french bulldog puppies for sale nova scotia

In fact, the breed even knocked the Labrador Retriever out of the number one spot after more than 30 years in the top spot of popular dog breeds. Knowing that the French Bulldog is so popular, you might be wondering how much it actually costs to own one. Well we have some numbers for you to help make it easier to decide if this pup might be right for your budget. So here are some other costs you may want to consider when it comes to adding a French Bulldog to your life. How much does it cost to own a French Bulldog? Among the costs associated with being a pet owner of any kind, we have food, veterinarian visits, and even grooming. And when it comes to being a French Bulldog owner, some of the costs may be a bit higher. Another thing to consider with a French Bulldog is the fact that many have breathing issues associated with their flatter faces. Of course, their diet will depend on what your vet recommends and if they have any known allergies. Honestly, being a pet parent can be expensive. But at the same time, we love our pups and these are expenses we are willing to take on when it comes to the dogs we love. However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders. The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay. Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive. Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well. Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie. The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for. French Bulldog Size Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months. There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home. This can help you save on grooming costs. French Bulldog Appearance Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies. French Bulldog Colors French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be. French Bulldog Temperament These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs. French Bulldog Activity Level Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. French Bulldog Life Expectancy French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. They were bred to be smaller versions of the larger bulldog and quickly became popular companions for Parisians living in small spaces. They have bat-like ears, can have a range of colors, and boast a short, smooth coat. They tend to weigh 28 pounds or less and are easily trainable. This is something to consider before bringing one into your home. The cost of a French bulldog varies based on where you buy it, as well as other unique factors about the dog. Purchasing a French bulldog from a breeder will typically cost more than adopting one from a shelter or rescue. How much does it cost to buy a French bulldog from a breeder? How much does it cost to adopt a French bulldog from a rescue? Sometimes, adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization is free. Why are French bulldogs so expensive? French bulldogs have long been one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. French bulldogs are also difficult to breed. They typically require artificial insemination and C-sections upon delivery. This can increase the cost for breeders, who pass those expenses onto the consumer via high prices. Factors that affect the price of a French bulldog Many factors can make a Frenchie — or any dog, for that matter — more expensive than the next. Some colors are very common, including white, cream, and black. Rare colors, like merle, blue, brindle, and lilac, are more unique and typically fetch a higher price. Gender: Female dogs usually cost more than males since they have the ability to produce future generations — and future income if you decide to sell any of her puppies. Bloodline and genetics: If a dog has parents or grandparents who've won shows, have other accolades, or were AKC-registered, this can increase their price. Dogs with health guarantees may also cost more. Breeder: The location and quality of a breeder — as well as the animals, methods, and facilities they use — can vary widely. You can expect a highly regarded, long-time breeder with a great reputation to charge more than someone with less experience breeding French bulldogs. Sometimes their price can be double that of a Frenchie in a common color like white or black. Boarding or pet sitting If you send your pup to doggie daycare, have them boarded while traveling, or hire a pet sitter, this will add to your ongoing costs. Ongoing classes may cost more than this, though. Pet insurance — if you decide to purchase it — may offset some of these costs, as well as other medical expenses. The American Kennel Club claims that Frenchies need coat grooming only once per month. What are some common French bulldog health problems? Hemivertebrae: Hemivertebrae can cause your dog to develop triangle-shaped vertebrae that can result in pain, weakness, and paralysis. Hip dysplasia: This is when the hip joint degenerates and no longer fits properly into the socket. It can often occur in Frenchies that are over-exercised. Patellar luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. It can cause walking problems and arthritis. Your Frenchie may also develop issues outside of these breed-specific problems that may also need treatment. What is the best insurance plan for your Frenchie? Some pet insurance plans cover only accidents and injuries, while others include preventative care, dental care, vaccinations, and other services. Consider your lifestyle and what activities you plan to do with your Frenchie before selecting a plan. Additional coverages may cost more. Asking for referrals from friends, family members, or colleagues who have bought Frenchies is one place to start. This can help you gauge the conditions the dog will be born into and the genetic line they come from. You can also look out for the signs of a responsible dog breeder, as outlined by the Humane Society of the United States. Is a French bulldog the right dog breed for you? French bulldogs might be right for you if you can afford the potentially high initial investment and are willing to spend time playing and socializing with your pup, as they are affectionate, playful, and active animals. The American Kennel Club says this breed is good with young children, good with other dogs, and overall very trainable. French bulldog FAQs French bulldogs are a unique and popular breed. What is the life expectancy of a French bulldog? French bulldogs have a life expectancy of nine to 12 years. This is slightly less than the average dog, which lives an average of 10 to 13 years. Do French bulldogs bark a lot? French bulldogs are not big barkers. A short daily walk should be enough for this small breed, making them a good fit for apartment and city life, where yards and large lots can be hard to find. What is the cheapest French bulldog? Purebred dogs represent only a small portion of shelter animals, so you may find yourself with a mixed Frenchie if you adopt one. What is the most expensive Frenchie? The rarest Frenchies tend to be the most expensive. How much is a French bulldog worth? Related articles. Depending on where you live sorry California, it is expensive where you are! This could indicate the dog is coming from a puppy mill. You can read why you should avoid buying dogs from puppy mills here. But the popularity of the dog means there can be a lot of competition for the Frenchies that do need a home. There are a lot of factors that can influence price, and if you are looking for a show dog or a dog for breeding, you should expect to pay a lot more. Certain colors, which are desirable but genetically quite rare, can also push up the price. A brindle or black puppy will usually be at the lower end of the scale, but a breeder might ask a lot more for a platinum or blue fawn puppy. This is Micro, a perfect body specimen for a Frenchie. He also has a blue coat and orange eyes, which are quite rare in dogs. What About Mini Frenchies? Mini Frenchies, also known as Teacup Frenchies, are the same fantastic dog, but they are quite a bit smaller than usual. You can expect them to weigh just 5 to 14 pounds on average. Due to their smaller size, though, their bodies can be fragile, so it is important not to engage in rough play with them. These dogs are even harder to breed see below than standard French bulldogs, so they are also quite a bit more expensive. Why are they so expensive, then? One factor is high demand since they are a very desirable dog breed. But that is not the whole story, since Labs are also one of the most popular dog breeds. Health Problems One of the biggest factors is these dogs have a lot of health problems. Most of their health issues are related to their flat, brachycephalic faces similar to Pugs and American bulldogs , which makes them particularly prone to breathing issues and allergies. This unique facial structure can also affect the formation of their jaw, and the health of their eyes, and can even affect their healing from certain illnesses and injuries. On top of this, they can also be prone to hip dysplasia, kneecap shifts, and heat stress. Fortunately, breeders try to control these breed-specific issues. It is essential that responsible breeders do their best to control these conditions, which means DNA scanning, genetic testing, multiple trips to the vet, and paying extra close attention to the developing puppies. Of course, all of this comes with a cost. Breeding Problems The other big problem is that Frenchies are extremely hard to breed. As well as the operation itself is expensive, the mother and pups need extra care afterward. Plus, breeders need to give their mother dogs significantly longer to recuperate before they can think about breeding them again. On top of that, French bulldogs have small litters—usually just three puppies. It is very unusual for a Frenchie to have five or more puppies in a single litter. So, if you are looking for a French bulldog puppy, you can expect to be on a waiting list for several months before a puppy is available. As well as being expensive to buy, French bulldogs can be pretty costly to care for, again mostly because of their health problems. They will probably need regular trips to the vet, and insuring them can be expensive because they are known to have health issues. But what are some of the main costs that you can expect to incur when bringing home a new puppy? Supplies It can surprise pet parents just how many things you need to care for a new dog. For starters, your new pup will need a bed, toys, bowls, a collar, and a leash. A crate can also be a big expense if you choose to crate train. However, because crate training is not so common among French bulldogs, first-time owners might also want to consider some professional training classes. Food Food is one of the biggest neverending expenses for any dog. Puppy food is also a bit more expensive than adult food because of its high protein content. Ideally, your dog should be eating puppy food until they are about 9 months old. French bulldogs should be eating around 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight each day. You can read more about pet insurance for puppies here. They will usually only bark when there is something wrong, so it is worth paying attention when they do vocalize. This is one of the reasons why they make excellent apartment dogs. While French bulldogs are adorable, they are specifically bred for their appearance, and this has led to a lot of genetic issues that affect their health and can leave them in a lot of pain in their later years. Many people object to putting the health of an animal second to appearance and therefore object to buying French bulldogs and supporting the purebred breeding industry. In theory, if there was no demand for these dogs, this kind of exploitative breeding would stop. In practice, this is difficult to imagine, considering how popular the breed is. Can French bulldogs stay home alone? French bulldogs actually tolerate being left alone relatively well. However, all dogs need a lot of love and companionship, and no dog responds well to being left on their own for 10 hours a day five days a week. Dogs become members of the family, and if they are going to thrive, they need to be treated with that kind of attention. Are Frenchies hard to potty train? However, they are little dogs with small bladders. They also tend to gobble down their food, which means they can be prone to smelly gas expulsions. How much exercise does my Frenchie need? French bulldogs do well on just a 15 to minute vigorous walk each day. They are also quite playful, so they burn off energy just playing around as well. Are French bulldogs aggressive? Despite the reputation of bulldogs, Frenchies are not aggressive. They are friendly and get on well with people and other animals. However, all animals are a combination of nature and nurture, so they can learn aggressive habits if they are not properly cared for. Are Frenchies high maintenance? They can also be left alone without expecting too much trouble. On the other hand, their tendency towards breed-specific health issues does mean they need regular visits to the vet. They may need special medications for things like breathing issues, and in later life, they may need things like a special bed. The Verdict French bulldogs are excellent dogs. They are great little companions who will find it easy to live in your apartment with you, but they are also fun-loving and curious. While they are great dogs, they are also quite expensive. This is due to high demand and some pretty serious difficulties when it comes to breeding them. They have small litters, almost always delivered by c-section, and health screenings and vet visits are a big burden for breeders. If you want something special, such as a rare color, you should expect to pay a lot more. You can also expect them to be relatively expensive dogs to own because they do need regular and close contact with a good vet to maintain their health. At a glance, the French bulldog is: Highly intelligent and trainable Small, meaning it does well in fairly small apartments Expensive due to demand and how difficult they are to breed Prone to breed-specific health issues So, are they worth all this expense and trouble? We think they are. French bulldogs can be the ideal pet for first-time owners with limited space and time but a lot of love to give. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Please read her blog from the bottom up to learn her story while in foster care. We have mastered…. She loves walks but mostly loves sniffing and walking leisurely. She also loves meeting friends and had two sweet girls squealing over how soft and cuddly she is. She likes to take the clothes out of the basket and carry them around. She also like to carry the dry cleaning bag to the car! Abby has also figured out that she loves to snuggle her stuffed babies and tries to take them into the yard with her. Mostly she is learning to relax and adjust to life with a busy family. She loves a comfy puppy bed next to Bella or snuggling with a baby. We went to the vet for a check up on Friday and she was a hit! She is sweet and gentle and the vet and staff loved her. We hosted Easter at our house so after the vet visit, we got to work cooking for Sunday. Bella and Ruby showed Abby how to be kitchen helpers and as you can see, she does a great job! On Sunday morning, Abby woke up to some surprise babies that the Easter bunny brought her. She has been carrying them around and sleeping with them. Later everyone came over for brunch. Abby was such a hit. The kids and adults all loved her. She is happiest around all the people and settles right into the mix. They took the tennis balls also so that they could throw them for Bella and Ruby and it turns out that Abby likes to fetch too! After some fetching, Abby laid in the sun to watch the boys but Ethan could not resist snuggling her. Abby is sweet and playful but loves snuggling just as much. She seems content to take it all in and join in the fun. Thank you to Katie for coordinating our foster arrangements and to Maggie for making the trek to pick her up and transport her! Abby settled into the last leg of the trip quite nicely though I know she was eager to get home and get out of the car to stretch her legs. She is a gentle, beautiful lady who has enjoyed lots of time rolling around in the dirt. Today turned out to be the perfect day to get a bath and dry off in the warm sun! We mastered the stairs and got her into the shower and boy did she love it! Abby quickly settled in, meeting the other pups and exploring the yard. Shortly after that, the kids got home from school and met Abby. She was so excited that she could hardly focus on dinner because all she wanted was cuddles and hugs. Adopt Your New Best Friend! If you need additional information about the adoption process or whether you are in our coverage area, please send an e-mail to our Rescue at info brooklinelabrescue. Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue is a c 3 non-profit volunteer organization funded entirely by donations. Donations are always needed to help with veterinary costs, transportation, and supplies for our dogs. For information on donating to BLRR please click here. We decided that a Labrador Retriever was the dog that we wanted. We knew how great these dogs were, they were loyal and loving and made a great family addition to any home. We came across an ad in our local newspaper by a family that had chocolate lab puppies. We called and set up an appointment to meet the bundles of joy for the next day. The next day we were introduced to 6 puppies. At 8 weeks old they were as cute as could be. I had my eye set on a female that seemed pretty laid back and had waddled over to me. Cathy had set her sights on a beautiful milk chocolate female that had a calm yet playful personality. Cathy said to me " there is no way we are leaving without her " so I set the puppy I was holding down and I met this little girl for the first time. We decided she was the one and we took her home. On the way home we quickly bonded with this girl. Her in a small little crate on the floor of the front seat and us trying to decide on a name for this beautiful little girl, who was sure to bring us so much love. What we would name her, and the decision was Abby. As the weeks went by her personality became more evident. She was very smart, easy to house train, very loving but with an independent streak. I would take her to work with me everyday, which made it easier for us with her care. Her biggest problem was eating my truck! On the way home she would ride in the backseat and would be very quiet. Well when I came to a stop I found out why, she managed to chew the seat belts right in half! Oh well no one rides in the back of a pick up truck anyways, right? We found that Abby loved water and to swim, like most labs. We couldn't keep her out of the lake when we went to the park. She would swim with the geese or a passing row boat or kayak. She was also a lover of the snow. Her favorite winter game was catching snowballs. She loved going with us to our friends hunting cabin. She would stay with us while we enjoyed target practice with our shotguns. In true lab form, Abby would just lay there chewing a stick and not flinch at the sound. We were preparing for a trip to the hunting cabin and decided to get Abby "cleaned up". This meant a bath and brushing her teeth. Bath was done and now to the tooth brush with her beef flavored paste which she loved! Upon opening her mouth we saw a swollen spot that looked like a strawberry. That strawberry turned out to be cancer. The word no one ever wants to hear. The world stopped! A million thoughts rushing through our minds. How could this be? We brush her teeth once a week and never saw anything. She's only 7 and there is so much more we want to do with her. Yes surgery can remove this cancer known as Squamacous Cell Carcinoma. Off to the specialist who tells us it has been caught in the early stages and surgery should remove it. So they remove all of Abby's front teeth, her canine on the right and part of her palate. She can chew, eat and looks the same. Some dogs have a deformed muzzle after surgery, but Abby's is only slightly noticeable. She actually has a smile like Elvis now, just a little crooked. Life is now good. More trips to the lake where she swims with her friends and to the hunting cabin and chewing on tree branches. So we sell our house and pack up the car and the three of us drive 4 days across the country to start a new adventure. Abby is the best passenger in the car. Never a peep out of her, she either sleeps in the back of our Jeep or hangs her head out the window. Abby hates the Vegas summers. Hot for a large English lab that wants to romp in the snow. But we have a pool that she enjoys. It's difficult for her as she is getting older at age .So lets keep her young and get her a sister! Yea that's it!! Along came her sister, Bella that we rescued from a Vegas shelter. At four months old Bella, a Pit Bull mix fell in love with Abby. She depended on Abby to show her the ropes. We also noticed Abby enjoyed showing Bella the way. Two years later along came Jet our third baby. Jet came to us from Las Vegas Labrador Rescue and she was full of energy and life at 18 months. Our pack is now complete. Even though Abby had her sisters in Vegas, she still missed her doggy friends in Ohio. She would even send pictures to them when their health turned. Her favorite doggy friend in Ohio was Gunther or G-Boy. They were best buddies. Tests showed no infection, but Abby was in some distress when trying to urinate or she just couldn't urinate. More tests, blood work, x-rays then more x-rays. By the end of December she was going to the vet every day for a catheter to empty her bladder. Some days she stayed all day others we would pick her up after a few hours. Blood in her urine now. This isn't good.After 2 months of testing and catheters the radiologists finds IT. .It is a cancer they can't remove. The world falls away again, can't hear anything. Why is this happening?! We slow her catheter treatments to only a few a week to ensure her comfort. We can tell when she has to go back to have her treatment. For the most part she's a happy girl. She does sleep a lot but she's 13, right? She's eating and will still take off your finger for a treat, so that's good. March 22, , Abby's 14th birthday. What a party! She ate all of it and we didn't care. We just saw a smile in her eye and that's all we needed to see. Just 2 weeks later we lost her. It was the most difficult day I can remember. It was hard letting her go over the rainbow bridge, but she was so tired. She spoke to us softly the night before and told us it was time. She had given us all of the love any dog could. She really wasn't a dog, she was so much more. So we lost our beloved Abby and it left such a hole in our lives, our other dogs lives, our friends and even our vet's office. People still talk about Abby and how they loved her and what a great dog she was. We have used her paw print still holding our heart. Rest in Peace Little Girl.Her eye is healing well from the lipoma removal on Monday. She has left it alone mostly, so no cone needed. She snores with the best of them!!! We have gone out several times now and left Abby and our 2 resident dogs all free roaming and there was zero issues. They all get along great and are completely trustworthy together while alone. Abby would be an incredible therapy dog…. She is a love bug who just loves to be loved on. My foster family is already learning some of my secrets…. Oops…oh well thankfully FM had more and she put it in a more secure place. I was pretty close to getting some bacon. .Foster Dad also caught me running from the kitchen into the family room with a bag of doggie treats hanging from my mouth. Foster Dad said that was really funny…even as he chased me to get them back!! I happily spent the entire morning in there and then went back in there all evening, even though everyone was in the other room watching tv. Took me a few minutes to figure out how to eat it, but when I did BOY was that good!!!! Love Abby Hi All…. I just wanted to tell you what an incredible girl our sweet Abby is. She is honestly the easiest foster except for the counter surfing…that really keeps us on our toes!! She soaks up the love and attention and is so very happy to just chill near you. She takes correction very well when told no. She is eating quite well and drinking normally. So far there have been no problems between Abby and our 2 resident dogs, which is great. Abby is such a sweetheart and is so very calm and laid back. She takes treats very gently. We have allowed her free roam and she just goes about and finds a place to lay and rest. When that time comes…. In all honesty…. .Even someone who is home part days would be fine as Abby seems happy to snooze part of her day away. I think this will really help her coat with the shedding as well as the bit of dryness. We are already starting the switch over to much better dog food that will greatly improve her coat and skin, too. My only real concern if you can call it that? I met a nice lady whose car I was put in and off we went again. I was super calm and just laid with my head on the armrest. Then after a while we stopped and met 2 new people…. Not sure what that means. When we got to their house, I went for a short walk in the rain and met 2 dogs who live there. Then we went out back in the fenced yard and got to meet a little further. That went pretty good and none of us were overly interested in each other. When I finally got to go inside this new house I was exploring on my own and resident dog Emma came in and got a little too close to my face while I was still nervous and not sure what was going on so I gave a bit of a warning growl. Silly girl growled right back at me…. .Well, foster Mom kinda spoke sternly to Emma and told her to give me room, which she did right away and after that we were ok with each other. I am now comfortable enough sit beside them and get all the pets and love that I can. My coat has that several different layers look to it and you can just pull clumps of my fur off if you want. I need to get ready for the upcoming summer, but foster mom says her vacuum may get a run for its money…. .I am also VERY interested in the counter tops and all the good smells and things that may be up there. I met my foster brother Josh, who I learned I get to sleep in his room with him!! I have my very own bed in there and I slept the entire night comfortably on that bed. I did get up and kinda sniff around a time or time just to remember where I was but otherwise it was a good nights sleep. We all got up around or and I was ok with that. It was a very yummy treat so thats all I really care about. I have spent some more time wandering around learning this new place and getting all the love and pets that I can cause I surely do love them!! Foster Mom says I look sad…. If you are interested in adopting this Lab or any other Lab from our Rescue, please visit our Web site, www. If you need additional information about the adoption process or whether you are in our coverage area, please send an e-mail to our Rescue at info brooklinelabrescue. Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue is a c 3 non-profit volunteer organization funded entirely by donations. Donations are always needed to help with veterinary costs, transportation, and supplies for our dogs. For information on donating to BLRR please click here.

Food, warmth and lots of shut-eye are required for health and growth in his first few weeks. But with his eyes closed during this time, he will need monitoring and a little help from you. Step 1 Rub a bit of the mother's milk on the puppy's nose, and help him find her nipple for nursing so he connects the two. Puppies must feed within the first 12 to 36 hours to receive the mother's colostrum, which contains vital antibodies and nutrition for his survival. He should be nursing every two hours the first week, with longer intervals between feedings after that. Step 2 Check the puppy throughout the day to make sure he is warm and breathing. Newborn boxers sleep constantly and typically make soft sounds in their sleep. Add a towel-covered hot water bottle or heating pad on a low setting to provide additional warmth for your puppy. Step 3 Make sure the newborn boxer puppy is going to the bathroom after he eats. As he is unable to do so himself, his mother will lick him to cause the urge to go each day. If possible, wipe this up immediately with a paper towel so he doesn't lie in it or his mother doesn't eat it a natural occurrence. Step 4 Weigh the puppy daily to make sure he is gaining weight; if not, he is either not nursing properly or not getting what he needs from his mother. Puppy formula can be purchased at pet centers to mix for bottle feeding if this occurs. Step 5 Visit your veterinarian on day three to have the puppy's dewclaws removed and tail docked, if you choose to have these procedures done. More Articles. Select Options How to treat your newborn Boxers during their first 8 weeks If you have a litter of a newborn Boxer puppies you should prepare to be close to them at least for 8 first weeks of their life. It is the crucial time when you have to be ready for any situation, as it is the time when the health of your puppy is shaped. Day 1 During this day mother-dog will feed her babies with Colostrum. This is a milky liquid that contains a lot of nutrients, providing the puppies with vital antibodies. This day can be called a " sleepy day", as the puppies will sleep almost all the time when not drinking. If the puppies' bodies are warm, they breathe naturally and make soft noises, they are full and fine. On the first day the puppies cannot eliminate waists from their organism themselves yet, so their mother will lick them to stimulate this process. Boxer puppies have their eyes still closed and it will stay this way for days. The umbilical cord still remains, as it is rather damp and not ready to fall off. Day 2 On this day your puppies can lose weight. Don't be afraid, it is absolutely normal. However, take care that the larger puppies don't push the weaker puppies off the nipple. Day 3 If you decided to dock your puppies' tails, it is the best day to do it. Consult with your vet and consider carefully your decision. It is also the day when the cord is dry enough to fall off. On this day you should remove the dewclaws, if you decided to do so. Remember, that it should be done only by your experienced veterinarian. Week 1 During this week you should weigh your puppy each day. Take a basket lined with a soft and clean towel and measure it first. Then put the puppy into the basket. Thus, you will be able to calculate accurate number. Each day your puppies must gain weight. If there is no increase, contact your vet immediately. The nails should be trimmed each day as they grow very quickly. Please, do it very carefully for not to hurt your dog. You must trim off only a small "hook" of the nail. Week 2 It is the time when your small Boxers begin to open their eyes. It is a slow process so be patient. The puppies still hold close to their mom, but they already make their attempts to communicate with you. Week 3 It is a "chatting time". Now the puppies should fully open their eyes. The ear canal is also should be fully formed so the small Boxers start hearing their voices and barking. Be ready that your little travelers will make an attempts to leave their place. Now they have everything to learn the world better! Although it is not desirable to allow them to run about the house as they can harm themselves. Connect one or more boxes together, thus, making a big "playing ground". This way, your puppies will have enough place to communicate and play with each other. And it will be a safe place! Week 4 On the 4th week you may start feeding your puppies with solid food. Make a mixture containing 14 of puppy dog food and 34 of water. Begin with small amounts. You should habituate your puppies to solid food gradually and slowly as their digestive system cannot accept it at once. You can also remove extra heating. The temperature in the room must be 72 F 23 C. Week 5 It is the time when you can give toys to your puppies. You still have to check their weight, but not necessarily each day. Normal weight should vary between 2 lbs. Gradually make the food more solid by adding more puppy dog food and less water. Mother-dog is tired and exhausted so she would like to spend less time with her children. It is a perfect time for your interaction with the puppies. They will be very happy to play with you. Week 6 On the 6th week you may introduce your puppies a new world. Be ready that your small Boxers will become more active and start eating a lot. However, it is still too early for training. It is better to involve them into outdoor walkings. Try to walk them separately and beware of other dogs. Your puppies will be really fascinated to feel the warmth of the sun and soft touch of the grass! Week 7 You Boxer puppies do not require nursing any more. It is a great time when they grew up enough to involve you in their quite active games. Outdoor walks must become a daily routine. You should also take mother-dog with you as well. She will start educating her children all necessary skills. This week is perfect to pass to the usual routine of dog feeding, grooming, exercise and playing. Week 8 During this week the puppies should have their first vaccinations. If you are not going to keep all the puppies, it is a good time to find a new home for them. Make sure that you give them to the kind and