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Apr 24, Share The German Shepherd is one of the most impressive and formidable dog breeds on the planet. After all, there are few things more terrifying than the sight of a ticked-off German Shepherd chasing down their quarry. All we have to do is step over them every time we need to get somewhere. Is it too much to ask in return that you keep it down and let them get a measly 23 hours of sleep? However, sometimes, on rare occasions, their self-control slips a little bit, and they find themselves — completely by accident — with their paws on the counter and your dinner in their mouth. Nothing Gets Past a German Shepherd One of the reasons that these dogs are so popular with police departments and the military is the fact that they see and hear everything. Nothing is too subtle to avoid detection — they could hear a cricket burp from yards away. They never heard a thing! Owners have reported chilling occurrences like trash cans tipping over, food disappearing from plates, and disembodied muddy paw prints on brand-new white carpet. They know this. They feel bad enough as it is. I mean, just look at those puppy dog eyes! They inspire fear, respect, and admiration everywhere they go, as there is no animal on the planet that would even think about messing with one. In fact, the breed only sheds once in their entire lifetime starting right after birth and continuing nonstop until death. That guy in your bedroom with the hockey mask and butcher knife may not get a second glance. However, for those who have spent any amount of time with a German Shepherd , the truth in these pictures is readily apparent. Will they laugh? Featured Image Credit: shelma25, Pixabay Contents. We can see their cute face on stickers, and T-shirts, and I am sure there are German Shepherd shops somewhere where they sell only GSD merch. So, why not just have memes — 55 GSD memes to make your day a bit better? We have to add some cat memes. Eye for an eye, meme for a meme. The truth: the cat made me do it! Have you seen those sharp claws? I had to do what she wanted me to do. A Fair Ransom Photo from: Pinterest If you ever wondered what happens to socks, and how we always find only one and then they reappear all of a sudden after a month — your GSD might have the answer. A pupsicle! You choose your best meme… 6. No matter if you have a Chihuahua, a Labrador, or any other dog breed — they are our best friends, and they steal our hearts. A Well Deserved Break Well, what are you waiting for? Get this fine German Shepherd lad some iced tea. Mirror, Mirror… My Queen, you are! And, the Magic Mirror always tells the truth! Expectation Vs Reality We have to say our really looks absolutely gorgeous! And, it has its tongue out! I Will Find You! Me Vs Mom Photo from: redd. How does this happen, what kind of sorcery is this? We will never know… .Humans With Muzzles? Saves us the cleaning, tho. Going Out? Ladies and gentlemen, now you know why she is late. She has a German Shepherd… .He Did It Again! Mom, I was here first! They are the best dogs, but sometimes they act as if they are children fighting for their spot on the sofa. Photo from: Pinterest I swear those trash cans are too much sometimes. The audacity to trip over everywhere! Good German Shepard, good boi for telling mom about the trash can… again! Now, this is memeception!

Articles Have you wondered what results from breeding a Labrador and an Akita? What about how they look and their personality? This breed is called the Akita Lab Mix. These parent breeds are known for their devotion and protective instincts towards their family. Despite these positive traits, the Labrakita has a naturally aggressive nature whose popularity is called into question. Have plans to buy an Akita Lab Mix or search for reliable information about this dog breed? You are in the right place. These include health issues, care, temperament, and grooming tips. The height and weight of a male Akita Lab Mix fall between 24 to 27 inches and 80 to lbs, respectively. That of females falls between 22 to 25 inches and 70 to lbs, respectively. Physical Appearance Labrakitas are beautiful doggies and have a good appearance. There are several reasons for this. First, they have amber, hazel, or brown eyes. Also, their nose is either brown or black, and their muzzles are long. This doggie has an intelligent expression, which often gives them a smiling face. Labrakitas have a light chest and mast with a large, square-shaped head. Its thighs are stocky and muscular, and its long tail is slightly curved. With its square and upright appearance, long legs, well-shaped paws, and great bone structure, the Akita Lab Mix surely has a great physical appearance. If the Lab genes of the mix are strong, then the possible coat colors are black, yellow, or chocolate. However, if the mix possesses more of Akita genes, then you will get the following colors: Fawn, brown brindle, black, red, white, silver with black overlay, red with black overlay, fawn with black overlay, and brown with black overlay. Labrakitas have dense coats which are either short or medium. As dogs age, they may develop some health problems. Mixed breeds like the Akita Labs are not left out. They will inherit those health problems their parents are susceptible to. Below are some of the common health issues of the Labrakita. Elbow And Hip Dysplasia This is a condition where the elbow and hip joints grow abnormally. For hip dysplasia, it leads to unsteady joints, while for elbow dysplasia, the cartilage and bone loosen, irritating the joint tissues. Epilepsy This happens when your four-legged furry friend is shaking uncontrollably and incessantly. It occurs within a fraction of a minute or can continue for several minutes. These seizures in the Akita Lab Mix are caused by kidney or liver disease, Encephalitis, high or low blood sugar, eating poison, head injury, anemia, strokes, or brain cancer. Gastric Torsion This is also known as bloat. Surgery is the best treatment for this. Another disorder is pemphigus , which causes antibodies to attack the skin and result in painful boils, blisters, and ulcers. There is also another disorder worth mentioning, namely sebaceous adenitis , which is a skin condition leading to hair loss and dried-out skin patches. Taking care of your Akita Lab Mix requires a lot of effort. This includes using dental water additives and giving your canine buddy a good exercise routine and a high-quality diet. This is why this breed naturally possesses great stamina and energy. Your Akita Lab Mix needs about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. Make sure you take your pooch for hikes and long walks. You could also play fetch, go swimming and running. As a very active dog breed, an adult Akita Lab Mix requires a large amount of food to maintain its activity level. The Akita Lab Mix is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. This is why you must feed your doggie with foods supplemented with chondroitin, glucosamine, and fish oil. Doing this will only worsen health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. This helps in digestion, increased immunity, better joint functioning, and healing. Make sure multivitamins are always in the meal plans of your canine friend. These recipes are designed by vets and are manufactured using human-grade ingredients. Also, these foods are made in the USDA kitchen with safety standards used in human food production. This is why the use of dental water additives is necessary. Are Akita Lab Mixes Aggressive? They are often found to be territorial around other dogs. This ranges from playful and super-exuberant to reserved and headstrong. It can also possess traits from both parents. This is why their temperament is difficult to predict. Also, avoid housing another dog. Also, if you have toddlers, you must be careful. Even when your dog is well-socialized, annoying kids can trigger a negative reaction. Intelligent Training an intelligent dog like the Akita Lab Mixes is easy. However, the process could be daunting because Labrakitas are stubborn. Fortunately, this dog breed responds well to positive reinforcement. They love to please and love physical challenges. Just ensure that you are consistent with your training. Also, offer them special gifts and treats during training to encourage them. Image from Instagram: jessdupuis97 Protective Labrakitas are known to be territorial and very protective of their homes. They are excellent guard dogs and can be hostile, especially against strangers. You will need to train them well to avoid attacks on guests. This is why the Labrakita is not a great option for families having other pets, most especially cats. With a proper introduction, your furry friend will enjoy the company of other dogs. Unfortunately, the case may be different if your Akita Lab Mix takes after its Akita parent. They will be fiercer. Do Labrakitas Shed? Both the Labrador Retriever and Akita are shedders. Therefore, expect your Labrakita to be a heavy shedder. However, grooming these canines is easy. All you need is a special routine to follow. Coat Care Labrakitas have double coats. This coat sheds heavily several times yearly, most especially during the spring months and in the summer. To make things easy for you, you must engage in weekly brushing. It comes with a handle for comfortable use. Also, its fur release mechanism ensures a better experience compared to comb use. Also, just like cats, they can cleanse themselves. Frequent shampooing could cause dry skin problems. It eliminates the wet dog smell, and it is great for dogs with itchy, sensitive, dry skin. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. Check for wax buildup, possible irritations, and ear mites in your Labrakita, and take proper care when necessary. This can affect their health negatively. Brush their teeth 2 to 3 times weekly. This will prevent cavities and possible dental problems. This prevents unintentional scratches to your skin when they jump at you. This is because Akita Labs are rare. Therefore their price is higher compared to other dogs. At times, due to their high demand, they may even be more expensive. Akitas may not get along with Labradors even though they are friendly and devoted to the family. They could be domineering. Therefore, you must discover the characteristics and personality of the Labrakita when bringing in one to live with your Labrador. You should also introduce the Labrador properly to avoid any negative occurrence. Do Labrakitas Swim? Labrakitas can swim. Their swimming ability also depends on if they have more traits belonging to the Labrador parent. If a Labrakita prefers to be on land or snow, then they possess more traits of the Akita parent. Origin and History The Labrador Retriever During the s in Newfoundland, Canada, the Labrador Retrievers' oldest doggie ancestors were trained as waterfowl retrievers. After a long crossing with Newfoundlands, breeders got the magnificent Labrador Retriever we know today. In , the American Kennel Club recognized the new sports breed once it arrived in the United States. It is the all-time most popular dog in the United States. Crossbreeding with huge breeds like the Great Dane helped them pursue and kill wild boar, deer, and even bears. In the s, Japan began a massive reform to bring back Akitas after they nearly went extinct. Appearance The eyes of these designer dogs might be brown, hazel, or amber, while the nose can be black or brown. They have a long snout and a contemplative face, and they often appear to be smiling. They have triangular-shaped ears situated high on the head; however, the ears could be floppy based on the dominant parents. A purebred Akita has pointy ears, while a purebred Labrador Retriever has floppy ears, so hybrid dogs could either be a combination or a replica of the parent dogs. Color An Akita lab mix has a thick coat consisting of straight hairs that can be black, grey, brown, red, cream, fawn, white, pied, or brindle, and with short to medium in length. The Akita lab mix may wear a light or pale-colored mask on their face and have a light or white chest. The Labrakita has a big, square head, a stout frame with powerful legs, and a long tail that may curl somewhat over the back or coil all the way around like an Akita Inu tail. Size and Weight The size of a Labrador varies based on the dog's age and gender. Its normal height is 22 to 25 inches 56—.Depending on sex and age, an Akita Inu can weigh anywhere from 70 to pounds 32 to 59 kg. The height ranges from 26 to 28 inches 66 to 71 cm. The typical Labrakita mix stands between .It weighs between 65 and pounds .Temperament and Personality Unlike the Akita parent, the Lab and Akita mix is not a self-sufficient creature. This devoted, family-oriented dog likes to be with its owner. If you allow it to be alone for too long, it may develop anxiety, grow disruptive, and begin biting or demonstrating aggressive behavior. Because the Akita Labrador mixed breed is a cross between two complex temperaments, you're likely to get a one-of-a-kind dog. Also, be aware that predicting Labrakita puppies' future behavior may be difficult while selecting your new companion. When it comes to outsiders, this protective dog might be violent, yet it is gentle with its family. The Labrador Akita's thick double coat sheds heavily once every six months. Giving your Akita lab cross weekly brushing is the only way to avoid excessive shedding. Because this dog is unlikely to have a strong doggy odor, it won't need to be bathed on a regular basis unless it gets really dirty. If you bathe this designer breed too often or use too much shampoo, the dog may get a dry skin condition. Nail clipping must be done on a monthly basis, and examining the dog's ears for infections and ear mites should be done regularly as well. Training Because an Akita parent is a stubborn and independent dog , your Labrakita mix will initially require consistent and firm training as a puppy. Fortunately, the Labrador-Akita mix is an intelligent dog that is usually fairly easy to train thanks to its Labrador DNA. That means they can make an excellent guard dog when it comes to strangers, yet a cuddly, friendly dog behind closed doors that can potentially get along well with small children. With that being said, if you really want a good family dog or if you have very young children or other animals, it may be best to go for a pure Labrador Retriever instead of a Lab mix. This is because the Akita Lab mix can be quite large dogs and it can be difficult to predict their temperament due to the significant difference in personality between the Labrakita's parent breeds. One thing that can cause an issue with the Labrakita dog is their stubbornness, so you'll need to come up with the proper mix of persistence, compassion, and positive reinforcement. Plus, if you give your Labrakita more stimulation through physical challenges and exercise, it will be more receptive to training. Socialization When it comes to socializing your Labrakita, you'll have to devote time to training your companion to welcome visitors and relatives. Regrettably, it may not be a simple process. Having visitors or outsiders in its territory may irritate this dog, especially if they have more prominent Akita genes than Lab genes. But we should mention that some Akita Lab mixes can certainly learn to be a cherished family pet that will be exceptionally loyal and loving. Because this breed has natural predatory instincts, it is not recommended for households with different pets, particularly cats. We don't want their instinctive prey drive kicking in with the family's beloved guinea pig. Following slow and steady socialization with other dogs, however, could help your new friend enjoy the company of other canines. Exercise To keep fit, healthy, and content, the Lab Akita mix needs a lot of activity. If these dogs do not receive enough exercise, they can grow obese and agitated; thus, they should have at least 60 to 90 minutes of intense movement per day. Playing at the dog park, trekking, swimming, playing at the beach, brisk walks, or a jog around the neighborhood once or twice each day are just a few of their favorite activities, and they are particularly thrilled to be out and about. Akita Labs may develop negative behaviors such as nibbling on items and damaging property if they do not receive adequate exercise. Food and Diet The exact nutrition will be determined by the size, age, gender, and level of daily physical activity of the dog. The majority of these characteristics are determined by inherited parental genes. To put it another way, you should give your dog food based on its appearance and needs to avoid autoimmune disorders or other health issues. We advise consulting your vet as well, just to be sure. Health Problems As holds true for other dogs as well, a Labrakita is most