heart disease, allergies, and even anxiety may also cause problems with weight loss or putting weight on for your pup. If you notice these signs, you probably should reach out to the vet for a thorough evaluation. Are They Eating Regularly? Irregular eating habits or suddenly changing habits usually shows that there is a problem. Too much water could imply diabetes, while not enough could be related to kidney issues. Problems with drinking can become quite serious if left unchecked. Are There Toilet Issues? Going too much and having runny stools implies that their stomach cannot handle the food consumed. You may even notice worms in the stool. How is Their Energy? You should not hesitate to go to the vet if you notice that your pup struggles to find the energy for normal daily habits. Are There Any Other Concerns? Suppose you want to fatten up your Frenchie. In that case, you have three primary options: You can put on fat and build muscle, or you can treat an underlying condition or cause that is causing weight loss in the first place. How you do each is a bit different. However, both options will increase calorie content, so fat or muscle can be developed. Building Muscle: Building muscle is done just like it is in people. And, by exercising, you encourage the muscles to develop as well. While it might seem counterintuitive to exercise to help add weight, Frenchies are meant to be stocky and muscular. Gaining Fat: If your dog is truly underweight or too skinny, you may need to up the fat content on its body. Gaining fat is as simple as upping calories. Stick to high-quality foods with high-quality ingredients. Ideally, all dogs would be fed a raw, whole food diet, but this is expensive and time-consuming. If you are feeding kibble, make sure that you pick those that have real meat as the primary ingredients and avoid filler ingredients. Treat Underlying Conditions: Finally, if you want your dog to gain weight, you must ensure no underlying causes to keep weight off. Ensure your dog gets a clean bill of health, and putting on weight should be as simple as upping food intake and adding extra calories. Before you head off to start fattening up your dog, there are a few more things to consider. Adults require food twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. Puppies under the age of 8 months generally eat as much as six times daily. Your Frenchie should be eating between 25 and 35 calories per pound of body weight per day to stay healthy. It could be that your dog is naturally petite or is naturally larger than average. Frenchies are small dogs, so even a few pounds of weight change can make a big difference. At the end of the day, a healthy weight will help your pup live a happier, longer life and is worth the effort.