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We breed to the world standard and concentrate on the working ability and structure of the the German Shepherd breed. Our trained driver can transport your German Shepherd to our kennels for puppy purchases, dog training or dog boarding. Trust that your German Shepherd will be transported with care: our driver is knowledgeable about the breed, trained in dog handling and transport, and our transporting service is bonded and insured. This service is exclusive to Nadelhaus purchased German Shepherds. We do not transport dogs that were not purchased or imported through Nadelhaus. Pricing below are estimates only. Our transportation services are generally limited to Northern California, but we encourage you to contact us with any inquiries for your location or for a price quote. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos are added every month. We couldn't be happier with our Nadelhaus Shepherd. Traci picked the perfect dog for my family. Great disposition, physically healthy, and structurally put together like a true German Shepherd quality dog should be. Can't say enough about the ongoing support from Nadelhaus. Love you Traci! Her temperament and size is perfect! We have had other German Shepherds in past but I honestly have to say she is a miracle!! Sweetest German Shepherd ever!! Our little Leo is a delight. He slept all the way home in the car, is loving doing his business in the garden already! Last night was a little rough for us. We all slept but you know how that goes. Leo will learn and we will all adjust. We'll be in touch when we have questions, but just wanted to thank you again. We continue to use Traci for boarding and training. She is an invaluable source. He is absolutely one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, he has amazing temperament and is a hit with kids and adults. He is our own nanny dog! We are so glad we went with Nadelhaus, and will definitely go back to Traci for our next pup. We are in love with the breed and the amazing Nadelhaus pups! We are a two-hour drive from the North Bay and nearly a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. Our customers come from all over including Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Southern California, and even from out of state. Not only do we breed German Shepherd puppies, we offer puppy and dog training , dog boarding , and can import fully-trained German Shepherds. What is the price to buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy? Our Puppy Application page will provide you with more information on the application, deposit, and matching process. Once you have read through these steps, you can click through to the application form and view the prices for both Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppies as well as import German Shepherd puppies. If I buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy, can you ship it to me? If you are not able to pick your puppy up from our facility in Northern California, we can ship a puppy to you. Shipping rates vary by location and include a health certificate vet visit, transportation costs, and an airline approved crate. Contact us for shipping details. Will my puppy have its shots and vaccines? Puppies need a series of vaccinations throughout their first year of life. All of our puppies receive their vaccinations and are de-wormed to the date of pick-up. They are vet checked at six weeks old. Once a puppy is picked up from Nadelhaus, new owners will need to schedule remaining shots for their puppy with their local veterinarian. Will my puppy be micro-chipped? Visit akcreunite. Can I have a German Shepherd puppy imported from Europe? Puppies bred at Nadelhaus sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a wait list for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the wait list, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. Importing a German Shepherd puppy is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy. They are loyal, intelligent and beautiful animals and it breaks our hearts to think of them suffering or dying in shelters. Our team is made up of dog lovers who give up their time to find loving forever homes for our dogs. Most of our dogs come from shelters where they have been abandoned. Some come from owners who, no longer able to care for them, give their dog to us to find a loving forever home. The good news is that we encounter few dogs that have been abused or seriously mistreated. What do we do? Each dog that comes into our program is carefully evaluated and then placed into a foster home. No boarding kennels for our dogs! We passionately believe that by living with our dogs we can learn more about them. Once we have spent some time getting to know each dog, we make the dog available for adoption. When you apply to adopt one of our dogs you will go through an adoption process where we learn more about you, your experience and your lifestyle. Our goal is to offer you a service wherein you find your perfect dog! You can help! Many of our adopters decide to volunteer and help more of the dogs. Some prefer to donate. So thank you! This helps us get a picture of you and the type of dog that you are looking for. We'll contact you! Just click "Adoption Application" 2 We contact you One of our adoption counselors will call you within 3 days and have a chat about your application. They will ask you to text some pictures of your fencing, gates and where your dog hangs out. If the right match is made, you will be able to adopt your dog, there and then, and take your dog home! That really is it!

The litter is due to be born the beginning of October and then will be ready for beginning of December. This makes a happy, healthy well adjusted puppy. Warm regards, Patricia OMG.Miley's boys at 6 wks old Some one is camera shy!!! I LIKE food!!! LOVE that Golden smile!!! For those of you interested in this therapy dog program — check out their website angelonaleash. Each one leaves a pawprint on my heart…. Patricia Here's lookin' at you Handsome!!! We just LOVE them!!! Let's Go Play: 5 weeks old Yummmm.I have a new little Brother!!! New best friends! Can it get any cuter??? You Darling puppy!!! It was a pleasure meeting you all and I wish you lots of love, joy and laughter with your new family member. The pictures you see below are from our litters that have been adopted and gone off to their new homes. Each one leaves a paw print on our hearts! To our adoptive families…. .Please stay in touch. We love updates and pics! We wish you years of joy, love and laughter with your new family member. Please stay in touch; we love updates…. .We breed top quality pups of excellent health and temperment for wonderful, loving family pets. That is our goal and commitment to this awesome breed of dogs. They are calm, affectionate, playful, happy and eager to please. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you soon……. .Patricia — .Sponsor Meet Bella Requirements - Must have a secure fenced yard with direct access from home. No other dogs or pets. Applications will be reviewed from Chatham Kent, Sarnia and Windsor. Adoption Application can be found on our webpage - www. She loves being around people, and enjoys being brushed, cuddles, back scratches and tummy rubs are the best! Year of birth - She is a medium size girl and needs a home with a secure fenced yard and room to run. She will chase squirrels to keep them on the move. Bella loves walks and is quite good at listening to commands in the home or outside. She loves to take in all the sights and smells on her walks. She can be a puller so a specific type harness would be a good choice for her. We were told her former owner took her when jogging. She loves her foster family so much and can feel a bit anxious when she is alone at home. She is still working on her manners around other dogs. She is too much for small dogs and same for cats. She will chase so she is best to be the only furbaby in the home. Bells likes children who are respectful and when she had enough she will find a place to laydown probably right next to her human. She would do her best being the only furbaby. She is not a fan of car rides, although she does love music if she goes for a car ride. Bell is very smart, loving, loyal and fun. She will bring lots of joy to your days and sweet cuddles. A person with patience with Bella being anxious would be ideal. Together you can learn from each other and have a lifetime of love and happiness. Ideal situation for Bella is someone who works from home or works part time, newly retired and is very active. This is what this girl would call her dream come true. Please submit the online application if you feel you are the perfect adopter for Bella - www. The litter is due to be born the beginning of October and then will be ready for beginning of December. This makes a happy, healthy well adjusted puppy. Warm regards, Patricia OMG.Miley's boys at 6 wks old Some one is camera shy!!! I LIKE food!!! LOVE that Golden smile!!! For those of you interested in this therapy dog program — check out their website angelonaleash. Each one leaves a pawprint on my heart…. Patricia Here's lookin' at you Handsome!!! We just LOVE them!!! Let's Go Play: 5 weeks old Yummmm.I have a new little Brother!!! New best friends! Can it get any cuter??? You Darling puppy!!! It was a pleasure meeting you all and I wish you lots of love, joy and laughter with your new family member. The pictures you see below are from our litters that have been adopted and gone off to their new homes. Each one leaves a paw print on our hearts! To our adoptive families…. .Please stay in touch. We love updates and pics! We wish you years of joy, love and laughter with your new family member. Please stay in touch; we love updates…. .We breed top quality pups of excellent health and temperment for wonderful, loving family pets. That is our goal and commitment to this awesome breed of dogs. They are calm, affectionate, playful, happy and eager to please. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you soon……. .Patricia —

Boxers make great pets for both families and individuals, with their energetic and loyal traits. Adopting a puppy requires a lot of time and research to find a breeder that is best for you. While there are many to choose from, how do you make a decision? To give you some options, here are 5 Boxer Breeders in Florida to help you find your new furry friend and loyal companion. They are based in the Northeast Ocala area of Florida. Our goal at Shoquest is to produce puppies of the highest quality that will bring a lifetime of joy to their families. For more information, you can send them an email at shoquestboxers gmail. Our Boxers are raised inside with us and are part of our family. We do not have a kennel. The puppies are also raised inside, along with my children, and are well socialized. They come pre-spoiled. Their puppies are socialized from the day they are born and until they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, have their 1st set of vaccinations, a Florida Health Certificate and their AKC registration form. To learn more and get in touch, you can visit their website here. We could not be happier with our puppy and the process itself from start to finish. We will definitely be using the JCS Boxers again for our next puppy. They follow a meticulous diet for their puppies, with all of it starting with the health of the mom. Additionally, they plan their litters responsibly. Currently, their next litter is for January and you can view their gallery of puppies on their website here. In order to stay in touch about upcoming litters or to answer any questions you may have, you can send them an email at info jcsboxers. They are located in Central Florida and have been in business since .Boxers are our passion and ours are part of our family, living beside us inside our house because that is where they belong. We have owned Boxers as far back as I can remember. They are a very special breed but they are not for everyone. They require little grooming but they do need daily exercise. Boxers are very intelligent and loving.They are also very playful and have plenty of energy. They are great with children but need proper early training. They are all AKC, will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, vaccinations and health certificates before you take them home. And, they require an application before placing their puppies with you as they want to make sure they are going to loving, forever families. To get in touch about their next litter, you can contact them on their website here. They pride themselves on having a business that focuses on American production including all of the food and everything they use to raise their puppies. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. Their puppies are a part of their family, they have areas to exercise and play and have the best quality care. Currently, they have one boxer from their litter that is available. To keep in touch with their future litters, you can visit their puppies page here. And, to learn more or get in touch you can call them at .With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. Breeder Referral Among companion animals, boxers are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to humankind. Anyone who has ever loved a boxer can attest to its hundred-fold return. The excitement your boxer shows when you come home, the wagging tail at the sound of the leash being taken from its hook, the delight in the tossing of a tennis ball, and the head nestled in your lap-those are only some of the rewards of being a boxer owner. Owning a boxer is not just a privilege, it's a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a boxer into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that boxer ownership entails. If you already have a boxer, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner. The ABC does not recommend, guarantee, endorse, nor rate breeders, their kennels, or their stock. We also do not examine individual dogs. Buyers beware in all instances. For more information on puppies available in your area, contact our Breeder Referral Chairman: Fran Illuzzi Email: illuzzifran gmail. Find a Responsible Breeder To find a responsible breeder, go to a dog show or visit the breed's Parent Club for additional resources and contact information. Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them. Visit the breeder's home or kennel and ask to see at least one of the puppy's parents. Get an idea of what the future holds for your dog in terms of temperament and appearance. Observe the premises. Dogs and puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly. Pay attention to how the dogs and puppies interact with their breeder. Does the breeder appear to genuinely care for the puppies and their adult dogs? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers. Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Breeders should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed - including what's being done to avoid them. Establish a good rapport with the breeder. You should be encouraged to call the breeder if your dog has a crisis at any stage of its life. Don't expect to bring home the puppy until its eight to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with its mother and littermates. Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and have made all the necessary preparations. Don't leave the premises without the appropriate documentation of the dog's pedigree, a. You'll need to send in this application form to register your dog with the AKC. For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. Purchasing a boxer puppy in North Carolina directly from a breeder can be expensive; however, it is also the best way to ensure that you are getting an animal that has been raised with proper care. Some breeders do not have the right facilities needed to raise healthy dogs and oftentimes these animals may be sickly or lack proper socialization skills due to improper care during development. What Are The Extra Costs? There are very few extra costs associated with owning a Boxer in North Carolina outside of routine vet visits, food, and other supplies that your new pet will need in order to live comfortably. A responsible breeder will typically keep all of their breeding dogs inside of their home and raise them with love and attention. They should also be able to tell you about their history; including any titles that either parent might have earned. A good breeder will give you health guarantees for your new pet as well as plenty of information on how to properly take care of your Boxer throughout its life. Responsible Boxer Breeders will typically not sell puppies to people who plan on leaving them outdoors or alone for long periods of time without supervision because it is important for them to receive plenty of attention while they are young in order for them to grow up healthy and happy. This will give you a chance to learn as much as possible about any sire and dam as well as the environment that they were raised in. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to see their home and how they keep their dogs. This will give you a better idea of what type of environment your puppy is coming from and if the breeder is someone that has invested time into raising healthy puppies. You should be able to tell if someone is being honest with you or not from how they answer your questions and whether or not they seem knowledgeable about the breed itself. A good breeder should be willing and able to help you decide what puppy would best suit your lifestyle and family needs, which can only be done if they know everything about you. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in North Carolina It is a good idea to always ask for references from your breeder or anyone who has purchased a puppy from them in the past. If they have any, you should be able to get in contact with at least one person who can tell you about how their experience was with the breeder and whether or not they were satisfied with the way that everything was handled. If you cannot find any references, then this is something that should raise a red flag and may cause you to reevaluate why there are no people willing and able to speak on their behalf. Not having references does not necessarily mean that someone is a bad breeder; however, it does mean that you should take the time to dig a little deeper. A responsible breeder will usually have plenty of satisfied buyers that are willing to share their information about the transaction with future potential owners because it helps ensure that the people they are selling their puppies to will be good homes. Meeting past customers will also give you an idea of how the breeder interacts with their buyers and if they are willing to allow them to ask questions before, during, and after the sale. A good breeder will not only have a veterinarian that they trust and depend on to take care of their dogs, but they will also be willing and able to share the information about them with you. It is extremely important to find out how often your breeder takes their dogs to see a vet because this can also give you an idea as to just how much attention they pay towards making sure that they stay healthy and happy. If someone cannot afford proper veterinary care then breeding these animals should be A Reputable North Carolina Boxer Breeder Will Ask About Your Living Situation Most breeders want to make sure that their puppies are going into a loving home where each one can thrive and receive all of the attention it deserves. You may find yourself at the receiving end of a lot of questions from your breeder which is perfectly normal. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling your local department of agriculture. Look out for red flags when dealing with an unethical breeder in North Carolina; these may include: Claiming that their lineage is rare or includes show-quality dogs without any proof. Lack of Health Certificates Provided. Constantly being asked to pay a higher price after you have already committed. This may also happen if your breeder tries to do business over the phone and refuses to provide any documentation at first. Refusing to provide their contact information, address, or name. Take the time necessary when looking at boxers in NC that will make sure that their lineage is healthy and well taken care of. If your breeder cannot provide you with any information pertaining to potential health problems then this is not someone you should do business with. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy There are a number of things you will want to consider preparing for before your boxer is set to arrive. First, make sure you stock up on all of the necessary supplies like food and water bowls, toys, treats, bedding, etc. Remember; puppies tend to chew on everything so make sure you keep important documents like remote controls and cell phones out of reach or else they might end up getting destroyed. Puppies also love leather; if given the opportunity they will start chewing away at your furniture corners which will make for a mess to clean up. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Training your boxer to go potty outside will get easier with time; this is one of the most important things you can do when raising your new pup. Remember, patience is key when training any dog; it can be frustrating at times, but you should never hit or otherwise punish your puppy for having an accident. This will only make them more afraid of you and afraid to go near their potty areas in the future. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