likely to receive genetic health problems their parents passed on to them. A few common health issues for the Labrakita are: Progressive retinal atrophy — A common eye illness in the Labrakita is progressive retinal degeneration, which damages the retinal nerves and can lead to blindness that comes with old age. Glaucoma and cataracts are other eye problems that can develop. Hip and elbow dysplasia — This is a bone condition that develops when a dog's joints do not develop properly. As a consequence, the joints may become irritated and unstable. Cranial cruciate disease — This condition causes discomfort and immobility in dogs when the cranial cruciate ligament in their knee ruptures. Bloat — Gastric dilatation-volvulus is an unpleasant gut swelling and twisting that occurs suddenly when the dog's stomach flips. It's a life-threatening condition that must be treated immediately if detected. Life Expectancy A Labrakita's average life expectancy is around 10 to 13 years. The price may be influenced by lineage, parent bloodlines, birth order, gender, show vs pet quality, color, size, and other characteristics. Remember to ask the breeder to give you the findings from the parents' health tests. Final Thoughts The Labrakita designer cross-breed is a great blend of two completely different breeds. This clever and obedient dog is well-suited to active owners and households without other pets. If you socialize your Labrakita puppy well enough, you could end up with a much friendlier dog in the long run. Regardless of which parent's DNA is more dominant in your Labrador-Akita mix, you will have a beautiful and unique best friend with this canine. Our team of authors seeks to answer the questions that you frequently ask yourselves. Similar Posts. This hybrid combines two working breeds, one of which is a waterfowl retriever and the other a hunter of large game and devout protector. As such, Akita Lab mixes may be all about business, with an extremely loyal disposition toward their family, or they may be overflowing with friendliness toward most people, with only a slight affinity for sniffing after wild things. What Is an Akita Lab Mix? The Labrakita dog is the result of crossing a purebred Labrador retriever with a purebred Akita. The cross produces a large and big-boned dog with a thick double coat. These dogs were continuously bred with larger breeds, like the Great Dane, to enable them to track and hunt intimidating game such as wild boar, bears and deer. Over the years, the Akita became a treasured and loyal companion, often used as a guard dog and protector of land and master. Unfortunately, the breed almost went extinct, with caused Japan to launch an extensive reformation in the early s. Labradors The Labrador retriever hails from much further away, in Newfoundland, Canada. Eventually, the Lab as we know it today came to America, where the AKC accepted the breed as a member of its sporting group in .Make no mistake, Labradors are still prized hunting dogs, but they are most commonly used now as beloved family pets. Labrakita Temperament Due to its lineage, an Akita Lab mix can have one of two very different personality types, or it may have traits from each type. Akitas have a tendency to be standoffish and potentially aggressive toward unfamiliar people, and they can also be territorial around other dogs. They are very protective of their family and will not hesitate to make their presence known if they feel that their home is threatened. Furthermore, with their hunting background, Akitas also tend to chase after small animals, including other household pets like cats. If you entertain lots of guests in your house, then this will not be a good dog for that environment, either. They are usually fine with other dogs in the house, but they may also want to chase after smaller animals. They thrive on time spent with their owners and become anxious when left alone for too long. When left to their own devices, Labs can be rather destructive. Similarly to Akitas, Labs may be tempted to chase after anything that they get a whiff of while out in the yard or in public. If a Labrakita has English Lab breeding, though, then they may not have as strong of a prey drive. With all of the above being said, this will not be a dog that can spend much time off the leash, regardless of which parent they more closely resemble. If the mix has strong Lab genes, then he may be one of the following colors: Akita black Lab mix Yellow Lab Akita mix Chocolate Lab Akita mix Labs also come in dilute color formations, but these are far more rare. If a mix has strong Akita genes, then he may be one of the following colors: Black. You may like: Akita saint bernard mix Akita. Akita dog breed comes from Northern Honshu in the Akita prefecture, where the climate is colder than in other parts of Japan. The area is also mountainous, with many streams and rivers flowing through it. These factors likely influenced the development of the Akita Inu breed, which is known for its thick fur coat. Historical records indicate that Akitas were used as hunting dogs as early as the 17th century and later used for bear and boar hunting. Today, Akitas are still used for hunting in their native country, but they are also kept as companion animals worldwide. The Akita is a loyal and devoted companion, but they can also be strong-willed and stubborn. They are quick to learn commands but may only obey them if they see the point in doing so. Akitas are reserved around strangers but affectionate with their family and friends. They are loyal and protective of their home and family and make excellent guard dogs. Akitas require firm training and socialization from an early age to prevent them from becoming aggressive. Today, the breed is a popular companion animal in the United States and Japan. The Akita dog is also used for hunting, tracking, and as a working dog in many other countries worldwide. Black Lab. The black Labrador is a beloved breed among dog lovers. Moreover, Labrador Retrievers are a variety of black Lab dogs. There are three colors available: black, chocolate and yellow. Some people believe that Labs behave differently in chocolate and black. However, there is very little evidence to support this claim. The black Lab temperament is, for the most part, like other Labrador Retrievers, incredibly friendly, energetic, athletic and social. Black Lab dogs are energetic, friendly, active, and one of the most loved pet dogs in America. There are pros and cons to adopting a black Lab puppy. Buying, caring for and adopting a black Lab puppy. As a puppy parent or new dog owner, a black Lab can be your best choice. Consider what type of lifestyle and family is best for a black Lab. The Akita Black Lab mix is a loyal and protective dog breed. They are excellent family pets and are very easy to train. A Black Akita Lab Mix can be one of two personality types depending on its lineage. Or it could have both. The size of the Black Labrador or Akita will determine how powerful he will be. A Black Lab and Akita standard heights and weights indicate that an Akita Lab mix could reach between .However, by taking a closer look at its parents, we can get a good idea of what our puppy will look like. They have a square appearance with good bone structure and an upright stance. Akita Lab mix lifespan The average Akita Labrador mix lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. Three main factors that affect the longevity of this breed include: Genetic information they inherit from parents. Events like illnesses, injuries, and accidents happen to them during their life. Their nutrition and lifestyle. If our four-legged friends receive immense love and proper care, they can live longer and be with us for many years. Akita Lab mix temperament Akita Lab mix temperament is intelligent, loyal, and stubborn. They tend to be independent and aggressive with strangers. These dogs can also be territorial around other dogs. Akita and Lab mix is an excellent guard dog. They are very protective of their family and will not hesitate to make their presence known when they sense you are in danger. Health Like any hybrids, there is a risk that Akita Labrador mix will develop hereditary health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and excessive weight gain. On that basis, buying Akita Lab mix puppies from a reputable breeder is now more favorable as you can avoid a potentially sick dog. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups to detect any health issues early and keep your dog healthy. Exercise Labrakitas naturally have a lot of energy because both of their parents were excellent hunters. The recommended amount of exercise for an Aktia mixed with Lab is 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity every day. They like playing fetch, going for long hikes or walks, swimming, and other water activities. They will respond best to positive reinforcement like all other dogs. You can use high value rewards to keep your dog motivated. It can come from praise, belly rubs, favorite food, treats, and so on. Keep each training session short, fun, and consistent. Any dog will benefit from early socialization! Akita Lab also needs it to prevent and lessen their aggressive instinct. Although Labrakitas can groom themselves like a cat, they still need regular brushing and bathing monthly to control shedding and keep their coat shiny. Trim their nails when you hear the clicking sounds on the floor. Also, brush their teeth at least once a week to maintain good dental health. All ingredients need to be easy to digest. Additionally, their food must be high in protein and free of artificial additions or fillers. It is crucial to avoid overfeeding your dog because it only makes their health problems worse. Therefore, you should follow a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving food out all day. Akita and Lab mix does best in a family with older children who can learn to interact with a dog appropriately. They tend to be aggressive toward other canines, especially those of the same sex. A good rule of thumb is never to leave two males or females alone together. Furthermore, with their hunting background, Labrakitas also have a tendency to chase small animals, including cats. But keep in mind that early socialization can help! Lab Akita mix puppies for sale Akita cross Labrador puppies will be a bit pricey. The price depends on their parents, the number of available puppies, and medical attention received. A reputable breeder will provide you with the results of breed-specific health examinations as required. Conclusion Akita mixed with Lab, commonly called Labrakita, is a cross between a purebred Akita with a purebred Labrador Retriever. Akita Lab mix puppies A Labrakita is likely to have aspects of each parent dog, but which traits transfer to which puppies can feel more like gambling than science in first generation crosses. Although second generations onwards have a bit more practictability when it comes to looks and personality. This hunting class dog works in packs and can bring down surprisingly large, fierce prey. Today, the Akita is a permanent part of Japanese history and culture. The Labrador Retriever hails from Newfoundland, which today is a part of Canada. This breed arose from a lineage of water dogs and has a wonderful swimming ability and natural love for water. Size, Height And Weight This mixed breed tends to be fairly large in adulthood. They can range anywhere from 21 to 28 inches tall, and weigh from 55 to lbs. This is because of certain differences in the personality and temperament of the Akita versus the Labrador. The Akita is a truly ancient dog breed that has evolved to hunt in packs of other equally large and intelligent dogs. They are intensely loyal to the point of being considered an excellent guard dog. In contrast, the Labrador is a dog that rarely meets a stranger — everyone is a friend! The Akita can be very independent and willful and so will need a positive, firm, steady, and consistent training regimen to integrate successfully into the social life of a family. The Lab also needs early and ongoing positive yet firm training to do well as part of a family and community. From this, you can already see that your Akita cross Lab puppy will need continuous socialization plus lots of positive reinforcement and training to do well as a pet dog. Both the Akita dog and the Labrador Retriever have short, thick, double-layer, water-repellent coats. The Akita has less doggy odor than the Lab, although both can benefit from an occasional bath. So you can expect at least weekly brushing and monthly bathing duties for your Labrakita, as well as a certain level of ongoing shedding and a twice-annual big coat shed. Despite being a mix, any reputable Akita Lab mix breeder will willingly volunteer results of all required and recommended breed-specific health tests. An Akita Lab mix with good socialization, from friendly parents, and positively trained has the potential to make an excellent family pet. However, there are risks of guarding behaviors, and intolerance towards rough handling by small kids. An Akita Lab mix can be a good family dog in a family with older children who can learn to handle the puppy appropriately. It is not a great dog choice if you have other vulnerable family pets. Both the Akita and the Lab have a strong prey drive from their shared background as hunting and working dogs. But try to focus more on health and personality than price, if you can. Make sure that you meet both parents. Decide whether you think either one of them or a combination of the two would fit into your lifestyle. Choose a breeder that is motivated by something more than money. Both parents should know their names, and be attached to their owner. They need to look bright, healthy, relaxed and well exercised. And if you ever see one in the market, chances are, it will be pretty expensive. The price is indicative of the value of the parents, the number of available puppies, and medical attention received. Another way to acquire an Akita Lab Cross would be through shelters and rescues whose primary focus is to find prospective homes for rescued puppies. A convenient way to start your search is Adopt-a-Pet. This hybrid can cleanse itself just like the cat, but remember to brush the coat several times a week. Bathe your Lab Akita Cross only when needed because their skin tends to dry out if you bathe and shampoo them so often. You should trim the toenails about once a month, check ears for mites and wax buildup and brush teeth regularly to prevent cavities and other dental conditions. We listed some grooming essentials below: Safari Wire Pin Brush — A pin brush that works marvelously in grooming large dogs. It is useful in removing loose, lifeless hair and debris, leaving a healthy shine. It is bendable and conforms to the contours of your pet, effectively removing loose and lifeless hair. It works to reduce shedding and prevent matting for a healthier and shinier coat. These clippers have a built-in safety stop and an ergonomic grip for a more relaxed and comfortable trimming session with your Akita Lab Mix. It effectively kills insects like ticks and ear mites and even works to eradicate the eggs. It features a soothing lavender scent for clean and fresh-smelling hair. It is also formulated with ketoconazole to combat fungal infections and chlorhexidine gluconate to fight bacteria while promoting a soft and lustrous coat. The triple-headed toothbrush offers a unique design that conforms around the teeth makes brushing from all angles effortless. On that premise, buying from a reputable breeder is more favorable now than before because you can avoid a potentially sick dog. A breeder with a good reputation should offer a health guarantee on puppies. A Clearance is a proof that a dog has been examined for and cleared from a particular health condition. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — Hip and elbow dysplasia is a skeletal condition in which the joints for both hip and elbow have grown unusually. The unusual shapes restrict the sockets and joints from the meeting, resulting in grinding instead of gliding smoothly. The major complication with hip dysplasia is unsteady joints, whereas, in elbow dysplasia, the bone and cartilage loosen and irritates the joint tissues. The continuous rubbing can cause an assortment of pain problems. Surgery can be done to remedy the joint if diagnosed early on. Gastric Dilation-Volvulus or Gastric Torsion — Also known as bloat, this condition is characterized by a sudden, painful swelling and twisting of the abdomen. If your pet is showing signs of bloat, it is best to bring him to the Vet for immediate treatment as this condition might kill him. Surgery is done to decompress the stomach. Epilepsy — Dog Seizure happens when your pet is shaking incessantly and uncontrollably for a fraction of a minute to several minutes. With generalized seizure or grand mal seizure, the dog will convulse and can lose consciousness. The irregular electrical activity is happening throughout the brain. With the focal seizure, the dog will show involuntary movements in one appendage or one part of the body. Seizures may have an underlying cause — Liver or Kidney disease, Brain Cancer, Strokes, Anemia, Encephalitis, Head injury, Low or high blood sugar, Electrolyte problems or eating poison. Cranial Cruciate Disease — The cranial cruciate ligament, which is a vital knee joint stabilizer, is ruptured causing pain, arthritis, and lameness of the hind leg. Surgery is recommended to keep the tear from advancing to more severe problems in the joints. Eye problems — Glaucoma, extreme pressure injures the optic nerve and ultimately leads to blindness; Entropion, a genetic eye defect where one or both eyelids are inverted and rub on the eye surface; Cataracts, a common eye problem that causes cloudiness and obstructs vision; and Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA , a degenerative disease radically affecting the retina and eventually leads to blindness, are major eye concerns in the Lab Akita Cross. Autoimmune Disorders — Akita Labs experience many autoimmune disorders such as Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, the immune system destroys his red blood cells; Pemphigus, antibodies attack the skin and cause painful ulcers, blisters, and boils; Sebaceous Adenitis, a genetic skin condition that causes scaly dried out skin and hair loss; and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada, the body attacks the skin cells that generate pigment melanin in the skin, eyes, and hair. Others — Renal cortical hypoplasia, a genetic condition that causes unusual development of the kidneys which may lead to renal failure; Hypothyroidism, a thyroid abnormality resulting to low and inadequate hormone production and may cause obesity, low energy levels, and an inelastic coat; Cancers have also been observed Akita Labrador Mix Food Requirements Each dog is unique and therefore will require a specific diet. Since the Akita Lab Cross is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, give him food fortified with fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. It is imperative to avoid overfeeding your dog as it can only aggravate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Your most important goal should be to nourish your pet friend properly. The best way, to begin with, is to make sure you avoid feeding the Akita Lab the worst dry dog food around and instead choose among best dry dog food out there to make sure you provide all nutrients to your furry pal—or choose between Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Supplements should also be taken into consideration if you fear your doggy is not getting enough nutrients. Before buying one of these, learn more about nutrition boosters by reading our review of Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. If you adopted a pup just recently, hop over to our best puppy food brands list, and if you own a wise, old doggo, maintain their health with the perfect ratio of nutrients for older dogs by offering them a cup of best senior dry dog food. The Akita Lab mix is usually a big dog, so going for best large breed dry dog food may be the right choice. If, against all odds, your dog turned out small, test one of these best dry dog food for small dogs and see if they like it! Remember that some of the smallest breeds have the most refined taste. Take them for long walks or hikes, engage in play or fetch, go running or swimming. About s60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity every day will satisfy their exercise requirements. Because of their aggressive behavior, exercises should be done in a fenced-in yard. Cool Pup Insect Shield Dog Bandana treated with an odorless formula of permethrin to shield your Lab Akita Cross effectively from mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and ticks. The innovative harness features built-in insect protection with state-of-the-art cooling technology to protect your dog in extreme temperatures. The adjustable strap provides a snug and comfortable fit while the reflective trim offers safety. The rubber-coated frames feature a flexible nose-bridge for comfort and perfect fit. It also has an adjustable strap to ensure the glasses stay on even when your pet companion is up and about. If you enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand and want to bring your Akita Lab Mix along for a swim, the Frisco Dog Life Jacket is a must-have! With safety in mind, this life jacket features three adjustable straps that allow for a perfect fit, so your pet to move comfortably in the water. It also has a grab handle so you can effortlessly pull your pet friend out of the water in case of emergency. Akita and Labrador Combination Training It is easy to train an intelligent dog, but it can also be daunting because the Akita Lab Cross is stubborn. But like all other dogs, they will respond best to positive reinforcement. This mix aims to please and will love a physical challenge. Behavior Training — Potty Training can be annoying, but cleaning up is just as exasperating. The artificial turf also emits an organic scent that lures dogs to use it. This mat is odor resistant and antimicrobial to help keep your space clean and fresh-smelling. It has three layers and works by sitting the carpet above the plastic insert and drain the liquid into the tray inclusion for easy cleanup. Start by introducing the names of different objects in your house such as a ball, a toy, and his favorite bowl. Once he recognizes the names, training your dog to bring something to you will be easy peasy. The molded bumpers prevent pets from eating or drinking too fast thus avoiding problems with digestion or vomiting. Fun Training — Catch a Treat is an effective way to help keep his mind active. This trick relies on food being hurled at your pet so giving him praise is also essential. What better way to help him dispense some of his energy? Akita Lab Mix And Families A cross between the Labrador and Akita Inu which are both family-oriented dogs, this hybrid also makes a perfect family pet. Keep in mind though that strict supervision is necessary for households with very young children. They will delight in the company of new friends or other dogs provided that they are introduced first. The Lab Akita combination is also an excellent guard dog because of their protective nature. They can become very hostile and may attack strangers aggressively. Keep in mind that early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop.

Want to learn how to crate train your golden retriever puppy fast? Crate training is one of the best things you can do for your puppy. It helps accelerate potty training, it keeps them safe, and it helps keep them from learning bad habits like chewing up shoes. Read this article to learn more about potty training your golden retriever puppy. When I was a kid I hated vegetables. I just wanted fries and chicken nuggets. But what did my parents do? They made me eat veggies a little at a time until I got used to them. And then after I got used to them, I learned to love them. Now as an adult, I would much rather prefer a pile of grilled zucchini, broccoli, and asparagus than a plateful of fries. Crate training your golden retriever follows a similar pattern. But the following steps are going to teach you how to teach them to love their crate and handle being alone. The wire crate helped because it was open so he could always see the people around him, which lessened his anxiety of being in there alone at first. Step 2: Get The Crate Ready This is another step that you will have ideally done before you bring your puppy home. The first thing to consider when getting the crate ready for your pup is where to put it. Here are a few options: In your bedroom In the living room or other area where people in your home hang out Get two crates and have one in your bedroom and one in the living room Golden retrievers love being around people, so having their crate around people will usually help ease some of the pain of crate training. This will usually help with the loneliness and crying. The other thing to consider when getting the crate ready is what to put in it. You also may want to put a bed in there to make it comfortable for them. So how do you do that? First, they need to decide to go into the crate themselves. You can do that by putting a favorite toy in the crate, or scattering food in there. Expect them to walk in and right back out the first time. You want to make it so that they know fun things are in the crate. Check out the video below for a fun crate training game to help your puppy learn to love their crate. Walk out of the room for a second, then come back in. Then walk out for five seconds, then ten seconds. These next few sections will answer some common questions that new puppy owners have, as well as some tips to help the process go smoothly. Putting your puppy in the crate with a full bladder is one way you can set them up to fail. Also, frozen kongs or chew toys with peanut butter work great for easing your puppy into getting comfortable in their crate by themselves. That means that a two-month-old puppy can only hold it for about two to three hours, so expect to have to wake up two or three times every night until they get a little older. Take the water bowl away about two or three hours before bedtime so that your puppy will have time to fully empty their bladder before going to sleep for the night. Get them sufficiently tired during the day. Play games like tug, fetch or chase to physically wear them out, and train them and give them puzzle toys like frozen kongs to mentally wear them out. Set an alarm to wake yourself up before they wake up themselves. This is a tough situation, but it can be done. Here are some tips to make it work. You may have to come home on your lunch break, ask friends, family, or neighbors to come over, or hire a dog walker to let your puppy out. Wear them out in the mornings Go on walks, play chase, fetch and tug, or wrestle with them in the mornings to get some of their endless energy out. Utilize an exercise pen You might want to consider getting an exercise pen like this one from Amazon and circling it around the front of the crate to give your dog some extra room. Check out the video below for an example of what a crate looks like with an exercise pen attached for extra space. Does she need to pee? Is she full of energy? Or does she just want to get out and get some attention? Remember to set them up for success before you put them in crate, meaning physically and mentally tiring them out and making sure their bladder is empty. You can also leave for short periods of time starting at seconds , then come back and let her out. How long it takes for your puppy to get used to the crate depends. Did you rush them into it, or did you let them learn that the crate is awesome? Have you been rewarding them for barking in it, or have they learned that silence is what gets them out of the crate? It also depends on the dog. Some dogs take to crates much better than others. You can do it! Is Crate Training Ever Over? We started leaving him alone in the house somewhere around six months old, and then a few months after that we started letting him sleep outside of his crate he decided to sleep under the toilet… weird dude. Two big questions to ask yourself when considering taking this next step are: When was the last time my puppy had an accident in the house? When was the last time my puppy chewed something up in the house? Just like with crate training, you want to take baby steps and set them up for success. Crate Training Mistakes While all of the tips above will help make crate training go smoothly, the mistakes below can ruin your efforts, or at least make it very hard to get them to relax in their crate. Mistake 2: Rushing crate training Crate training takes time. Would you want to go in an unfamiliar box in an unfamiliar house? They need to learn that the crate is fun, safe, and relaxing, and that takes time. This leads us to the next mistake… Mistake 4: Punishing them for crying in the crate If a puppy is crying in the crate because they want attention, they might perceive you yelling at them as attention. Mistake 6: Using the crate too much Golden retrievers are lovers. Conclusion Crate training is one of the best things you can do for your puppy. Have any questions about crate training? Or have any other tips for new puppy owners? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Food bowl Treats Make sure you have all the above items before you bring your Golden retriever puppy home so that you can get started crate training him right away. Position The Crate Before you set off to collect your puppy, decide where you want his crate to be. Prepare The Crate Fit the crate with a non-slip crate liner, comfy bed, or crate pad, and put a tempting chew toy inside. Put a bowl of water and a packet of treats close by. Cut a small piece of the blanket and put it in the crate. Keep the rest of the blanket for future use. Let the puppy check out the area around the crate. Curious pups might even voluntarily venture inside the crate! Put a few tempting treats inside the crate, close to the door. Golden retrievers are notoriously food-oriented dogs that will most likely be enticed into the crate by those yummy treats. Never force the puppy into the crate. Chat to your pet, offer him more treats, and add a fun toy to the mix to persuade your furry friend to go into the crate. Generally, placing the crate around people will help to encourage your puppy to feel comfortable spending time inside it. Play Crate Games Crate sessions can be made more enjoyable for your puppy by incorporating some crate games. Use treats, cuddly toys, or a KONG toy stuffed with frozen peanut butter or treats to reward your puppy for entering his crate. Crate Feeding Your Golden Retriever Puppy Golden retrievers are very food-oriented, and you can use that to enhance and speed up the crate training process considerably. Allow your puppy to watch you prepare his meal, and then place the food bowl just inside the crate. Once your puppy is confidently going into the crate to get the food, move the food bowl to the back of the crate. Shut The Door By now, your Golden retriever puppy should view the crate as a safe, comfortable, fun place to be. So, try closing the crate door when your puppy is happily tucking into his food. The first time the door is closed, open it again once your pet has finished eating. At each crate training session, leave the door shut for a little longer. Step Back Away From The Crate Assuming that your crate routine is going well, your Golden retriever puppy should now associate the crate with a couple of treats, toys, games, and eating his meals. A common mistake people make is that they try to move too far away from the puppy too soon. Provided that the puppy is calm, you can now move away from the crate. If your puppy starts whinging, turn your back on your pet, and wait a few minutes until the whining stops. After ten seconds of your pet remaining calm, you can turn around and allow him to come out of the crate. Watch your puppy throughout this exercise, and let your pet out of the crate as soon as he shows signs of anxiety. Very young puppies aged up to ten weeks old will need to relieve themselves immediately after a meal. Potty Breaks When you begin your crate training puppy schedule , observe your pet closely for tell-tale signs that he needs to go potty. Generally, puppies will start whining, circling, and sniffing the ground when they need to relieve themselves. When that happens, immediately grab your puppy, and get him to his assigned toilet spot. Eight-week-old puppies typically need to go for a pee around every 30 to 60 minutes. During warm weather or after exercise, when the puppy drinks more, he might need to go more often than that. Once the puppy is older, he will be able to wait for longer between potty stops. What About Bedtime? The safest place for your puppy to spend the night is confined in his crate. Although your pup might experience a bit of separation anxiety from bedtime crating at first, you can help to mitigate that by putting the crate in your bedroom with you. Use a crate cover to create that safe, den-like space that encourages your canine companion to settle down and sleep. Sometimes, giving your Golden retriever puppy a special treat reserved for bedtime can help him understand that his crate is a comfortable space to spend the night. Expect Disturbed Nights! When your puppy is very young, you can expect to be disturbed by his cries for attention during the night. Dogs are clean animals, and they will resist soiling their sleeping area if at all possible. So, set your alarm to wake you up every couple of hours throughout the night so that you can take your puppy outside to relieve himself. Immediately Clean Up Accidents Unfortunately, dealing with potty accidents is all part and parcel of raising and training a new puppy. When that happens, never punish or scold your pup. When accidents happen around your home, use an enzyme cleaner to remove the scent of urine from your floor coverings. If your puppy has an accident in his crate, you must wash all the bedding immediately. Ensure that you have a good supply of spare bedding to grab if you need it, and clean the crate thoroughly to remove any lingering smell of urine. Golden retrievers are especially quick at remembering simple words, and these trainable dogs are typically pretty obedient. So, from the get-go, you need to begin using verbal cues. Pick short and clear words so that your puppy can easily recognize and remember them. Combine your cue words with crate training. Increase The Difficulty As crate training progresses, you can make things more challenging for your puppy. Ask your dog to stay in the crate with the door closed for longer periods, and begin to move out of sight. Just like little kids, puppies will throw tantrums during the first few days of crate training. That behavior is perfectly normal and to be expected, especially when you first close the crate door. Instead, reward calm behavior with treats verbal praise, and let your puppy come out of the crate. So, when a tantrum kicks off, simply turn your back on your furry friend, and wait until he settles down again. Consistency Is Crucial! One of the most common problems people experience when crate training their puppy is not being consistent. Yes, it can be tough when your adorable fluffy bundle is crying and whining inside his crate. Unfortunately, giving in to your fur baby when he complains simply teaches your pet that whining and other bad behavior get him what he wants, which sets your training regimen back. Playtime Is Vital A lively Golden retriever puppy bursting with energy is not likely to settle calmly in his crate. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to crate training a Golden retriever puppy. If you did, please remember to share it. Crates are also useful tools for potty training your puppy and preventing bad behavior, such as chewing and eating harmful substances. Always be consistent and patient when crate training your puppy; use cue words and positive reinforcement to make learning fun for both your pet and you. Did you use a crate to train your Golden retriever puppy? Tell us how you did 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. Key Takeaways Crate training can help you provide a safe and comfortable environment for your Golden Retriever. Avoid rushing the crate training process to ensure your dog feels comfortable and secure. Please do not use the crate as a punishment or leave your dog in it for extended periods. Crate training can be more effective and enjoyable for your dog if you use consistency, positive reinforcement, treats, and toys. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Selecting The Right Crate Size To ensure your Golden Retriever is comfortable and has enough space in their crate, you need to measure them accurately. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: 1. Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. What Is Crate Training? Crate training is the process of teaching a dog to accept a crate as a familiar and safe location. Here are some of the reasons: House training: Using a crate, you can help your dog learn where and when to go potty. This will make house training more effortless and less stressful for both of you. Safe space: A crate can be a relaxing and safe place for your dog to relax and sleep. It can also help keep your dog out of a mess by preventing them from chewing on inappropriate items or getting into dangerous substances. Traveling: Whether driving or flying across the country, a crate can help keep your dog safe and comfortable. Additionally, many hotels and other accommodations allow crate-trained dogs. Separation anxiety: A crate can provide security and comfort if your dog gets anxious when you leave. Knowing they have a safe place to go can help alleviate their anxiety and make their time away from home less stressful. Overall, crate training is an excellent way to provide your dog with a secure and comfortable environment to call their own. You should start crate training your puppy when you bring them home. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, an older dog can be trained to use a crate. Crate training can be a helpful way to provide a safe and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever to rest and relax, but it should never be used as a form of punishment or confinement. When done responsibly and positively, crate training can be a positive and effective method for you and your Golden Retriever. However, with time, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog get used to his crate. Add treats, toys, and blankets to the crate to make it more inviting. Increasing the time your dog spends in the crate gradually is crucial. Remember that crate training should be enjoyable for you and your Golden Retriever. You can quickly make your furry friend feel safe and secure in their crate with a little effort! Benefits Of Crate Training Your Golden Retriever Crate training can be super helpful for your furry friend and offer them a bunch of benefits, such as: Prevents Destructive Behavior: By giving your Golden Retriever a cozy and secure space, crate training can prevent them from chewing, digging, or scratching on household items. Potty Training: Crate training can teach your Golden Retriever to associate the crate with their den, making it easier to hold their bladder and bowels until you take them outside. Prepares Them For Travel: If you need to take your Golden Retriever on a trip, crate training can help them feel comfortable and secure while in transit. Crate training is a great way to help your Golden Retriever feel safe, secure, and comfortable while preventing destructive behavior and keeping them healthy and happy. Adult dogs: They can handle up to 8 hours in a crate, ideally with a break in the middle. Overnight: Many dogs can stay in a crate overnight without issues. Always ensure that any time in the crate is a positive experience for the dog, supplemented by regular breaks, exercise, and playtime outside of the crate. The shift is a delicate balance of patience, supervision, and positive reinforcement. Gradual Exploration Start by letting your dog explore a restricted, safe space under supervision. As comfort grows, extend the time they spend outside the crate. Monitor and Supervise Observe your dog closely during early freedom stages to prevent accidents or mischief. Ensure your home is dog-proofed to minimize potential hazards. Essential Amenities Keep their water bowl accessible. Designate a comfortable resting spot outside the crate. Positive Reinforcement Reward good behavior with treats or praise. This encourages adherence to house rules and reinforces desired behavior. Display patience and affection throughout their transition. With time and consistent guidance, your furry friend will seamlessly integrate into the household, striking a balance between freedom and behavior. Before leaving your dog alone in the crate, be patient and make sure your furry friend is comfortable and safe. For them, the crate should be a positive and safe space, and associating it with negative experiences can cause anxiety and fear. While some time in the crate is acceptable, providing sufficient opportunities for exercise, socialization , and bathroom breaks throughout the day is essential. Maintain a consistent routine and use the same commands each time you place your dog in the crate. Use Toys And Treats: Place toys and treats inside the crate to entice your dog to enter. This will make the crate a more positive and enjoyable environment for them to be in. Ensure your pup gets enough exercise and playtime throughout the day, so your furry companion can relax in the crate when the time comes. Excessive whining, barking, panting, and restlessness are all signs of stress in a Golden Retriever. If your furry friend exhibits these behaviors in the crate, they may be too stressed. Can I use a crate for my adult golden retriever? Yes, as long as it is appropriately sized and they are comfortable in it, you can use a crate for your adult Golden Retriever. Can you leave a puppy crying in the crate? Leaving a crying puppy in the crate is not recommended because it can cause separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Instead, it is critical to gradually acclimate them to the crate and create a positive and comfortable environment. Should you put a blanket over a dog crate? Yes, draping a blanket over a dog crate can provide a sense of security and darkness, but ensure proper ventilation is maintained. What age is too late to train a puppy? 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. Read the full disclosure here. I know that, and eventually, your dog will know that, too. In this article you will learn exactly how to crate train a puppy or dog, no matter their age or level of previous training. You should read the whole guide before starting, to gain a complete understanding of the process, including the tips and troubleshooting at the end so you can find the speediest success. Why do we do this? We do this so we can use the crate as a place for short-term confinement, to keep our dogs and our belongings safe when we cannot supervise them. Then we can confine them short-term when needed, and they are happy to do so. Yes, they can even enjoy their time in the crate! In contrast: A properly crate trained dog will enjoy time in there happily and stress-free, even relishing the chance to get down to some occupational chew toy time or just to chill out and relax. Dog obedience is key to get this result! Benefits such as: Dramatically speeding up house training. Giving your dog a cozy and comfortable place to call their own where they can sleep and relax, overnight or whenever they wish. Giving you a tool to use for managing problem behaviors or to use for time outs to calm your puppy when needed. Giving you a safe way to transport your dog both by car and air if the need should arise. So they can enjoy trips away and holidays with you. Preparing your puppy for boarding at the vets, a kennel or at home to recover after medical treatment. There are many benefits to using a crate when used correctly, but they can also be misused. And there are also times when you should never crate a dog, regardless of their age or how much or little they can be trusted: Times And Ways That You Should Not Use A Crate There are a small number of dogs that suffer true anxiety and panic when placed in a crate. Under no circumstances should these dogs be crated…ever! The signs you need to look out for are: Any damage to the crate that show signs of attempting to escape. Urinating or defecating in the crate. The crate has moved at all while your dog is inside they must have made some frantic movements for this to happen. Never if your dog has sickness or diarrhea. Never when the weather is extremely hot. Never for any time longer than 5 hours. Not any time your vet prohibits it for medical reasons. Never as a way to punish your dog or for punishment. Use obedience training to correct bad behavior instead. Crating your dog for any of the reasons above is either inhumane, dangerous or purely selfish. Getting Prepared Before you can start crate training, you obviously need a crate. But you also need to make it a comfortable and happy place for your dog. Choosing A Crate Dog sleeping in crate There are many different sizes and style of dog crates available, from tiny inch crates all the way up to inch and bigger! XXL heavy duty dog crates. There are wire dog crates , plastic, fabric and even high quality wooden crates that look just like pieces of furniture. But the most important aspect of the crate you choose is its size: Too small and it would be cruel to expect your dog or puppy to spend time in there Too large and it loses the den like feeling dogs crave, not to mention they can use one end to sleep in while using the other end as a toilet, so it loses its effectiveness. For detailed instructions on measuring your dog for a crate and selecting the right size and type to suit your needs, please see my article: Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Dog Crate 2. Making The Crate Comfortable And Safe Dog In Soft Crate After choosing the right crate, you then have to make it a comfortable, safe and pleasant place for your puppy or dog to love spending time. For a detailed guide on where to place your crate and what you should put in it, you can read my article on: How to make a crate comfortable and safe for your dog. Make sure the crate is out of any direct sunlight, away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators, and away from any possible cold drafts. Place soft, comfortable bedding inside. Place 2 or more chew toys inside to keep them occupied and develop good chew toy habits. If you have a wire crate, cover it either with a purpose bought crate cover or an old blanket or towel. Following the above 5 tips ensures the crate is a nice comfortable place for your dog. These pose a risk of choking if they happen to snag on anything, so no collars or leashes allowed. Your dog or puppy must be completely naked when crated. You must not rush through and you must make sure you are successful at each stage before you move on to the next, otherwise you could end up causing your dog or puppy to hate the crate by leaving them crated before they are ready. This unfamiliar box can be scary! The ultimate goal is for them to use it voluntarily. So the first task you have on the journey to crate training your puppy or dog is to form in their mind an association between the crate and all the things that they enjoy in life, so they see the crate as a good thing. Fail at this and you could saddle yourself with a dog who hates the crate, refuses to use it and maybe even fears it which can be a very hard thing to undo. So how do you go about achieving this? Technique 1: Magically Appearing Toys And Treats Set up the crate before you bring your dog home or if you have an existing pet, assemble the crate without them seeing so it just magically appears. Now let your dog or puppy into the room. So what should you do? Just act as you normally would, do what you would normally do. Play with your dog or puppy, or sit and watch TV, just act normal. Hopefully they will investigate this new thing in their world, enticed by the treats around and inside it, but also out of plain curiosity. Just draw no attention to the crate at all. Every dog will eventually at least eat the treats around the crate, if not the ones inside. This has the effect of the most prized things in their life being magically conjured up by the crate. Do this for a couple of days or more before you start crate training, and then occasionally for the few weeks after starting so your dog learns to love the crate and what it provides. You should find after a very short time they venture into the crate on their own just to look for some goodies, all without any encouragement from you. NOTE: Any treats you give this way have to be subtracted from their daily food portions or they will be overeating. And I say to do this just for the first few days and then only occasionally because to help house training you want your puppy eating on a schedule to promote defecating on a schedule, not eating at random times and pooping at random times. Feed these meals inside the crate. At first, place their food bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in to feed. Then after the first couple of times, place it half way into the crate. After a couple of times of this, place it all the way at the back. You might be successful with this right away, or you may have to place it at the front for a few meals over a few days. Some dogs confidence builds quicker than others. Eventually and not before too long you should find your dog expectantly running over to and maybe even into the crate every time they see you holding their food bowl. After a few days of magic appearing treats and your dog eating dinner from the crate, basically once they are used to the crate and associate good things with it, we are ready to start crate training. When you do release your dog you do not want them bolting out and bumping into you, particularly important if you have a large dog such as a Golden Retriever that can easily bowl you over on their way past! You want them to reliably leave the crate when you