loving people, who will take care of their small Boxers. If you are going to keep all or some puppies, you can begin training them as well as falling back into your normal dog care schedule. Boxer Newborn Puppy Care Overview If you have had a litter of Boxer puppies at your home and you are in charge of taking care of a newborn Boxer puppy, much attention must be taken during the first 8 weeks. From the moment of birth until the pups are at least 2 months old, a person must be close by and ready for any situation. Each week will bring new changes and responsibilities. This is a crucial time for care that can shape the health of the dog for its lifetime. How to Know if a Boxer Puppy is Getting Enough Milk The amount of times that a newborn puppy drinks milk from its mother varies from pup to pup. The important aspect is to know if a puppy is receiving enough throughout the day. Sometimes larger newborns will push their way to Mama and smaller puppies may not be getting enough milk. Some puppies may not be strong enough to suckle from smaller nipples some will be larger than others or strong enough to suckle once other pups have done so, and as the milk supply runs lower a puppy needs to suckle harder. How do you know if a Boxer puppy is getting enough milk? It is important to weigh each puppy. This can be done with a baby scale or electronic kitchen scale. Of course, take great care when weighing them. Always use the same type of blanket or cushioning on the scale so that you always get an accurate weight and the blanket does not affect the weight Weigh each puppy 2 times per day: AM and PM Keep careful track of who is who! You can do this by using a dot of white-out fluid applied to the ear in a certain area or other gentle marking method If a puppy shows no weight gain each day, you must take steps to ensure that pup receives more nutrition If a newborn is not gaining weight: Give the larger puppies a supplement Allow the smaller puppy to drink first; the larger puppies will have more strength to suck harder to retrieve their milk If There is a Weight Loss: This can be extremely dangerous. During the first few days it will not be milk; it will be Colostrum. This is a highly nutritional fluid that gives vital antibodies to the puppy. The puppy will sleep almost all the time, when not drinking. The Boxer pup will also make soft noises. As long as the puppy's body is warm and you feel him or her breathing naturally, all should be fine. A puppy this young will not be able to eliminate on its own. The mother will lick the pup to stimulate the expulsion of bowel or urine. Do not be shocked if the dam then eats this. The newborn Boxer puppy will have its eyes closed. They will stay this way for about 10 to 15 days. The umbilical cord will still be damp and certainly not ready to fall off. Day 2 It is perfectly normal for a Boxer puppy to lose weight on its 2nd day of life. Carefully watch for any Boxer newborn that seems to be getting pushed out of the way by other pups and unable to drink from mom. If this is happening, remove the other puppies after they feed and allow the hungry puppy to nurse alone, not bothered by their brothers and sisters. Day 3 Talk to your veterinarian regarding docking the tail , if you have decided to do so. This is often done on day 3. This decision should be carefully thought about. In addition, the Boxer puppy's cord will be dry and just about ready to fall off. Dewclaws, if removed, are usually done so on this day by your dog's experienced veterinarian. Week 1 Puppies should be weighed each day. This can be done by preparing a small basket, lined with a soft and clean towel. The basket can be placed on the scale first, with the weight noted. Then, the puppy should be placed inside the basket. Subtract the weight of the basket to have the exact weight of your Boxer puppy. There should be an increase each day. If not, be sure to immediately contact your dog's veterinarian. Nails grow very quickly and should be trimmed as often as each day if needed. A clotting solution, such as Kwik Stop should be used in case the quick of the nail is cut by accident something to carefully avoid. As the pup matures, many owners find that a grinder tool works much better than a clipper. Some dogs need to learn to tolerate the noise, but once they do, grinding down nails can be fast and easy. Week 2 The eyes of the Boxer puppy may begin to open. This is a slow process in which they will open bigger and for more time each day. Puppies will still be nesting near mom. You should take a bit more time to handle the puppies. This is done to slowly allow the mother to become used to you holding them and for the puppies to begin bonding with you. Week 3 The Boxer puppy's eyes should be completely open. Ears will be open now, as well. The ear canal should be fully formed. This is a bit of a noisy time, as the Boxer puppies will begin to find their "voices" and begin to bark. A 3 week old Boxer will have an urge to leave the whelping box. They will have an instinctual urge to eliminate outside of their resting and sleeping area. One side of the box can be removed, with newspapers placed right outside. A 2nd box can be connected to the 1st whelping box. This will allow the pups to have room to romp around and play. This will also give the Boxer mom time to rest without her puppies jumping all over her. Allowing the puppies to play with each other in a safe and comfortable box is a necessary part of the first socialization they need. Week 4 When does a Boxer puppy begin eating solid food? The weaning process begins just about now, in Week 4. You may also wish to offer the very health option of homemade meals of only fresh ingredients. Start with small amounts. It will be a slow yet steady process for a puppy's digestive system to become used to solid food. Extra heating can be removed. The room should be at a comfortable 72 F .Week 5 You should begin introducing small toys to the puppy. The weight of the puppy should still be checked, this can be done every other day now. Normal weight varies very much but should fall in the range of 2 lbs. Feeding should change slightly, with more puppy food and less water. The dam may want to spend more time away from the puppies. This is where an owner must step in and have much more interaction with the puppies. While still fragile, they should be more than happy to be patted, cuddled and played with. Week 6 A Boxer puppy will be eating quite a bit of puppy dog food than before. Too young to be house trained , this may be a messy week or 2 since bowel movements will become more frequent. While it is too early to expect a puppy to be trained yet, if the weather is warm and day this is a great week to introduce a puppy to the outside world. If you are caring for more than 1 pup, take each one outside separately or 2 at the most. Always keep the Boxer on a leash and beware of any dogs in the area. Allow them to become used to what grass feels like! Allow a pup to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of a cool breeze. Week 7 Puppies may not be nursing at all any more. They should be spending quite a bit of time with you and with the other puppies. Going outside should be a daily routine. The dam should be brought outside with the pups; she will use this time to teach them skills. This is the time to be very close to a dog's normal routine of grooming , feeding, exercise and play time. Week 8 This is the week that the puppies will receive their 1st vaccinations. If you will not be keeping the puppies, now is the time to begin the process of finding them a good home. All prospective owners should be evaluated fully. Make home visits if possible. Do not be afraid to ask many questions. If you will be keeping all or some of the puppies, now is the time to fall into normal care for your dog. Housebreaking training can begin as well as falling back into your normal schedule. See Also: Boxer puppy care - Overview of what is needed to take great care of a new Boxer puppy. Boxer dog questions and answers - Round-up of some of the most common issues and care elements with the Boxer breed. Gift ideas for your Boxer! By Boxer Blvd. Want a surprise gift for your favorite canine companion? Look no further! Here are some gift ideas for your furry friend. A Smart Bone Toy produced by Wickedbone is a cool toy that works like arobot dog toy. It can hop and jump away from your Boxer. The first notable Boxer pup was inMunich in .The breeders came up with a guide for future breedingand took the Boxer puppy to a local dog show… The post The origins of the Boxer Breed first appeared on Boxer Blvd. .Common Boxer breed health problems to watch out for! Knowing the symptoms and earlydetection are the best forms of defense to giving your Boxer a long andhealthy life. One of the most important health conditions as… The post Common Boxer breed health problems to watch out for! Over the course of a year, this can be raised —start at smaller increments of thirty minutes. Boxer puppies should notexceed one exercise per day and not more than twenty minutes in theirfirst year. Well, there actually can be quite a few issues that can occur while babies and dogs interact. When bringing home a newborn to meet your dog, there are lots of precautions that you can and should take. Dogs teeth are obviously an especially important part of their body, and while dogs might have tough mouths, even they can get toothaches and cavities. Part Two By Boxer Blvd. Part Two first appeared on Boxer Blvd. .Part One By Boxer Blvd. Part 1 Yes, all dogs are subject to the possibility of suffering from depression, and Boxers are no exception. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recognizes this reality and its symptoms are very similar those experienced by their human counterparts. Part One first appeared on Boxer Blvd. .In fact, according to the American Kennel Club statistics, it is the seventh most popular breed in the United States, a spot it has held for four years. Or you already have one, and you would like to know more about his or her behavior?

The AKC states that they are incredibly hard workers whose physical strength aids in their ability to perform their duties well. Though their capabilities certainly have a lot to do with intelligence, their excellent job performance can also be credited to their amazing adaptability. After all — they are super friendly! You may not want to trust your Golden Retriever to protect your home. Golden Retrievers are first and foremost devoted to their families. If an immediate threat was obvious, they may certainly step in. But when a stranger comes to the door, the typical reaction of a Golden is to bark until the new person comes to greet them. And before you know it, the new person has quickly become a new friend — no matter who they are! This is in part due to the fact that Golden Retrievers do not do well alone. It is recommended that Golden Retrievers never be left home alone for more than 4 hours at a time. Golden Retriever require a decent amount of both mental and physical stimulation otherwise they can resort to destructive behavior out of boredom. Most of the dogs we come across were not bred to hunt and retrieve. Instead they are bred to work as service dogs which means jumping into a body of water would not be looked highly upon when their job is to guide a blind person or open a door for a person in a wheel chair. However, you might have to teach them some of the nuances of the game of fetch. If your Golden is having some troubles with the game of fetch your might try reading this article on how to teach your dog to fetch. Goldens Are Mouthy Dogs What one person considers mouthy another might consider bitey. Anyhow, Golden Retrievers are mouthy. They are bred to retrieve and carry birds and other game back to their owners. The good news is they are meant to softly carry birds back to their owners without damaging the bird. The bad news is they like to put their mouth on inappropriate things like your arms, hands, and legs. We often joke that Raven likes to shake hands with her mouth. Here are the top 5 dog breeds in Labrador Retriever. They are extremely kind, affectionate and intelligent puppies. They are like teddy bears and love their cuddles like their mom Heidi and dad Duke. They are bred to a very high standard and their pedigree is available. This is the first litter from our gorgeous family dog, Heidi, who is an excellent family pet. We have one male and one female cream puppy available, they are in perfect health and displaying a friendly temperament, much like their mother. Our puppies have been raised and played with by my nine grandchildren since they were born, so they are well accustomed to being handled regularly. They were also born the same time our cat had kittens so they are well used to and quite affectionate with our cats and kittens. Each puppy is IKC registered, vaccinated, wormed, and microchipped. We would be more than happy for you to visit and meet the puppies before making any commitments. It is very important to us that the puppies go to suitable homes that will provide love and affection aswell as proper looking after. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The AKC states that they are incredibly hard workers whose physical strength aids in their ability to perform their duties well. Though their capabilities certainly have a lot to do with intelligence, their excellent job performance can also be credited to their amazing adaptability. After all — they are super friendly! You may not want to trust your Golden Retriever to protect your home. Golden Retrievers are first and foremost devoted to their families. If an immediate threat was obvious, they may certainly step in. But when a stranger comes to the door, the typical reaction of a Golden is to bark until the new person comes to greet them. And before you know it, the new person has quickly become a new friend — no matter who they are! This is in part due to the fact that Golden Retrievers do not do well alone. It is recommended that Golden Retrievers never be left home alone for more than 4 hours at a time. Golden Retriever require a decent amount of both mental and physical stimulation otherwise they can resort to destructive behavior out of boredom. Most of the dogs we come across were not bred to hunt and retrieve. Instead they are bred to work as service dogs which means jumping into a body of water would not be looked highly upon when their job is to guide a blind person or open a door for a person in a wheel chair. However, you might have to teach them some of the nuances of the game of fetch. If your Golden is having some troubles with the game of fetch your might try reading this article on how to teach your dog to fetch. Goldens Are Mouthy Dogs What one person considers mouthy another might consider bitey. Anyhow, Golden Retrievers are mouthy. They are bred to retrieve and carry birds and other game back to their owners. The good news is they are meant to softly carry birds back to their owners without damaging the bird. The bad news is they like to put their mouth on inappropriate things like your arms, hands, and legs. We often joke that Raven likes to shake hands with her mouth. Here are the top 5 dog breeds in Labrador Retriever. We have chosen males and females that possess impeccable pedigrees comprising many of the accomplished Goldens in breeding history. Our goal is to protect all that makes Golden Retrievers such wonderful dogs, companions, and friends. Our breeding encompasses beauty, health, temperament, and intelligence. We choose to be a smaller kennel because we want our Goldens to be part of our family. Our dogs are kenneled only when separation is needed to protect from unwanted mating. We believe that our dogs deserve to experience more than the breeding process, so we enroll them in classes such as agility and dock diving, to challenge them mentally and physically. Our Goldens are walked every morning and have experienced parks, ballgames, stores, the ocean, the river, and doggie pools. Our puppies are raised in our home, sleeping next to the fireplace in the den. Benjamin Irving puppies are socialized, exposed to surfaces and sounds in our home and out in our yard. They will have begun basic obedience and potty training. The puppies will each have had a physical exam by our veterinarian, they will be microchipped and will have lifetime registration with AKC Reunite, they will be current on all vaccinations, they will be AKC registered, and bundled in lots of love. The quality and care that goes into Benjamin Irving's puppies is something that the discriminating Golden seeker will appreciate. When we receive texts, emails, and pictures expressing the bond and the joy that has been created by a human s and one little puppy it makes our hearts sing. That's why we do this!! Bennett Goldens.