Breeds The link has been copied! French Bulldogs are an adorable and popular breed of dog known for their distinctive bat-like ears. These cute canines have captured the hearts of people all around the world, but many potential owners wonder when their furry friends' ears will stand up. The good news is that French Bulldog ears typically do stand up eventually, but the process can vary from dog to dog. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating world of French Bulldog ears and learn when you can expect them to stand up. So get ready to fall even more in love with these lovable pups! Typically, French Bulldog puppies' ears will start to stand up between weeks of age. However, some puppies may take longer to develop, and their ears may not stand up until they are 6 months old or even longer. The reason for this variation is that each dog's genetics play a significant role in the shape and development of their ears. While you're waiting for your puppy French Bulldog's ears to stand up, it's also a good time to work on potty training. Starting early and using positive reinforcement techniques can help establish good habits and prevent accidents in the house. With patience and consistency, you can successfully potty train your Frenchie while also enjoying their adorable and unique appearance. It is also important to note that some French Bulldogs' ears may never stand up fully, which is completely normal and doesn't affect their health or happiness. So, whether your Frenchie's ears stand up quickly or take their time, they will still be adorable and loved. French Bulldogs are famous for their cute and distinctive bat-like ears, and owners often wonder when their puppy's ears will stand up. Typically, French Bulldog puppies' ears will begin to stand up between weeks of age. However, it's not unusual for some puppies to take longer to develop, and their ears may not stand up until they are several months old. It's essential to note that the ear development process can be different for each puppy. Some may have both ears standing up at the same time, while others may have one ear up and the other down for a while. This variation is normal and not necessarily a cause for concern. As your French Bulldog's ears start to stand up, you may notice some changes in their behavior. They may become more attentive and start to respond to sounds and noises around them. Their ears will also become more sensitive, and they may start to tilt their heads to listen to sounds better. If your French Bulldog's ears are not standing up by the time they reach six months of age, it's worth speaking to your veterinarian. Still, it's important to note that some French Bulldogs' ears may never stand up fully, and this is completely normal and doesn't affect their health or happiness. If your French Bulldog's ears are still down even after they are six months old, there could be a few reasons why. Firstly, it's worth noting that every dog is unique, and some may take longer to develop than others. While most French Bulldog puppies' ears start to stand up between weeks of age, it's not unusual for some puppies to take a bit longer. However, if your French Bulldog's ears are still down past the six-month mark, it's worth speaking to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. Sometimes, ear infections or other medical conditions can affect the development of your dog's ears. Another reason why your French Bulldog's ears may be down is genetics. It's possible that your dog inherited genes from their parents that affect the shape and position of their ears, resulting in ears that may not stand up fully. Finally, it's essential to remember that not all French Bulldogs' ears will stand up fully, and this is completely normal. Your furry friend will still be adorable and loved, regardless of whether their ears stand up or not. Yes, it is entirely possible for French Bulldog ears to stay down. While many French Bulldog puppies' ears will start to stand up between weeks of age, there is always variation in the development of individual dogs, and some may have ears that do not stand up fully. Additionally, genetics can play a significant role in the shape and development of French Bulldog ears. Some French Bulldogs may inherit genes from their parents that result in ears that do not stand up fully. It's worth noting that a French Bulldog's ear position does not affect their health or happiness. Whether their ears are up or down, your furry friend will still be a beloved member of your family. If you're concerned about your French Bulldog's ears, it's always best to speak to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. However, if your dog is healthy and happy, don't worry too much about their ears. They will still be adorable and loved just the way they are! The exotic coloring of a French Bulldog, such as lilac , merle , fluffy , platinum , or red fawn , is determined by genetics and is not related to the dog's ear position. The color of a French Bulldog's coat is determined by the interaction between different genes, and the resulting coat color is usually evident from birth. The ear position of a French Bulldog can change as the dog grows and develops, but this is not related to changes in coat color or pattern. It is worth noting that some French Bulldogs may experience changes in their coat color or pattern over time, but this is typically due to factors such as exposure to sunlight, diet, or hormonal changes. Additionally, while a Frenchie's ears may change in position as they grow, it is unlikely to have any impact on the dog's coat color or pattern. It is important to note that the term " Micro French Bulldog " is not a recognized or standardized term by reputable breed organizations, and is often used to describe French Bulldogs that have been bred for a smaller size through breeding practices. In general, the time it takes for a French Bulldog's ears to stand up can vary from dog to dog, and is not necessarily related to the dog's size or breeding. Here are two easy ways to help your French Bulldog's ears stand up: Add Calcium-Rich Foods to Their Diet One way to help your French Bulldog's ears stand up is to make sure they are getting enough calcium in their diet. Calcium is a crucial nutrient that supports bone development and growth, including the cartilage in your dog's ears. You can increase your French Bulldog's calcium intake by adding calcium-rich foods to their diet. Foods like yogurt, cheese, and bone broth are excellent sources of calcium and can help support the development of your dog's ears. Consult Your Vet About Calcium Injections or Supplements If you're concerned about your French Bulldog's ear development or think they may need additional calcium, speak to your veterinarian about the best course of action. Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate dosage and form of calcium to give your dog, as well as monitor their health to ensure they are not experiencing any negative side effects. In addition to discussing calcium supplementation with your veterinarian, they can also rule out any underlying health issues that may be affecting your French Bulldog's ear development. If there are any health concerns, your veterinarian can provide treatment or recommend lifestyle changes that can help support your dog's overall health and wellbeing. What Taping Method Is the Best? While there are several methods of taping French Bulldog ears, there is no one "best" method that works for all dogs. Each dog is unique, and their ear development can vary, so what works for one dog may not work for another. However, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind when taping French Bulldog ears. First, it's important to start taping as early as possible, ideally between weeks of age when the ears are still soft and pliable. This can help encourage the ears to stand up and prevent them from flopping over. When taping, use a soft, non-irritating tape, such as a surgical or athletic tape, and avoid using anything too sticky that can pull or damage the skin. It's also important to wrap the tape gently but securely around the base of the ear, creating a slight fold in the ear to help encourage it to stand up. Taping Their Ears Step-By-Step Guide It's essential to follow proper techniques and guidelines to avoid causing any discomfort or injury to your dog. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tape your French Bulldog's ears: Clean the ears: Before taping your French Bulldog's ears, make sure they are clean and dry. Use a gentle, pet-friendly ear cleaner to clean the inside of their ears, being careful not to insert the cleaner too far into the ear canal. Prepare the tape: Use a soft, non-irritating tape, such as a surgical or athletic tape, and cut it into strips that are about inches long. Apply the tape: Starting at the base of your French Bulldog's ear, gently fold the ear over and wrap the tape around the base of the ear, creating a slight fold in the ear to help encourage it to stand up. Be sure to wrap the tape gently but securely, avoiding any gaps or wrinkles. Continue wrapping: Continue wrapping the tape around the ear, overlapping each strip of tape slightly, until you reach the tip of the ear. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight, as this can cause discomfort or injury to your dog. Monitor your dog: Check your French Bulldog's ears regularly to make sure they are not becoming irritated or uncomfortable. If you notice any signs of discomfort or injury, remove the tape immediately and speak to your veterinarian. Remove the tape: After a few days or a week, remove the tape and let your French Bulldog's ears rest for a few days before taping them again. It's important to give your dog's ears time to rest between taping to avoid irritation or injury. It's essential to remember that taping should be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or experienced breeder to ensure that it is done correctly and safely. While taping can be helpful in encouraging ear development, it's not a guarantee that your French Bulldog's ears will stand up. Some dogs may still have ears that do not stand up fully, even with taping. If you have to bandage your French Bulldog's ears, it's important to change the bandage regularly to ensure that it remains clean and dry, and to prevent any irritation or discomfort to your dog's ears. The frequency of bandage changes will depend on your dog's individual needs and the severity of the issue being treated. In general, most veterinarians will recommend changing the bandage at least once a day, and possibly more frequently if the bandage becomes soiled or wet. It's important to monitor your French Bulldog's ears closely while they are bandaged to ensure that the bandage is not too tight or causing any irritation or discomfort. If you notice any signs of irritation or if your dog seems uncomfortable, it's important to remove the bandage immediately and speak to your veterinarian. In addition to changing the bandage regularly, it's important to keep the ears clean and dry, as excess moisture can lead to infection or other issues. Use a gentle ear cleaner to clean the inside of your dog's ears, being careful not to insert the cleaner too far into the ear canal. If you have any concerns about your French Bulldog's ear health or need guidance on how often to change a bandage, it's always best to speak to your veterinarian for advice. Taping French Bulldog ears is generally safe and can be an effective way to encourage ear development and encourage them to stand up. However, improper taping techniques or leaving the tape on for too long can increase the risk of ear infections or other ear-related issues. When taping French Bulldog ears, it's essential to use a soft, non-irritating tape and to wrap the tape gently but securely around the base of the ear. If the tape is too tight or the ears are taped for too long, it can create a warm and moist environment that is conducive to the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to ear infections or other issues. It's also important to monitor your French Bulldog's ears closely while they are taped, checking for any signs of discomfort or irritation. If your dog seems uncomfortable or if you notice any redness or discharge, it's important to remove the tape immediately and speak to your veterinarian. If your French Bulldog already has an ear infection or is prone to ear-related issues, it may be best to avoid taping their ears or to discuss other options with your veterinarian. Taping French Bulldog ears can cause damage if it's not done correctly or if the tape is left on for too long. Taping too tightly can cut off circulation to the ears, leading to discomfort, pain, and even tissue damage. Similarly, leaving the tape on for too long can cause irritation, rubbing, or even open wounds. It's important to note that taping French Bulldog ears should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or experienced breeder to ensure that it is done correctly and safely. The taping should be done with a soft, non-irritating tape and be wrapped gently but securely around the base of the ear. The length of time that taping French Bulldog ears should continue varies from dog to dog and depends on the individual dog's ear development. In general, taping should be done consistently for several weeks, typically between weeks, and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or experienced breeder. If you're concerned about your French Bulldog's ear development or think they may need additional support, it's best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your dog. One benefit of floppy ears is that they can help protect your dog's ear canal. When a dog's ears stand up, the ear canal is more exposed, making it more susceptible to debris and dirt. Floppy ears, on the other hand, provide a natural barrier, helping to keep your dog's ears clean and free from irritants. Additionally, floppy ears can give French Bulldogs a more laid-back, relaxed appearance, which many people find endearing. Floppy ears can also make your dog more approachable to other dogs and people, as they may appear less intimidating with soft, floppy ears. Finally, it's important to remember that a French Bulldog's ear position does not affect their health or happiness. Your French Bulldog can lead a happy and full life no matter how their ears stand. Conclusion French Bulldog ears can be a unique and distinctive feature of this lovable breed, and many owners want to ensure that their dog's ears stand up as they grow. While taping the ears can be helpful in encouraging ear development, it's important to do so under the guidance of a veterinarian or experienced breeder to ensure that it is done correctly and safely. It's also important to note that not all French Bulldogs' ears will stand up fully, and this is completely normal. Whether your French Bulldog's ears stand up or not, they will still be a beloved member of your family, and it's important to prioritize their health and wellbeing above all else. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Owning a French bulldog is pretty similar to owning a child. When everybody has their own opinions they might make you worry about your Frenchie even if he or she is perfectly healthy. Everywhere you look, you see a Frenchie with erect ears. Their ears make them look unique and just dandy. Then you look at your Frenchie puppy and his or her ears are down. You shouldn't worry about whether or not his or her ears are down, here's why. It important for you to know that all French bulldogs are born with floppy ears, this is absolutely normal. As they grow, their ears gradually become erect, there really is no exact time for this growth to occur. French bulldogs can get their erect ears anytime from 6 weeks to 18 months. There is no hurry. When the Frenchie puppy is still young, their body uses up all of the calcium for growing teeth. During this period, his or her ears may go up, may go up and down, may go droopy, may go up one a time or may not go up at all. Here are some answers to questions you may have. As it has been mentioned, there is no exact time, each puppy is an individual and will develop differently. Some French bulldogs get their erect ears before they are separated from their mother but that is not always the case. Sometimes the ears are erect but droopy at the top. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Their ears being upward or droopy does not in any way affect their personality. As long you clean them regularly and thoroughly, droopy ears have no health-related issues. However, if you really want to give them a little help, there are a few things you can do. But if I happened to own a French bulldog puppy with droopy ears, I would never tape them up so taping a French Bulldog ears is not a recommended method by anyone here at the Frenchiestore. Droopy or floppy ears can give the French bulldog dog a bit of character, a super-cute look and the amusement they bring doubles. It is recommended that you hold on and let nature take its course. The other method would be trying to even or up the calcium levels in your Frenchie. There are a number of ways to figure out whether or not your French Bulldog is a pure breed. They can be easily distinguished from other dogs if you know what to look for. Body Structure French bulldogs are relatively small. Their height is about 10 — 13 inches and they usually weigh under 28 pounds. French bulldogs are known for erect ears with wide bases and rounded tips. A purebred French bulldog will almost certainly have bat ears. This is not to say that they might not be delays in the ears becoming erect. French bulldogs usually have dark brown, almost black eyes. Although in some cases, a French bulldog could have light brown eyes or even green in some of the rare colors Frenchies. French bulldogs also have a short tail that can either be straight or screwed and they hang low below their backs. French bulldogs have a fairly muscular build. With their short, well-rounded bodies, they are usually seen walking actively and unrestrained. Coat The coat of a French bulldog is usually short and smooth. They have soft, loose skin which may form wrinkles around the head and shoulders of the Frenchie. French bulldogs usually have light color bases that come in white, fawn, cream or any combination of these colors. French bulldogs can also have other colors in patterned forms. Some of them include brindle, piebald, black masks, black shading and white markings. The most common of these patterns is the brindle. The brindle pattern could either be sparse or heavily concentrated so that the base color is almost completely hidden. Temperament French bulldogs are incredibly affectionate, they give a lot of love and this makes them great family pets. French bulldogs are alert and attentive, well, they hear you, obeying is another matter. But their energy levels range from low to average. French bulldogs exercise some enviable levels of patience unlike many dog breeds. Even as puppies, they are calmer than most other dogs. French bulldogs are social and usually welcoming towards strangers. They react well to new things and are fairly adaptable. French bulldogs seem to be laid back and easy going. Lookalikes There are a number of dog breeds that have similar appearances to a French bulldog. Sometimes you may even have to do a double take, but if you know what to look for, it is easier to know a French bulldog French Bulldog and English Bulldog: Although the French bulldog and the English bulldog are both bulldogs and naturally have a lot of similarities, there are differences. The English bulldog is bigger and they do not have bat ears. French Bulldog and Boston Terrier: The Boston Terrier bears a striking resemblance to the French bulldog and are commonly confused for one another. But there are a few differences. The Boston Terrier is taller than the French bulldog with about 2 to 4 inches. And though they share similar coat colors and texture, the Boston Terrier can also be seen in seal or black. French bulldogs weigh more. They also have tipped ears instead of a rounder shape than the Frenchie dog. Pugs are smaller than Frenchies, being 10 — 14 inches tall and they have floppy ears rather than erect ears. They have curly tails unlike the short tails of the Frenchie. French Bulldog and Pitbull: American pit bulls have some things in common with a Frenchie but these pit bulls are larger, weighing up to 78 pounds. Both breeds have similar coats though pit bulls can be seen in blue, gray, white, tan, brown, red, yellow or black. However, bull terriers are larger than Frenchies, they weigh as much as 45 pounds — 80 pounds. Bull terriers usually have smooth and dense coats that come in brown white, brindle, black or tricolor. They also have longer muzzle. To find out whether or not your French bulldog is a pure breed, you should consult your vet with any questions or suspicions you may have. To prevent this, always get your Frenchie from reputable breeders. Erect or floppy ears should not determine the amount of love you give to your Frenchie. Be rest assured, nothing is wrong, they deserve all your love and care. Leave a comment. Please assume all such links are affiliate links which may result in my earning commissions and fees. This will not incur additional cost to you. And there are reasons behind it… Keep reading. Do you own a newly born French bulldog? If so, then you might be a bit worried about the floppy ears of your dog and you may have a number of concerns about the floppy ears in your dog. There is no need to be worried about this. This article will help you get answers to all your concerns regarding your French bulldog ear problems. French bulldog Ear Problems There are different Bulldog ear problems that generally appear in Frenchie. You can see their ears starting folding, curling in the backward direction and also falling forward. These are some normal ear problems that usually appear. There is a reason for these problems. This can happen when French bulldogs are teething. During the teething period, you can observe their ears standing upward, and the next day they are downward or floppy. French bulldogs sometimes pay a cost for their charming ears. The most widespread kind of issue is this breed is prone to ear infections. Apart from floppy ears, French Bulldogs can also experience following Bulldog ear problems: Ears may have a yeast smell. Red and swollen ears. Ear scratching. Yellowish fluid discharge from the ear. Ear contaminations in French Bulldogs can also be due to allergies in food, surroundings or not cleaning the ears. If you have a French bulldog and his ears have not stood up, there is no need to be worried about this. Not every French bulldog has stood up ears at an early age. Every Frenchie follows his timetable and with the time ears will stand up properly. In many French Bulldogs, their ears will stand up without any assistance from you, else by 15 weeks at the most recent