ask. You can only achieve these three things if your dog understands that they must stay inside until told they can leave, or must leave when they hear the cue word. Choose whatever words you like, just be consistent. You do not want to spook your dog at this stage. Sit close to the crate armed with some high value treats, show them to your dog and then throw one inside the crate. Move away so they can easily exit and just stand patiently and quietly waiting for them to do so. Repeat this 8 to 10 times then take a couple of minutes break. Then do another set of 8 to .Yes, for real. Repeat this whole exercise a few times over the course of a day or two until your dog is comfortably, happily and reliably going in the crate when you throw in a treat. Training your dog to do this is a huge step! Make sure they really are confidently going in to get the treat before moving to the next step. And remember to use your cue words every single time so they quickly learn them. Step 3: No Treat For Free! The next step is to ask your puppy or dog into the crate before you treat them. Make them work for the treat instead of using it to lure them into the crate. To start, do 2 or 3 exercises of throwing a treat in and using the cue word as they go in to get it. When they do, give them a treat or two while you praise them profusely. Then use the cue word to leave and praise them when they do. Repeat this 8 to 10 times, take a couple of minutes break, then do another 8 to 10 before finishing up for this session. Repeat this step many times over the course of a day or two until you are certain your puppy or dog truly understands the commands and is happy to both go into and leave the crate on cue before you move to step 4. Now, many of you will have a dog at this stage that goes in, gets the treat or their toys and cannot wait to get back out again. But some will already be sitting, laying and sleeping in the crate of their own accord. Regardless though, what you want to achieve is your puppy or dog to sit and lie in the crate on cue, which is different to doing it of their own accord. Begin this just a couple of days after getting them home because they need to understand the cues outside of the crate before you can hope to have them follow the commands inside it. Other things you should have been doing before this step are: feeding your dog or puppy their main meals inside the crate occasionally leaving stuffed Kong toys in the crate this gets them used to spending time in there, usually in a sitting or laying position this will have made things easier Now, run through 2 or 3 repetitions of steps 2 and 3 before you start step 4, always remembering to use your chosen cues! Next, when your dog is inside the crate: Simply cue them to sit, praise and reward them profusely when they do. Then ask for a down and do the same. Then cue them to leave the crate before repeating the exercise. Try this 8 to 10 times before a few minutes break, then repeat for 8 to 10 times more. Repeat this whole step a few times over a day or more, but as you repeat the exercises, ask them to stay sitting or lying down for longer periods before you release them. And you should vary the duration to keep them guessing what it takes to earn a treat. Try just 1 second, then 5, then 2, then 10, then 3 and so on. Try to stretch the time out over a few practice sessions. Remember to be gentle and that your tone of voice throughout training matters. As always: Start with 2 or 3 repetitions of the easier steps first, going through steps 3 and 4 before trying to close the door. When ready: Cue your dog to go into the crate, praise and treat them, then ask for a sit, praise and treat and then slowly close the door. You ask for a sit because this position is automatically a more calm and relaxed position than standing. Continue to praise your dog and give a couple of treats through the closed door for remaining calm and sitting. Then open the door, and cue them to leave the crate. If your dog looks fearful or panicked when you close the door some will! Start by closing the door just part way for a few repetitions, then half way for a few, then most the way before finally closing it fully. This may take one training session or a few over days. Are you ready to move on? Once your dog is happy to sit a few seconds with the door closed, begin to latch it. Praise and treat for calm, then release the latch and open the door. For a training session, do 8 to 10 reps, take a few minutes break and then repeat. During each set, vary the time they have to stay calm and sitting, 3 seconds, then 10, then 4, then 15 and so on. You should aim to extend the time they stay calm and sitting with the door closed to a full minute before moving on to the next step. Again, this could take an afternoon, or it might take a few days. Go at your dogs pace and never force things. The base is serving as a staging facility for hurricane relief operations. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jack Braden Once your puppy or dog can sit calmly in the crate with the door closed for a full minute, the next step is to start moving away with the ultimate aim of being able to leave the room. First of all, perform a few reps of steps 4 and 5 as a warm up, remembering to always use your cues. Next, follow these steps: Cue your dog into the crate, close the door, latch it, praise and reward them and take a couple of steps backwards away from the crate but still facing it. Then return, praise and reward. Open the door and cue your dog to come out. Do this exercise 8 to 10 times, then take a few minutes break and repeat. For each repetition, mix things up: Try walking away a different distance in a different direction, but remaining in the room. First 2 steps backwards and pause 5 seconds before returning, then 4 steps to the side and a 15 second pause and so on. Work up to walking right to the exit or the wall and pausing for a full minute. Next, you will want to amp things up even more: Perform this exercise while you actively walk around the room, looking busy doing other things, but return to praise and treat your dog often. Tidy some magazines, rustle through a drawer, just look busy doing other things a few times in the house. Then, go even farther: Perform this exercise but back yourself up to the exit of the room and leave for just a couple of seconds before returning and heading to the crate to treat and praise. Do this a few times. The time this takes and the success you have will vary from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Always stop at 10 repetitions max, and never more than two batches in quick succession followed by a big break. Otherwise your dog will get bored and the training is less effective. Now you just need to start increasing the time they are happy to spend time alone. Before you begin, something that goes a long way toward helping is to make sure your puppy or dog is well exercised before asking them into the crate. Why is that? A tired dog will be far more willing to relax and chill out for a length of time, compared to one who is full of energy and keen to play or wanting attention! After exercising them, the first step is to increase the time they are happy to spend in the crate while you are still nearby. To achieve this: Crate feeding: Feed your dog in the crate, or give them a stuffed Kong toy or good tasting bone chew toy. Hang out nearby: Ask your dog into the crate, give them their food or the toy, then close the door and take a seat nearby to read a book or a magazine. Engage occasionally: Every now and then, give them a further treat and praise, then go back to your book or magazine. Gradual build: Try to work up to a good half hour of quiet and calm in the crate while you read and they chew. Ignore them: After a couple of times like this, crate your dog or puppy with their meal or a stuffed toy and move around the room busying yourself, paying little attention to your dog. You want them to be eating their meal or chewing a toy in the locked crate while you do other things. Leave the room: After a couple of repetitions of this, repeat the exercise but move freely in and out of the room a few times, as well as occasionally sitting nearby. Disappear: Start by leaving the room for only 5 or 10 minutes, extending the time over a few sessions until you eventually achieve a full hour of alone time. As always, how long this takes will vary wildly from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Go at their pace. It helps massively to succeed in this step if you only ever give your puppy or dog the bone chew toys or stuffed Kongs when in the crate and never outside of it. It builds excitement and anticipation, something to look forward to in the crate. Step 8: The Grand Finale! Wait for them to start chewing and then leave and come back into the room a couple of times. If they stay calm and pre-occupied with their chewing, simply leave the house. Then, do this: Go outside and walk to the bottom of your garden, just hang there for a few minutes and then go back inside and walk around your home for a couple of minutes before going to the crate and your dog. You want them to think that this is nothing, a complete non-event. And certainly do not go straight to them when you come back in. Remember: this even means nothing! From now on, practice alone time in the crate when you leave the house at least a couple of times every day, for varying lengths of time. Never make a fuss of any sort before you go, never make a fuss on your return. Over a few sessions, build up the time you are out of the house with your dog in the crate to a couple of hours as long as they are old enough to hold their bladder this long. You can now use the crate to keep your dog and your belongings safe when you cannot supervise them, and use the crate as a sleeping place for your dog at night. Always leave a few toys in there with your dog, and continue to repeat the exercise where you crate them with a stuffed Kong or chew toy if natural opportunities do not arise, just to keep them happy with the situation. If you have a dog that: Some puppies will take regular naps in the crate before you even start crate training. They might go on to show little interest or care about the door being closed. They might be super confident and happy right away with a little alone time. You might be able to crate train such a dog in just a few short days. Dogs like this can take many weeks to crate train: Some puppies may show fear of the crate and not want to go anywhere near it. Once carefully trained to go in, they might feel panic and fear when you close the door. You have to go at your own dogs pace because if you rush them you can instill dislike or even fear of the crate in their minds, and then it will take far longer than it ever should have. But many or most dogs will take to it quicker, and most puppies certainly will as they have no preconceived ideas, habits or emotions to overcome. When going through the steps above, if your dog excels at any stage you can quickly move to the next step. If they do not, if they show any fear or uncertainty, spend more time at a particular step until they are comfortable before moving on. Your dog will show you when they are ready to progress and you should go at their speed, however fast or slow that may be. They need to be able to: move around exercise their muscles enjoy some mental stimulation If they are regularly crated longer than this, behavioral problems will be the result, as well as the fact they have little in the way of a fulfilling life. In my experience this is a bit optimistic, all dogs are different and when a puppy is very young, this is certainly too long. This is with the exception of puppies from 8 to 12 weeks old who will need letting out once during the night. But after 12 weeks, they can last the whole night through. Crating your dog when you work full-time means two lots of 4 or more hours crated and this is a long time, so quality time, exercise and stimulation before and after crating is essential. Tips For Better Crate Training What follows are a few useful tips to keep in mind when crate training your puppy or dog. They will make the process easier and faster, while making sure your dog is comfortable and happy throughout the process: Always make sure you take your puppy or dog to their bathroom spot before you crate them for any length time. They will be uncomfortable and noisily complain with a full bladder…but rightfully so! Also take them the moment you let them out as they will usually be ready to go. Make sure the crate door is always open and your dog always has access to it so they can use it as and when they please. Most dogs will use it as a place to rest and this is a good thing. Always leave chew toys in the crate for your dog so there is something for them to do while crated. This will minimize boredom and teaches good habits of chewing on the right things. Continue to feed them their meals in the crate. Also, reserve special treats like bones and stuffed Kong toys for the crate only and never outside of it, so they really look forward to spending time there. Exercise your dog or puppy well before crating them for any length of time. A tired dog is one who is happy to relax and chill out. If you find your puppy nodding off and completely unable to stay awake this happens a lot! This will speed up their acceptance of the crate considerably if they snooze and find themselves waking up in there often. The worst thing you can do is force them in because chances are it will heighten their fear and make things even worse. Instead, break the task down into easier steps for your dog by employing some of the following tasks: Practice asking your dog to step in and out of cardboard boxes. First trimming the sides down to look like a small tray, then using further boxes and increasing height of the sides. Place bedding in the box and practice asking them to lay down. Some dogs may not like the roof aspect of the crate. Ask your dog to step underneath, even sit under there yourself and read a book while enticing them over for treats. Start with a big gap and a wide area covered, then lessen the gap between furniture in later training sessions to make it feel more crate like over time. If you have a plastic travel style crate airline crate then remove the top half and practice having them step in and out of the bottom half only. Start asking your dog to step into the bottom tray only. Then put on 2 of the walls for a couple of training sessions. Then three walls for a few sessions. Then the roof until finally the crate is fully assembled. Then cover the back third of the pens roof with a sheet and do the same. Then cover a half. Then remove a part of the pen to make the area smaller and ask them in to play with them. Whichever of the above you try, make sure an exit is wide open and easy for your dog to use for escape so they will feel less anxious. And take things very slowly, making sure they are visibly comfortable at any stage before taking a next step. After a few days maybe more of slowly getting them used to stepping into things that progressively get more and more crate like, you should be able to begin crate training. This type of reinforcement will not help the cries. Yes, you getting angry and telling your dog off will actually make the issue worse. This will train them to think that if they cry long and loud enough, you will eventually come and let them out. Not a good idea. Wait for 5 seconds silence before you approach, then give them a treat. You ruined it! Wait for at least 5 seconds of silence before you return, then treat them. Enough repetitions of this will teach them that silence gets rewarded and noise makes you go away. Why did they whine? You might want to go back a step or two in your crate training though. Make sure they are comfortably happy and silent in the crate, for a reasonable length of time with the door latched and you present, before you ever try to leave them alone. Young puppies cannot hold it through the night without having a potty break. But how do you know if the whines are because they need to eliminate or just crying for attention? For a puppy 8 to 9 weeks old, you will need to set an alarm to take them to potty twice during the night, at 2. For a puppy 9 to 12 weeks old, set an alarm to take them to potty half way through the night, 3. Make sure you do not feed them anything in the 3 hours before bed, take away water at least 2 hours before bed, and take them to their toilet spot to empty themselves as the very last thing you do before you go to bed. When you take them to potty, make sure you do so in silence. No playing, no words, no attention, otherwise they will learn that night-time is a time for play and attention. You obviously do not want this. They are very different things. But if when you leave your dog alone crated they show these symptoms: anxiety.

Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. The English Bulldog — Quite a Chap! The English Bulldog can be expected to have certain traits: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Quiet—not much of a barker Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions Outgoing and friendly personality You may also these characteristics in your bully buddy: Can be gassy and drool a lot Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and she may snore Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a puppy Sensitive, matures slowly Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance She is an intelligent and dependable companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership , she is a social and cheerful addition to any family. The modern Bulldog, with a heavy, thickset, low body and massive head, originated in England after the elimination of bull-baiting in .The Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more docile and affectionate family pet. The Bulldog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. Bulldogs serve as popular mascots, representing strength in the face of adversity for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US Universities. Bulldogs are famous for their gentle nature, fondness of children, and clownish antics. The Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your English Bulldog looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Bulldogs Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Bulldogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! When Bulldog puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your English Bulldog. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Spinal Deformities Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Unfortunately, Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Bulldogs. The tear glands no longer produce enough tears to keep the eye moist, which results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Symptoms include a thick discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a dull, dry appearance of the eye. This is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs. Dogs have a third eyelid that contains a gland that produces about one-third of the fluid that bathes the eye. If the gland is sore or swollen, it looks like a red blob in the corner of the eye. This condition is called cherry eye, and it can occur very suddenly in one or both eyes. If this happens to him, we may treat it with ointment first, but surgery is often the best option. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Reproductive Difficulties Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process. Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies. If you are interested in breeding your English Bulldog, speak with us first. We can help you make an informed decision based on body conformation of both sire and dam. Heart Disease Bulldogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Multiple Skin Problems Your English Bulldog is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Laryngeal Paralysis Older Bulldogs may develop this disease, in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway. Watch for noisy breathing, especially when exercising or in hot, humid weather. In severe cases a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing. Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your English Bulldog will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Dental Abnormalities Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Bulldog. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite. Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. Yes, dogs can get braces! Taking Care of Your Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your English Bulldog live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Her deep wrinkles need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections. As an adult she can have a tendency to be lazy, so you must ensure she receives adequate exercise by providing a daily walk. She is sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Bulldog needs help. Humans like the appearance of brachycephalic dogs, probably because it makes the dog look more like us. More human. We find that kind of cute. But it comes at a heavy price for the dog. But that is just the beginning. Bulldogs also suffer from back problems, hip problems, whelping problems and more. All as a result of their body structure. On top of all that, like most other breeds, there are a range of inherited disorders to consider. Inside or out. And that causes a lot of trouble for the dog. Their nostrils may be closed rather than open stenotic , and the airway itself may be too small. Sleep apnea in the breed is very common. This results in a dog that has a compromised ability to breathe. So much so in some cases, that he may need major surgery to enable him to breath freely. Not only does the shortened face lead to breathing problems, the flat-faced dog is also unable to cool himself effectively. This is because dogs lose heat through panting. And the efficiency of this heat loss is dependent on the area of moist tissue that extends along the length of the normal canine muzzle. So a flat-faced dog loses less heat too than he should, and as a result his body overheats as soon as he starts to exercise or as soon as the weather warms up. The Bulldog breed council have important information on this page about keeping your dog cool in hot weather. Dental disasters Brachycephalic dogs have just as many teeth as other dogs. But less space to put them in. Consequently they suffer from overcrowding and have a greater potential for decay. If you have a Bulldog puppy, you need to clean his teeth for him, and get them checked regularly by your vet. The folds are also prone to collecting dirt and becoming infected. Because his flattened skull results in shallow eye sockets. It is relatively easy to scratch or damage his eyes as they protrude from his head. Cherry eye is very common in this breed. Bulldog screw tails As a result of their breeding, Bulldogs are prone to spinal problems caused by deformities in their vertebrae. You can read about this in some detail in this article: Screw tails and hemivertebrae Serious and painful back problems may arise in screw tailed puppies. As a result the tails themselves can become ingrown, or inverted. The skin folds around the tail, and under the tail itself need special care and cleaning. Bulldog mating and whelping problems The body shape of this breed can prevent them from naturally mating. Therefore insemination often has to be used instead. Whelping is equally difficult, and most bulldog puppies these days are born by caesarian section. This is reflected in the price of puppies available for sale. Bladder stones Bulldogs are prone to painful bladder stones, but there is now a DNA test available to try and screen all breeding stock for this unpleasant disease. If you are buying a bulldog puppy, you need to make sure that the parents have been screened under the scheme for this disease — called hyperuricosuria or HUU. How long do English Bulldogs live? Although the lifespan of the Bulldog is widely reported as being up to 10 years, this is sadly not the case. A Kennel Club health survey from that looked at Bulldog deaths, found that the average lifespan of the breed was just over six years. Other studies have found them falling between 6 and 8 years. This is a very short lifespan for a dog. Most of us tend to hope that our dogs will be around for ten years or more, at least. As we have seen in this article, part of the problem for these dogs is that their conformation is badly designed. The other is down to genetic diseases. Bulldogs problems are both externally visible and hidden inside. A very sad combination, leading to a very short lifespan. Care Caring for this breed of dog can be a time consuming task because they are prone to dental problems and skin infections. Look for any signs of tooth decay or unpleasant smells that could indicate gum or tooth problems. Their skin folds are prone to infection too, and need to be kept scrupulously clean and dry. Wipe away any dirt or debris with damp cotton wool. If your dog has a screwed tail you will need to clean this area carefully every single day. Ensuring that it is dirt free and kept dry, to reduce the chances of nasty skin infections developing here. Grooming English Bulldogs have short low maintenance coats, which require a brief brush once a week at most. Their fur is short, straight and smooth. With no curling or feathering to it, it is easily managed with a normal dog brush. Do English Bulldogs make good family pets? This is a breed that tends to get along well with the children they live with, and that enjoys being petted and played with. They are almost all very affectionate with their families, including the smaller members. However, as with any dog supervision around young children is vital. This enables you to protect them both from accidentally hurting each other. They also benefit from early socialisation, to give them the best chance of feeling happy and confident around people of any age. The heart ache, and expensive treatment, is enough to put many potential puppy parents off. However, there is another option. Rescuing an English Bulldog At present there is no way that I can in good conscience recommend that you buy a Bulldog puppy. These dogs have lovely personalities. But the price your puppy has to pay for his cute nature and iconic looks is very high. These dogs are so structurally unsound that their quality of life is very poor, not to mention very short. Rescuing an English Bulldog means you know the extent of their health problems too. English Bulldog puppies English Bulldog puppies are incredibly cute. They have wonderful personalities and appearances that may people find adorable. However, the breed in general is very unhealthy. Even the best pedigree English Bulldog breeders will find it almost impossible to produce a puppy that will live a long and happy life. English Bulldog price The price for one of these puppies might shock you a little. Puppy cost is high for a number of reasons. The main ones are popularity and the difficulty of breeding these dogs. As we have seen, Bulldogs can rarely give birth naturally. The breeder will have incurred a huge c-section cost before the puppies have even arrived. Popular Bulldog mixes Many people are concerned about the disabilities that we have bred into these dogs. Fortunately, there are a number of breeders trying to create healthier alternative Breeds. Look for wide nostrils and less loose skin in your Bulldog Mix. One notable example is the Leavitt Bulldog. You can find out more about these dogs here Levitt Bulldog or Victorian Bulldog breeds are a better options. And there are some first generation mixes that are proving quite popular too. Comparing the English Bulldog with other breeds The English Bulldog is a fairly unique breed in terms of looks. One that it is often compared with is the adorable little French Bulldog. But how do they stack up against similar personalities? Similar breeds Sadly, the severe health problems associated with this breed are off putting. But there are some other lovely breeds which have some similar traits to the Bulldog, but are healthier in general.

Welcome to the Maryland state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and charming coastal towns, Maryland is a fantastic place to find and raise your new German Shepherd companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional German Shepherd breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our MD breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the vibrant dog-friendly scene in Maryland, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Maryland Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of German Shepherd canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. In terms of dog ownership, Maryland ranks 24th among U. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable German Shepherd breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Maryland. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your German Shepherd puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy on TrustedPuppies. We have answers. All you have to do to begin is browse the top-rated German Shepherd breeders in Baltimore below until you find one who has a litter or even individual puppy that you are interested in. Does Uptown recommend a specific food for my dog? While there are definitely some foods that are higher quality than others, it can be very difficult for any expert to recommend a specific food for any dog. Each and every german Shepherd has different taste preferences and dislikes which means that you may have to try out a few different flavors or styles before you find the perfect food. Can I own a German Shepherd in an apartment? You can but if you have the option these dogs prefer larger homes with backyard space to run around and stretch their legs. If you do plan on moving into an apartment with a German Shepherd or are looking to adopt a new puppy you should be prepared to get them outside as much as possible during the day so that they are exhausted and ready to sleep at night. Having trouble finding a German Shepherd for sale in Baltimore? Fortunately when you work with an expansive breeder network like Uptown Puppies you never have to settle for a fraudulent breeder just because they are in your hometown and have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Baltimore. Most of the expert breeders who are accepted into the Uptown Puppies network have experience arranging transport for dogs especially if they are headed to their forever home. When we receive an application from a breeder or puppy business with cheap German Shepherds for sale in Baltimore claiming to have immaculate facilities and use top of the line food it does raise a flag. When it comes to raising dogs there are not many ways to cut costs while also still treating puppies the way they deserve to be treated in the first few weeks of their life. Instead of leaving fate up to online search results, pay per click advertisements and sponsored ads maybe you should be trusting a team of vetting professionals who are prepared to screen each and every breeder who shows up on our site. With Uptown Puppies you never have to lose sleep at night wondering whether your Baltimore German Shepherd for sale was bred by a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. What is a puppy mill? A puppy mill is a term used to describe a facility that breeds hundreds of puppies each and every month in order to maximize their profit. Sometimes puppy mills cut corners with breeding and other times they fail to properly clean and sanitize the puppy pens which can lead to all sorts of unwanted health issues. Is it enough to walk my German Shepherd, or do they need more exercise? German Shepherds can grow to be quite large and muscular. Compared to smaller dogs you should expect to get your German Shepherd outside and exercising at least a few times a week in addition to daily walks. Rather than relying on paid ads the team at Uptown screens breeders based on how they treat dogs and the type of facilities they operate out of. What is the difference between a purebred dog and a mixed breed dog? A purebred dog is one that has been bred for specific standards and has a genetic history of pedigree that ensures that their puppies down the line will continue to produce excellent pups. A mixed breed dog is simply any dog whose ancestry involves two or more breeds. In the case of a German Shepherd most owners are looking for purebreds because of the athletic abilities that these dogs naturally possess.