Do German Shepherd puppies change color? Yes, as they grow, these puppies naturally change their coats. Expect a dramatic coat change as it turns into an adult. Do you ever wonder how these puppies go through color changes? You can witness these fun replacements of colors until your dog reaches two years old. They naturally change their overall appearance as they age. Even the color of their eyes changes, too! Adult coats simply replace them gradually as they grow. When you see a newborn puppy, it will be hard to tell what its dominant color will be. There are also German Shepherd puppies that are born with overall white color, which is an exception. White pups will stay all white until adulthood. At Age 0 to 2 Weeks At this age, changes to the puppy coat begin. Some keen dog breeders can tell if the German Shepherd puppy will have an all-black coat or change its color. Aside from coat color, you can also tell at this point if your dog will have short, medium, or long coats. They may turn all black, or their color may develop a darker or lighter color. At 4 to 6 Months When German Shepherd puppies turn four to six months old, they start to shed off their puppy furs. As a result, their coats gradually become thicker and denser as well. By this time, you can see your puppy develop into an adult dog. There will be small or drastic changes, and at this stage, you can usually tell what the dominant color of your dog will be. This is one of the most exciting stages. You can certainly tell if it has turned out to be black, black and tan, gray, or sable. You can often see them in the show ring. However, the original color of German Shepherds is sable because they were bred as working dogs. Nowadays, there are a lot of colors that German Shepherds can have. Black and Tan When you think of a German Shepherd, the first picture that comes into your mind is black and tan. The black appears mostly on the upper limb and their faces, while the dominant color for the chest, neck, and underbellies is tan. Black and Red For this one, the black color mostly appears on the saddle or upper limb and face. The chest and underbellies, however, will have a dark red appearance. Black The dog has a pure black coat, and it is very rare. You cannot see any visible color on them aside from black. Their origins are either both black parents or black and tan. Bi-color Bi-color dogs are those that have a dominant black coat color with a sign of another color. Their face, legs, and feet may have minimal color variation. They are bred intentionally. Gray German Shepherds with gray color have a distinctive appearance. You will see the whole body of the dog with the dominant liver color. You can see most of them in dog shows. Its coat is literally like that of a panda! This is a purebred dog and not a combination of parents with different color breeds. The rare gene altercations are responsible for its cute color. The coat appears to have more black and tan colors and a few white spots. Sable Sable is one of the most popular colors of German Shepherds. You can mostly see this coat color with the working lines of German Shepherds. Red Sable Red sables are rare breeds. They are sold expensive because of their unique color. It resembles a rich brownish-red coat. Its fur has black tips. At 24 months, German Shepherds generally tend to stop changing their colors. If you notice an excessive change in color at this point, consult your veterinarian for immediate assessment. There might be some underlying conditions that you need to address. All canine friends are great companions. When you own a German Shepherd, you will be amazed at how they change their colors into adulthood. Each German Shepherd has its unique coat color. The genes have the biggest impact on their color. The most important thing to note is that you own a healthy and happy German Shepherd regardless of its color. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. They have a strong and dominant personality. On the other hand, a solid white German Shepherd has a shy personality. But if trained well, just like any other GSD, they are hardworking, loyal, intelligent, and brave breed. However, their unusual light skin and golden eyes make them rare as well! They are the majority of the black GSD that is considered as the original color of the breed. Black could mix with tan, red, silver or cream, and even white. They are considered as one of the most popular colors of the GSD and popular in Hollywood as well! The majority of their bodies are black, and as puppies, their colors lighten. The color tan can be replaced by other colors, such as red. They can also be found in a working field. Black and Red — Similar to the black and tan GSD, but the color tan is replaced by a red or strawberry-type like color. They can be found in the show field. But they could still be considered as Black and Red color. Bicolor Almost black — The majority of their bodies are color black. Yet, the legs have a different color, for instance, brown, gray, or Agouti, and they also have no saddleback. Blue — Their origins are unknown. Still, the blue pigment appeared when the black color was diluted, turning the skin to a liver brown color that can appear blue in our eyes. Gray — They have the same appearance or color as the wolf. Liver and Tan — They have a unique brown color of the incomplete black pigment. Their overall look could look brownish with little to no color of black. They were born in a tan color, yet as they grew up, one additional color or two also grew, replacing the Tan. White — Snowy-fur light-colored GSD that could mean solid and pure or mixed. It shared the same bloodline as German Shepherds. Yet, it is presumed that they are independent or recessive from other colors. Rare Colors These are the German Shepherd considered as a severe or genetic fault. This means for different reasons, their colors are unusual for the GSD breed. Panda — They have a pattern of white color with black spots. It is said that they are the result of Piebald coloring occurring as unpigmented white spots. Liver — They have a recessive gene that blocks the black pigment from appearing, thus replacing it with brown. Pale and Dilute — anything that looks pale or lighter in color, such as white and liver GSD. They are indeed one of the most unique canine breeds. Final Thoughts The way we see it, German Shepherds do change color as they grew up. Rapid or Unusual changes are abnormal and should be taken to the Vet for immediate care. And lastly, this article made us appreciate them all. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherd dogs will change their coat color fairly consistently from the time they are born until they are about 2 years old. This change in color is the most dramatic during the first 8 weeks of life. During this time German Shepherd puppies will change from their birth color to the young coat that will resemble their coat as an adult. This means that their soft puppy fluff will change color for some breeds, and will also start to change in texture. Over the first two years of life, your German Shepherd puppy will change its coat frequently. These changes will alter the coat color, growing in the color and pattern that your dog will possess for the bulk of its adult life. During this time your German Shepherd will also lose the soft coat of a puppy, and grow a more dense, coarse coat of an adult. Changes in coat length, coarseness, and color will progress during the normal pattern of molt. You will notice obvious patterns of shedding or molting in your German Shepherd, generally, two times per year. Most dogs, molt during the fall and during the spring. Grooming It is important that you are diligent during these times of molt with grooming your German Shepherd dog, especially if your dog is long-coated. German Shepherds, especially long coated German Shepherds, are prone to matting due to their coarse coat texture. Matting can be painful for your dog, so make sure that you brush them often during these times of molting. Good grooming of your German Shepherd during molt will also help to keep your home free from excessive amounts of hair. The changes that you will notice in the color of your German Shepherd dog will be subtle and are similar to the coat color changes that most dog owners will notice with their pets. Just like people, German Shepherds will start to show a greying of hair as they age. You will notice this change, particularly around their eyes and muzzle. This change will be particularly noticeable on German Shepherds that have dark faces, or on black German Shepherds. This change in their coat may make your German Shepherd look less colorful than they did as a younger dog. Along with graying and a dulling of the coat, you may notice that your German Shepherd is losing more hair, and their coat seems thinner, as they get older. This, like a change in face colors and a duller appearance, are natural progressions of aging. However, if you notice that these changes happen very rapidly, you may want to visit your veterinarian. Rapid changes in color or coat thickness can be an indication of a more serious problem. If your German Shepherd starts losing hair in thick patches or has a rapid change in color this could indicate health problems like thyroid issues, cancer, or liver issues. As a German Shepherd owner, you may not be able to stop the natural change in coat color as your dog ages, but you can take steps to help keep their coat soft and thicker as they age. German Shepherds are great family companions, and they have many unique traits that make them amazing, special dogs. Their coloring and change in color as they grow is one of the most interesting and unique features of the German Shepherd. However, it can make it more challenging if you are new to the breed and are looking to buy a puppy of a specific color. In the long Run Our advice when you are shopping for a German Shepherd puppy, in a specific color is to work with a reputable breeder. Good breeders will be able to help a new German Shepherd owner or one that is looking for a particular color, find the right puppy to add to their family. And remember, rapid changes in color can be a sign of serious health problems and should be addressed by your veterinarian. These are the natural color changes you can expect with your healthy German Shepherd dog. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Puppies When choosing a companion dog, it is normal for coat color to be a major consideration. But how about the German Shepherd coat? Do German Shepherd puppies change color? This article will discuss German Shepherd puppy coat coloring and how that coloring changes over time. Yes, German Shepherd puppies change color as they develop into adulthood. Even after they completely shed their puppy coat and grow their permanent adult coat, you can still expect to see some subtle changes in color. Instead, it sheds and changes continuously from birth to around 6 months. Once your German Shepherd turns 7 months old, the changes to their coat color will be more subtle. Nevertheless, it will continue to transform until they become adults at around 2 years old. Puppies are single-coated and their fur is generally soft and fluffy. Over time, they will shed that coat and develop a double-coat composed of dense fur and coarse outer hairs. Thick, downy fur helps puppies regulate their temperature within their first few months of life. However, their needs will change as they develop into adults. In the spring, German Shepherds blow their undercoats in preparation for the warm summer months. They will again shed heavily in the fall to develop a thicker and possibly darker winter coat. However, their appearance will still change—possibly multiple times—until well into adulthood, which starts at around 2 years old. However, you may still notice some subtle changes in thickness as the seasons turn. The color might also change slightly due to various factors like diet and sun exposure. However, experienced breeders can often tell whether a puppy will be long-coated before they turn a month old. It is also common for some unique markings to appear or disappear at this time. Nevertheless, the change in appearance might still be significant between 7 and 18 months old. Their shade could become darker or lighter, and their coat pattern can show some slight changes as well. Changes could still occur as a result of diet, environmental exposure, or health issues. No matter what color you prefer, your German Shepherd will benefit from proper nutrition and supplements for dog coat growth. Liver These are all approved show-ring standard coat colors in case you want to show your GSD. But is there any way to know for sure what coat color your GSD puppy will have when they grow up? First-time German Shepherd owners are often very surprised to learn that a large breed dog like the German Shepherd can continue growing for 24 to 36 months. An adult German Shepherd dog may weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pad to shoulder. That is a lot of growth that needs to get done. For this reason, genetically speaking, it is advantageous for a large breed puppy to grow in spurts, spacing it out over time. Canine coat color experts explain that dogs have two basic pigments: eumelanin melanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin Eumelanin pigment always defaults to black. Eumelanin not only determines basic coat color but also controls for iris eye colors and nose colors. Phaeomelanin Phaeomelanin always defaults to red. Like eumelanin, the introduction of different genes can determine where on the red spectrum phaeomelanin expresses shows up. Unlike eumelanin, phaeomelanin only affects coat color and not eyes or nose. This is the chart many breeders use to design breeding programs to focus on certain coat colors. Each parent dog contributes a set of genes that control for color: coat color, eye iris color, and nose color as well as skin color. If you have a preference for a specific adult coat color, whether because you want to show your GSD or you are developing your breeding program, the best guarantee is to work closely with a knowledgeable breeder who understands coat color genetics. There is one exception to the coat color change to be aware of: often GSD puppies born with white coats will stay white. The coat is no exception here, as we mentioned in the introduction here. When your GSD puppy is born, all the puppies are typically but not always solid in color. The most common GSD puppy colors are black, grey, or — surprisingly — white. Kennels Von Lotta, a German Shepherd breeder, and kennel have posted this picture of a litter of newborn neonate German Shepherd puppies that were born black. Whelping to 2 weeks The puppies will start to show some differences in coat color and also coat length. By the day mark, breeders say it is often possible to tell if a GSD puppy is potentially going to grow up to have a long coat. As South Florida Shepherds kennel and breeder explains, the very same parent dogs can produce GSD puppies with very different adult coat colors. Because nearly all GSDs are displaying their permanent adult coloration by 18 to 24 months, continued changes or a sudden recurrence of color changes should always be investigated further. Now you know what to watch for as your little fluffy German Shepherd puppy starts to display their full and fabulous adult coat color and pattern.