or months at most lately. The primary concern is; when your French bulldog has completed the process of getting teeth, in most French Bulldogs, their ears will stand up freely in the bat ear pointed shape that the breed is known for. In case your French bulldog has passed the one year age and still has floppy ears then there is not much you can do about it. Well, this is the case in most of the French bulldogs, except some different cases here and there. The majority of the French Bulldogs get raise-up ears irrespective of the age. In the majority of the French bulldogs, they have stood up ears maximum at the age of 2 months. There have been some know the experiences of owners who said their French bulldog ears will not stand up until the age of months. So be patient! A typical dread and worry for the new French bulldog owner think about whether their Frenchie is bound to have floppy ears or just a single ear that is erect. When French Bulldogs are teething, their ears do all kinds of weird things. For instance, one ear may be up, and one may be down, and the next day inverse of the previous day. Both ears may be upward, and on the next day, both of them can be downward. Every French bulldog is on its timetable. We have had a few pups with flawlessly erect ears at about a month old and different little dogs which have taken ten weeks or longer for their ears to stand up impeccably straight. Generally, if the ears will go up on their own without assistance, you will see signs that they are beginning to go up by around seven weeks. In these cases, it is ordinarily best to release them up all alone simply. Ensure the ear is kept level while taping to maintain a distance from a crinkled looking ear base. Arrange ears to the top where they would typically stand erect. Leave the tape on ears for at least five days; at that point make a little cut at the base of the tape and tenderly strip off to remove. You may find some people suggesting to feed them yogurt, cheese, and milk to stand up their ears. It is better to wait for the teething process. Yogurt and cheese will be consumed in the teething process as they carry a huge portion of calcium, and teeth are all about calcium. After finished teething, the ears will stand up on their own. Final Words So I hope this article will help you understand about Bulldog ear problems, and how you can ease them. Maybe some other is in more bad condition than yours. Disclaimer : FrenchieBuddy. Why do they go back down again? As we were taught in school, calcium is very important for your teeth and bones, and the same is true for dogs. Some French Bulldogs will have their ears stand up, then go down again and never go back up, this is also normal. There is absolutely nothing wrong with floppy ears on your Frenchie, but if you want to help their ears stand up, here are a few simple ways that can help with that. Consider talking to them to see if the parents had floppy ears as well. Have your dog checked and see if there are any developmental issues that may be the cause behind the floppy ears. The vet may be able to find something and recommend treatments, changes in their diet, or Calcium supplements. Your vet may even recommend calcium injections if your dog is older than 8 months of age to help them stand up. This brings us to our next point, which is a crucial one. YouTubers and bloggers, even myself who has this article checked and edited by a vet, should never replace your vet and should not be the source for medical advice. Consult with your vet before giving them supplements. Thankfully, there are other ways to give your dog more calcium without giving them supplements. Give Them Calcium-rich foods You can make sure they get more calcium by adding calcium-rich foods to their diet. The most helpful foods according to vets and my own experience are yogurt and cottage cheese. Even one spoon of yogurt with their dinner can help them. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog after giving them yogurt because some dogs will have varying degrees of lactose intolerance and will have trouble digesting yogurt. Some signs of lactose intolerance in dogs include excessive ear scratching, licking paws, itchiness, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you notice any of these signs after giving them yogurt, your dog may be lactose intolerant, and of course, you should take them to the vet. Oh, yeah, hip and joint supplements are actually fine to give yourself as long as they are in a proper dose. They rarely have any side effects, and they help with more than their ears. My own vet recommended these two for my dogs, and I think you can try them out as well:. Frenchies win our hearts with their wrinkled little faces and large, bat-like ears. To a French Bulldog, down-turned ears are perfectly natural. Frenchies are born with floppy ears. As the puppies teeth, their little ears begin to perk up. However, there is no precise timetable for this. Sometimes ears will spring up in a matter of days. But it usually takes closer to ten weeks. On occasion, one ear will pop up before the other, creating an adorably lopsided appearance. And sometimes they stick out on either side like bicycle handles. None of this is cause for concern. Each puppy develops differently, even if they come from the same litter. How do I fix it? First, make sure you give your French Bulldog time to grow at his or her own pace. Get some masking tape that is about 1. Gently wrap one strip of tape around each individual ear and ensure that the ear is flat when you do this. Use a longer strip of tape to connect the ears and hold them erect. Leave the tape on like this for four or five days and countless hilarious photos. You may have to repeat this process several times over the course of a few months to see results. Some websites suggest feeding your Frenchie calcium supplements to assist their ears in rising during the teething process. But this method is unproven, particularly because ears are made of cartilage, not bone. Your pup has a unique body that will grow and change in time. That way, whenever they reach full perkiness, those trademark bat ears will be healthy and ready to listen to your commands. Or at least, to hear them. They will be soft and floppy when born. In fact, many breeders will say you should even be worried about floppy ear development until the 8-month mark 32 weeks , as puppies all develop at different rates. But what is the reason for all of this, and what can you do about a Frenchie with floppy ears? Frenchies have very big ears when they are puppies. They look completely out of proportion as you can see in this photo of our dog Claude when he was younger compared to being an adult — he was 7 months old in this shot on the left, and 3 years on the right, and had no issue with his ear development. Our Frenchie never had floppy ears. As you can imagine, with ears this big and heavy, it takes a lot of strong ear cartilage to make them stand up and not flop down. So why do some French Bulldogs have floppy ears, and other not? This is the barometer that Frenchie experts use with regards to floppy ears. As the puppy progresses through the teething stage, the cartilage grows strong enough to keep the ears standing up versus their current floppy appearance. Handy Hint: To find out more about teething and how long it takes, read the guide to Frenchie teething that I previously published. They can even go up and down The floppy ears can go up and come back down again during the teething period. Just wait until your Frenchie has stopped teething — and this can be as old as 7 to 8 months — before you make any judgements. Their ears could be floppy, erect, and floppy again at during this time. The first thing I would do is ask the breeder if floppy ears is a hereditary thing. When should you be worried? If you fall into that category, when it the time to panic and take action? Not necessarily, but it might be wise to start the fix before this date… and here are some ways you can do so — most people will start the fixes at around 5 to 6 months. The ideas below are all ones that I have been found via social media and blog posts. All of the methods below should be used before you consider taping. You can start doing this from the age your puppy comes home to live with you from 8 weeks and on: 1. Consult with you vet first Assuming you have spoken to the breeder and ruled out any hereditary ear floppiness, you should talk with your vet first… before you even taking the online advice from a blog, even like mine! Get the vet to do a health check-up to see if there are any development issues. These can include bone spurts, arthritis and joint problems in a growing Frenchie puppy. Instead, give your puppy small amounts of foods such as cottage cheese or yogurt. These are said to encourage calcium growth in their ears. I have heard that this could be a myth though, so ask your vet. Add a cartilage encouraging supplement to their diet Some owners swear by a supplement called glucosamine. You can buy these tablets on Amazon , which are the number 1 supplement according to vets. Give them chew toys Chewing not only helps your Frenchie with teething but the physical act can also strengthen muscle essential for ear development. Dogs have a temporalis muscle at the top of their jaw and under their ear. Strong temporalis muscle helps ear to stand up… therefore, lots of chewing means a reduction in floppy ears. Handy Hint: Find out what chew toys I recommend for Frenchies with this selection of the best chewing toys on the market. I personally think Frenchies with floppy ears look cute, but, each to their own… people who have done this successfully have done so around the 5 to 6-month age. Other reasons for floppy ears Whilst most French Bulldog ears will become erect after the teething phases, there will be some cases where floppy ears, either as a pair or just one, will remain floppy after this point and will never fix. Your vet will be able to diagnose and explain more, but here are the reasons other than teething I found for floppy Frenchie ears: Genetics and breeding: There is a small market for Frenchies with floppy ears. Also known as French Bulldogs with rose ears, breeders will try to engineer puppies with ears that never stand up. This is what it means if you see Frenchies with rose ears for sale. Injury: Frenchie puppies are extremely energetic and can get themselves into various scrapes, some of which could be traumatic to the ears. An ear could get cut, squeezed, or suffer some form of trauma — this can often result in a French Bulldog with one floppy ear only. Frenchie puppies are born deaf with sealed shut ears. After 3 weeks, their ears will start to open. Frenchie ears will stand up between the ages of 5 to 15 weeks. Frenchies will stop teething at around 7 to 8 months. During this period ears can be floppy, up, down, and in varying orders! Frenchie ears should, in most cases, all stand up after 8 months at the latest. After a couple of weeks went back up and never done again. They are a living creature, not a show piece. Leave their ears alone and if one is a bit floppy, just embrace the difference as it will be part of their character! They were up and down as a puppy but eventually never went up again. We think he looks amazing though and love him to bits. She had her dog DNA tested and he had a slight bit of pug in him! They go back up with time. Like ourselves, dogs are not designed to be perfect, how saddening this topic is. Close share Copy link The French Bulldog is a lively, fun-loving, and intelligent breed, unlike the rest. In a way, you can refer to this cute little pet as a distant cousin of the English Bulldog. But the intriguing thing about the French Bulldogs ears is that they all don't look the same; while some may appear floppy, others may be pointing up. Curiously, this distinction or variation in the appearance of French Bulldog ears provides a source of concern for some Frenchie owners, especially those with floppy ears. Frenchie Shop interacted with some French Bulldog owners and gathered some of their points of concern and questions, most common among them, in order to provide some answers that may be soothing. Almost all French Bulldogs have floppy ears at birth. So, if you noticed that your French Bulldog puppy's ears are floppy you need not worry you wanted your cutie's ears to be pointing up like a bat's because it is not peculiar to you, that's how Frenchie's are born. There's no straight-jacket answer to this question. It may take a couple of weeks, and sometimes, you may start seeing the signs of it springing up within days. It would depend on the level and speed of development of each Frenchie. But ideally, your Frenchie's Ear should start standing at 7 weeks old. There's nothing wrong. When eventually your French Bulldog's ears start standing up, it is not all the time and all Frenchies that both ears rise up at the same time and at the same pace. You might notice that one ear is up and one is down. It could also happen that the following day, the one ear that was down the previous day could be standing up and the one standing up the previous day could go floppy. Sometimes both ears may start going up and in a day or two, both ears or one of them might go down. Also, one ear may be up weeks before the other even starts to show any sign of rising up. The French Bulldog ears do all sorts of wonky things. As a matter of fact, you should see the tricky rise and fall as an entertaining and interesting process. It is actually entertaining and interesting, and not worrisome. There's no cause for alarm. One thing you must know is that each puppy is on his or her own time table, even puppies from the same litter. Some puppy's ear may be perfectly erect at their 4th week while some may take up to 10 weeks. Like I said earlier, at the 7th week, your puppy's ears should already have started showing signs of rising up. If you noticed this, it is better to let the ears stand on their own. But, if at that time you haven't noticed any such sign, there are ways you can help your Puppy's ears to stand up. Use the following techniques: 1. Tape each ear individually with 1. Make sure the ear is kept flat while taping to avoid a wrinkled-looking ear base. Orient ears to the top where they would normally stand erect. Once in the erect position of 11 and 1 O'Clock, tape a connecting bridge from one ear to the other. Leave tape in place for between four to five days, then make a small cut at the base of the tape and gently peel off to remove the tape. We hope these few answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about French Bulldog ears are helpful to you and will help you achieve the perfect ear shape that you want for your French Bulldog. You are most welcome to share with us your experience while your Frenchie's ears were beginning to stand, or what challenges you are facing at the moment with them. Bred to be companion dogs, French bulldogs were also used to hunt rats in Europe before becoming extremely popular there as pets. One of the most noticeable traits of the French bullie has to be their ears. If you own a French bulldog or just adopted a French bullie pup, you probably have a few questions and maybe even concerns about their ears. Occasionally, however, this might not happen until they reach seven or eight months of age. More specifically, it has to do with the calcium that their tiny little bodies are using to make their new teeth. Until they are finished teething, their ears might remain floppy, might perk up and then go back down, and might perk up and stay up, and all due to their body using their calcium supply. Is it One Ear or Both? Usually, this will work itself out over time and both ears will perk up. The truth is, for the first few months of their little doggy lives, French bulldogs are going through a lot of changes and their ears are sort of like a barometer of those changes. One might perk up, then flop back down again while the other perks up and vice versa. In nearly all cases this is simply a natural response to the changes happening in their body. As we mentioned, most French bulldog puppies are born with ears that lay down on the side of their face. By the time they reach adulthood, most Frenchies have two perky ears that stand at attention. The answer to this question would be no. They will still be loveable, kind, and loyal companions. Interestingly, when a French bulldog has ears that stand up at attention, they are more susceptible to infections and other ear problems. Most of the ear problems that you will encounter with your French bulldog are caused by infections due to things like pollen, dirt, and debris, as we mentioned above. Typically, the best way to try and help their ears to stand up is to tape them. There are no real costs to try this except for the cost of some masking tape. Below are step-by-step instructions for taping their ears to try and get them to stand up straight. Be sure to keep each ear oriented in the position that they would normally be if they stood straight up. After the fifth day, carefully remove the masking tape. You also might be one of the lucky French bulldog owners who have a Frenchie with one ear that stands up straight and one ear that flops. This is also completely normal and, in our opinion, makes them even more adorable. One thing to note, however, is that there is no scientific evidence showing that giving your Frenchy cheese or other dairy products will help their ears to stand up or not. It makes sense if you think about it because dairy products contain high amounts of calcium. But, again, no studies have been done showing conclusively if giving them dairy products like cheese works or not. As we mentioned, French bulldogs sometimes have problems with their ears because they stand up straight. To reduce the number of infections and other problems their ears might have, you should clean them once a week. A gentle ear cleaning product or witch hazel can be used along with some unscented baby wipes or doggy cleaning wipes. You can use a cotton ball soaked in the cleaning product you choose, or a wipe. Then, lightly clean the top, front, and side of their ears, avoiding the ear canal. Closing Thoughts cNine out of 10 French bulldogs will have the perky, stand-at-attention ears that many people love. One out of 10 might have one stand up ear and one floppy ear, or they might have two floppy ears. Both of these scenarios are perfectly normal and, in our humble opinion, makes them even more special. Here are some of my favorite Dog and Bulldog Products Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful for your dog and bulldog questions. These are affiliate links, and I am compensated for referring traffic. But in all honesty, these are the exact product that I use or recommend to everyone. Food For Bulldogs: Royal Canin Bulldog was the dog food our breeder recommended for our bulldog with a bit of canned pumpkin added for each meal to give a bit of extra fiber Poo Bags: For poo bags we use Greener Walker poop bags. We have used them for over a year without having a single leak. Also, these bags are made to be friendlier for the environment. They are good for sensitive skin which bulldogs are known to have. I love this dog bed because it has an outer liner which can be replaced if it gets too beat up. To see all our most up-to-date product recommendations , check out this resource that I made for you! A common fear and concern for new Frenchie owners is wondering if their Frenchie is destined to have floppy ears or only one ear that is erect. Their ears do all kinds of wonky things in the teething stage. For example, one ear might be up and one might be down, then the next day opposite ears will stand and lay down. One or two ears might start going up, and then the next day they both might be down. One ear may be up weeks before the other ear stands up. Also, when they do start standing up they are often not completely erect they look more like airplane wings. Each puppy is on his or her own time table, even puppies from the same litter. We have had several puppies with perfectly erect ears at 4 weeks old and other puppies which have taken 10 weeks or longer for their ears to stand up perfectly straight. Usually, if the ears are going to go up on their own without help, you will see signs that they are starting to go up by about 7 weeks. In these cases, it is normally best to just let them go up on their own. In these cases, it is necessary to train the ears for 3 to 5 days by taping them as explained below. Occasionally, with particularly stubborn ears, it will be necessary to tape them up a couple of times, or possibly even more. As mentioned, the majority of the time they are up on their own between 4 — 10 weeks, but if they are showing no signs of going up on their own at 8 weeks, it is time to consider giving them a little help. The best way we have found to tape the ears is to start by taping each ear individually with 1. Start by tearing off a small piece of tape just long enough to loosely wrap around the ear one time front and back towards the base of the ear. Make sure that the ear is kept flat when wrapped or when you take the tape off you will see the folds where the ear was bent and crinkled. Do the exact same thing on the other ear. The pictures below show only one wrap of tape on the lower ear, but we have found from experience that it is better to put at least two wraps of tape on each ear so that they are taped from the extreme base to the extreme tip to provide the best support. Then tape a bridge from one ear to the other. Do so by tearing off a piece of tape that is just long enough to reach from the outer side of one ear to the outer side of the other. Do this on the front and back sides to provide more support and so that the sticky sides of the tape are stuck together. Hopefully the pictures will help give you a better idea. Leave the tape in place for several days generally no more than 5 and then gently remove it we usually use scissors to cut the tape on the underside of the ear and then gently peal it off. If the ears were close to being ready to stand up on their own they should stay up indefinitely. Occasionally, they will need to be re-taped a day or two later, and very rarely a third time. But, with patience and perseverance, you will be rewarded with beautiful, erect Frenchie ears.