Balance Out the Entire Body There is no denying that poodles are high-maintenance canines that will require a lot of grooming. However, if you have the willingness and patience, every owner can learn the skill to groom these furballs. Read on to know about all the important steps which are necessary to groom a standard poodle at home. Prepare the Space for Grooming Kitchen counters are often considered the best spots for grooming canines. This is because they provide ample space for your dog to lay down and stay there for a while. However, you will need to create a comfortable arrangement for your pooch by using blankets and towels. Poodle Report suggests that you can also purchase a foldable dog grooming table paid link for your pup. This will make things even cozier because this product is specifically designed for this purpose. This is important because the coat should be completely clean and dry to ensure a smooth and pain-free experience. Use a pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner to bathe your pooch. Make sure that these cleaning products are removed properly from the fur. Dry your dog with a towel to absorb most of the moisture. Then, use a hairdryer to complete the drying process. Be mindful of difficult-to-reach areas, like armpits, and untangle all the knots before proceeding. Groom the Face and Neck Start by ensuring that the head of your poodle is secure and still. When the pooch is in position, start clipping the hair towards the ear. Keep the blade flat against the cheek and facing away from the eyes at all times. Once you are done with the face, shift your focus towards the neck. Start shaving from the neck towards the chin while keeping the nose upward. This will allow you to pull the neck skin taut, which is quite helpful for preventing painful nicks. Dogington Post advises the owners to use the same blade setting to get a uniform trim. Move the trimmer from the nape of the neck towards the tail while keeping the blade parallel to the back. Move to the Torso and Legs Once you are done with the back, you can start grooming the legs of your dog. If your canine friend is not willing to lie down, make sure they are well-balanced while trimming their legs. Clip downwards from the chest towards the belly and then from the base of the rib cage towards the armpits. Keep brushing the body while trimming to ensure a smooth finishing to the coat. For the legs, begin at the top of each leg and groom all the way to the ankle. You can clip the hair from these parts by gently lifting the opposite leg. Clip the Hair on the Feet One by one, hold a paw in your hand and trim the extra hair on the paws. You should also remove the superfluous fluff between the toes by separating the paw pads. Move the trimmer from the outside of the toes towards the inside. Groom the Tail The tail of your poodle can be trimmed as thin or round, depending upon your preference. Irrespective of the style you select, observe a lot of caution during this step. Balance Out the Entire Body After trimming all the body parts, you need to even out the hair of your poodle. This step is extremely important to give the desired visual appearance to your pooch. Start by setting up a standard for the length of coat you want. After that, use the trimmer to even out the entire body of your dog. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Brushing is important for all dogs, but especially for poodles. Poodle hair can easily get matted together as the dog sheds, and for this reason, it is often recommended that poodles with long hair be brushed every day. Brushing once or twice every week is generally acceptable if the dog has shorter hair. Use a slicker brush to gently remove thick tangles and mats. It's important to remove mats whenever you find them, as they can pull at the skin, causing discomfort to your pet. Because of the way they shed their hair, poodles are prone to matting if they go for long periods without grooming. In extreme cases, matting can cause skin infections that are painful for your pet. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience specializing in dogs and cats. Marie Lin Licensed Pet Groomer Expert Warning: If you have to cut out a thick mat, use scissors to cut through in the direction of the hair growth—not across! Also, be sure you can see the pointed tip of the scissors before you cut, to ensure you don't cut the dog's skin. Afterward, the mat should be loose enough to be combed out. You should be sure to bathe your dog before trimming him with clippers, as dirty or overly oily fur can prematurely dull your clipper blades. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every three months or so unless more frequent baths are required. Some dogs treasure bath time, while others dislike being bathed. If your dog does not enjoy bathing, you may want to get a helper to aid you in keeping the dog in the tub during the bath. Use a cup or a pitcher to flush water all over your poodle from head to tail. If you massage your poodle's back while rubbing in the shampoo, he may enjoy the bath a bit more. Use a shampoo specifically made for dogs. Continue rinsing with clean water until the water runs clear and no longer appears soapy. It's important to clean inside and under your dog's ears to prevent bacteria, yeast, and parasites from living there. Use a toothbrush to gently remove plaque buildup around the base of your poodle's teeth. Choose a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Your poodle will inevitably swallow some of the toothpaste, and human toothpaste can upset your dog's stomach. Brush gently. Remember, your dog may not be used to having its gums rubbed. Brushing too hard or fast can cause pain to your poodle's sensitive gums. Be consistent with your poodle's dental care. Brushing your dog's teeth can help prevent tartar buildup, which causes periodontal disease and can lead to potentially-fatal bacterial infections. But you also want to avoid trimming them too short, as this can cause bleeding. Harness if required Grooming a Poodle: Step by Step Now that you have all your supplies gathered prepare a work area. Think about how you can make this grooming experience a fun experience for your fur baby. If you can teach them to enjoy grooming and to have your hands on them, it is an excellent way to make vet visits, professional grooming appointments, and other tasks into an activity your poodle enjoys. So, think about lots of big fluffy towels, a favorite toy, some small treats for small rewards, and making things less clinical. Now you can get started! A super cute Poodle sitting on its owners lap Bathe Your Dog Have or help your dog step into a tub or into your bathing spot outside. So make your water temperature pleasant. Apply a doggy shampoo and work it into their coat, building a bit of foamy lather, paying close attention to any matted spots or areas that are especially dirty. Instead, consider using the towel to get a bunch of the water sopped up, and then use a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting to completely dry their coat. For safety, you may want to put your dog into their harness, so you can keep a strong grip on them. This is especially important for excitable puppies who may squirm around a lot or act unpredictably. You can always get a grooming table if you want to be super serious. Any of these grooming tables for Goldendoodles we reviewed would work. Instead, use a pair of sharp grooming scissors to trim off any hairs that are longer than the others. Holding the blades parallel to your poodle minimizes the risk of an accidental cut to their skin. Just trim the longest hairs. Take your time! Tips for clipping a Labradoodle Trim Fur When you turn on your electric clippers, it may startle your poodle, just like any alien sound might. So, consider turning the clippers on a few times and even letting your dog get used to seeing them, hearing them, and feeling the vibration on the clipper a few times. Then, you can use the clippers to trim their hair without making them panic. If they are anxious, try having them give you a paw to hold and offer a treat. Hold their paw and trim the fur with your clippers and reward them for going along with it. Trim the hair back closely, but not quite all the way down to the skin. Your electric clipper should have adjustable blades, so you might want to trim lower in some places and higher in others, with a particular poodle style in mind! Work your way down their neck, over their shoulders, and down the back. Work your way down their legs, and finally do each paw, being careful to trim a bit in between the toe pads. The last step to trimming is a quick brushing to remove any hair trapped in their curls. That can get very expensive, so knowing how to do so yourself can save you some money. Trimming their nails with a nail clipper is safe and you can do it pretty quickly if your pup is calm enough. Your poodle will be very sensitive to changes in your mood. Just like humans, regular tooth cleanings can go a long way in improving oral health and eliminating doggie-breath. So, put some dog toothpaste on your finger. Your dog needs to be comfortable with your fingers in their mouth, and so do you. You can use a small finger brush or even a soft toothbrush, but your finger is fine too. Start at the gum line, and work your way down the teeth. If you felt a lot of buildup on their teeth, consider getting them a tooth-cleaning chew toy. If you saw any signs of red or bleeding gums, black gums , cracked or crooked teeth, or your dog pulled away in pain during brushing, contact a veterinarian to have their mouth looked at. If you have more questions, check out our extensive library of information on poodles! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More.

Pedigree or crossbreed? What is a pedigree dog? When most people think of a pedigree dog, they envisage a breed which is Kennel Club recognised and registered, and therefore has a Kennel Club supplied pedigree. If a breeder has bred a pair of dogs which both have pedigrees, they can produce a pedigree for the resulting puppies. Pedigrees are important so that breeders can make well-informed breeding decisions and prevent close inbreeding; without pedigrees, nobody would know how closely related two dogs were and would therefore be taking a huge risk by breeding the pair. What is a crossbreed? So why are they not usually referred to as pedigree dogs? Is Kennel Club recognition important? In our opinion, absolutely not. Pedigrees: The Kennel Club provide pedigrees for registered puppies, but those pedigrees are produced using data provided by the individual breeders themselves with no requirement for DNA testing. In real terms, that means that a Kennel Club pedigree is of no greater value or significance than a handwritten pedigree that Joe Bloggs dreamed up and scribbled down on a scrap of paper. This is a document which details the physical traits that the breed should display — breeders who are interested in showing their dogs use it as a target or a set of goal posts and they aim to breed dogs as close to that standard as possible. If you have no interest in showing and are looking for a family pet, this is irrelevant. In fact, the Kennel Club has been heavily criticised recently for producing breed standards which have compromised the health of many dog breeds. Where do Australian Labradoodles fall into the equation? Australian Labradoodles are a crossbreed — they are not recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club. Is this a problem? In short — no. Breeders all over the world keep pedigree records and work together to ensure that a good gene pool is maintained and dogs are not inbred. It is up to individual breeders to carry out their own health screening and make the certificates available for their puppy buyers to view. It is also up to the public to demand to see health certificates prior to buying a puppy. The result is that Australian Labradoodles have far fewer health issues than many of the Kennel Club recognised breeds! Hope this has helped! Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles.

They happily take direction from their owners, and prize calmness and docility over high-energy activities. It improves greatly on the health and well-being of both of its parent breeds, all while retaining their even tempers and signature wrinkles. Pug Breed History and Fun Facts Pugs , or their similarly featured ancestors, were popular in China from the time of the Song Dynasty—nearly 1, years ago! Originally bred as companion animals for the royal family, these luxury dogs have been renowned for their affectionate and devoted natures for centuries. Beginning in the late s, a small number of Pugs began to make their way from China to Europe, where they were adopted with great zeal by the ruling class of the day in England, Spain, and the Netherlands. From there, the breed spread to every corner of Western Europe, where it is still held in high regard even today. Prone to eye injuries, breathing problems, and obesity, the Pug must be cared for with an especially watchful eye throughout its life. Responsible owners and caretakers will be rewarded with a loving dog whose charming personality and lifelong devotion make every bit of special care worthwhile. Final Thoughts Owing to their incredible popularity as a friendly and outgoing dog breed, there is a tremendous variety of designer dog crossbreeds that feature Pugs. A mixed-breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parents. Should a Pug Mix take after their Pug parent, they will be an affectionate, social dog that loves their families. A Pug tends to be playful, social, friendly, and gentle. They thrive on attention and affection and tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. As long as they are well-socialized, they also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. They can be prone to barking and it can become a nuisance behavior if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Pug Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed as they will likely introduce their own potential quirks. You can also meet the mother in person to get a sense of her temperament and see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started socialization and training, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Pugs are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they do well in apartments as well as larger homes, they are particularly sensitive to heat and cold as a snub-nosed dog breed. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same from a Pug Mix. The other parent breed could still introduce some traits that affect adaptability, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, but it is not a guarantee. They can inherit none, some, or all of the conditions common to their parent breeds. From the Pug side, potential health conditions to be aware of include eye problems, luxating patella , encephalitis, and hip dysplasia. As a brachycephalic, or snub-nosed, dog, they are prone to allergies and respiratory issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. A Pug is eager to please and tends to pick up on things quickly. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. The other parent breed could make a Pug Mix easy to train or more difficult, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. A Pug Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Pug coat, it will shed a bit year-round, require weekly brushing, and the occasional bath. Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Pugs tend to sit in a low to moderate energy range. Usually, daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy and healthy. They may be up for more activity, but can also get easily overheated. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to help make sure they get enough activity. If the other parent breed also has a low to moderate activity level, then you can expect something similar from a Pug Mix. However, if the other parent breed is a higher energy dog, then you will want to make sure you are prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Pugs are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what to expect in a fully-grown Pug Mix. A Pug generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Pug Mix. Featured Pug Mix Article. Parents: Affenpinscher x Pug mix via Instagram: robbie. Both parent breeds are known for their humorous personalities with a hint of mischief. And yes, fortunately, Affenpugs are the same. Although Affenpugs are generally spunky dogs, they can be calm in the home. This mix is exceptionally delightful, thanks to the Pug side. However, the Affenpinscher brings out the alertness that makes them decent watchdogs. Naturally, these playful dogs will be inquisitive. They love to explore and enjoy spending most of their time with their owners. And depending on the parent, these Pug mixes can inherit either a rough or wiry coat we love the wiry coats! But because of their petite size, they may not do too well with smaller children. When they go into defense mode, they may snap back at rough play. On the down side, they may be stubborn, though training can fix that. Both parent breeds are fantastic companions that are highly adaptable, so the mix is likely the same. While both parents bring a playful side, the greyhound parent adds an boost of excitement and energy into this Pug mix. On the bright side, they would not mind spending plenty of time indoors with their owners. Buggs Parents: Boston Terrier x Pug mix via Instagram: mollythebugg Both parents of the Buggs share similar physical and personality traits. Boston Terriers, like Pugs, have a short snout with a semi-wrinkly face. With a cheerful vibe and a deep sense of loyalty, Buggs will stick by your side no matter what. In fact, the more people in the pack, the better! As such, this mix was also developed in China. Both parent breeds show similar physical qualities and temperaments, so this designer makes a lot of sense. Because both parents were originally bred for the elitists, the Puginese will inevitably have a high sense of dignity. However, the Puginese is without doubt a good-natured dog that just wants to become friends with all. They may show plenty of variation in the coat, though. While Chinese Cresteds hunted vermin on ships, the Pugs accompanied Chinese royalty. However, when combined, the Pugese mix presents a loving, sweet, and protective companion. They need human attention! As a result, you end up with a physically-interesting hybrid to say the least with a temperament that would be perfect for all types of families. Bassuggs have unique characteristics. In addition, they may range quite a bit in size and coat colors. However, their loving temperaments are constant. Even-tempered and calm, Bassuggs are highly intelligent dogs that have a lot of curiosity for life. While the Shar-Pei is large and brave, the Pug is small and playful. The only similarity is the wrinkled skin. To his surprise, Silver bred an extraordinary dog. Not only were they relatively robust mixes, but Ori Peis were so sweet and affectionate. They love to play, but can calm down when the owners need to relax. Few dog enthusiasts have even heard of this mix, but they deserve all the recognition for being one of the best companions. Again, these small dogs do better with older kids. Although Puglands enjoy the company of children, they may easily snap back at rough teasing. Socialization is important, though, teaching young kids to respect them is even more. After all, Pugs are lovers not fighters. And depending on the parentage, they may either be small or medium-sized dogs that vary between 15 to 30 pounds. And while both parents have relatively short snouts, the Box-A-Pug will have a snout that is somewhere in between. The Boxer brings the athleticism and energy, while the Pug brings the playfulness. They make amazing companions for children and will never miss an opportunity to snuggle up with their owners! Plus, they can be decent watchdogs for their size. From the Pug and Tibetan Spaniel, these mixes have earned a reputation as the ultimate lap dogs no surprise here. But what makes the Tibetan Pug stand out is their adaptive intelligence. They have a great understanding of human emotions and use it to their advantage. Tibetan Pugs do tend to bark a lot because of their vigilance inherited from the spaniel side. Just make sure to keep their territorial instincts in check with obedience and socialization. Malti-Pug Parents: Maltese x Pug mix via Instagram: tammyfayeandgriffin Malti-Pugs are designer dogs that intentionally crossed two great companion dogs. Unsurprisingly, the companion role comes easily for the Malti-Pug. These dogs love to please their owners. To them, everyone is a potential friend.

