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Breeds The link has been copied! Have you ever been curious about the German Shepherd and Great Dane mix breed? They are a rare but stunning crossbreed that can make the perfect pet. In this blog post, we'll explore everything that makes this one-of-a-kind breed so special - from training tips to potential health issues, so if you've had your eye on a German Shepherd-Great Dane mix pup, get ready to learn all about them. A German Shepherd and Great Dane mix are, just as it sounds, a combination of two iconic breeds that results in a unique, lovable pup. The parent breeds are both known for their intelligence and loyalty, making this mix an excellent companion. Due to their mixed-breed nature, you'll never know what you will get. Some may take on more of the appearance or traits of one or the other breed. However, most will end up looking like a cross between the two. If you know enough about their parent breed traits, you will be able to identify your pup's inherited characteristics early on. These dogs also have the potential to be quite large due to the size of both parent breeds. This unique hybrid has characteristics from both parent breeds, including their intelligence and loyal nature, while also adding size, thanks to their larger-than-life ancestors. As with any breed, there are many things you need to consider before getting a German Shepherd Great Dane mix puppy. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision when choosing your companion pet. The German Shepherd German Shepherds are a breed of herding dog, bred for their intelligence and strength. They were originally bred in the s in Germany. Known for their loyalty, German Shepherds make great companions for almost anyone. They are highly trainable and intelligent, meaning you can use them to do all sorts of tasks, from search and rescue to tracking, protection work, agility courses, and more. Physically, these dogs feature a large, rectangular-shaped body that is supported by robust legs and a proud neck for a naturally handsome stance. Their coats come in several colors, often black and tan with a pronounced saddle pattern. Intense, almond-shaped eyes of varying color bring alertness and intelligence to their expression. On top of it all, they are incredibly affectionate and loving towards their families, making them a great companion for children who may be scared around larger dogs. The Great Dane The Great Dane is an iconic breed often known as the 'Apollo of all dogs' due to its imposing size and great regal bearing. The breed originated in Germany in the 16th century, although it wasn't until later in the s that it was officially named the Great Dane. Some credit the origin of this majestic canine to the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct German mastiff, while others attribute its development to a mix of English Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, and other breeds. It's one of the most popular large breed dogs in the world. Standing up to inches tall at the shoulder, the average Great Dane has an imposing presence. They have large strong necks with broad heads, long snouts, and powerful jaws. The coloring of these dogs can be varied, including fawn brindle, harlequin black mantle, and blue merle. Along with their signature size and appearance, their temperaments are also notable — gentle giants that make loyal pets and thrive when given plenty of love from their owners. Why is it a Good Mix? The German Shepherd and Great Dane mix have many qualities that make it desirable as a pet or working dog. Both parent breeds are incredibly intelligent, which means that these pups will learn quickly with proper training techniques. They're also loyal companions who will love spending time with their families. In addition, they are known to protect their owners and make excellent guard dogs. On top of all this, they can be very friendly towards other animals and children, which makes them great family dogs. Highly adaptable and social, they require an ample amount of attention from their owners and a home with lots of room to roam. Because of their protective nature and tendency to be territorial, they should regularly be socialized as puppies so that they become comfortable around strangers, other animals, and new environments. These intelligent animals will require a high level of mental stimulation or else they can become destructive and bored. This co-mingling of the energetic German Shepherd and docile Great Dane makes for a lively pet that keeps its owners entertained while still providing protection if necessary. In terms of size, they can range from medium to large dogs, depending on the size of their parents. On average, they typically weigh anywhere between lbs and measure between inches when fully grown. Fur length generally ranges from short to medium, depending on the dominant breed's genetics in the mix. Potential Health Issues of This Dog Mix Although German Shepherd Great Dane mixes are generally quite healthy dogs with a life span of years, there are some potential health issues that could arise from this particular breed combination, such as: Bloat Bloat is a serious condition that can affect deep-chested dogs, such as the German Shepherd and Great Dane mix. Bloat occurs when the stomach twists on itself, trapping gas and fluid inside. This can cause the stomach to swell and put pressure on other organs. If not treated immediately, bloat can be fatal. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly, which can lead to pain and lameness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. As mentioned, they require regular exercise to maintain their physical health, so they get enough walks each day if possible - ideally off-leash. Additionally, brushing them regularly will help keep any shedding under control while keeping those beautiful coats shiny and clean. The fur on your pet can be brushed every days to remove dirt and early matting from its coat, as well as having regular nail trimming done once or twice a month. In most cases, they don't need a regular bath, usually only when they have rolled in something unpleasant. Diet-wise, they don't require anything special; feeding them good quality dog food filled with plenty of protein and healthy fats is best. Also, always ensure they have access to fresh water throughout the day - especially during summer when hydration is vital. And finally, don't forget about the mental needs of this vibrant mix. Regularly spending time training and bonding with them can help create new associations and encourage good behavior. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. The average Great Dane you meet today would present a personality almost nothing like his predecessors plus years ago. However, when it comes to training any breed, no matter how intelligent, learning progress almost always depends heavily on the experience and education of the trainer. Early socialization is always integral for the psychological development of any breed, but especially important for a dog prone to grow so large. Be sure to focus on bite inhibition training soft mouth, teach to control bite pressure when your mix is young. The giant breed would guard expansive estates for their wealthy handlers when not out hunting the likes of wild boar. Historians believe the Dane probably descended from a coupling of English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds, the tallest dog breeds alive today. If you have to leave for an extended time work , take him for a nice walk in the morning and again when you get home. Organize a dog walker, friend or neighbour to come over in between those two walks to spend time with your dog. Take your new pet to play classes so he can socialize with other dogs, introduce your pup to neighbors, make everything as fun as possible, etc. He would make a much better family pet than any kind of guardian now. German shepherds are highly intelligent, loyal, and obedient yet always watchful and alert. A well-socialized GSD would make an equally wonderful family or individual companion. Combine these two breeds, and you have an eager to please, docile companion always up for the next adventure. Leadership When training any dog, remembering to make every experience an enjoyable, fun, and entertaining one is vital to both the success of your training and establishing that pet-owner bond. K9 and German Shepherd police dog training, or Schutzhund Training protection training is a great way to exercise your pup and provide learning opportunities, but make sure you offer an equal combination of socialization and positive interactions. Health Great Danes are known for hip and joint issues, many growth-related like other large to giant breeds. Hip Dysplasia, a painful condition resulting from a poor fit between the head of the femur and socket of the pelvis poor fitting ball and socket joint is common and preventative steps should be taken. A more dangerous, life-threatening, and often fatal condition called Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat is better known in Danes. Rapid eating is thought to cause a buildup of gasses, causing the stomach to expand and potentially rotate, cutting off its own blood supply. Paying careful attention to diet, nutrition, and individual meals can go a long way toward avoiding both issues above, on top of any other arthritis or joint issues. Diabetes is also a concern, depending on the type often nutritionally related. These dogs have been known to suffer from bloat, though not quite as commonly as the Great Dane. Overall, be sure to monitor the nutrition, weight, and exercise of your German Shepherd Great Dane mix very closely, every day. Provide plenty of opportunities for enrichment activities and daily walks. After adopting a puppy, discuss growth rates and feeding with your veterinarian. Some of these developmental issues can arise from excess eating and rapid growth. Be prepared to groom and vacuum regularly with your mix. Daily to semi-daily brushing will go a long way toward limiting the furballs around your home. A post shared by Anna Sharp 1sharpanna Unless otherwise told to by your veterinarian for a health-related reason, avoid shaving your German Shepherd Great Dane Mix. Their height will hover around inches cm. How big is your specific mix going to become? The answer is usually somewhere in between the two origin breeds and based on genetics. German Shepherd Dogs average between lbs. Great Danes can fall between lbs. It would be safe to guess your pup is probably going to grow larger than most German Shepherds. However, it can be best to ask your veterinarian to evaluate body size to be sure if is appropriate. When selectively bred, Great Danes can present with a hefty price tag because the breed is highly valued. If you think about it, this initial cost is a small price to pay compared to the future veterinary bills, monthly dog food, toys, etc. So, in the end, would a German Shepherd Great Dane mix be the dog for you? Are you willing to take precautions, and can you afford veterinary care if needed? Possible health concerns: Bloat requires emergency veterinary care and possible surgical intervention Joint issues common in larger breeds, sometimes related to rapid growth Weight control and management Epilepsy sometimes problematic in GSDs Ask yourself these questions before adopting: Do you have a fenced-in yard or a large backyard for your pup to play in? Are you able to meet his or her exercise needs on a daily basis? Do you have experience training a giant breed, or are you willing to learn? Do you have time to offer the daily enrichment opportunities your new pet needs? Unless you are an experienced handler, this particular mix might not make the best apartment dog. City life, with busy roads and smaller yards, might not be the best type of environment for the novice pet owner. If you have any questions about this crossbreed, feel free to leave them in the comments below or share your experiences with having a German Shepherd Great Dane mix! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. A highly trainable dog click here for more details A good family dog who is tolerant of children click here for more details Will suit an owner with an active lifestyle click here for more details Minimal Grooming Requirements click here for more details A balanced temperament click here for more details Able to get along with cats and other small pets click here for more details Excellent guard dog click here for details What are the reasons not to get a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix Dane Shepherd? This dog requires a lot of space Will not suit owners who cannot be at home most of the day Some dogs may be a little domineering Due to size needs to be closely monitored with very small children Medical problems associated with a large dog What is a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix? The combination of the Great Dane and the German Shepherd Dog offers a hybrid breed with a balanced temperament, a great sense of fun and high trainability. With any hybrid it is always important to research the founding breeds in order to be in position to have guidance on both the physical attributes and the temperament. This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate and how they will be configured in any particular dog. For more information regarding the founding breeds and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide. The German Shepherd brings athleticism, focus and trainability to this mixed breed What are the history and origins of the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix? In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development. So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Great Dane and the German Shepherd. The result was a beautiful and very popular dog. The German Shepherd is highly intelligent and capable and unbeaten in response to training and adaptation. It is no surprise then that some proud owners have dubbed the German Shepherd as the king of all dog breeds. The German Shepherd possesses an excellently balanced temperament. These dogs make wonderful pets and are brilliant around children. Some can have excitable temperaments but they are always gentle. German Shepherds are fun-loving members of the family and very playful in nature. In addition they are also able to cohabit with smaller pets. This breed are natural guard dogs and their protectiveness can make them a little distrustful of strangers. But their high level of trainability allows them to be very adaptable and biddable. Also a well-looked after German Shepherd will usually have a balanced temperament. German Shepherds remain by far the most popular dogs in the Herding Group and ranks at number three according to AKC registration data [2]. The Great Dane brings a mellow and gentle temperament to the wonderful Dane Shepherd The Great Dane Parent Breed — Origins and History It is perhaps a reflection of the magisterial nature of this dog that national claims to ownership have been something of a big bone of contention in the history of this huge hound. Most sources agree that this breed was, in fact, originally from Germany, although some accounts claim Scandinavian origins even before this. There is even some evidence that this type of large dog was extant in Ancient Greece, and there are some depictions of dogs in Ancient Egyptian tombs from BC which bear a resemblance to the magnificent breed that we have today. From the 13th and 14th centuries there are clearer pictorial and written records of the forebears of this giant breed. It is thought that extra size and speed of these dogs was contributed to by interbreeding with the Irish Wolfhound, and possibly other Sight-Hounds such as the Greyhound. This added more of a lean, athletic frame while retaining the strength and power that we still associate with the Great Dane. Once the prey had been discovered these dogs were sent in to bring down large powerful prey such as boars, deer and even bears. Finally due to some anathema towards Germany most English-speaking nations settled on Great Dane. Originally the companion of nobles and kings even to this day Great Danes retain a sense of being an aristocrat amongst canines. The Great Dane is popular not only for its formidable strength and speed but also for its regal appearance. The Great Dane tends to have a mellow temperament while the German Shepherd tends to be little more busy although perfectly balanced and biddable. Also the German Shepherd Dog is very focused in training and is able and willing to learn a range of commands. Although the Great Dane is trainable they can be a little stubborn and become distracted. The German Shepherd is usually relaxed with other dogs, but some of them can be aggressive towards other dogs particularly if their guarding instinct is triggered. The German Shepherd Great Dane Mix is very likely, therefore, to have a steady temperament and be protective of the family. But with more enhanced focus in training than a standard Great Dane. But at one point in the history they have both had these origins hidden by a change of name. But unlike the Great Dane , the German Shepherd managed to reclaim its name, but not until .The Great Dane parent breed not only casts a large shadow, but literally becomes a a large shadow as it follows its owners around. The German Shepherd is more independent but is still very keen to stay close to its owners. The Dane Shepherd is a very large, energetic dog who likes to be kept busy at all times. This means a prospective owner of the Great Shepherd will need to be very active