Females are about 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh about 55 to 65 pounds 25 to 29 kilograms. The golden retriever has a water-repellent coat that is wavy or flat and gold to cream in color. One of the most attractive features of this breed is the feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, underside and tail. The dog's head is strong and broad. The ears are not very large, but they sit high on the head and hang just below the jaw line. The chest is deep, and the body is well balanced. Golden retrievers live about 10 to 13 years. Personality: The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. These dogs are eager to please, which probably explains why they respond so well to obedience training and are such popular service dogs. They also like to work, whether it involves hunting birds or fetching their guardian's slippers. .Golden retrievers are not often barkers, and they lack guard instincts, so do not count on them to make good watchdogs. However, some golden retrievers will let you know when strangers are approaching. Living With: This breed likes to be active. Remember, golden retrievers are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. If exercise is provided daily, golden retrievers can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment. Golden retrievers are considered average shedders. Brushing about once weekly will keep the coat looking nice. History: In , the golden retriever was the second most popular AKC breed. This ranking is no surprise, because the dog has many qualities that make for a perfect family pet. The golden retriever's roots are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain, however. The golden retriever was bred to be a bird dog, particularly for hunting water fowl, and the breed resulted from crossing a number of other breeds thought to include spaniels, setters, and the Newfoundland but not the Newfoundland we know today , and perhaps even a bloodhound. The combination created a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. Today, golden retrievers are not only good bird dogs and family pets; they also are popular as service dogs for the blind and disabled, and as search and rescue dogs and contraband detection dogs. Few dogs can claim this breed's versatility. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. 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. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Join them outside for playtime to help them burn off their endless puppy-like energy. Ideal Environment Golden Retrievers adapt easily and can thrive just as well on a sprawling farm as in a congested city, so long as there are plenty of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. Remember, they have a natural instinct to retrieve, so offer them many positive outlets for that behavior. Back to Top Golden Retriever Health Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but the Golden Retriever lifespan can vary greatly depending on many variables, such as weight, fitness level, and illness. Some dogs can live to 14 without issue, while others can develop health problems well before that. The best thing you can do is follow preventative health protocols and know what those potential health problems are, so you can recognize and treat the signs quickly. Cancer: The biggest health issue for Goldens is cancer. According to a study conducted by the Golden Retriever Club of America, cancer was identified as a cause of death in .If your pup has cancer, your vet can help you determine the best course of action to treat your pup. Ear Infections: Those adorable floppy ears? They can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Clean those cute ears regularly with a non-irritating solution like Epi-Otic to prevent ear infections. If your pup develops a skin infection, contact your veterinarian. Hip Dysplasia: Roughly 8. Check with your veterinarian for the best treatment options if your Golden suffers from this condition. Heart Conditions: They are also prone to certain heart conditions, like subaortic stenosis , which is a narrowing of the area just below the aortic valve the valve where blood leaves the heart and travels to the rest of the body. This can sometimes be detected as an audible murmur during a veterinarian exam. Your veterinarian will determine the best treatment. Marjoribanks selectively bred different dog breeds to create an energetic pup who could retrieve objects from the water and on land. He eventually developed a retriever with speed, agility and loyalty. Goldens began arriving in the United States in the early s and gained recognition from the AKC in .Now, many organizations are dedicated to the breed, such as the Golden Retriever Club of America. So, where is the best place to find Golden Retriever puppies today? When selecting a breeder, make sure they screen their dogs for health and temperament issues. You can also reach out to Golden Retriever rescues to adopt a Golden, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. Are Golden Retrievers Labradors? Goldens were originally bred in Scotland, while Labradors were bred in Newfoundland. Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? However, there can be exceptions if they were poorly socialized or abused by a previous owner. Like any dog, they can be territorial over food or high-value toys. What are the different types of Golden Retrievers? All Golden Retrievers are simply Golden Retrievers, and variations in color and body composition are results of breeding for specific traits. As mentioned above, dogs who are bred for field work might be redder and leaner than those bred for the show ring, but beyond that there is little difference in types. What are the most common Golden Retriever mixes? These are the most popular names among Chewy customers who have Goldens. For more name inspiration, check out our dog name guide. Sure, they need a lot of exercise, attention, and daily brushing to be at their happiest and give them the best chance of living well into their senior years. Female Names. Golden Retriever Personality and Traits Posted on June 22, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden retrievers consistently rank within the top ten most popular dog breeds for a good reason! These dogs have become a hallmark of American families, along with white picket fences and warm apple pies. Goldens have a wide reputation for being affectionate, gentle, and intelligent pets. There are an estimated , breed-registered golden retrievers in America alone! Are you thinking about adding a golden retriever to your family? Wondering what to expect from the golden retriever personality? Keep reading to learn more about these beautiful, loyal dogs and their lovable characteristics! In general, golden retrievers are very sweet, friendly dogs. These are the common characteristics found in the golden retriever breed, but your dog will be unique! Golden Temperament The golden retriever temperament is generally very friendly, relaxed, and even-keeled. Goldens are eager to please and easily entertained. Golden retrievers are not an aggressive breed. Although they can be police dogs or personal security dogs, they are not the best breed for providing physical protection. Golden retrievers are very loyal but not strongly defensive. Goldens are often trained as therapy dogs and support animals because they have sweet, gentle personalities! Many goldens work with first responders to comfort victims of traumatic events. Because they are patient and tolerant, golden retrievers are great dogs to keep around children and people with disabilities. Minimal Barking When you own any kind of dog, some barking is inevitable, but barking will vary between breeds. Golden retrievers will bark, but they are not a breed prone to incessant barking. If you have a golden retriever, your dog will not likely wake you up by barking at night. High Energy Levels Golden retrievers are not a lazy breed. Golden retrievers are incredibly intelligent, so engaging with them mentally and physically every day is essential. You will need to exercise your golden daily by going for walks and playing with toys. Goldens also enjoy playing with mind puzzles and treat games! If they do not have a healthy outlet for excess energy, golden retrievers can be destructive or annoying to their owners. Unless you can commit to exercising your dog every hours, golden retrievers will not make good apartment pets. Easy Trainability Put all that high energy to good use! Golden Retrievers can be easy to train. When they are adequately trained, golden retrievers can be incredibly hard-working dogs. They are frequently trained to be service and support dogs. Because they are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, golden retrievers are relatively easy to train. Like most dogs, golden retrievers will see the best training results if they are trained from a young age. Your golden may have specific motivations, but this breed is relatively easy to encourage with treats, affection, and playtime. Sometimes babies and young children can be stressful for dogs, pulling their hair, grabbing their ears, and shouting their names. Not all dogs are up to the task of babysitting, but golden retrievers make excellent family pets. Kids and golden retrievers will enjoy playing outside together for hours. Their high energy and intelligence make them the perfect companions for playing fetch and tug-of-war! Teach children how to approach a dog with kindness. Any dog can react negatively when they are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Cooperative Companions Because of their easygoing and friendly demeanor, golden retrievers are also well-behaved around other family pets. They are not likely to display aggression towards other dogs in the home and are not prone to tormenting housecats. Golden retrievers may actually benefit from the company of other animals. Having another dog or even a cat! Goldens are usually very easy to take into public spaces as well. They are obedient when walking on the leash and quite friendly towards strangers. Of course, every dog is unique! If your dog displays aggression or unease around other dogs in public, practice safe dog-walking habits and avoid dog parks. Golden Retriever Breed History The history and breeding of golden retrievers play a lot into their modern-day personalities. Golden retrievers originated in Scotland in the mid to late 19th century, making them a relatively new breed! The natural landscape of Scotland is wet in many places, and hunters had trouble retrieving wildfowl from dense marshy areas. Standard hunting dogs at the time were not very well equipped for finding and returning wild game. Thus, the hunting dogs were bred with tweed water spaniels to make them more adept in marshlands. Although water spaniels have wavy black coats, some of the puppies were born with distinct yellow coats. These dogs became known as golden retrievers! Today, their lovable personalities have made them one of the most adored dog breeds in America. Physical Characteristics Golden retriever characteristics are easily recognizable. Goldens are medium-to-large-sized dogs with distinct wavy coats and floppy, triangular ears. Golden retrievers can be cream-colored, light golden, or dark golden. Because their lips are quite relaxed, they can have some tendency to drool. They love to show affection with big, sloppy kisses! Strong Sense of Smell Golden retrievers have incredibly keen senses of smell. Historically, they would use their strong noses to locate game in the marshy hunting grounds of Scotland. Today, they are sometimes trained as drug-detection and travel security dogs. Golden retrievers love to play games of hide-and-seek with treats. These dogs have slick, water-shedding coats inherited from their water spaniel ancestors. Their double-layered fur keeps water from penetrating down to bare skin! Golden Retriever Care Tips Golden retrievers are a friendly, easygoing breed, but they do require some special treatment from their owners. Many people know that these dogs eat ravenously, drink a lot of water, and require special coat care , but their unique personalities deserve attention too. Here are a few essential takeaways for taking care of your golden pal. Exercise Your Dog Often Golden retrievers are an active, extroverted breed. They do not deal well with feeling cooped indoors for hours at a time. Invest in Early Training Golden retrievers are an intelligent breed, but their energy can be misdirected if untrained. Consistent, early training will keep your dog from destroying your house and annoying your family. Keep treats nearby to reward your dog for obedient behavior! They love to travel , explore, and learn new things. Make sure your dog can find space when needed, and teach children how to interact appropriately with pets. Golden Opportunity The golden retriever personality is legendary for a reason. This breed is affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and endlessly friendly. Are you determined to adopt after reading this golden retriever guide? All of our puppies have certified genetics and are sourced from local, loving breeders. Ready to meet your new best friend? Check out our available puppies! Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Aside from forcing you to get more active, having a canine friend can reduce stress for people of all ages. For starters, vaccinations start at weeks old and should be spaced out every two weeks. Golden retrievers have a reputation for being some of the best dog breeds for families. Are you looking to bring home a golden retriever puppy? Read on for an in-depth golden retriever guide to prepare you for your new best friend for life. Are Golden Retrievers Good Dogs? Of course, all dogs are the best boys and girls and deserve all the belly rubs in the world! However, when people ask if a golden retriever is a good dog, they want to know if the breed is a good fit for them. Some dogs also require extensive maintenance and can be too much for a beginner dog handler. For people wanting to make sure a golden is good for their lifestyle, the quick answer is yes. Golden retrievers are an all-around versatile breed for all kinds of people and are the best dogs you could ask for. Golden retrievers are amazing with kids and make for great family dogs. Goldens are a gentle bunch, and their intelligence and patience are often under-appreciated. They can handle household noise and curious toddlers with the patience of a saint. As a breed, they are well known for their loving, patient, gentle, and fun-loving nature. This is largely a result of upbringing and conditioning, as any dog can become aggressive if mistreated. If you want a friendly golden retriever, do your part and give them the love and care they need. Golden Retrievers Are Affectionate Goldens are affectionate and are sure to get along with any dog or person they meet. This is why you often see them excelling as therapy, comfort, and emotional support dogs. Golden Retrievers Have Wonderful Personalities There is nothing to not like about the personalities of this breed. They love to have fun, but they also like going with the flow. Given their history as hunting dogs, golden retrievers are curious and will go often go exploring if you let them. They also have plenty of courage and work ethic, making them great working dogs. Golden retrievers will always want to greet strangers and sneak a chance at some playtime. This makes them a poor choice to defend your home, as they might befriend the intruder instead. If you want a guard dog, a golden retriever may fall short of its responsibilities. They Can Be Mischievous This one should be obvious for anyone scrolling social media. Goldens have a penchant for tomfoolery and mischief, which can often be hilarious. Golden retriever puppies are particularly notorious for this. Part of this stems from their natural curiosity but also their relaxed and loving nature. While temperament is often a genetic arch-type and can differ from dog to dog, most of it is solid. This is a huge factor for families with multiple dogs or a cat. They May Have Trouble Behaving in Public Because goldens are so friendly, they sometimes have trouble behaving in public. Their temperament naturally pulls them toward new potential friends. You can work on these through socialization and by going slow. Take them to less crowded or busy places first, and work your way up until they get the hang of it. Keep an eye out for body language and physical contact. As we said, some of this comes built in, but you also have to work on it. There are two major things you need to do. If you want to ensure your golden has that loveable personality, start socializing them at a young age. Training is a must, and golden retrievers are usually eager to please. It also helps to get a puppy from a reputable breeder, not from any pet store or puppy mill. At My Golden Retriever Puppies , we breed and raise our puppies with the love and attention they deserve. Golden Retriever Traits Aside from personality and temperament, goldens have great traits. These include their trainability, intelligence, and energy levels. It also includes behaviors to watch out for, like chewing. For a quick dive, keep reading. Golden Retrievers Are Smart Golden retrievers are much more intelligent than people give them credit for. A great example is how the police love using them as sniffers and tracking dogs. As long as you put in the work, your golden will be able to flex its stuff. This has a lot to do with their intelligence and obedient and loving personality. Golden Retrievers Need Exercise Despite being pretty flexible with their energy levels, Goldens still need to exercise. Examples of this include frequent zoomies around the house or getting into messes. They Can Be Chewers Goldens can be chewers, and this stems from adolescence. Teething golden puppies will chew anything they can get their hands on. A great way to handle this is training and exercise. Goldens need stimulation. Playing tug of war or fetch is a great way to address that bad chewing habit. They are cute and smart, easy to train and grow up to be fantastic family dogs. Visit us today to bring the newest addition to your family home. A golden retriever is happy, loyal, affectionate, non-aggressive, and almost always friendly. They get along with almost everyone, including kids, strangers, and other animals. Do Golden Retrievers Bark a lot? For example, your puppy may boop things with their nose or use their paws to communicate. Are Golden Retrievers Well Behaved? Golden retrievers are some of the most well-behaved dogs out there. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful? Pin it Pin on Pinterest Golden Retrievers are considered to be some of the most lovable and gentlest types of dogs in the world. Because of this, they are a popular breed for many homeowners to add to their family. However, while these bundles of joy are a great addition to the family, they come with a few needs, especially if you plan to get Golden Retriever puppies. It is believed that Tweedmouth bought a yellow-coated retriever from a litter of mainly black retrievers. He then bred the retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel which eventually produced four yellow puppies. Eventually, the breed came to have the characteristic it is known for today, such as a bright yellow cup and long wavy coat. Golden Retriever puppies will eventually grow to be very large dogs, although how big depends on their gender. Males will grow to be anywhere near 23 to 23 inches tall and weigh about 60 to 75 lbs. Females will grow to be about 22 inches tall and weigh about lbs. Puppies will usually reach their full height and weight after a year. Types of Golden Retrievers Believe it or not, there are three different types of Golden Retrievers which range based on fur color and breed type. Fur can range from golden, light golden, and dark golden. The three types this breed comes in include American, Canadian, and English. So, how do you tell the difference between the types? An American Golden Retriever will look like your average Golden Retriever with a thin body and golden to dark golden coat. On the other hand, a Canadian Golden Retriever will have a thinner coat compared to the American version, although they will usually have the same fur color. An English Golden Retriever is a bit stockier compared to the other two and their coat tends to be very light in color. They are Affectionate These dogs are considered to be one of the most affectionate types in the world. They are very calm and enjoy sitting and being around people. They are also very patient and will gently play around with you because they want to be around you. These dogs also enjoy cuddling. They are Eager to Please Golden Retrievers want to be your best friend, and because of this, they will almost anything to please you. This can range from bringing you things to trying to be around you often. This makes them the perfect breed to consider if you want a faithful companion. They are Gentle While they might be big dogs, Golden Retrievers are very gentle, even when playing. Because of this, they are perfect to keep around children. They are Playful Golden Retrievers are very happy dogs and love to play. For those who want a dog to stay active with them, this breed is ideal to consider because of this. However, despite being playful, they also know when to stop because they want to please you. When they see that you are upset or sense they are causing pain , they will stop and calm down. Keep in mind though that this might be a little harder for puppies to understand as they are happy to play. The older the dog gets, the more relaxed they become. Food for Golden Retriever Puppies Golden Retriever puppies have a strict diet that needs to be followed so they stay healthy and grow. While there are some pre-made food products you can buy for them, you can also add some other healthy food options like vegetables for dogs to their meals. Carrots While carrots should be given in moderation due to their sugar content, they have many benefits. This includes keeping their teeth clean, improving their digestive system, and are high in Vitamin A which helps their immune system. When giving carrots to a puppy Golden Retriever, you should ideally grate them or cook them and mash them up. Green Beans Green beans can be given to dogs raw, cooked, or steamed. However, they need to be plain and without any type of seasonings. Sweet Potatoes Dogs tend to love sweet potatoes which is good as they are filled with fiber and can help their digestive system stay healthy. They also contain beta-carotene which is a rich antioxidant which helps to improve their skin. You can mash this small fruit up or give it to your dog whole. Bananas Bananas contain Vitamin K and potassium which can help with skin issues your dog might be having. However, keep in mind that they should only be given occasionally as they are high in fiber which can result in diarrhea. Pumpkin Pumpkins are a healthy sweet treat to give your retriever puppy thanks to its fiber content, high water content, and impressive levels of antioxidants. This supplement can also help to reduce inflammation in their body and keep their coat shiny. Check the Fillers Many dog foods contain fillers, used to cut down production costs, like corn and rice flour. Some fillers are used to provide extra volume and vitamins. This means that your dog might be getting some benefits from eating it, they are also eating fillers and other animal by-products which are generally not good for them. This can help to prevent them from getting medical conditions such as arthritis. While calcium is important, too much of it can also lead to problems like kidney disease and even some types of cancer. Retriever puppies usually need to eat about three times per day to ensure they get enough vitamins and nutrients for their body. Keep in mind that because these dogs love to eat, it could end up leading to obesity. This could end up causing health problems down the road, such as heart disease and painful joints. Below are some important things to consider. By doing so, it can make your training a bit easier. Some things to start teaching your puppy are potty training, basic commands like sit , and stopping leash tugging. These might take some time to do, but they are very simple. After doing so, let them sniff the treat and then bring the treat up over their head. This will cause them to sit down. Keep doing this process until your puppy is able to do it without needing the treat. When they indicate they need to go outside to use the bathroom, reward them. Eventually, they will learn the right behavior to use because of this. Make Sure to Stop Leash Tugging Most Golden Retriever puppies do not like leashes and will tend to pull in their leash to try to get out of them. If not stopped, this can lead to it making it difficult for you to walk your dog down the road. To help with this, you can use a harness and fixed-length leash. The harness will wrap around the front section of their body which will let them walk around, but help you to maintain control over where they go. A fixed-length leash will also help to keep your puppy in one place as it will only give them a certain distance they can go. When they start to pull on the leash, they will only be able to go as far as you have set the length to be. Eventually, they will get tired of the strain on their body when trying to pull away which can stop leash tugging. Many dog trainers also recommend tiring your dog out before they walk. This can include letting them play and run around for a few minutes. This can help them to stay calm when walking which can result in less leash tugging. Golden Retrievers are considered bird dogs, so they need to move around and stay active to get their energy out and to stay happy. You can let them run around in a dog park or take them for a swim, something which they tend to love doing. This can help to keep their coat smooth and healthy while removing any dirt or particles from their fur. On the other hand, you could also take your puppy to a groomer who will bathe your dog and give them a haircut. However, this might be a little expensive. Be Sure to Brush Them In addition to giving them baths and haircuts, you also need to make sure to brush them daily. This will help to remove excess fur and any other particles that might be in their coat. Otherwise, they will get very itchy and could end up shedding even more on furniture and floors. Carefully Consider Spaying and Neutering Your Puppy Golden Retrievers will have a little more issues when it comes to spaying and neutering. In fact, some vets have found that neutering Golden Retrievers could end up causing them to have joint pain or even cancer down the road. Because of this, some vets recommend that you consider using other means of preventing breeding. Because of this, they could end up chewing electrical cords, getting caught in window cords, or sniff household cleaners which could contain harmful chemicals. Give Them Things to Chew These dogs love to chew, something which many pet owners are surprised to find. You could also consider giving them a puzzle toy which can help to keep their brain active and healthy. However, how do you know which breeder is best to buy from? You can tell by keeping a few things in mind. One to look for is a contract that they will write up. This will tell of important things both the breeder and the buyer need to know. This way, you can tell that they are serious about the work and intend to provide you with healthy puppies. You should also make sure that the breeder has health certifications. Another thing to consider is the history of the breeder. Do many recommend them? Do they have years of experience? You should also consider looking at Golden Retriever puppies for adoption who might be at your local animal shelter. Adoption can also help to provide these puppies with a happy home rather than have to stay in a depressing kennel. Golden Retriever puppies are great dogs to have, but they have certain needs that need to be followed. For instance, they require plenty of exercise and a healthy diet. However, this will help them to stay healthy and give you many years together of fun adventures. This is one of the finest family dogs in the world: cheerful, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any mistakes made by inexperienced owners. Give this breed two brisk walks each day, play fetch games, and take him out for a good run once a week, and he is adaptable to almost any lifestyle. Friendly with everyone strangers, children, dogs, cats, smaller pets , his bark is welcoming rather than protective. You must control his tendency to chew on objects and to mouth your hands -- provide a box filled with toys so he can carry things around in his mouth. A Golden Retriever remains enthusiastically puppy-like for many years, so early obedience training is required to instill calmness and good manners. Eager to please and wonderfully responsive, he is nonetheless distracted by exciting sights and sounds, so you must be both patient and persistent. The mind and heart of a Golden is sweet and gentle, but his body is robust -- until he's taught not to pull on the leash, you'll need good biceps to walk him. If you want a dog who.Is large, athletic, and natural-looking Has a pretty feathered coat Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Is peaceful with other animals Is eager to please and very responsive to training A Golden Retriever may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Providing a goodly amount of exercise Exuberant jumping, especially when young Mouthiness -- chewing on things, carrying things around Regular brushing and combing to avoid mats and tangles Heavy shedding Concerns about a multitude of serious health problems A Golden Retriever may not be right for you. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Golden Retrievers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. High energy when young. Young Golden Retrievers up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. They don't mean any harm but things can go flying — including people who are not steady on their feet. If you have toddlers, or if you or anyone who lives with you is infirm, consider adopting an adult Golden Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a wonderfully settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers were developed to be hunting dogs, which mean they are athletic and smart dogs. They need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. You can't just let them in and out of the back yard and think that qualifies! They will become bored — which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. You can control your Golden Retriever's bounciness AND keep him mentally stimulated by enrolling him in ongoing agility classes an obstacle course for dogs. Also follow the training program in my book Teach Your Dog English Words , which includes lots of fun exercises for your Golden. Shedding and doggy odor. Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders — you need to be okay with this reality. You'll find a lot of hair on your clothing and furniture. Golden Retrievers also have a noticeable doggy odor and produce a lot of dander. Not the breed for anyone with any type of allergies! Some Golden Retrievers have a medium-length coat that's not difficult to groom, while others have a heavier coat with lots of feathering. These latter dogs need regular grooming to comb out tangles before they become painful mats. Goldens also need occasional clippering and scissoring, especially around their "bathroom parts" in order for those to remain sanitary. Serious health problems. Unfortunately, the Golden Retriever has lots and lots of potential health problems. Many Goldens do live to 12 or 13 years old, but they're not necessarily healthy during those years; chronic health issues can really take their toll. Many other Goldens are lost at age 6 or 7 or 8, to crippling joint and bone diseases, heart disease, epilepsy, or cancer. Golden Retrievers should not be fed a kibble diet, as this can cause or worsen skin disorders and allergies, which are all too common. I recommend feeding a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables and absolutely no grain. Read more about Golden Retriever Health. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy.

Articles Labrador Retrievers currently sit on the top of the list of the most popular dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club. With such high demand for this awesome dog breed, mixed breeds getting passed off as the real deal by shady breeders are somewhat inevitable. The best way to tell a purebred Lab apart from a mixed Lab is through analyzing their appearance and their behavior. Genetic testing should also help out with a more accurate analysis. However, the appearance and behavior analysis are the more easily accessible and more affordable options. Here is more about these features and how they can help you identify a purebred Labrador. Natural Instinct: Retrieval Image from PetMeds Another natural instinct that should help you pick out a purebred Labrador Retriever is their inclination towards activities that include retrieval. They will enjoy games like catch and fetch that allow them to chase and retriever objects. They also have a very gentle bite which you will notice in the durability of their chew toys as well as balls you use for games like fetch. However, this clue may not be very useful if the Labrador is mixed with another retriever like the Golden Retriever. This is due to their history of use as retrievers which includes retrieving prey from large water bodies like rivers and lakes. These purebred Labs will instinctively gravitate towards activities that allow them to relieve the glorious past of their ancestors. This could be the dog sneaking a swim in your pool or having just a bit too much fun splashing about in a puddle of water. Their tasks included retrieving waterfowl in which case their water-resistant coats came in very handy. When mixed with other dog breeds, there is the possibility that the resulting mixed breed Labrador will not have this characteristic water-resistant coat. This makes it very difficult for the mixed lab to enjoy time swimming or playing in larger pools of water as the fur gets wet and heavy. Appearance: Markings Image from Instagram: teamchocolateboys For the most part, purebred Labradors have uniform coats with no markings. If the white markings extend past this point or the Labrador has other markings like black or tan patches, there is a good chance that the Lab is a mixed breed. The tan markings are a common appearance when Labs are mixed with breeds like German Shepherds or Rottweilers. The breed does not vary very much so any Lab that is too small or too large is most likely a mixed breed. These are different between males and females. Purebred males measure between 22 to .Female Labradors are typically smaller with a height range of .Appearance: Weight Range Image from Instagram: goldadorgals The build and weight ranges of the Labrador could also point to whether it is purebred or mixed. Purebred Labradors have a proportional build with a wide chest that narrows towards the back. In terms of weight, the ranges differ between male and female Labs. Male Labradors weight from 65 to 80 lbs while the smaller females can weigh between 55 and 70 lbs. If the Labrador is smaller than this, they may be a miniature version bred from runts. However, they are more often than not a result of mixing with a smaller dog breed. If the Lab is much larger than this range, it is almost definitely a mix. Appearance: Tail Structure Image from Instagram: hukbakchu The tail is often forgotten as a marker for breeding but it is actually one of the best ways to tell purebred Labs apart from mixed doggies. The tail on a pure Labrador Retriever is thick, straight, and of medium length. It is unique in that it tapers with the thickest point at the base and the narrowest at the tip. The tail is covered by a thick coat that should be of the same length as the rest of the coat. Any long fur or feathering is a sign of possible mixed breeding. Appearance: Nose Color Image from Instagram: amandaandfuriends The nose color that a purebred Labrador has depends on their coat color. Typically, black Labradors will have a black nose and chocolate Labradors have dark brown noses. The Yellow Labrador variety is the exception with some having black noses while others have light brown noses. The Labrador may also have a pink nose. These Labradors lack the pigmentation necessary for different nose colors. They are known as Dudley Labrador Retrievers. The rim will be black in yellow Labs and in black Labs. With purebred chocolate Labrador Retrievers, the color of the eye rim will be a shade of chocolate brown similar to the coat and nose. If the Labrador has eye rims without any pigmentation or any other color other than black or chocolate, you may have reason to suspect that it is a mixed Lab. Those on purebred Labs are large but in a proportional way compared to the skull. They are set far apart just slightly above the eyeline. Labradors with excessively large or erect ears are most likely mixed with a dog breed that has those ear characteristics. Appearance: Coat Length Image from Instagram: studlystetson Labrador Retrievers of purebred origin should have a short coat. This coat has 2 layers and is very dense. The fur around the neck may be slightly longer than that on other parts of the coat. The fur itself is typically straight. However, some slight waviness is acceptable according to AKC breed standards. It should also be slightly coarse to the touch. If the Labrador has either long, smooth hair or both, it is likely a mix with other similar breeds like the Golden Retriever. These are the black, chocolate, and yellow Labradors. The intensity and shade of the yellow and the black Labradors may vary with some being darker or lighter than others. Some of the common colors you may get in mixed Labradors include copper brown and white. The best way to know if your Labrador is English or American is by comparing features like head shape and body build to the standards for each of the two variations. English Labs have a stockier build with a wide chest, a wide skull, and a shorter skull. American Labs tend to be leaner and have a narrower chest and skull as well as a long snout. Why Are Labs So Needy? Labradors are social dogs that have a long history of living and working in very close proximity to humans. They are therefore happiest when they are around their human companions. Lack of this contact and proximity will trigger needy tantrums and could even cause separation anxiety for the Labrador Retriever. The smallest breed variation of the Labrador is the Miniature Labrador Retriever. They are bred by pairing runts in Labrador litters for their smaller size. This is why mini-Labs are often very sickly. The sizes vary greatly depending on the parents but they are always below the weight and height ranges of regular Labradors. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 44, times. Learn more.Labrador Retrievers are working dogs, and members of the sporting group. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. This wikiHow will provide you with some information on identifying whether or not a dog is a Labrador Retriever. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Labrador Retrievers, on average, are medium-sized dogs. Male Labrador Retrievers are generally anywhere from .Go to source It will generally reach this height between the ages of 6 and 12 months, but it may continue growing until it reaches the age of 2. The eyes are medium-sized, relatively far apart, and their color varies, depending on the type of Labrador Retriever. Black and Yellow Labrador Retrievers usually have brown eyes with a black eye rim, where as Chocolate Labrador Retrievers will usually have either brown or hazel eyes, with a brown eye rim. Black or Yellow Labrador Retrievers will generally have black noses, whereas Chocolate Labrador Retrievers will usually have a brown nose. This is regarded as one of the identifying characteristics of the dog, due to its structure. The tail is thick at the bottom, and gradually gets thinner towards its tip. Go to source Tails of Labrador Retrievers are not docked. Go to source The American Labrador Retriever will generally have a longer, thinner neck, as well as a more narrow head. It also has a weather-resistant soft undercoat which you likely cannot see , giving it protection from all types of weather. Both of these things are typical of Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers tend to shed more frequently than other dogs, particularly during two or three weeks in the spring. Labrador Retrievers are perhaps most well-known for being very friendly and affectionate, and this is one of the things that makes them a great choice for a family pet. Go to source Though an English Labrador Retriever will most definitely still have quite a bit of energy, American Labrador Retrievers will generally have more. Go to source Some labs love tug-of war if you give them something worthwhile - but each dog is different. Mouthing is basically when the dog chews lightly on something, sometimes your hands, or long sleeves. Be sure that you give your dog plenty of toys to help lessen the occurrence of this. Labrador retrievers generally love to eat a lot of food, and they are more prone to becoming overweight because of this. Are you worried about the growing prevalence of designer dogs? As a dog parent, you want to be as well-informed as possible about your new family member. With this information, you can be confident that the Labrador puppy is purebred. Visual Assessment The most obvious way to identify a purebred Lab is by looking at its physical characteristics. The American Kennel Club establishes those standards. A black Labrador must be completely black, while a chocolate Lab should be anywhere from light brown to dark chocolate brown. A wider range of colors is allowed for yellow labs, from very pale cream to fox red. Thus they are less likely to be disqualified. Do purebred Labrador retrievers have white markings? Small white spots on the coat are still permitted. Unfortunately, a fully grown Labrador with brindles, color markings, or color panels is ineligible. Male Labs should weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, with female Labs weighing slightly less at 55 to 70 pounds. Their muzzle should be long, wide, and deep with a slightly set-back nose. The top of the muzzle should be straight or gently arched. However, this color does not last into adulthood. The noses of yellow and black Labradors are typically black, whereas those of chocolate Labradors are often brown. Dudley Labradors are the only dogs in the breed to keep their pink noses into old age. It has an oily outer layer to protect the pup from water and cold temperatures and a soft, wooly undercoat that helps to trap body heat. Their dark, pure lustrous black fur coats make them so gorgeous and appealing to all dog lovers. However, not all Labrador retrievers belong to the black variety. Some of the mutts had white patches on their black fur because of a gene disruption that occurred when they were descended from the St. Like a lemon, they can be anywhere from a tan to a bright yellow. Included in this range is a yellowish-brown color called fawn Labrador. This is a deeper yellow but not as dark as a red Labrador. It is common to find cream-colored labs among yellow labrador retrievers. With six distinct labrador colors to choose from, yellow Lab offers the most color variation. Most people enjoy this chocolate-like covering on their fur as they are lustrous and appealing. Nonetheless, there is a wide range of shades of chocolate in labradors. Their hue ranges from light brown to a blend of brown and black lab coats. Although their ear and paw fur are typically white, certain animals may have lighter brown fur in other areas. Red labs are at the dark end of the yellow spectrum, opposite the white labs. In light of this, red fox labs are just yellow labs with darker coats that are mistaken for the reddish kind. In direct sunshine, the silver tone pops out more clearly. Scientists have found that silver labs and chocolate labs share a color spectrum. They may have been born chocolate, but their DNA can subtly overcome all the other colors, producing an incredible silver covering instead. Therefore, silver labradors are distinct from other labrador coats because they have recessive genetics. Natural Instincts Labradors possess certain natural instincts that set them apart from all other breeds. These include retrieving and water-based activities, a strong desire to please their owners, and an affinity for training. They are also known to be very loyal, friendly dogs who enjoy being around humans and other animals. This information can be important for people interested in purchasing a Labrador retriever puppy, as it can help them make an informed decision about which puppy to choose. You can also use the pedigree paper to track the health and temperament of the Labrador breed and identify any potential genetic defects present in the puppy. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a Labrador puppy, it is important to ask for a copy of the pedigree papers. A DNA test can be done with a simple cheek swab or blood sample and then sent to a laboratory for analysis. This test amplifies the DNA so that it can be easily analyzed. You can usually obtain the results of a PCR test within one to two days. However, this type of test is less commonly used than the PCR test. A DNA test can provide valuable information about a labrador puppy. Buying a Purebred Labrador Puppy Ensure the puppy you acquire is a purebred Labrador and that its papers are in order. It is important to verify that the breeder registered the litter before selling the puppy to new owners. Make sure you meet the mother and that you like her appearance. Do not buy a puppy from the breeder if it has markings that you find offensive. True black Labradors sometimes sport white patches. Finally, make sure to ask the reputable breeder if they have performed any health checks on the puppies. This is an important step in ensuring that the puppy you are buying is healthy and free of any genetic defects. These dogs are born with two copies of a gene that causes them to have a diluted coat color. The result is puppies with grey, silver, or light blue coats instead of the traditional black, yellow, or chocolate colors. Dilute Labradors may also have a lighter eye color than traditional Labradors. While these dogs are still considered purebred, they cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club due to their unique genetics. While the dog may have done nothing wrong, most dogs end up in shelters owing to issues with their owners, such as financial constraints, lack of time, changes in the family dynamic such as a new baby, divorce, relocation, or marriage , or allergies. Read up on breeders who have good reputations and ask for references from owners whose dogs you admire. Ask about their breeding practices, how their puppies are socialized and raised, and whether or not the puppy is registered with an organization such as the AKC. Make sure that the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Reach out to previous customers and find out what their experience was like. Finally, remember that a purebred Labrador is one of many types of dogs worth owning. Mixed breeds can be just as wonderful and loving as purebreds and may even be healthier. Take your time when selecting a puppy, and make sure that you find one that is right for you and your family. A: Mixed breeds may not have all the same characteristics as a purebred Labrador, but they can still be just as loving and loyal. Mixed breeds are also often healthier than purebred Labradors due to the lack of inbreeding. Q: What is the best type of Labrador to get? A: The best type of Labrador depends on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet. If you want a show-quality Labrador, then a purebred would be best. However, if you just want a loving and loyal companion, then a mixed breed might be the right choice for you. This is because they have unique genetics that does not match the breed standard. However, they are still considered purebred dogs and can be registered with other organizations. Q: How can I find a reputable breeder? A: Start by searching the internet for reviews and recommendations from other dog owners. Once you have narrowed down your search to a few reputable breeders, ask them for references and reach out to previous customers. Make sure the breeder provides you with proof of health checks and that all puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Q: How do I know if a Labrador puppy is purebred? A: The best way to ensure that a Labrador puppy is purebred is to purchase it from a reputable breeder. Ask for proof of registration, health checks, and breed history. If the breeder cannot provide these documents, then it is best to look elsewhere. Additionally, it would help if you look for physical traits typical of Labradors, such as a broad head and short muzzle. Q: Is it possible to train a Labrador puppy? A: Absolutely! Labradors are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for training. Start by teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Then move on to more complex behaviors, such as walking on a leash and responding to hand signals. With patience and consistency, you can have a well-trained Labrador in no time! Final Words Selecting a purebred Labrador puppy is a big decision. Make sure to do your research and select a reputable breeder who can provide you with all the necessary paperwork and proof of health checks. You should also remember that purebreds are not the only type of dog worth owning — mixed breeds can also be just as loving and loyal. Finally, once you have a puppy in your home, be sure to provide them with the proper training, socialization, and care that all puppies need to grow up healthy and happy. How do you pick a good Labrador puppy from a litter? Other characteristics include a moderately-sized muzzle, medium-sized and well-spaced eyes, and a thick and water-resistant coat. Physical Appearance And Features Breed standards may vary. As per the American kennel club, A labrador retriever should weigh about pounds. They should be .While dilute colors can be AKC registered, they are unacceptable in the show-ring business. Other physical traits include a dense, short coat, otter-like tail , broad skull, and kind eyes. How To Identify pure breed yellow lab 2. Personality And Temperament Labrador Retriever has a gentle personality. They like to cuddle and are loyal to their owners. These dogs love activities like fetch or swimming and are playful. However, temperament can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Labs may be more laid-back and easygoing, while others can be hyper. An aggressive labrador can be tamed with socialization. One common behavioral trait is their strong sense of wanderlust. If given the opportunity, these dogs run off searching for adventure. A secure fence or leash is needed when taking them outside. Overall, labs make wonderful family pets. They have high energy and make good working dogs and sporting dogs. No wonder they are the most popular breed of dogs. Their love for food can sometimes cause obesity. How To Identify pure bred labrador 3. Health Considerations Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but can still suffer from breed-specific issues. Some examples include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. DNA testing can detect genetic abnormalities that might not be visible yet. Another crucial health consideration is its nutrition and exercise requirements. Regular exercise helps burn off excess energy, which keeps them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Opt for high-quality dog food brands recommended by veterinarians. Avoid harmful additives or fillers that could harm its overall wellness. Researching The Breeder Reputable breeders are transparent about their breeding process. Ask for referrals from a fellow dog owner or veterinarian. Look out for red flags such as unresponsiveness or reluctance to let you visit their facilities. You can identify reliable breeders via the AKC directory. Conducting A Physical Examination Conducting a physical examination can help you identify potential red flags. It must have a sleek appearance. Eyes: The eyes of a purebred Labrador should be medium-sized. A chocolate or black lab typically has brown eyes, while yellow Labs may have lighter-colored eyes. Ears: The ears of a purebred Labrador should hang down close to the head and have a slightly rounded tip. Its color will depend on the color of its coat. Teeth: Check that all teeth have erupted properly by age. Body structure: Purebred Labradors should have an athletic build with well-proportioned muscles and limbs. They are suited for work in water or outfields. It is thick and tapers toward the tip. Behavior: Observe how the puppy plays and interacts with other puppies or older dogs. Genetic testing can reveal potential health issues like hip dysplasia early on so that preventative measures can be taken. A CH Conformation Champion on the certificate means the dog is close to the breed standards. However, they indicate potential health problems. Despite their unconventional coloring, some Lab variations, such as the Silver Lab and Fox Red Lab, are still considered purebreds. If the potential dogs look smaller than usual, it might point towards some degree of mixed-breed heritage. Labrador retrievers are the least aggressive dogs. Their behavior matches the cuddling kind. If a lab shows aggressive behavior, it may not be pure. An aggressive labrador is due to inadequate training and socialization. A responsible and reputable breeder should be open and transparent. Breeders must be able to answer whether they conduct genetic testing on their breeding dogs. This allows for better management. Ask for referrals from friends who have purchased a purebred Labrador. Ask for references and testimonials from prospective breeders. Ask if they have been screened for genetic disorders. Observe firsthand how the puppies behave and interact with each other. You can also assess whether they look healthy or not. During your visit, note how clean the breeding grounds are and whether or not they have access to food, water, and bedding materials. Breeders committed to producing healthy purebred Labradors always give OFA certification. Ask your breeder if they have conducted specific veterinary checks on the puppy. This includes checking for parasites like worms or fleas and ensuring the new puppy has received vaccinations. It means using both objective information alongside subjective feelings to make informed decisions. DNA tests or pedigree papers are the best ways to identify a pure labrador retriever. A visual evaluation is also beneficial, but you cannot depend on it entirely. How does a pure Labrador look like? If you see labrador retrievers with coat colors other than yellow, black, or chocolate, they are not purebred. A purebred lab can have a small white mark but nothing other than that. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current breed standards are clear on what labrador retrievers should look like. However, some labs may not meet the breed standard. A mismark occasionally appears, indicating they are not purebred. A small white spot is acceptable, though. What is the difference between pure Labrador and Labrador? A purebred labrador adheres to the standard breed characteristics in terms of height, weight, coat color, temperament, etc. They may exhibit the same behavior with slight variations. How should a Lab puppy look? A lab puppy must have a strong build, broad skull, high energy, deep chest, etc. Their broad skull usually has a defined stop. They have powerful jaws of medium length. Their cheeks are not fleshy. What color eyes does a purebred Labrador have? Labrador eye colors should be brown yellow and black labs. Chocolate labs can have brown or hazel eyes. Some labrador retrievers can have green or greenish-yellow eyes. Silver labrador retrievers have gray eyes. Research is essential before purchasing a puppy from a litter. Enquire about their appetite, elimination, etc. Consider their health and pet parents before making a decision. About The Author Sarah Sheikh Labradors have an extraordinary capacity for love and companionship, and my mission is to help you unlock their full potential. Hi there! I'm Sarah, a proud contributor to Labradorandyou, the go-to online resource for all Labrador Retriever enthusiasts. As a lifelong owner and avid admirer of these remarkable dogs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our readers. One of my strongest beliefs is in the power of positive reinforcement training. I'm truly passionate about helping our readers build strong, positive relationships with their Labradors. Whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned Labrador enthusiast, I aim to provide you with the resources and guidance to cultivate a bond that will endure a lifetime. Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family. As dog parents, you may have personal reasons for preferring purebred Labs and you want to know as much as you can about your furry family member. In this article, we tell you all you need to know to determine if a Labrador is purebred. The Embark dog DNA kit helps ascertain everything about your pet, so you can provide them with the right mix of nutrition, environment and lifestyle, and help them live a long and healthy life. We can see traits of the different breeds in our pup. It is a wonderful tool to learn about the puppy, what to expect from a breed and how to train. Knowing what our dog is, is a great tool!!! Sarah H Collecting the dog spit was easier than I expected and the results came back pretty soon. Mikayla P Great customer service! I got the results within 17 days. We were kept updated every step of the way. I got a lot more than what I paid for. Buy Now Visual Assessment Firstly, specific visual standards must be met for a dog to be considered a purebred Labrador retriever. The American Kennel Club sets these criteria. Black Labs have to be entirely black, while chocolate Labradors should fall within the range from light to pure dark brown. Yellow Labs have more flexibility because light cream to fox red is still acceptable hues and will not disqualify them. Do purebred Labs have white markings? White markings on the coat are still acceptable, but they should be small. Unfortunately, brindles, color markings, or color panels are causes for disqualification, especially if the Lab is already fully grown. Coat Your Labrador should have a slightly dense, short, and straight waterproof coat to be considered purebred. The exterior coat should be a bit stiff when you touch it, whereas the undercoat should be soft. Silky and wooly undercoats are not acceptable. Weight Range Considered as medium-sized dogs, standard purebred Labrador retrievers are naturally athletic, weighing between 55 to 70 pounds with a height of .Any measurement beyond these dimensions is outside the set standards of the AKC. Tail Structure The traditional tail of a purebred Labrador retriever is thick, and it tapers towards the end. Unlike the other retriever breeds, Labs have minimal to no feathering on their tails. Yellow and black Labradors usually have black noses while chocolate Labradors have brown noses. The only exceptions are Dudley Labradors who retain their pink noses throughout their life. Natural Instincts The Labrador retriever was originally bred to look for waterfowl for hunters. This breed has a powerful instinct to retrieve, run through overgrown terrain, and swim in the water. They also have impressive athletic and physical skills, making them excellent working dogs. Also Read: Types of Labradors Conformation Standards Labrador retrievers have a trademark broad head, naturally floppy ears, and expressive eyes. They have a strong build with a well-balanced conformation that makes them one of the best retrieving gun dogs. One of their most distinctive features is their webbed feet. The skin between their toes, together with their ottered tails, helps them when swimming. Do you want to know how long do purebred Labs live? They have a relatively long lifespan, at an average of 12 years. This is why most owners and breeders opt for a second and even third method for accuracy and documentation. Pedigree Papers Secondly, another way to identify if your Lab is purebred or not is through its pedigree document. Your reputable, AKC-registered breeder should hand this certificate to you on the day you bring your puppy home. There are many dishonest breeders out there, and a certificate is not enough to ensure that your Lab is purebred. DNA Test Lastly, given the reality that even pedigree certifications are not foolproof, there is a final method for identifying a purebred Labrador: DNA testing. You can have your Lab undergo a DNA test through local laboratories offering this service. Also, there are test kits that you can purchase online. DNA testing is the most accurate way to determine if your Labrador is purebred. You can get a sample from your dog in two ways. One is a simple swab on the cheek, and the other is through blood collection. The results will show how closely the parents and ancestors correlate to the set standards of the breed. Labradors are friendly, intelligent, gentle, and even-tempered.