All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies in dogs. They work by blocking the release of histamine from mast cells cells involved in allergic reactions. Antihistamines work best in dogs with seasonal or mild skin allergies. Antihistamines are inexpensive and have very few side effects. Antihistamines work best when given consistently, not just as needed. Antihistamines for dogs are given by mouth. Antihistamines do not work the same in every dog. For this reason, your vet may recommend trying up to three antihistamines before moving on to a different type of therapy. Examples of dog-safe antihistamines are Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin. Note that the active medication in Benadryl can vary depending on the country. Always check with a vet to make sure the key component of any antihistamine is safe. Try each antihistamine for 10 — 14 days. Before using these over-the-counter antihistamines, ask your vet what dosage of antihistamine your dog will need. Your Golden Retriever may still be itchy with antihistamine therapy. However, the itchiness will probably be less than what it was before. Steroids are anti-inflammatory. By decreasing inflammation, steroids help a dog with CAD feel less itchy. However, steroids have serious long-term side effects, including increased drinking and urinating, liver enlargement, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. Steroids can be given as short-term relief for flare-ups temporary episodes of itchiness. Your vet will determine which type of steroid therapy your Golden Retriever will need. If your Golden Retriever needs long term steroid therapy, your vet may prescribe a low dosage to be given every other day. Do not make changes to the steroid dosage on your own. This could make treatment more challenging. If your Golden Retriever is on long term steroid therapy, monitoring for side effects is very important. In addition to observing your dog at home, your vet will want to see your dog regularly to analyze blood and urine samples. If you notice any side effects e. You do not have to wait until your regularly scheduled appointment to have your Golden Retriever examined. In addition to steroids, your vet may prescribe other medications, such as antihistamines, with the goal of limiting or eliminating steroid use. Follow prescription instructions for these other medications. Your vet will determine if the other medications are working well enough to start phasing out the steroids from the treatment plan. Your vet may recommend a drug called cyclosporine, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Unlike steroids, long term cyclosporine therapy is generally well tolerated by dogs. Therefore, the cost of cyclosporine therapy would decrease over time. Talk with your vet if you are concerned about the overall cost of cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is an oral drug. Then, the dosage is gradually decreased to the lowest effective dose. Give the cyclosporine on an empty stomach. Cyclosporine can cause several side effects, including vomiting and diarrhea. Side effects usually occur within the first two weeks of therapy. Contact your vet if you observe these side effects. Your vet may recommend stopping the cyclosporine for a few days, then restarting it by giving it with a small amount of food. Even if you become impatient with waiting for a treatment response, do not change the cyclosporine dosage on your own—this could lead to treatment failure, which could make your Golden Retriever feel even itchier. If the white blood cell counts are low, your vet may need to adjust the cyclosporine dosage. These follow-up visits will also allow your vet to determine how well your Golden Retriever is responding to therapy. It can help your Golden Retriever achieve remission no visible signs of CAD without the use of other medications e. Immunotherapy is most helpful for dogs that have skin allergies for longer than two to three months at a time and have not responded well to other skin allergy medications. It is a lifelong treatment. Immunotherapy injections are usually given about once every one to four weeks. Your vet will let you know how often your Golden Retriever will need the injections. It may help to schedule several appointments at one time to make sure your dog receives stays on schedule with the treatment. At the beginning of immunotherapy, your vet will increase the dosage of allergens until a maintenance dosage is reached. Your vet will determine the maintenance dosage and keep your Golden Retriever at this dosage level. Your vet may change the frequency of injections during the course of therapy. This may be the hardest part of immunotherapy, since it may take anywhere from a few months to a full year before a dog responds to this type of therapy. Because your Golden Retriever will not respond to immunotherapy very quickly, your vet will recommend treating your dog with other skin allergy medications during the course of immunotherapy. Before starting immunotherapy, your vet will probably ask that you commit to this treatment for at least 1 year to see if it will work. This amount of improvement could mean that a dog does not need to be on other skin allergy medications. Golden retrievers are extremely intelligent, loyal, and sociable dogs. They are the quintessential family dog. However, owning one means you will have to also deal with allergies and food intolerances. This guide provides a brief run-down on what to expect as a new owner of a golden retriever. Golden Retrievers Are Prone to Skin Issues Golden retrievers are known to have a myriad of skin issues that are often noticeable when your find them aggressively scratching. However, some skin issues can be hard to notice as they tend to be covered by their dense undercoat or thick fur. In fact, it is this thick fur that stores and retains heat and humidity so close to the skin that consequently results in skin issues. Mainly, they are prone to environmental allergies and atopic dermatitis. Like several other breeds, some stuff in the environment, such as tree pollen, dust, and even certain cleaning products are well-known causes for these allergies. Most Common Golden Retrievers Skin Allergies Golden retrievers are quite susceptible to skin allergies and allergen agents. Most common of all is atopic dermatitis. This is a condition that is predominantly genetic in a significant number of golden retrievers. It causes their bodies to become highly inflamed and sensitive to dust particles, grass, tree pollen as well as certain cleaning products. The other types of allergens that can affect some golden retrievers include certain dog supplements for itchy skin, some medications, mold, food ingredients and fleas. Corn and wheat products have also been found to cause allergic reactions in some golden retrievers — hence the prevalence of insect-based dog food these days. If the skin problem of your golden retriever is a result of food allergies, it is recommended that you use the same approach you would use for humans. What this means is that you should try putting your dog on an elimination diet. Should the symptoms be alleviated during this period, then it is certain that your dog was reacting to a food allergy. In other cases, a vet may recommend allergen-specific immunotherapy — which is basically a method that involves introducing small doses of the allergen to your golden retriever regularly until their sensitivity to the allergen becomes negligible. Hot spots, which often presents as swollen and inflamed skin, can be treated by putting your golden retriever on a course of dog supplements for itchy skin, anti-microbial hot spot spray, medicated shampoo, or hot spot anti-microbial hydrogel. All of these are designed to provide a relieving effect. Itching in dogs such as golden retrievers can be caused by many things. The most common culprits, however, are fleas, food allergies, environmental allergies, dry skin, mites, or an ear infection. Once you notice that your dog is itching a little more than usual, you need to observe first to try and isolate the cause before rushing to provide treatment. You may make matters worse by providing the wrong treatment. If home-based remedies are not providing any tangible relief, be sure to see a professional vet for further guidance. As a general practice, any dog that suffers from food allergies should be put on either a limited ingredient food course or a hypoallergenic food course. A limited ingredient food course is basically food that has few components. The idea here is to make it easy to isolate what is causing the allergy. Thanks to advancements in industry today, these foods do not have to be bland. You have an array of flavored limited ingredient foods that can be enjoyed by your golden retriever. One example of such a protein is hydrolyzed soy. If you are unsure of which hypoallergenic foods or proteins to use, consult a professional vet. Some studies have shown that certain dog breeds are more susceptible to chicken allergies and golden retrievers are among them. It is, however, hard to put a concrete figure on the proportion of golden retrievers that are allergic to chicken. What we do know is that it tends to be genetic; therefore, breeding dogs that exhibit some chicken intolerance will likely spread that allergy to subsequent generations. The symptoms of chicken allergy in golden retrievers, like many other dog breeds, presents as a lot of itching and scratching. In a few cases, chicken allergies have been found to be severe if left untreated for a long time. Golden retrievers are considered to be water dogs. They have a thick fur and their skin secretes natural oils that are water-repellant. The question of how often you should bathe your golden retriever depends on lifestyle factors. One that stays indoors a lot gathers dirt less than then one prone to playing outside or in algae-filled ponds. You should also keep in mind that washing your dog too much can be just as bad as not washing at all. This is because excessive washing will strip away the natural oils that provide a protective coating to its fur. Studies have shown that it has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-odor properties. Some vets suggest using coconut oil on small cuts and wounds to help prevent your dog from getting infections. The best way to prevent allergies in your golden retriever is by making sure that your environment is clean and free of dust mites and pollen. Also, incorporating dog supplements for itchy skin in their diet has been found to help. We suggest consulting a professional vet guidance if you are having trouble with dog allergies. Also read these important recourses for your dog:. CAD is common in certain breeds, particularly Golden Retrievers. The telltale sign of skin allergies is itching, which can range from mild to severe. Other than scratching to relieve the itch, your dog will rub, lick, chew and bite different parts of his body e. Skin allergies can sometimes lead to ear infections, so your dog might start shaking his head because his ears feel itchy. This head shaking can lead to the development of a hematoma large mass of blood on his ear. Clinical signs of skin allergies usually start appearing when a dog is 6 months to 3 years old. The more your Golden Retriever scratches, the more damaged his skin will become. Most noticeably, his skin will become very red. His skin may also develop hyperpigmentation, and become crusty. The scratching can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections on the skin, which would make the skin smell bad. For example, you may see reddening and hair loss around his eyes and muzzle. You may also notice his ears looking red. His fur will likely have patches of hair loss where he has been scratching. CAD is either seasonal or non-seasonal. If your dog seems to be particularly itchy in the late summer or fall, he may have a seasonal skin allergy due to pollen or other air allergens. If he has year-round itchiness, he probably has developed a skin allergy to something inside your home, like dust mites. Knowing when your dog becomes extra itchy will help your veterinarian diagnose the skin allergy. With the appropriate information and approach, you can make your dog feel more at ease. This article will cover all you need to know about allergies in Golden Retrievers, including how to identify allergies, and manage those allergies, as well as various types of treatment and the pros and cons of each treatment. Key Takeaways Recognizing the symptoms of allergies, such as itching, scratching, and skin irritation, is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis of allergies may require various tests, including physical examination, blood tests, skin tests, and food elimination trials. Treatment options for allergies include medication, dietary changes, and alternative therapies, each with its pros and cons. Managing allergies in dogs involves keeping their environment free from allergens, monitoring their diet and symptoms, and working closely with a veterinarian for proper care and relief. Common Allergies In Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are such friendly and lovable dogs, but they, like us, can suffer from allergies. Skin allergies are a common problem for Golden Retrievers, and they can make their skin itchy and irritated. Food allergies can also occur when their body reacts to something in their food. Flea allergies, in which the pet is allergic to flea saliva, can also result in itchy skin and hot spots. Finally, Golden Retrievers can develop environmental allergies, such as sensitivity to grass or pollen, which can cause skin irritation or respiratory problems. If you suspect your Golden Retriever is exhibiting any of these symptoms, take them to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Itching is the most prevalent symptom of FAD, and it can range from mild to severe. Redness, inflammation, and hair loss may occur at the location of flea bites in dogs with FAD, which is commonly on the lower back or base of the tail. Even though fleas can cause itchiness in most dogs, those with flea allergies itch far more badly than those who do not have flea allergies. They will itch furiously and find it difficult to concentrate on other things. These allergies are caused by the immune system overreacting to environmental allergens such as trees, grass, and weed pollens, mold spores, and dust mites. Allergy To Food Food allergies in dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers, are an immune response to specific proteins or carbohydrates in their diet. Contact Allergies Contact allergies in Golden Retrievers can be triggered by common irritants such as certain shampoos or grooming products. These irritants may contain chemicals or fragrances that can cause skin reactions and discomfort for your furry friend. Symptoms of Allergy In Golden Retrievers Allergy symptoms in Golden Retrievers vary based on the type of allergy and the particular dog. Flea allergic dermatitis FAD in dogs, including Golden Retrievers, can cause the following symptoms: Itching: FAD is characterized by acute itching, which can induce self-trauma from excessive scratching, licking, biting, and gnawing at the skin. Flea bites can produce red, irritated skin as well as inflammation at the bite site. Scratching and biting can cause hair loss, especially near the base of the tail and on the lower back. Secondary skin infections: Constant scratching and biting of the skin can result in secondary skin diseases such as hot spots or pyoderma. Inhalant allergies in dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, can cause the following symptoms: Itchy skin, especially on the face, ears, paws, and belly. Scratching, licking, biting, and chewing at the sore spots. Wheezing, sneezing, or coughing. Face, paw, or ear swelling or puffiness. Food allergies in dogs, including Golden Retrievers, can cause the following symptoms: Itchy skin, particularly around the ears, paws, and face. Scratching, biting, or licking affected regions. Vomiting and diarrhea are examples of gastrointestinal problems. Hives or facial or paw swelling. Appetite suppression and weight reduction. Some dogs may exhibit nonspecific signs like tiredness and a lack of energy. Contact allergies in dogs, including Golden Retrievers, can cause the following symptoms: Redness, itching, and inflammation on the skin Hair loss or hot spots from scratching, licking, or biting Swelling, hives, or a rash in affected areas Discomfort and irritation localized to the point of contact Potential development of sores or scabs due to excessive scratching How Can These Allergies Be Diagnosed? Allergies in dogs can be difficult to diagnose and may require a combination of diagnostic tests. The particular tests and strategy for the diagnosis will be determined by the type of allergy suspected as well as the individual dog. Diagnostic tests may include: Physical examination and medical history: The veterinarian will examine the dog thoroughly and collect a complete medical history, including a history of symptoms, exposure to potential allergens, and any past treatments. Blood tests: These can be used to detect the presence of certain antibodies, which can suggest an allergic reaction. Skin tests: These can include intradermal skin tests, which involve injecting tiny amounts of suspected allergens into the skin and monitoring for a reaction, or skin scraping and cytology, which can be used to detect the presence of parasites or skin diseases. Food elimination trial: This entails exposing the dog to a new food one they have never been exposed to before and gradually reintroducing suspected allergens one at a time to see whether symptoms recur. It is critical to have a professional evaluation because it can be a difficult and time-consuming process, and several illnesses may mimic allergies. Allergy Testing For Dogs Allergy testing for dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers, is a method of determining which allergens are causing an allergic reaction in the dog. Depending on the suspected allergen and the individual dog, multiple types of allergy tests may be