and experienced owner in order to ensure that willing to spend time ensuring this dog is socialized and fully entertained with extensive walking and lots of interactive play. Although a wonderful dog, some German Shepherds can be a little domineering and occasionally aggressive towards other dogs. This is likely to be tempered by the more laid back Great Dane parent breed influence, but this still means that early socialization should be put in place to ensure that the Great Shepherd is fully manageable in all canine encounters. With this in place the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix will prove to be a playful and fun-loving family dog. Both parent breeds have a reputation for being patient and tolerant towards smaller children, and also as having the ability to get on with any felines in the household. This dog is likely to excel in any training class and the German Shepherd influence will help with good focus and an aptitude to learn a range of commands. With socialization and training the Great Shepherd will be a confident and obedient dog who is both a good companion in the home, and a well-behaved canine citizen outside of the home. It is possible that this dog may be a little sensitive, so positive reinforcement should be used in training. The Great Dane German Shepherd Mix is very likely to suffer from separation anxiety, so is ideally suited to households where somebody is able to be at home most of the time. This dog will generally be gregarious and able to live with fellow canines but if you are bringing a puppy home to an established dog this should be done in a carefully structured way as outlined in introducing a puppy to an older dog. Any Great Dane based hybrid dog requires special consideration in terms of the planning of exercise for puppies and young dogs that are still growing. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the very early years of the dog. This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially also in this dog. If you are concerned regarding this then it is highly advised that you discuss this with a vet alongside feeding and other aspects of fundamental care for this huge hybrid. Once fully grown this is a dog that is going be very active, as both parent breeds are energetic dogs. So potential owners should plan to offer a good level of exercise. This should include opportunities to run and play off leash. The Great Shepherd will also benefit from opportunities for interactive play in a safe enclosed area at home to keep this dog fully physically and mentally stimulated. This Great Dane German Shepherd will ideally suit active households who enjoy hiking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits. This dog will happy trot alongside a jogger for many miles. For an experienced owner who is also very active the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix makes an absolutely wonderful family pet. Both parent breeds are valued and treasured as loyal, devoted and highly trustworthy additions to the family for those who have the space. The Dane Shepherd will need lots of stimulation and may be a little attention-seeking due to its high levels of intelligence. But they will be very trainable and will quickly learn all house rules as long as they experience strong canine leadership. The Great Dane German Shepherd Mix will also be fiercely protective of the family and very eager to please. German Shepherds and the Great Dane are both known for being tolerant with smaller humans in the family. This means the Dane Shepherd will be good and patient with children, although all play must be carefully supervised. Also with the correct socialization this dog will most likely get on with any smaller pets in the household, although socialization must be put in place to ensure that they are calm when unfamiliar guests appear at the house. The ideal owner will be active, patient and willing to put in time to socialize and train this dog. As you might expect from the influence of the German Shepherd parent breed, the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix has huge potential in being intelligent and focused enough to learn a range of commands. This German Shepherd mix dog will also thrive on the stimulation provided by obedience training. This means that any inexperienced owner must invest the time in attending training classes as early as possible. Also any experience with large dogs would be hugely beneficial. Also, due to its size, power and high energy levels this dog is best suited to a home environment where they have human company for most of the day. This means brushing only once or twice weekly. If the parent German Shepherd is long-haired this may mean a thicker coat that needs slightly more attention. In periods of hot weather brushing should be undertaken on a daily basis to remove dead hair in order to keep this dog comfortably cool. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather. Additionally this dog will be playful and highly active meaning a prospective household will need lots of space both inside and outside the house. The Great Shepherd is ideally suited to a rural area or a home which has a good-sized, secure area outside in which to burn off its almost inexhaustible supplies of energy and willingness to play. An urban setting will need a large yard or instant and easy access to a safe outdoor space. In terms of size and activity levels this dog is not recommended for apartment living. Ensure that as part of any grooming routine the ears of the Great Shepherd are carefully cleaned in order to avoid infection and nails are clipped. The lifespan of the Great Dane parent breed is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. While the German Shepherd Dog has a healthy lifespan of around years. Mixed breeds are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs, but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the