Also called Barbone and Caniche, the teacup-toy Poodle is an intelligent and loyal breed. If you want a best friend who is big enough to keep up with your adventures but small enough to ride in your lap, this energetic dog may be a match for you. Affectionate, eager, and playful, they are ready and willing to do what it takes to make you happy. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, and early socialization will help your pup grow to be calm and happy around pets, children, and unfamiliar people. They are a delightful all-around dog that has such strong qualities, it has been a parent breed for dozens of hybrid breeds. Their eyes are dark and brilliant and reveal their intelligence. Their nose is refined at the end of a long, narrow snout, and their teeth meet in a strong scissor bite. A miniature variation dictates that Teacup-Toy Poodles will have a squarely-built body with a deep chest and muscled shoulders. Their stance is elegant but sturdy, and their tail stands straight up. Their hair is typically dense, curly, and even wiry. Their coats come in many colors: White. These tiny little pups are loyal and loving and can fit just about anywhere! Also intelligent, the Teacup Poodle will keep you on your toes and carries many of the same characteristics as their standard sized parents. This breed is selectively bred and is a variation of the Toy Poodle. The only difference between the Toy Poodle and the Teacup Poodle is their size, so we can look to the Toy Poodle for a lot of information about the Teacup. Breed Origin The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest pure bred dogs. These dogs originated in Germany and were originally bred to be a working and gun dog that made the perfect hunting dog. The Poodle has a waterproof coat and great retrieving talents. Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. They are bred in smaller breeds so that more people can enjoy having a Poodle as a best friend. The Teacup variation of this breed has been selectively bred from the Toy Poodle and must be under 9 inches in height and less than 6 pounds in weight to qualify as a Teacup. Teacup puppies are normally born in litters of one to two, although occasionally there can be more. They weigh around 2 pounds when born and will only grow to around 5 pounds once fully grown. They also are always under 9 inches in height. This is because of the selective breeding process and the fact that there are fewer dogs in every litter. Although there are no official breed standards, the general rule of thumb is that a Teacup Poodle is 9 inches in height and they weigh less than 6 pounds, whereas a Toy breed is less than 10 inches. Their breed is very elegant looking, no matter the size, and they always stand poised. Their eyes are also small, dark and are always alert and they have a long muzzle with floppy furry ears. Coat Their coat is curled and thick and they do not shed any fur. This means they are a hypoallergenic dog and are perfect for those with allergies. Unlike other Poodle mix dogs who may have a mixture of different fur colors, this dog only comes in solid colors. This way, you can determine whether you are being sold a purebred Poodle or not. They are extremely loving and make great companions for everyone, including individuals, families and the elderly. Because of their size, too, they fit into many different environments and will do well in apartments and in city living and also in large homes in the country or in open-spaced environments. Their exercise needs are not great, although they do get bored very easily and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long they will begin to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Teacup dog is relatively long. These dogs can be expected to live anywhere between 12 to 14 years. Some of these problems are similar to the issues that may be carried by their standard sized ancestors due to their genetic similarities. These include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Dysplasia — this is normally seen in large dogs but can affect different joints in the body. Also, because of their selective breeding and small size, they are also prone to some other health issues. You should always check with the breeder you are buying from to see whether the dogs show any signs of these problems. The three most common are hypoglycemia low blood sugar , heart defects and patella luxation. Patella luxation is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. To ensure you identify the signs of any of these issues early, ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Daily Life Fortunately, taking care of a Teacup Poodle in day-to-day life is not too challenging. They do not have as many needs as other sizes of the Poodle breed. Food And Diet Because they are small dogs , their food needs are not huge. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a diet that is specially formulated for toy sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Exercise The Teacup Poodle does not have great exercise needs, because of their size. Despite this, they still need to be walked every day. Exercising your dog can be a great way to bond with them and increase mental stimulation, as well as allowing them to experience new sights and sounds. Experts recommend you take your Teacup Poodle for no more than a 30 minute short walk a day. It is best that you split the walk into three so they do not over exert themselves. This way you could take them in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening and you could vary the locations to give your dog new experiences. Your dog will also benefit from toys at home that will increase bonding time with you. Keep in mind that a Teacup Poodle has trouble keeping warm because of their small size. If you live in a colder area, your Teacup will benefit from a sweater or jacket to keep warm! Family Compatibility Poodles love humans and make great companions for everyone, including families. Because of their size, Teacup Poodles can fit into any home, whether you live in an apartment in the city of whether you live in a large house in the countryside. They love to be around you, so they are not well suited to a family that is going to be out for most of the day. That being said, they are extremely loving and a great lapdog — and small enough so you might be able to take them with you! The Teacup may feel intimidated when being held by small children and therefore get a little cranky. Fortunately, with early socialization, this can be fixed. Training Teacup Poodles are easy to train, which is another reason many people love these dogs. They are naturally intelligent which makes your life a lot easier, especially if you have never trained a dog before. Teacups want to learn and want to please and they respond well to positive reinforcement. This includes verbal praise and treats. You will also need to socialize them, especially because they are small. They need to be introduced to other people and animals from a young age so they learn how to interact. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. Teacup Poodles certainly do well in a family environment and love to be around people. They can feel intimidated when they are around small children, so it is not usually advised to house them with young children. However, this can be fixed with socialization. They can live in both small apartments or in big houses, as long as you give them enough love. How much do Teacup Poodles cost? They are expensive because they can be difficult to breed and there is normally only one or two puppies in a litter. If this is too expensive for you, you may find a Teacup Poodle at your local shelter who needs a home. Summary Teacup Poodles are an adorable, friendly and loving dog. Ensure that you give them the right amount of food, exercise them every day and play games with them and they will love you forever! Teacup Poodles love to be around people and can make the perfect family dog. They are not difficult to train and walking is minimal, so they make a great pet to everyone! What do you think — is a Teacup Poodle the right dog for you? Search Dog Breeds. The teacup poodle is a newer type of poodle and has only recently found great popularity in the past twenty years. Originally, the poodle originated in Germany around the early 14th century and was used as a hunting dog that retrieved waterfowl. The poodle is also the national dog of France and is widely known for being intelligent, loyal, and loving. Over time, smaller sizes of this pup began being bred, and the poodle became more popular as a companion or lap dog. The miniature poodle originated in the early 20th century when American breeders started to create a more city-friendly poodle. The smallest puppies from toy poodle litters were used for breeding teacup poodles, achieving their small size. However, despite this small stature, the teacup poodle has a lot to offer owners. They lack none of the intelligence of the standard-sized poodle, and they are alert, friendly, and easy to train. Teacup poodles form strong bonds with their owners and are playful and affectionate, but they may be prone to nervousness if not properly cared for or left alone for too long. Teacup poodles stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh up to 6 pounds. They have round heads with a slight stop, much like standard-sized poodles, floppy ears, and a longer muzzle. Their eyes are typically small and dark, but very alert, and they will have a longer neck, square body, and straight back with long legs. The coat of the teacup poodle is thicker, curly, and soft and will need to be brushed often to prevent tangles. What Size Is a Teacup Poodle? Teacup poodles are, as the name implies, pretty small dogs. This pup will stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh less than 6 pounds. They can be quite fragile because of their small size, so you will need to pay extra attention to your dog while it is playing or moving around your home. The teacup poodle has a coat much like the standard-size poodles. Teacup poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, so they may be a beneficial breed for those with allergies. The teacup poodle has a friendly disposition and is intelligent, alert, loyal, and loving. This pup tends to become very attached to their owners and will often be seen following them from room to room. Teacup poodles are also very smart and can pick up tricks easily. They are eager to please and will love the time spent with you learning new commands. Teacup poodles are not known to have a high prey drive or act very aggressively toward other animals, though they may be quite vocal if they notice something suspicious around their home. Are Teacup Poodles Affectionate? Teacup poodles are very affectionate and will enjoy spending as much time with their owner as possible. You can expect your teacup poodle to enjoy cuddling on the couch, sleeping in the same room as you at nighttime, and wanting to play frequently throughout the day. The small size of this breed makes them quite fragile, so rough play with children can lead to the dog becoming injured. Lots of yelling, excitement, and busy play from smaller children can also scare your teacup poodle, creating anxiety, nervousness, or barking issues. That being said, families with older, calmer children and children that know how to properly play with animals can easily get along with this pup. Teacup poodles are generally good with other animals as they are a friendly and social pup. Are Teacup Poodles Aggressive? Your teacup poodle is unlikely to attack, nip, or act aggressively toward strangers, but they can develop these behaviors if they are very anxious, fearful, or bored. Do Teacup Poodles Bark a Lot? Teacup poodles are, unfortunately, quite vocal, and you can expect this dog to bark at just about anything. Teacup poodles will bark when they are happy and playing, in addition to barking at things they find suspicious or untrustworthy around their home. They may also bark to draw your attention or to show their displeasure with something. You can train excessive barking habits down somewhat, but keep in mind that your teacup poodle is likely to be on the more vocal side, no matter what. Are Teacup Poodles Intelligent? This dog breed is fairly intelligent, and teacup poodles can easily learn new tricks. They can be house trained relatively quickly in addition to learning more complex commands and skills. Plus, teacup poodles are easy to please and love a mental challenge, something that adds to their learning abilities. Are Teacup Poodles Easy to Train? Due to their higher intelligence, teacup poodles can be quite easy to train. They are loyal, affectionate, and eager to please their owners, all factors which help them pick up new skills quickly and learn basic obedience tasks. Your teacup poodle may even be up to the challenge of learning more advanced tricks depending on their intelligence and how quickly they learn. Are Teacup Poodles Energetic? Teacup poodles have a moderate energy level and are a very playful breed. This pup will need two short walks per day that last around 15 minutes each and are likely to expend a lot of energy running around their home and playing with their toys and their families. As long as they have toys around their home and enough space to get their zoomies out from time to time, they will fit well into apartment living. However, you should keep in mind that this pup can be noisy from time to time, so training to curb needless barking is a must. Are Teacup Poodles Good Watchdogs? They are also fairly protective and loyal to their owners, which makes them easily fall into the watchdog role. While teacup poodles may be intelligent and quickly learn many tricks and commands, they are not the best size for acting as service dogs. This breed is too small to help with guiding and mobility support-related tasks, and they are not typically able to fetch heavy items for their owners. However, teacup poodles love being around their owners. So they are a good choice for a companion pup, making them eligible to act as a therapy dog or an emotional support animal. How to Care for a Teacup Poodle Teacup poodles are not the highest maintenance breed out there, but they do require a dedicated care routine to stay happy and healthy. You will need to spend lots of time with your teacup poodle, as this breed is prone to anxiety and loneliness without their owners, something that can easily translate into destructive behaviors. Make sure that you brush your teacup poodle a few times a week, as this helps to release any shed hair before it tangles and mats. You will likely need to take your teacup poodle to be groomed regularly to trim up their hair, give them a good bath, and ensure their coat is kept at a comfortable length. Supplement meals with nutritional treats to keep your pup happy. Your teacup poodle will need to be brushed a few times a week and regularly receive professional grooming. The groomer will help release shed hair, untangle mats safely, and trim up their coat, so your dog is more comfortable. Do Teacup Poodles Shed? Teacup poodles are low-shedding dogs and are often considered hypoallergenic. What Should a Teacup Poodle Eat? Your teacup poodle should be eating a diet of high-quality dry or wet food and, depending on their size, should be consuming between half a cup and one full cup of food per day approximately calories. Due to their small size, teacup poodles may be prone to certain health conditions that affect smaller dogs. These problems include hypoglycemia, heart defects, respiratory and digestive problems, seizures, collapsing trachea, and blindness. Genetically, your teacup poodle may be predisposed to dental disease and luxating patellas. To ensure your teacup poodle stays in the best health, you should be taking them to regular vet visits and checking their behavior for any concerning symptoms such as limping, lethargy, or sudden changes in behavior. Teacup poodles are known to live between 12 and 14 years, though your dog may live longer or shorter than this predicated lifespan, depending on any preexisting health issues and their overall daily care. Regular vet visits and proper care for your dog is the best way to ensure they live a long, healthy, happy life. Are Teacup Poodles Expensive? Due to their smaller size, teacup poodles can be difficult to breed, and there are typically only one or two puppies bred per litter. This creates a relatively higher demand for this dog due to a lower supply and makes teacup poodles fairly expensive. How to Find a Teacup Poodle Breeder If you want to purchase a teacup poodle, you will most likely need to find a breeder to buy from. The best way to do this is to perform internet searches of local and national breeders that are reputable, follow proper breeding practices, and care for both the breeding dogs and the puppies humanely. Make sure to avoid suspect breeding practices, very low-priced dogs if something is too good to be true, it usually is , and anything that looks like a puppy mill, as dogs and puppies that come from these spaces are likely to have been poorly treated and have increased health issues. Can You Adopt a Teacup Poodle? For the most part, teacup poodles are a variation of the standard-sized poodle and are in great demand. It is unlikely that one will turn up at a shelter for adoption, but it is possible. Keep an eye out on local and national poodle rescue organizations to see if a teacup poodle comes through that you can adopt. Are Teacup Poodles Purebred? That being said, its parents may be purebred toy poodles, and the teacup poodle may come from either a line of purebred poodles or mixed breed poodles. Can You Show Teacup Poodles? However, several other kennel clubs and organizations put on events and shows for teacup and toy dog breeds that your teacup poodle may be eligible to participate in. The teacup poodle may be good for new dog owners in certain circumstances. Owners should also be prepared to spend lots of quality time with their dog to prevent anxiousness and behavioral problems. The teacup poodle is a fantastic addition to the right type of lifestyle and family, but you may still be wondering whether or not this is the right dog for you. Review our list of points below to help make your decision easier. The teacup poodle is the right dog for you if: You want a loyal, loving companion dog that will stay by your side when you are home and likely accompany you from room to room. You need a small dog suited to apartment living, or you want a small companion dog that can also act as a helpful watchdog. You want a dog that can exercise for long periods of time and spend time in the outdoors with you hiking or completing working tasks. You want a dog that can be trained for service dog skills, such as guiding and mobility assistance.