employed. The following are some examples of typical allergy tests that can be performed to diagnose allergies in dogs: Intradermal skin testing: In this test, small quantities of probable allergens are injected into the skin and a reaction is observed. This test is often regarded as the most precise means of identifying allergens that cause skin problems. Blood testing: These tests determine the number of antibodies IgE or IgG in the blood that is connected with an allergic reaction. The test is typically used to detect inhalant allergies. A cytological or histological examination: This test involves collecting a sample of the affected skin and examining it under a microscope for signs of an allergic reaction or other disorders that may be causing the symptoms. Food elimination trial: This test involves transferring the dog to a new diet one they have never had before and gradually reintroducing suspected allergens one at a time to see if symptoms reappear. Treatment Options Pros And Cons Of Each treatment Type And When To Use Them Allergy treatment in dogs, especially Golden Retrievers, often consists of multiple measures, including limiting allergen exposure, providing symptomatic relief, and addressing underlying issues. The specific treatment strategy will be determined by the type of allergy and the individual dog. Here are some popular allergy treatment options for dogs: Medication Itching and inflammation can be controlled with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and fatty acid supplements. Antibiotics may be required in some circumstances to treat secondary skin infections. Medication can be used to treat dogs with allergies, including Golden Retrievers, when other treatments, such as allergen avoidance and dietary adjustments, are ineffective or when the symptoms are severe and require quick relief. Pros: Medications can help reduce irritation and inflammation immediately, thereby offering symptomatic relief. Secondary skin infections can be treated with antibiotics. Cons: Medications may cause negative effects and are not suitable for all pets. This can be done with a food elimination trial. When a food allergy is suspected, this method can be used. For dogs with food allergies, a diet that excludes common allergens such as chicken, beef, wheat, soy, and corn can be useful. A hypoallergenic diet including a novel protein, such as duck or venison, is usually recommended for dogs with food allergies. Cons: Determining the source of a food allergy can be difficult and time-consuming on the side of both the owner and the veterinarian. Some dogs are fussy eaters and may not get used to the new food right away. Other Remedies Aside from medications and dietary changes, other alternative treatments may be beneficial for managing allergies in dogs, including Golden Retrievers. Among these therapies are: Topical therapy: this involves applying lotions, sprays, or gels containing anti-inflammatory drugs or omega-3 fatty acids to inflamed skin to calm it and reduce inflammation. Alternative therapies: alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and veterinary chiropractic, may be beneficial in the treatment of allergies in dogs. Tips For Managing Dog Allergies With all of the different types of allergies that your adorable golden retriever may be prone to, as well as the treatments we discussed earlier, we also have to know as pet owners how to manage allergies in dogs ourselves. Although it can be a difficult task, there are a few things we can do to help alleviate their symptoms and make their lives more comfortable. Use an air purifier: If you have pets or live in a location with high pollen counts, an air purifier can help eliminate allergens from the air. During peak pollen seasons, keep windows closed. This can help keep pollen out of your home. Bedding and blankets should be washed regularly. This can help in the removal of allergens such as dust mites and pollen. Redness, itching, and hair loss can all indicate that your dog is having an allergic response. Keep track of everything your dog eats, and if you suspect a food allergy, collaborate with your veterinarian to undertake a food elimination experiment. Conclusion Allergies in dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, can be a stressful and unpleasant experience for both the dog and the owner. The most typical symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs include difficulty breathing, intense scratching, coughing, and vomiting. If you discover any of these symptoms after your pet has been vaccinated , you should contact a veterinarian right away. Can allergies in Golden Retrievers be passed down to their puppies? Allergies in Golden Retrievers can be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental causes. While it is probable that a Golden Retriever with allergies will pass on an allergy tendency to their pups, there is no likelihood that the puppies will develop allergies. Can Golden Retrievers develop allergies as they get older? Yes, dogs, including Golden Retrievers, can develop allergies at any age, although they are often more noticeable in young dogs. Mild allergies may be managed at home by reducing exposure to allergens or changing their diet. What is immunotherapy for Golden Retriever allergies? It can be an effective long-term treatment for environmental allergies. 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. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Canine atopic dermatitis is a genetically-predisposed inflammatory and pruritic itchy allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features. Allergic diseases result from an exaggerated immune system response that causes pathological damage. The immune system consists of various cells and chemicals which work together to defend the body from invading pathogens e. Some of the immune cells which help defend the body produce proteins called antibodies when stimulated to do so. Antibodies help the immune cells get rid of the pathogens invading the body. Anything that stimulates the immune system is called an antigen. Antigens are normally parts of the invading pathogen, but sometimes otherwise harmless substances stimulate an immune response in individuals who are prone to allergies and exaggerated immune responses. Any substance that can stimulate an allergic immune response is called an allergen. Atopy is associated with the immune system over-producing a type of antibodies called IgE. Most commonly this is directed against environmental allergens such as house dust mites and pollens Olivry and DeBoer , Loewenstein and Mueller .The clinical features of atopy are variable but the permanent cardinal feature, always present, is itchiness, which varies in degree from mild to severe. A dog may be itchy over its whole skin but more usually the itchiness is localised. The commonest areas to be affected are the ears, around the eyes, the muzzle, the underside of the neck and abdomen, the inside of the legs, the feet and under the tail Nuttall et al .In the early stages of the disease there may just be itchiness, however, redness of the skin will soon be seen. This may be general redness or red spots papules. Further problems arise either from long-term itchiness and the self harm that is caused from scratching, rubbing and chewing of the itchy area or from the presence of skin infections with bacteria both abnormally high numbers of normal skin bacteria and infections from bacteria not usually present and with skin yeasts normally present in low numbers. Atopy itself and the secondary skin changes that occur both make these infections more likely. Infected skin tends to itch and the consequential scratching, rubbing and chewing causes further, secondary skin damage and a vicious circle of itching and scratching and worsening skin damage develops. For many atopic dogs this means constant itchiness as it is often impossible to avoid constant exposure to its problematic allergen - house dust mite. Secondary skin changes often seen in atopic dogs include: lichenification thickening of the skin , a coat that is greasy and scaly dandruff and loss of fur alopecia. Pustules and crusts are seen when there is bacterial infection and, when this is deeper in the skin, nodules with pus draining from sinuses may be seen. Otitis externa inflammation of the ear canal is often seen inatopic dogs and sometimes is the main clinical problem. This follows the same pattern as atopic disease elsewhere — the ear canal is lined with skin. Initially there may just be redness but constant irritation, excess secretions and thickening of the skin with secondary bacterial and yeast infections lead to a vicious cycle until the ear canal becomes irreversibly damaged. The clinical signs include scratching at the ears, head shaking, rubbing the ears on the ground, a smelly discharge from the ears. Severe infections can lead to septicaemia bacterial infection in the bloodstream. There are currently two main theories for the pathogenesis of atopy and there is good evidence that both are important. Atopic individuals have an abnormal immune response. Allergens are detected in the skin by the immune system. In atopic individuals there is an imbalance of two types of immune cell i. This imbalance leads to other changes in the immune system, which make it respond excessively to small amounts of allergen in the future, easily generating skin inflammation. Excessive amounts of an antibody type IgE are present in the body. Excessive skin sensitivity also leads to the skin becoming inflamed much more easily by such things as infection, trauma, drying or heat Prelaud and Power .A second fundamental abnormality seen in atopic individuals is that they have a skin barrier defect. Their skin suffers from increased water loss and foreign substances such as allergens, bacteria and yeast can penetrate more easily than normal. This allows more contact of the allergens with the immune system see above. It also allows greater adherence of Staphylococci bacteria and Malassezia yeasts and is part of the reason that atopics are prone to these skin infections Prelaud and Power .Recently, reviewers have assessed evidence for which allergens may be the most important in canine atopy Prelaud and Power , Loewenstein and Mueller .Allergens from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farina are the most important. Allergies to other mites such as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Euroglyphus maynei, Acarus siro and Tyrophagus putrescentiae are either less common or may be largely due to cross reaction with D. Cross-reactions occur when a test detects one substance rather than another. Sensitivity to pollens can certainly be important but are usually seasonal in the UK. Many types of tree pollens are involved in canine atopy, and grass pollens are commonly involved. There are also many weeds implicated in canine atopy eg ragweed, plantain and mugwort. The importance of mould allergens in canine atopy is uncertain. Other allergens which have been considered of importance in the past, but which are no longer, include cockroach and other insects, house dust, fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen. An important concept in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis is that of the pruritic threshold. An individual may not be itchy just because it is atopic eg if it is mildly atopic. It may need another factor to combine with the atopy to tip it over the threshold of having clinical signs. So, various factors that can cause itchy skin may combine. In some dogs, just having one or two of these factors may not cause a problem but if a third or fourth occurs then disease will follow. An inherited atopic state is an important predisposing factor in many animals and a leading cause of welfare problems in dogs. They may also include environmental factors such as flea infestation or a dry climate. One important environmental influence may be the degree of early exposure to allergens for genetically predisposed individuals. There is evidence that prolonged and more intensive exposure to allergens in early life makes atopic dermatitis more likely and also that it is more likely to be severe. This is the case both for house dust mite allergens de Weck , de Weck et al and for pollens; pollen allergies may be more common in puppies born during the pollen season Halliwell .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact The intensity of the welfare impact varies greatly Linek and Favrot .The primary itch due to atopy itself varies from mild to severe between individuals. It may also vary according to the season and environment that the dog is experiencing ie whether it is housed indoors or outside and where it is exercising, for example a dog allergic mostly to grasses may be better at the seaside than walking through meadows. Skin infections worsen the condition and their severity can vary. Atopy can cause great suffering in moderately-severely affected dogs due to the constant skin itching and irritation and the secondary damage that is done by the dog to its skin creating sore inflamed areas that are uncomfortable and possibly painful. Atopy can be difficult to control medically and suffering can be difficult to avoid during the time when a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is being confirmed. This can be a prolonged and involved procedure see below. Treatment of atopic dermatitis usually involves drugs. The most effective treatments are based on corticosteroids or ciclosporin, both of which can have significant side effects with their own welfare issues. Some atopic dogs become seriously ill due to the side effects of treatment. Frequent shampooing is often required which may be unpleasant for some dogs. Dogs are euthanized because of atopic dermatitis. This is often because diagnosis and treatment are time-consuming and expensive for owners and reasonable long-term control, rather than cure, is often the best that can be achieved. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Signs of atopy can be seen in some individuals from the age of months. More usually signs start between the ages of months. It is unusual for signs to start after three years. Some dogs have seasonal problems when its pollen allergens that they are allergic to but often dogs that had seasonal problems when younger will develop problems lasting all year round when they are older. Without treatment affected dogs will have the problem for life although the severity will usually wax and wane according to the amount of allergens they are exposed to at any given time, secondary infections, any exacerbating factors such as catching fleas and the weather, and the success of treatments. Treatment of atopic dermatitis is involved and lifelong. Drugs are used in most dogs and these are often required constantly. Return to top 4. Golden retrievers feature in most lists of predisposed breeds eg Griffin , Scott et al and there is evidence of a breed predisposition from Schick and Fadok and Jaeger et al .Return to top 5. Diagnosis The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is complicated. There is no characteristic clinical sign or laboratory test result that enables the diagnosis to be made. Over the years there have been various attempts to create formal schemes to aid this process Willemse , Prelaud et al .The currently favoured scheme was created and tested by Favrot et al and its use clarified by Olivry .The Favrot diagnostic criteria for canine atopic dermatitis - used alongside the elimination of other possible causes of the signs see below. This means that if dogs were diagnosed, using this scheme alone, then 21 of this would have the wrong diagnosis — they actually have another cause of their disease, not atopy. Furthermore, there would have been another 15 dogs that actually do have atopy but had been excluded because the five criteria needed have not been found. For these reasons the scheme can not be used alone. The difficulties arise because all the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are also seen in other common skin diseases. In order to make any of these schemes more reliable they have to be combined with tests that seek to exclude these other conditions. Mange mite infestations , and bacterial and yeast infections are ruled out by examinations of skin samples and trial treatments. Contact irritation and allergy is ruled out by avoidance of potential causes. Fleas are ruled out by trial treatment. Some rarer skin diseases may need to be ruled out by skin biopsy. Tests can be performed to identify which allergens are involved for a particular atopic dog. Unfortunately, these tests are not reliable in determining whether a dog is atopic or not and results of these tests are not used in making the diagnosis Favrot et al .Allergy testing can be performed using blood tests or intra-dermal into the skin injections. Return to top 6. Genetics That canine atopic dermatitis has a strong inherited component has long been assumed based on its similarity to human atopic syndromes and observations that canine breed and family predispositions are common Sousa and Marsella , Prelaud and Power .The heritability of atopy has been studied by Shaw et al .When considering guide dogs as a whole, a heritability of 0. The majority of these dogs were Labrador retrievers but Golden retrievers and Labrador-Golden retriever crosses were also represented. Given that all these puppies were raised in similar conditions it is reasonable to say that about half of the factors that caused them to have clinical atopic dermatitis were genetic and half were environmental. Further evidence for the importance of environmental influences has been published by Meury et al .Canine atopic dermatitis is likely to be one manifestation of canine atopy. As in humans, canine atopy is likely to be a polygenetic condition Happle and Schnyder , Shaw et al .There is evidence for an important dominant gene; at least in one line of Beagles de Weck , de Weck et al .A start has been made to investigate specific genes involved in several breeds, including the Golden retriever but, as yet, there are few publications available Wood et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? As yet there are no genetic tests to detect animals that may develop or pass on this disease. In common with other polygenetic disorders with important environmental influences, it may be advisable not to use affected individuals, or individuals with affected close relatives for breeding. However, this advice has not been tested and other considerations such as narrowing the gene pool and concurrent genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia must also be considered. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem It may be considered that individuals with atopic dermatitis should not be used for breeding. This would include any affected individual, even if only mildly affected. This is because environmental factors are certainly important in whether an atopic individual has clinical signs and how bad they are. Not breeding from animals with a close relative that has suffered from any degree of atopic dermatitis would also be recommended, based on general information given for reducing disease resulting from polygenetic conditions Bell .But considerations should be given to not overbreed from individuals that are healthy, as far as atopy goes, but which could have other genetic problems as this could have unintended and undesirable genetic consequences Oberbauer .In breeds, such as the Labrador retriever, it may be necessary to widen the gene pool by introducing genes from other breeds. Return to top 9. Skin inflammation Watery eyes A runny nose, If left untreated, can result in infections so if you suspect your Golden has an environmental allergy, it is important to consult your vet. Something you can do at home is to wipe your Golden Retriever with a damp cloth after they go out in order to remove allergens from their coat and skin. That thick coat is beautiful — but is also vulnerable to skin irritations. That thick coat is beautiful — but is also vulnerable to skin irriations Food Allergies Another common issue for Golden Retrievers is food allergies. The most common food allergens for dogs are animal protein sources such as chicken, beef, and dairy. A recent study revealed that animal-based ingredients beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, egg, pork, fish, and rabbit were responsible for over 3 times the amount of food allergy cases in dogs than plant-based ingredients. Beyond causing skin issues, food allergies can also cause other problems such as upset stomach and other gastrointestinal issues. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Food allergies can develop at any age so even if their food has not been changed, it may still be the cause of their allergies. Hot Spots Hot spots are red inflamed skin lesions that ooze. They tend to appear quickly and may even contain pus. They develop as a result of scratching an initial itch. In Golden Retrievers, common causes of the initial itch are allergies and the hot, humid environment near the skin created by their thick undercoat. Once a dog begins licking the sore spot, they irritate the superficial nerve endings in the skin, which only further stimulates them to lick, causing more self trauma. In order to stop the self trauma cycle, the first step is to stop the trauma. This can often be accomplished by placing an Elizabethan collar on your dog. Remember that this does not address the cause of the itch, and so it is recommended you consult your vet. For severe cases, immediate veterinarian attention is recommended. Parasites Fleas are one of the most common culprits behind Golden Retriever skin issues. Much like allergies, they will cause your dog to itch a lot. They can infest your home too, spreading to other pets and living in soft furnishings. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In order to keep your fur baby parasite free, it is best to give your dog a monthly flea and tick preventative year-round. Speak to your veterinarian to determine which is best for your pup. Prescription preventatives are usually recommended as many over the counter preventatives are not very effective. Now you know about some common Golden Retriever skin issues, and more importantly, you know what to look out for. Thick undercoats make golden retrievers very vulnerable to skin issues, especially if they remain wet. Trapped moisture and a natural disposition for skin issues can be a problem. Since graduation, she has worked in general practice, on telehealth platforms, and in animal rehabilitation. She has worked tirelessly to gain expertise in the field of canine nutrition through numerous certifications and coursework, and plans to pursue her Masters in Animal Nutrition. In this article:. The Most Common Causes for Itchy Skin in Golden Retrievers — And How to Treat Them Itchy skin often stems from the environment, food allergies, parasites, underlying infections, or plain skin irritation that leads to excessive itching. Instead, allergies in Goldens may become present through their skin. The Solution Your vet might prescribe injectable or oral medications, like Apoquel, Atopica, Cytopoint, or some antihistamines. Although Golden Retrievers can develop an allergy to any ingredient, the most common allergy-inducing ingredients that frequent the dog food market today are dairy, beef, chicken, soy, and wheat gluten. If your Golden Retriever has a particularly low resistance to this type of food, their antibodies will react with the antigens, resulting in itchy skin as a symptom. Your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic diet that uses protein-rich sources that are unrecognizable as antigens by their own antibodies. Your vet may also perform a food allergy test to see what foods your Golden Retriever is most sensitive to, so you can be diligent about what ingredients you should avoid in the future. Knowing parasite seasons in your area will help you better plan when to visit your vet so they can start medication treatment. Medication is proven to help avoid parasitic infections in dogs. If an infection is left untreated, it could result in worse symptoms or even spread to other household members. Dogs can contract infections via contact with other animals, exposure within the environment, or simply an overgrowth of fungi that is already naturally present due to a weakened immune system. Conclusion Itchy skin is never comfortable for anyone, so when your four-legged best friend is suffering from consistent itching, the first thing you want to do is get to the root of the problem. Itchy skin is usually a result of outdoor allergies, food allergies, parasites, fungal or bacterial infections, dry skin, or simply compulsive behaviors like boredom or anxiety. Although Golden Retrievers are prone to skin issues, you can better guarantee a healthy dog when you choose to adopt from a reputable breeder like Snowy Pines. Learn more about our available puppies today! Share on. Soy Corn By putting on your allergy detective hat, you can solve the case and help your golden retriever live a much happier life. Some potential parasites your golden retriever may encounter that could affect their skin health include: Fleas Ticks Mites Treatment for parasites varies by the type of bug, but can include topical treatments, oral treatments, or a combination of both. Reducing uncomfortable symptoms caused by the hot spots helps your pet feel better, which in turn can help them stop scratching and biting the area. This gives the spot a chance to heal instead of devolving into a potential bacterial infection. It can help protect areas of your dogs skin suffering from rashes, sores, burns, or moist canine atopic dermatitis. In addition to helping your pet heal and feel better, antimicrobial hydrogel can also help prevent future hot spots. Medicated Shampoo — Medicated shampoo can help treat various skin conditions, including hot spots and itchiness. At Vetericyn , we combine science and innovation with our passion for helping animals to create products used and recommended by veterinarians across the world. Safe for animals at all stages of life, our products avoid ingredients like antibiotics, steroids, iodine, and tea tree oil. Instead, we focus on quality ingredients that help heal your pet, without creating unwanted side effects like stinging, burning, or harming healthy tissue. You can find Vetericyn products at Amazon , Chewy , and Petco. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: Golden Retriever Society. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification.

These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Orlando. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Labrador puppy price depends on many factors. Some of the most common are coat color, pedigree, and breeder experience—meaning you may see otherwise similar-looking puppies listed for different prices. When you begin your MatchMaker questionnaire, part of what we do is match you with breeders and businesses who fit your budget, too. Do your breeders ship puppies out of state? Companies and Lab breeders in the Uptown network are familiar with shipping puppies all over the country—in fact, most families choose to have their pooch shipped instead of picking them up in person. Puppies can be flown in the cabin to your nearest major airport, in any state except for Alaska and Hawaii. We look at factors like breeder experience, legal compliance, animal care, and much more—find out more details at our Breeder Pledge. We created a place where families can easily connect with loving, humane breeders and businesses, and where finding a great dog is easy. What is a puppy mill? Why are some Labrador Retriever puppy Orlando Florida so cheap? Puppy mills are basically factories that produce litter upon litter of puppies. With Uptown Puppies, your dream Labrador is a lot closer than you might think. How do I know I can trust you? This sweet girl is searching for a loving family committed to spoiling her in her golden years. She is content to lay next to you all day but also loves to go outside and on walks. When coming home, Mia will greet you at the door with a toy she specially picks out for you. She is surprisingly spry for her age and will occasionally play with toys and try to run with other dogs. She also loves to cuddle on the couch and typically settles there from after dinner to bedtime. Mia gets added veggies to her meals, as she can be a picky eater, and Brussels sprouts are her favorite! Mia is not a fan of water or being confined to an area. She is still working on her leash-walking skills. She has been on a weight loss regimen that involves scheduled and portioned quality meals, veggies for snacks, and exercise. She will require an adopter, committed to keeping her on this regimen and assisting her with getting to a healthy weight. Mia also has an underactive thyroid and requires medication once a day. Aside from this, she will also require her monthly heartworm and flea prevention. She is interested in cats, but is good with them too! She would love a secure, fenced-in yard but as long as she is taken on frequent walks, it is not required. Mia would not be able to navigate stairs well, a single-story home would be best for her. She will also need to be brushed regularly. She is easygoing once she has a routine and is very smart! Can you help Mia reach her weight-loss goal and provide her with lots of love? She is up to date on vaccines, heartworm negative, microchipped, and spayed.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Bernedoodles make amazing family companions, or even excellent service or therapy dogs. Thanks to its sweet temperament and low-shedding coat, the Bernedoodle has become one of the most popular Doodle breeds. Unfortunately, many people are still getting scammed by puppy mills that are well-known for their unethical breeding practices. An ethical breeder will be transparent with any of their documentation. In addition to that, they back their promises with genetic health guarantees that are usually applicable from one to three years from adoption. As they proudly say, they treat their dogs as family members first and breeding partners second, and each puppy is raised in a safe family environment. As a responsible Bernedoodle breeder in Illinois, Central Illinois Doodles screens all of their parent dogs for various genetic conditions and orthopedic health. In addition to that, they only breed temperament-tested dogs with loving personalities. What Makes This Breeder Unique? They begin socializing the puppies from day one, and they introduce the pups to different stimulating activities and exercises. Available Bernedoodles Everyone wants the perfect puppy. You are looking for the puppy you can love, and the one who will love you back with unconditional puppy love. We understand and will help you find the puppy that is just right for you and your family! Our family raises adorable Tiny, Mini, and Standard Bernedoodle puppies. We provide our puppies with loving care from day 1 and ensure the puppies stay healthy, allowing us to present you with a happy, active puppy dog pal. We are best at producing Tri-colored Mini and Standard Bernedoodles and our puppies make great companions and playmates. Browse our website to see photos of Bernedoodle puppies for sale. We also picture many of the puppies who have found their forever homes. Learn about our family, our puppies and their parents, and how you can become the proud owner of a new puppy! Our puppies go to their forever home with the following: Prepaid ICA Registration Health certificate from our vet Up to date on vaccinations Up to date on dewormers Micro chipped 2 year genetic health guarantee Dew claws removed. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Kewanee Illinois and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Learn more Island Grove is based on an acre farm in beautiful countryside. Here, the family has been breeding Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles for over nine years and has established a good reputation as a reliable breeder. The Poodle and Bernese Mountain dog parent dogs are all health-screened for the genetic conditions that can affect the breeds, so you know that your pup will enjoy a problem-free future. What Influences Bernedoodle Prices? Curly coats are also the best option for you if you hate vacuuming! However, those qualities push the price of those puppies right up, and you can expect to pay top dollar for one of those cute tiny Teddies. Some coat colors are also worth more, especially if the puppies have unusual markings. Breeder Reputation Generally, a breeder with an excellent reputation will charge more for their pups than a new breeder who has yet to make their mark on the industry. Puppies whose parents are health-screened for the most common genetic diseases are usually pricier than those not. We strongly recommend that you only consider buying a puppy from a breeder that can prove their breeding dogs are clear of congenital health conditions that could be passed on to their offspring. Beware Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders! Unfortunately, the demand for designer dogs has pushed up the price of puppies to eyewatering levels. That demand has also seen the emergence of unscrupulous operations known as puppy mills or puppy farms. Puppy farms produce as many puppies as quickly as possible to catch the current designer breed trend. By this time, the backyard breeder has long disappeared. Puppy Mill Red Flags There are lots of puppy mills that advertise their puppies online. Even the savviest puppy hunter can fall victim to a scammer, especially when confronted by a pair of gorgeous, cute puppy eyes! But how do you spot a backyard breeder or puppy mill? Here are some glaring red flags to be alert to! Cut and Paste Puppy mills often use the same advertisements. Look out for ads with the exact text used to advertise multiple breeds. Puppies should be eight weeks old before they can be vaccinated. So, if the advert says that the pups are younger than that and have been vaccinated, the advertiser is probably a puppy mill. Too Cheap As previously mentioned, designer puppies are pretty pricey. So, if you find an advert for a puppy that appears extremely cheap, the chances are the breeder is a puppy mill. Where To Meet Backyard breeders typically expect you to meet them somewhere random, such as in a deserted parking lot or even in a gas station. Photoshop A common ploy used by puppy farms is to use videos and photos of random puppies on their websites. No Waiting! Most reputable breeders have a waiting list for their puppies, often for years or even longer. Health Screening Certificates A premier Doodle breeder will be glad to produce health screening certificates for both the parent dogs. Those certificates should show that the puppies will be free from any genetic disorders associated with the parent breeds. You should also receive vaccination documentation, deworming, and flea and tick prevention paperwork. Insist on seeing the puppies with their mom and watching how the pups behave around her. On arrival, my friend asked if they could see the puppies with their mom and meet the dad, too. Dad was apparently away from the kennels on stud duties elsewhere! When I was puppy hunting some years ago, I spotted a likely advert on the net and phoned the breeder to ask for more information about the puppies and arrange to go and view them. The reply was dismissive, and I was told that I would have no trouble selling the puppy to someone else as it was super cute and very well-bred! Needless to say, I walked away. Contract Of Sale A reputable breeder usually insists that buyers of their pups sign a formal contract of sale. The report has a list of backyard breeders and puppy mills that have been shut down or sued for malpractice. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to finding the perfect Bernedoodle puppy in Illinois. If you found the article helpful, please remember to share it. If possible, go for a breeder that offers a two-year health guarantee. Did you find a beautiful Bernedoodle through one of the Illinois breeders we featured here? Tell us your story in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment.