founding breeds of the German Shepherd Great Dane Mix in order to have a higher awareness of how best to care for your dog in consultation with a vet. Potential health problems for the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix include: cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions. It is always a great idea to shop around and look into several breeders before finalizing your deal. Keeping their coats healthy and clean would only require brushing at least two to three times a week with a smooth bristle brush. Brushing their coats will help to evenly distribute the natural oil of their coats to make them look shiny. This will also help you lessen your trips to the groomers. This crossbreed sheds twice a year the most. You can better manage their shedding during these seasons by brushing their coats more frequently at least once a day. They would also need to be given a bath occasionally or when they get really dirty. Bathing can help get rid of excess hair and dead skin, too. Make it a point to have their nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from breaking or splitting. Cleaning their ears should also be an important part of your grooming routine. You need to frequently remove moisture, wax, or debris from their ears to avoid infection. Redness or bad odor is a sure sign that they got an infection. These dogs love to chew, and this can play to your advantage in terms of taking care of their dental health. You can provide them with dental chews to maintain and improve their oral care. This coupled with regular brushing of at least three times per week will help keep them healthy. They can be prone to a number of genetic health issues that are typical to their parent breeds. Having your puppies screened can help you predict which disease they are more susceptible to. This will, in turn, help you make all the necessary care and preventive measures. These dogs are generally healthy, but some of the major health concerns with this cross breed that they might experience later in life: Allergies — Like their German Shepherd parents, they may be prone to allergies such as dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies. Bloat — It is one of the most common health issues that stemmed from their Great Dane heritage. What happens is that their stomach is filled with air and it twists back. This occurs when they eat too quickly. It can only be cured through surgery, but owners could take a few extra steps to ensure they eat slowly. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia — It is very common for large dogs such as these to develop painful arthritis in their elbows or hips which results in abnormal bone growth in these joints. This health issue can develop as early as five months and could worsen as they grow old. Skin Infection — Although most dogs can be plagued with skin diseases like ringworm, dermatitis, or manage, this hybrid may also be vulnerable to demodicosis, zinc-responsive dermatosis, hypothyroidism, acral lick dermatitis, and histiocytoma. You should definitely make sure that your puppies are screened of these health issues before you adopt. It can help guarantee you get a healthy puppy and save yourself from expensive treatments and heartaches. They are not picky with their food and therefore eat almost anything that you provide them. You can divide their food into two meals of high-quality dry dog food to keep them satiated. Due to their slow metabolism, it is recommended to give them a healthy and regularized diet. Their formula is easily digestible. It has probiotics which help improve digestion and prevent bloating. It also works to strengthen the joints and their immune system. Due to their susceptibility to bloat, you might need to use a couple of tools that can help you ensure your dog stays healthy. Automatic Dog Feeder — If you are too busy to feed your dog twice a day, you can use an automatic dog feeder instead. It can come with a couple of features and programming functions. You can schedule their feeding or set it up on a continuous stream. It works with dry dog food or kibble. This tool can also help you regulate their portions according to their diet. Water Dispenser — An automatic water dispenser will help ensure that your dog could get access to fresh filtered water whenever they need it without having to refill their bowl numerous times during the day. You love your pooch, and you want them happy and healthy all the time. So, no matter if they are a large breed or small, make sure to avoid giving them the worst dry dog food , and only go for the best dry dog food , for example, Dog For Dog Food , Wellness Core Dog Food , or the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Every mixed pup carries the genes of their respective, sometimes vastly different parents. So, try your luck with both the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food and see which one they like better! Physical and mental activities will help in keeping them healthy, happy, and well behaved. These dogs are highly intelligent and very clever. They can easily get bored and cooped up indoors with nothing to entertain them. It becomes a problem because they have a tendency to develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing. Aside from two long leisure walks each day you might also want to let them join you for a jog, hike, run, or cycling. They need at least an hour of activity per day. As they tremendously enjoy being outdoors, a trip to the dog park once a week would be a nice treat. They would want to have some time off leash to let them run free and play with other dogs. These dogs have an inclination to gain weight when inactive; that is why it is important for them to have regular activities. Access to a large yard will be useful as they can run and play by themselves. They are very playful in nature. Having a few toys to keep