Black Labrador retriever named Zola, 4, delivered ten pups who are a mixture of three different colors — only seen on a "handful" of occasions before. Over the years, they bred a mixture of yellow, chocolate, and black Labs and decided to strategically mix doggy DNA to produce a litter of all three. They have used Wylanbria Kennels as their stud farm from the moment they started breeding. Diana Stevens, 47, the farm's owner, worked with them to breed a line of stud dogs with whom their female Labs could successfully produce a mixed litter. Zola was impregnated by Stevens' black Labrador Rocks, 3, who was also uniquely bred to carry all three color genes. SWNS It took over a decade to combine the correct genes on both sides to make it happen, and even then, the chances were still slim. The ten adorable pups — two yellow, three chocolate, and five black — were born on October 18 and are all matched with permanent loving homes. Last week, Zola went into labor, and Davis told SWNS she had her fingers crossed that this would be the litter that she'd both been waiting for — and wish was granted. The couple has a huge waiting list of families keen to get one of their pups. Zola had a tricky pregnant experience with her rarer litter — culminating in her delivering the puppies via C-section — so Davis has decided not to breed her anymore. In a few years, Davis plans to breed from one of Zola's daughters, which will give her the freedom to choose between each color combination. Related Articles. Whelping Prenatal Care Preparing for your Labrador bitch's labor is critical. Keep track of your dog's breeding date. After about 35 days of pregnancy, the mother's food intake will increase. She will require twice as much food as normal, increasing to three times as much when she begins nursing. The best Labrador nutritional plan is to buy an approved dry food and feed according to the package. These foods are balanced and require no supplementation. They have the extra calories needed by the pregnant or nursing mother. Do not use calcium as this can cause metabolic imbalances, and excess vitamins may be harmful to the Labrador puppies. Exercise of the pregnant bitch need not be restricted until after the first weeks of pregnancy. Day 45 At about the 45th day of her pregnancy, your lab mother should be examined by a vet. As well as assessing her overall health, your vet can x-ray your Labroador to ascertain how many puppies she is expecting. Earlier in the pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to confirm pregnancy and, after 25 days, the embryonic heart may be seen beating. Gestation The gestation period of the Labrador bitch is considered to be 63 days. Lubricate a rectal thermometer with margarine or KY jelly and insert it about an inch. Leave it in place for three minutes. You will need to determine your pregnant Labrador's bases temperature should be approx 38 degrees. Stage One of Labor During the first stage of labour the cervix dilates and uterine contractions begin. Contractions are not as easy to see as in humans but can nevertheless be very painful and distressing to the Labrador bitch. She may appear uncomfortable, restless, pacing, shivering and panting. The mother lab will probably not eat, she may even vomit and whine persistently. She may occupy herself building a nest. This is the longest stage of labour, generally lasting six to eighteen hours. By the end of this period her cervix will have completely dilated so that the puppies can pass. .Stage Two of Labor During the second stage of labour, contractions continue. The placental water sacks breaks and fluid is passed. Placentas are usually expelled after each puppy is born. Pups usually appear approx every hour after thirty minutes of straining. The bitch will lick the puppy clean and bite the umbilical cord. It is during this time that the mother bonds with her puppies and recognises them as her own. The licking of the bitch stimulates the puppies to breathe. The mother lab will likely eat the afterbirth. If the bitch does not tear away the sac and lick the pups, you should tear the sac open, clear all fluid away from the pup's nose and mouth, and vigorously rub the pup to stimulate breathing. The mother will take rests during labour and up to four hours can pass between puppies. If she is not straining then everything is usually normal and on schedule. If more than four hours pass without a puppy or the mother strains forcefully for over an hour without producing another pup, immediately take the bitch to an emergency veterinary hospital. It is not abnormal for puppies to be born rear feet first. You must do this very gently because puppies are fragile and easily hurt. Stage Three of Labor The third stage of labour is a very indistinct period for Labradors. Once all the puppies have been born, the bitch enters this third stage during which time the uterus expels the remaining placenta, blood and fluid. It is rich in antibodies which will protect the puppies for the first few months of life. Colostrum is only produced for two days and the puppy is only able to absorb its antibodies for a day or two. If their bitch did not nurse during the first 2 days of life, the puppies have a serious immunological disadvantage. Great care should be taken in cleanliness and the puppies can be vaccinated as early as 2 weeks old depending on their circumstances. Whelping Set up a comfortable whelping area for raising the puppies. The Labrador bitch should be able to come and go as she likes while the puppies remain confined. The mother dog should be isolated from all other dogs for three weeks prior to labour and 3 weeks after delivery to prevent infection. Herpes is spread by sniffing and licking between dogs. Adult Labradors rarely have any symptoms but the new or unborn puppies will die. Toileting Infant Labrador puppies are unable to take care of these matters. If necessary, use a cotton swab, tissue, or your finger to gently rub the baby's genital area. Have a tissue ready to catch the urine. Rubbing the anal area may also be necessary if the babies do not seem to be defecating as much as expected. Watch for diarrhea. Normally the puppy stool is very loose but should not be watery. It is normal for puppies to have very round bellies, however if you think the baby might be constipated, taking the temperature rectally with a normal rectal thermometer usually provides enough extra stimulation to get things back to normal. Starting Solid Food When the puppies start biting and chewing they may be ready to start on some solids. At first it may be necessary to mix solid food with a little formula and to smear a little around their mouths gently with your finger. We commence blended solid food at 3 weeks of age. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Final Thoughts How to Prepare for Your Labrador Giving Birth Labrador Retrievers are truly great pets, and preparation for your dog to give birth will be one of the most significant things you do for her throughout the birth process. But first, take a look at this incredible video of a Labrador giving birth to her 8 puppies. The owner added some fun captions to make it even more awesome. Nature is truly amazing. Even though your dog will be relatively undemanding when it comes to the actual birth, there are still loads of things you will need to do to get her ready, including getting the area prepared where she will be giving birth. Consult Your Vet To ensure your Labrador is as successful as possible during birth, make sure to have frequent discussions with your vet. In any case, once you suspect your dog is pregnant, you will need to take her for regular check-ups. Ensuring her overall health is the important first step. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam and inform you of anything you should know. As with human pregnancies, health concerns are elevated during gestation, so be sure to take your mom-to-be to the vet if you have any concerns and continue to monitor her throughout the pregnancy. Be sure to ask your vet any questions you may have about how to care for your Labrador during the coming weeks and the birth itself. Your vet will be able to give you valuable input and help you plan for the birth. Ensure your dog has a healthy diet in place , along with the appropriate exercise, and do everything you can to make sure she stays healthy throughout the pregnancy. The third trimester is when the pups develop rapidly, and your girl will need more calories for energy, depending on how many puppies she is carrying. Your vet is the best person to advise you exactly what your dog needs at this stage in the pregnancy. Transition the food gradually and feed little and often. This ensures an adequate nutrient and calorie intake. Your vet may also recommend folic acid and essential fatty acid supplements. But if your vet specifies anything additional for your Labrador, always adhere to their instructions. Having the checklist ready is an essential step to making sure you are ready! And remember, the checklist should include everything you may need before, during, and after the birth. It will also include emergency items that you hopefully will not need but should have ready. Standard Supplies: Clean sheets, towels, and blankets You should have some blankets around the mom. They will help keep her warm and feeling safe and secure. If your Lab has a favorite blanket or an old shirt of yours that she loves to snuggle up with, use those. Making sure they are all warm and cozy will be your priority. A bunch of newborn Labrador puppies snuggled up to mom and surrounded by comfort blankets is really adorable. The new mama realizes this and will attempt to keep her pups warm using her body temperature by keeping them close. But having a heating pad or lamp ready to go will help keep the room warm for the newborns. If you opt for a heating pad, you can place it underneath the towels and blankets where the puppies are lying. This one also has thousands of positive reviews and comes with a removable cover for easy cleaning. Place your hand underneath it to test where it gives a subtle warmth without causing your hand to feel hot. I prefer a heating pad as it just seems the safer option. Whelping Box and Mat To prepare for whelping , a whelping box will be required. This is for the Labrador puppies to snuggle up in after the birth while mom is recovering. You can purchase a large basket or make a whelping box yourself using a large cardboard box. You should place it in a quiet room of the house. The whelping box should be big enough for your dog to stretch out and comfortably turn around. The recommended size for Labradors is 4 feet x 4 feet and 2 feet in height. Various factors determine puppy weight at birth, such as sex of the puppy, litter size, length of gestation, and the adult weight of the mom. From this study of Labrador puppies, the average puppy weight was 1. Give them time. But be ready to take their weights within the first day or so. You will also need to check the temperatures of the puppies if you believe one may be sick. The area where the puppies are kept should be between degrees for the first four days. Then gradually decrease the temperature to 80 degrees by the 7th — 10th day, and finally, 72 degrees by the end of the fourth week. Emergency Supplies: Baby Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes newborn puppies have built-up mucus around their nose, which causes trouble breathing. The mom will try to lick it away as best she can, but if you see one of the Labrador puppies still struggling to take breaths, make sure you have a baby nose suction bulb , such as this one from Amazon at the ready. Gently swathe the puppy and use the bulb carefully to suck out the mucus and massage his chest very gently, holding him for a while after. Gloves, Sterilized Scissors, Thread, and Antiseptic Solution Generally, the mom will cut the umbilical cord herself by biting through it. Once tied off, ensure the end of the cord is cleaned with antiseptic. Cleanliness during this is critical, so a pair of medical gloves and a clean workspace is essential. Soft Travel Crate Hopefully, the birth goes smoothly, and there is no need to take your Labrador to the vet. But if there is an emergency or if you have any worries, always call your vet or nearest animal hospital immediately. Have a soft travel crate by the door with plenty of cozy blankets ready to go in case you need to transport your Lab urgently. I recommend you invest in a travel crate as part of your preparations. Pro Tip! Use the buddy system. If you need to take your Labrador to the vet during labor, it will be useful to have someone with you. Consider asking a close friend or relative. They could drive while you sit in the back with your girl to comfort her. This will be a scary moment for your Lab, and she will value having you by her side. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting You will have taken care of most of this during the preparation stage. You will have placed clean towels down, ensuring everything is sterilized and ready for the momentous occasion. But during the birth itself, you should help maintain a clean and comfortable environment. Here are a few things to consider that will help you make this a relaxed and comfy setting for your Labrador: Have familiar sights and smells around, such as her favorite soft clothing, blankets, and toys. Close windows to minimize loud noises and distractions. Give occasional words of encouragement in a soft and soothing voice, letting her know she is doing great. In between puppies, she will need to rest. Make sure she is comfortable and supported. Giving Your Labrador Space During the Birth Oddly enough, one of the best ways to care for your Labrador during her birth journey will be to leave her alone. Animals are instinctual in ways that astound us as mere humans. Labs are also terribly smart. They have a knack for knowing what to do during and after giving birth with their instincts and intelligence. They know what is best for their health, as well as the health of their newborns. Interfering too much during birth can cause frustration and even anger from your Labrador. While she will most likely understand you are trying to help — she knows best and needs her space. The best thing you can do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the incredible experience of watching your dog give birth. Be Ready When She Needs You Part of sitting back and watching as your Lab give birth is also knowing that you may be needed and, if so — be ready! If you have prepared well, everything will be available in case of an emergency or even a small hiccup. Other signs are restlessness, not eating, vomiting, pawing at her bedding as if making a nest, licking her vulva area, or releasing a clear watery discharge. The first puppy should be delivered within 1 to 2 hours of the onset of contractions and pushing. A puppy has only come halfway out, and mom seems to be struggling and cannot push anymore. She appears to be in pain, is yelping, or crying. One of her breaks in between puppies lasts more than 4 hours, and you know there are more pups to come. Typically, a long break will happen that can be up to 4 hours. But past that, there could be something wrong. She is having contractions and straining hard for more than 30 minutes without another puppy coming. Puppies are born in a thin membrane that needs to be removed to avoid suffocation. As soon as the membrane is removed, the mom will lick the puppy, which stimulates breathing. After each birth, the placenta afterbirth will follow. The mother may eat it, and this is perfectly normal. This is discussed at the prep stage. However, if there is something more complicated, you will need to take your Lab to the vet. The gestation period in dogs is around 63 days or 9 weeks. But how long does the birth actually last? It generally takes a Labrador between hours to deliver her puppies, but it can take up to 24 hours. Puppies are usually born at intervals of 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary. Before this, she may be in the 1st stage of labor, while her cervix dilates, between hours. Your dog may rest for 2 hours before the next delivery, and sometimes this can extend to 4 hours. Sometimes, several puppies are born quickly. This process continues until all the puppies are born and each placenta is passed. Stage 2 is known as the delivery of the puppies, and Stage 3 is the delivery of the placenta. Dogs typically alternate between stages 2 and 3 until delivery is complete. The placenta and the pup are not always delivered together. If your Labrador is giving birth the first time, you may be wondering, how many puppies can she have? A Labrador may have puppies per litter — the average is 7 puppies for large breeds. However, the first litter is generally smaller. Factors that determine litter size include time and method of conception whether artificial insemination , age of the dam, past pregnancies, health, and diet. Check out these interesting facts around litter sizes: The average puppy count for large and giant breeds is seven per litter, according to this study of breeds and 10, litters. Labradors are capable of having 10 puppies. Dogs are most fertile 48 hours after ovulation because hormone levels are just right. Artificial insemination can result in fewer puppies due to how semen is preserved. The age of the male sire can affect litter size too. Now what? A big part of the preparation is to ensure that everything is ready for the new mom and pups after the birth. She will be exhausted and need lots of rest and love. And the newborn pups will be adorable helpless creatures that need their canine mom and their human mom or dad too! Your vet will offer specifics if there are precise health concerns for your Labrador. But otherwise, here are the general guidelines to keep the new family safe and sound: Once your Labrador has had sufficient time to recuperate, take her outside to urinate and get some fresh air. Encourage her to drink some water and see if she has an appetite. At this stage, all the puppies should be warm and snuggled in the whelping box. Let mom join them and begin nursing. Make sure the pups are getting enough food from mom and that she is getting enough rest to care for them properly. If your Labrador is unable to produce milk for a while, you will need puppy milk formula to feed them yourself from a bottle. Final Thoughts Labradors are smart, instinctual, and amazingly affectionate. They also make awesome moms. And they know exactly what they need to do during the birth of their puppies. I hope this guide has given you confidence in knowing what to do when your Labrador is giving birth. You will also know when you are needed, and you will have everything ready to go from your checklist if she tags you in! Good luck, and you will soon be hugging those little balls of fluff! This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Labrador gives birth to 13 puppies one of largest ever litters Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. When Beau, a black Labrador descended from a Crufts champion, was five weeks pregnant with her puppies , the vet predicted she may give birth to five or six puppies. Recommended How to get the best Black Friday deals this year By the time the Labrador was ready to give birth last month, her owner, dog breeder Leah Barrett, thought she may give birth to eight. Therefore, it came as quite a shock when Beau ended up giving birth to 13 puppies, just two shy of the record believed to have been set by a black Labrador in Scotland in .They were just flying out. The litter consists of seven boys and six girls, all of which have been named after their distinct personalities. Another pup used to howl like she was trying to sing, so we called her Paloma Faith. Surf Dog Championships.