For more information, go to www. Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at .Description This two-room design puppy whelping box from PawHut provides a comfortable environment for a new mother dog, who can experience anxiety after having her babies. When the first two weeks have passed, it's important to allow her to have her own space, and this separated design ensures she gets what she needs, featuring a removable door for open access. With dual-sided construction, the mama can have the comfort of airflow while the puppies have a wind-resistant space. Report incorrect product info. Estimated ship dimensions: .This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question. Designing to protect puppies during birth whelping , it keeps them safely contained, protects them from the cold, and ensures they aren't crushed by their mother. What's the point of a whelping box? A whelping box or whelping bed is a secure zone for your dog to give birth. It is a safe and ideal place for your pregnant dog to give birth. From reusable plastic whelping boxes to cardboard options, there are lots to choose from. You will also need to keep the box warm, so it's advised to choose bedding materials that are soft, warm, have good traction, and are easily cleaned and disinfected. Avoid hay, straw or shavings that can cause eye and skin irritations. Where is the best place to put a whelping box? In order to keep your newborn puppies safe, place your whelping box in a room that is isolated from other dogs. You might want to consider closing a door or gate to keep other inquisitive pups away. Alternatively, an ex-pen around the whelping box will provide an extra layer of safety. Take a look at some of the best whelping boxes to buy now.The whelping insert can also be easily dismantled, making the box great for their next stage of life. Simply pop the whelping box in the recycling when finished to avoid any cross contamination. It also comes with coated wooden puppy rails to stop the young pups being squashed by their mother. Complete with water-resistant cardboard liner, this whelping box from Amazon comes in three different sizes and stops cross-contamination between litters. Choose from three sizes to find the right one for your breed. It might be more of an investment, but it also comes with an added puppy playpen to let the new dogs grow and play safely. Watch Next. A whelping box is a safe, enclosed space where a dog can give birth and care for her puppies. The box typically has high sides to prevent the puppies from accidentally falling out, and it is often lined with soft bedding material to keep the puppies warm and comfortable. The box may also include a heat lamp to provide additional warmth, and it may be equipped with a door that can be opened or closed for easy, safe access, and to regulate the temperature inside. A whelping box should be large enough for the mother to move around comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat and provide a feeling of security. It should be used from the time your dog goes into labor until the puppies are weaned. Once the puppies are weaned, they can be moved to a puppy pen or dog crate. By the way, a whelping box should also have puppy rails. Puppy rails, also known as pig rails, are secured inside the whelping box quite low around the perimeter of the box. This is a crucial safety feature, as it helps prevent the puppies from being crushed against the wall of the box How Does A Whelping Box Help? A dog whelping box is an essential piece of equipment for any dog owner who is expecting a litter of puppies, as it helps to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and her offspring. A whelping box provides a safe, warm environment for your dog to have her puppies. This helps keep the mama calm during the labor and keep stress levels to a minimum while caring for the pups in a safe space. If you have other pets in the house, a whelping box ensures that they do not disturb or hurt the puppies. Using a whelping box also reduces the risk of the puppies becoming injured or lost. A DIY whelping box is an easy and affordable way to provide a safe space for your dog to have her puppies. Building a whelping box is a simple project that anyone can do. There are quite a few different ways to do that — most of them being very simple, quick, and inexpensive. Choose a bin that is large enough for your dog to move around comfortably, but small enough to retain body heat. If the sides are very high, drill or cut holes in the sides of the bin for ventilation. Finally, line the bottom of the bin with appropriate materials to absorb any mess. And there you have it, a cheap DIY whelping box! Find a sturdy cardboard box that is large enough for your dog to move around in. Cut holes in the sides of the box for ventilation. You should also cut an appropriate sized opening for the mama and puppies to get out of the box comfortably. Line the bottom of the box with comfy and cushy materials that absorb any mess. Cardboard is very porous and it can get flimsy rather quickly. However, you may want to opt for something sturdier and less porous instead. Bring Out The Kiddie Pool You can build a whelping box out of many different materials, but one of the cheapest and easiest options is to use a kiddie pool. To create a kiddie pool whelping box, simply clean the pool thoroughly, secure the puppy rails you can use pool noodles for this , and line it with towels or blankets. Place the pool in a quiet, draft-free room in your home and make sure that it is big enough for your dog to move around comfortably. But, a sturdy wood whelping box can be used over and over again, making it well worth your time. Of course, you should carefully consider which type of wood you use. For instance, the popular plywood is actually very porous, making it harder to clean. It also traps in dirt and bacteria, which could lead to infections and illnesses. Start by measuring your mama dog and the area where you want to place the whelping box and cut the wood to size. Be sure to make the opening large enough for your dog to comfortably enter and exit. In addition to that, you should also attach low rails inside the box. But why PVC? PVC is a strong, durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. And if it does get dirty, a quick wipe-down is all it takes to clean it. In addition, PVC is lightweight and easy to assemble, making it ideal for use in a whelping box. Many whelping boxes available for purchase are made from PVC materials thanks to all of their amazing qualities. But, as you may know, ready made PVC whelping boxes can be quite pricey. However, PVC pipes make excellent pig rails for that added safety and security. Obviously, you want to make the DIY whelping box as comfortable as possible for the mama and the pups. Some breeders also use heat lamps to keep the whelping box warm. Even though some people opt for newspaper or wood shavings, we recommend you avoid them. Another popular choice is using old bedding or towels. They may get trapped or accidentally crushed by the mother. However, if you manage to secure the blankets and towels in place, they should be safe to use. In addition to that, you can also opt for a specially designed crate pad that stays in place, provides warmth, and is safe for the puppies. Line the bottom of the box with absorbent material and change it often. Wash bedding in hot water and disinfect surfaces regularly. The bedding should be dry at all times, so whenever an accident happens, be sure to change the bedding as soon as possible. Where you place the box is just as important as the box itself. It should be in a quiet area away from the main traffic flow of your home, and out of direct sunlight. You should also keep it far away from potential hazards like open stairways or fireplaces. The whelping box should also be large enough to accommodate the mother dog and all of her puppies comfortably. The temperature in the area should be comfortable — not too hot and not too cold. If necessary you may have to get an additional heating pad or a heating lamp to keep the puppies warm. To build a basic DIY whelping box, you will need either a kiddie pool, cardboard box, or a storage bin. You should also stock up on bedding material like blankets, towels, or crate pads. Next, line the bottom of the box with your chosen bedding material. This will help to keep the puppies warm and dry. Finally, place the box in a quiet, private area where your dog can feel safe and secure. By following these simple steps, you can easily create a cozy space for your dog to welcome her new puppies into the world. PVC tubes are often used to create puppy rails, a. As we mentioned earlier, a dog whelping box should be big enough for the mama and pups to comfortably move around. Yet, it should be snug enough so that it retains body heat. The general recommendation is that a whelping box should be one foot longer than your mama dog. Only measure your dog stretched out, as the mama has to be able to move and stretch comfortably around the box while caring for the puppies. By the way, you can also get some hints from websites that sell different dog whelping boxes. Just take a quick peek at what sizes they offer! It provides a safe, warm environment for the mama and her pups, and helps to contain the mess. Building a DIY whelping box is a simple project that anyone can do. Do you have any tips for building a DIY whelping box? Share them in the comments below! So you are going to whelp a litter and you have your whelping box and stack of old rags all ready to go. The litter comes as planned and everything looks good. You feel a little sorry for the pups and decide to use some of your old rags for the pups to sleep on. After all, its a lot more comfortable to sleep on an old towel than the hard ground of the whelping box. The next morning, you come into the room to find a dead pup that is either under the towel or blanket or tangled in the old rag. This all could have been prevented if you had wiped your whelping box out with the rags before going to bed and then ripped up old newspaper and left the pups with the paper rather than the blanket or rags. Take it from someone who has learned the hard way: rags are for cleaning, blankets are for your bed, and newspaper or wood chips are for whelping boxes or whelping rooms. I look at old rags as puppy death traps. They crawl in them when they scoot around the whelping box, get tangled like you see below, and then either die. A pup can get weak and die overnight if it does not eat or if it gets pushed off to the side and gets cold. This is a 2-day old pup that got lucky. Maybe that's what I will name it. I forgot to train my employee to take all rags out of the whelping box. This pup got tangled and was on its way to dying when I found it at 7AM. It had been tangled up all night and was laying under the side rail of the whelping box. It was too weak to suck and the only thing that saved it was several bottle feedings with my homemade puppy formula. When you have weak pups, I have found that a human bottle like the one above with a lot of pin holes in the nipple allows the pups to suck and get nourishment. Sometimes pups are too weak to suck milk from their mother, but they can suck and get milk from this bottle because it takes less energy. The formula I use has 11 calories per cc. I also like the bottle rather than tube feeding for beginners. It's easy to put too much formula in a sick pup. If they puke and then inhale, they get formula in their lungs. That spells a dead pup. So when in doubt, bottle feed your babies. It takes a little longer but it's the safest way to do it.