them busy would be a great way to prevent boredom. They are highly perceptive, intelligent, and clever. Your dog will greatly appreciate the time you can spend with them training or playing. Just be careful not to over-exercise your dog. A German Shepherd Great Dane Mix grows fast, making them prone to injuries especially when they are still under two years of age. These are smart and clever dogs that are very eager to please. They love learning and enjoys every minute of training. Here are a few things you need to remember to help train your dog more effectively: Socializing — Socializing these dogs should start at an early age. They are wary of strangers, and it would benefit you both if they can get familiarized with other pets and humans in your group. It is a great way to teach them how to be comfortable in a crowded setting. Positive Training Method — This hybrid is easily trainable and quick to learn. Positive reinforcements using treats will help you keep them interested and obedient. Harsh or punishment-based training can only result in aggression, stress, and fear. Firm and Consistent Trainer — It is natural for this hybrid to attempt to exert their domination. If you remain consistent and firm with your commands, they would soon understand and follow immediately. Their trainers need to be confident because these dogs can sense it and it brings out the alpha in them. They are playful, patient, and loving. They enjoy the company of family, friends, as well as other pets. With proper training and socialization, they can be the most gentle, affectionate, and perfect companions. They need owners who love to stay active and spend time with them. Your only concern would be with regards to smaller children. These dogs are enormous, and they can easily bump to them while playing. So, you need to keep in mind not to leave them unsupervised. You might also want to explain to your kids not to engage them while they are eating, and never try to pull or ride your dog. They are prime watchdogs because of their protective instinct, physical characteristics, and mental abilities. Intelligent, always alert, and perceptive. These dogs are devoted to keeping their families safe from danger; that is why they can be cautious or suspicious of anyone whom they are not familiar with. After a while, they can form close bonds and become very loyal to their owners. This big dog is suitable for homes with large spaces or a yard. But, if you can take them out to exercise each day, they can be docile and happy to sit around inside your home. If you are looking for a smart, loving, and a gentle giant, Great Dane German Shepherds will be an excellent addition to your family. References: Wang, Ping, et al. Wilcox, Charlotte. The Great Dane. Capstone Press, .Coile, D. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, .Meeting the parents can also help you determine the likely size and physical attributes of your puppy as he ages. This is partly because they are easy to train, but it is also because they are wary of strangers. They will trust family members and handlers completely, but it can take a few meetings before they trust somebody new. The Dane Shepherd tends to adopt the same attitude. Early socialization can improve their confidence around strangers, but most examples of this breed will remain cautious with new people. Considering the sheer size of the breed, though, this is considered preferable to having a giant dog that jumps up to greet everybody he passes. They Really Are Giant Dogs German Shepherds are big dogs, but nothing in comparison to the Great Dane, and depending on which parent breed is dominant, you could end up with a very large dog, or a mammoth canine. If your dog takes after the Great Dane, he will need a lot of space and room. Even tasks as seemingly simple as turning around can become a problem if this hybrid breed lives in a confined space. As such, although the breed does not require as much time outdoors as some other large breeds, the Dane Shepherd is better off living in a large house with a decent yard. If you have small children, take careful note of the size of the dog. Accidents happen, and when that accident involves a lb dog with clumsy feet and big claws, it can be potentially dangerous. The breed is used by police forces around the world to protect and serve. They are trained to sniff out and rescue people trapped in buildings. They are also used to pick up the scent of criminals and even explosives and drugs. In fact, the first seeing-eye dog was a German Shepherd, even though the Labrador Retriever is better known for this role nowadays. They will happily sit in front of the fire or, if allowed, on your lap, for hours. But when called upon, they will spring into action. They are highly intelligent animals, and usually want to please their owners, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, some dogs of this breed require an experienced trainer because they can get carried away. They will usually enjoy spending a lot of time with their family and might struggle with being left alone for long periods, and they will especially love going for walks or playing with the whole family. Are These Dogs Good for Families? With that said, they are giant dogs and they need a lot of room. They may cause accidental injuries when playing, so you should always take care when they are around kids. It can be tempting for children to treat a dog of this size as a horse, but this should be actively discouraged. You should also prevent children from pulling his ears or tail to ensure that they get along well. This is true in their own home and is also true outside of the house. Again, you need to consider the size of the dog. Cats are usually instinctive enough to get out of the way when a dog of this size starts to charge around, and you should always supervise time between a giant dog and small animals. Enroll in