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Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Suffice to say that the dog has come a long way from its herding roots. Part of that perfect picture we have of these pups is the erect position of their ears. It gives them the qualities we associate with the breed, such as intelligence and confidence. Floppy ears strike us as a disconnect. These dogs have a dense coat that puts a lot of weight on their ears, relatively speaking. Also, large breeds like the German Shepherd mature more slowly than smaller dogs. It could just be a matter of time. That fact will come into play with the availability and price of the dog. It may have a disqualifying trait , such as floppy ears. This characteristic has a genetic component. Injury or Trauma Damaged the Cartilage Puppies sometimes play rough. They bite at each other, and sometimes the ears get the brunt of it. That often translates into slower healing times. Some manufactures produce tailor-made foods for specific breeds , such as the German Shepherd. That can go a long way to helping your dog recovering from an injury. It can interfere with air circulation in the ear canals, setting up the perfect storm for infections or mites. These conditions are horribly uncomfortable for your pup. Left untreated, it can cause a hematoma or swelling. This condition requires veterinary treatment. Several options exist, from aspirating or draining it to surgery. The best prevention is avoiding the conditions that caused the ear discomfort in the first place. All German Shepherds have floppy ears as puppies. The difference depends on when they start to change and stand up into their adult position. It can take several months. However, the number of adult dogs with floppy ears is about one in five. That may get its ears standing upright quicker. Taping the ears is usually part of the healing process when dogs get their ears cropped. The other concern is doing the procedure correctly. That could lead to ear trauma or a bowel obstruction if it swallows the materials. We suggest that you have your veterinarian do the job if you want to go this route. Final Thoughts The upright ears are an essential feature of the striking pose of the German Shepherd. Nature often has her plan for when that will happen in a puppy. Sometimes, it takes longer in pups with thicker fur or large ears. Healthy nutritional support will help the cartilage develop stronger and quicker. In the meantime, patience is the key. See also:. A common misconception that many people have is that German Shepherds have cropped ears that account for their erect posture. It often surprises some people to learn that the AKC standard calls for naturally erect, not cropped ears. GSD puppies are born with floppy ears set against the side of the head. As puppies mature, their ears usually start to stand up naturally. However, for various reasons, some dogs have ears that stay floppy. You can reasonably expect erect ears by around eight months old. This is because calcium that would generally nourish the ears is reallocated to the teeth during this time. You can expect the ears to become erect after the teething stops , around 20 weeks. After a puppy is no longer teething, they will start retaining enough cartilage in the ears to help hold them up. GSDs ears are heavier than they appear, and the cartilage must be sufficient to help keep that position. A sign of ears likely to stay erect are ears that become pointy once they start to stand. If your puppy reaches four or five months without any sign of the ears standing up, you might need to give them some help. When the ears are not erect by around seven or eight months, they will more than likely retain a floppy position. It is not something that is going to happen overnight. If you notice that your pup can prick their ears up or even just the tips of their ears by the time they are four to five months old, the chances are that the ears are developing normally and should become pointed without any intervention. The best thing to do is to keep your hands off their ears and avoid bending, rubbing, or folding their ears. If you notice that your German Shepherd is shaking their head a lot or scratching at their ears, it may be their attempt to relieve some kind of minor itchiness or irritation. However, if you notice that the head-shaking persists, then you should be concerned, especially as your pup grows. Any trauma to their ears before they reach four to five months of age can affect the cartilage and cause the ears to remain floppy rather than erect. Aural Haematoma: this is a blood blister found on the outer skin of the ear and can appear swollen. This condition is often the result of trauma due to vigorous ear shaking or a dog fight. However, if they are more serious, they will need to be removed surgically, and this can sometimes include the removal of part or all of the ear canal. If not, your pup will continue shaking their head and scratching, which can cause further injury and trauma to their ears. Skin Allergies: The head shaking and scratching may also be due to an allergy. For this, you may have to use antibiotics, antihistamines, or put your pup on a low allergy diet to treat their ears. For more information on avoiding dog ear infections and what to look for regarding causes and treatments, visit AKC. One of the more recognizable features of the German Shepherd dog breed is their large, erect ears and stoic expression. However, a lesser-known fact is that a German Shepherd puppy is born with floppy ears. So, how do you know what kind of ears your German Shepherd will have? The ears should also be pointed. If you got your German Shepherd from a reputable dog breeder, you could expect that their ears will stand erect after they are done teething. However, if you acquired your puppy from a puppy mill or there were less than desirable breeding practices or health problems, then your adult dog may end up with droopy ears. German Shepherd Ears Chart Although there is an official breed standard, in reality, German Shepherds have different types of ears, from ears that are set too high or too low to ears that are too large, asymmetrical, or too small. Some dogs even have ears pointing outwards or inwards or tilting one way. Overall, as you can see in our German Shepherd Ears Chart , there are at least 12 different types of German Shepherd ear shapes. Blood flow into the cartilage will likely increase when you do this, helping the ears keep their shape. Proper cleaning will help prevent infections that can be painful and costly to treat. Make sure you have a towel handy as you drop the ear cleaner into their ear. The towel can be used to clean up any mess as well as massage the ear cleaner solution in and around the ears. You can then use a cotton ball to remove any dirt or excess liquid. Chew Toys Sturdy chew toys will not only help keep your puppy busy but can also play a role in exercising the muscles supporting both the ears and jaws. Chewing helps with teething while also exercising their jaw and neck, and head muscles. Quality Diet The food that you feed your puppy should have high-quality, nutritious ingredients. Foods free from both wheat and corn are some of the best choices. You should also discuss supplementation with your veterinarian. Glucosamine, for example, helps to lubricate joints and supports healthy cartilage. For example, hearing certain noises that attract their attention or hearing their name can make them prick up their ears. Take advantage of this situation by praising them and providing a treat when they prick up their ears in response to this type of stimulus. They will associate pricking their ears up with getting a reward. Regularly Check for Parasites You also want to regularly check your dog out for parasites and ear mites. In addition, tapeworms and roundworms take away the essential nutrients your German Shepherd pup needs, which can ultimately cause poor health and other deficiencies. An ear mite infection can also cause your dog to itch, which causes them to shake their head excessively. Cartilage is extremely fragile and is prone to damage. If the cartilage becomes damaged, it can prove impossible for the ears to stand erect. However, keep in mind, this is invasive and does require your dog to go under anesthesia. They will also require pain medication following the surgery, and there will be a lengthy recovery time. Discuss Options with Your Vet You may want to consider having your vet make sure nothing is going on, like an ear infection. Some German Shepherds come from lines that carry genes that lead to floppier ears. Unfortunately, when genetics is the cause, there is little that owners can do aside from being more conscientious about ear health, which is a more significant concern in floppy-eared dogs. Many dogs from show lines, in particular, have larger ears that require more cartilage while the dog is growing to help support a more upright position. In many cases, these dogs will not have ears that stay upright. Broken Ear Cartilage German Shepherds can also end up with permanently floppy ears as a result of broken ear cartilage. This can happen in GSDs for a variety of reasons, including: Injuries. Well, there are a few different possible explanations. Causes can vary from age-related to genetic and medical issues. All puppies are born with soft, floppy ears. This is because the cartilage and muscles in their ears have not developed yet. Although some breeds, like Spaniels and Poodles, always have floppy ears, others, like most Shepherd breeds , almost always have pointy, pricked, upright ones. In such breeds, their ears should start to stand up between weeks of age as the bones and muscles in their bodies develop and strengthen. Are they both floppy — or is only one of them drooping whilst the other stands up normally? Teething Several young puppies experience floppy ears during teething. Teething is a period that all infant mammals go through, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. It starts at around three weeks old and ends at months of age, although it can take longer. So, their bodies may draw calcium out of other areas, such as the ears, weakening their skeletal structure and making them flop. You may even notice that their ears look different every day during this period. They might be up-right one day, then floppy the next, or even change throughout the day depending on their mood. Their ears will return back to their original shape as soon as their hormones calm down. Although most German Shepherds have up-right ears, some can have floppy or semi-pricked ones. Judges of dog shows and competitions also often look for large ears in the breed. Poor nutrition during puppyhood As mentioned above, calcium is needed to develop and strengthen the cartilage in the ears in order for them to stand up. Vitamin D is also needed to keep bones healthy and strong. This is especially common in rescue dogs that come from puppy farms, homelessness, and neglectful backgrounds. Always buy from reputable breeders! Other symptoms of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies include muscle spasms and joint issues. If severe, nutrient deficiencies can be deadly. Both conditions require urgent veterinary attention, and treatments will likely include special diets and supplements. Similar to malnutrition, this is common in dogs that come from a background of neglect or homelessness. A build-up of wax, debris, or dirt can make the ears heavy and cause them to droop. Poor hygiene As we mentioned above, poor ear hygiene can lead to drooping of the ears. It can also lead to smelliness and infection. All dogs have self-cleaning mechanisms in their ears. However, allergies and hormone imbalances can cause disruptions to the mechanisms, meaning they require some extra care. Dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens like pollen, household cleaning products, and foods like wheat and dairy. Other symptoms of allergies can include skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny noses and eyes, and stomach upsets. Each has different symptoms, but they often include drastic changes in energy, coat, thirst, appetite, and weight. German Shepherds are also particularly prone to experiencing hormonal disorders. Ear mites Another cause of ear drooping in German Shepherds is ear mites. Ear mites can be picked up outdoors, or from coming into contact with another animal with the condition. The inflammation from the infestation can cause droopiness in the affected ear. Other symptoms include excessive itchiness, and redness, bleeding, and swelling from the constant scratching. If left untreated, the infestation can cause disease, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. Infection Ear infections can be bacterial or fungal, and they can affect both the inner or outer ear. They are most often picked up after exposure to water, and the inflammation can cause the affected ear to droop. Other symptoms can include redness, swelling, irritation, discharge, and excessive head shaking or scratching at the ear. Vets can treat ear infections with antibacterial or antifungal medications, but they need to be treated quickly before they spread or cause permanent damage. Trauma Physical trauma to the ears can also cause them to droop. The most common trauma that causes changes to the shape of the ears in German Shepherds are bites from fighting with other dogs. If your dog has a visible injury to their ear, you should take them to see their vet to check it over and dress any wounds to prevent infection. Make sure to brush your GSD regularly, also around the head and ears — these dogs shed heavily! You can get these over-the-counter at your vet, online, or in a pet store. You can also use a few drops of olive oil for wax build-up, but not too much. To administer, get a towel and ask your dog to lie down in a comfortable place in the home. Then, massage the mase of their ears for around 30 seconds to help it loosen any wax or dirt. Finally, allow your dog to shake their head and use the towel to catch what comes out. That said, if they have particularly problem ears, you should ask your vet and do it however often they suggest, which could be weekly or monthly. However, this is very controversial. It is not yet illegal in the USA, but it is also not something that we would recommend outside of medical necessity, as it can be unnecessarily stressful and painful for dogs. The method known as taping is done by placing something, usually tape, inside the ear to make it stand up straight and grow into that position permanently. It can be effective when done during puppyhood and usually takes weeks to work. As we mentioned above, nutritional deficiencies can cause the ears to flop. Puppies should eat nutritionally complete and balanced food that is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and DHA for healthy bone and brain development, as well as high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish for strong muscles, and tasty, fiber-rich fruits and veggies. All puppies should have a handful of strong, hardy chew toys to avoid being destroyed during teething, but they can also help the ears to stand up. This is because the ears are connected to the jaw. So, strong jaw muscles means stronger ears, too! Finally, you should avoid playing too rough with your pup and interacting with boisterous dogs to prevent accidents and traumas, which, as we mentioned above, could damage or change the shape of their ears. Dogs communicate with us owners in many ways; they bark, they growl, and they use their bodies. Body language is a key part of understanding how your dog is feeling. Dogs use their entire bodies to communicate; including their tails, their eyes, and their ears! This often happens when a suspicious stranger or an unknown or unfriendly dog is approaching, or when there is a strange noise inside the home. When their ears go back or downwards, it could simply mean that they are listening, or it could indicate either excitement or anxiety. Excited dogs may whine, wag their tails very quickly, and run towards what they are excited about. This happens a lot when dogs are greeting a loved one. An anxious dog, on the other hand, may lower their head and cower their bodies away from what is causing their anxiety. If they are frightened, they may also tremble and whine, and if they are feeling angry or threatened, they may show their teeth and growl. This can happen when a dog is exposed to a phobia or an aggressive dog. It can be difficult to determine exactly how a mixed dog will look. Different pups from the same litter can also present with different traits from their siblings. That said, certain traits, like short hair, for example, are genetically dominant and therefore will be passed on over others, like long hair, which is genetically recessive. Dominant traits are those that require only one copy of a specific gene for the trait to be passed down to a pup. Recessive traits, on the other hand, need two copies; one from each parent. So, which is dominant; pricked or floppy ears? The answer is — floppy ears! Floppy ears are genetically dominant to pricked ears in dogs. That said, different ear shapes in dogs does tend to reflect their original working purpose. For example, the Spaniel, a gun dog, has floppy ears that gather and hold scent particles. This helped them track down what they were looking for much faster back in the day. German Shepherds, on the other hand, along with other wolf-like breeds, such as the Siberian Husky , have pricked, pointed ears. This is thought to aid their hearing during guard work, keep their body temperature under control during strenuous hunts, and give them an alert look to ward off predators. This may be why people are statistically more likely to perceive dogs with pricked ears as more threatening, according to research conducted by James Madison University, USA, in .This is not necessarily true, however, as any dog lover will know. It is likely down to something old and instinctual, as they also discovered that people perceived coat colors differently, too. The type of ears that a dog has can affect their hearing. Whether a dog has pricked ears or floppy ears, they have 18 different muscles that control them to funnel sounds from all different directions. A healthy-hearing dog of any kind can still hear from 40 to 60, hertz, which is more than double what human ears can hear! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.