puppy classes and take your Dane Shepherd to the dog park for extended walks. This will help with socialization and will ensure that your dog is well adjusted and responds to your commands. They are easily one of the biggest designer breeds, especially if they get their physical attributes from the Great Dane parent breed, but the German Shepherd is no lap dog either. They have energy and dietary requirements to match their size, so expect to go on lots of walks and to feed a lot of food. As such, you need to ensure that you stick to a good diet. Expect to feed between three and four cups of good quality food every day. Their size means that the Dane Shepherd will not struggle to get food from the worktop or countertop. Expect to provide around 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can include some playtime in the yard, as well as walks. It is worth remembering that this breed needs mental stimulation as much as physical exertion. They are very intelligent, and this means that they can become bored if they are not stimulated. A bored dog tends to mean a destructive dog, as they will create their own means of entertainment and may bark and whine to get attention. The Dane Shepherd might enjoy agility classes, but they may also struggle with some of the agility courses and classes due to their size. Flyball, fetch, and vigorous games like tug of war will be popular, though. The Great Dane, although loving and eager to please his family, can be a little more challenging. The Dane Shepherd will usually fall somewhere between these extremes. They are clever and they will pick things up quickly. Many of them are suitable for first-time dog owners because they are easy to train, but others will require an experienced hand that is dominant without being cruel. Use praise and positive reinforcement but remember that if you fail to take the lead, then the German Shepherd in your hybrid dog will take over and your dog will dominate training proceedings. This means that your dog will have short hair that is easy to manage. You can brush him every day to keep his coat under control, and he will probably enjoy the attention. Your dog will shed twice a year, but this is usually only a moderate shedding, unless he takes after the German Shepherd, in which case you might need to brush more often especially during shedding season. Only bathe your dog when he is especially dirty. Brush teeth three times a week , and check inside their ears every week. You may also need to clip his nails occasionally, especially if his daily walks are in the park or another soft surface. Most dogs naturally grind their nails down when walking on concrete and abrasive surfaces. Unfortunately, the breed can be prone to some of the genetic conditions of the parent breeds. Puppy screening will identify any of these conditions that they are likely to suffer. This hybrid breed can suffer from allergies including dermatitis, bloat, and joint dysplasia. Minor Conditions. They typically thrive on any high-quality commercial dog food. We recommend a diet that is high in protein, as these dogs are quite active. Furthermore, you may want to look at a formula that supports their joints. These dogs are prone to some joint problems, and there are a few ingredients that can potentially help with this. Of course, if your dog has any specific health problems, you may want to consider a diet to help with that as well. For instance, skin and coat problems can often be helped with a diet high in omega fatty acids. These dogs are large, so they need a substantial amount of food. We recommend carefully budgeting for their food needs due to their size. German Shepherds tend to be very active. Great Danes are a bit more laidback. Their puppies can fall anywhere in this category. Typically, dogs that are not exercised appropriately will exhibit destructive behaviors. If your dog is behaving badly, it may be because they have not had enough exercise. Because of their people-oriented nature, these dogs prefer to exercise alongside their people. They make great exercise partners. Many will thrive on agility training and similar exercises. Look for ways to combine mental and physical exercises. They often pick up commands very fast and listen to their owners quickly and easily. However, their protective instincts often mean that they need training. While they will listen to their owners easily, they have to know what your words mean first. We do recommend classes for the vast majority of owners, as these dogs need proper and correct training. You should also focus heavily on socialization. These dogs can be quite protective and territorial. They will assume that people and other dogs are the enemies unless they are socialized otherwise. You should introduce them to a variety of different dogs and people at a young age. Puppy classes are a great place for this. They provide your canine with an opportunity to meet many different puppies and people in a group setting. You know that the other dogs there are vaccinated and that the environment is safe, which provides the perfect opportunity for your dog to socialize. We recommend taking your puppy to many different locations when they are young. Explore stores in your area that allow puppies, take them to parks, and visit friends. This will ensure that your puppy is used to a wide variety of situations and people, which prevents them from becoming scared once they are adults. You can plan on brushing them once or twice a week. This will help remove any loose fur, dirt, and debris. Your dog may have short- to medium-length fur depending on the exact traits they inherit. Either way, your main concern is going to be shedding. Occasionally, these dogs may start shedding more than usual. This is likely to occur during the changing seasons, such as during the spring and fall. You may need to increase their brushing routine to every other day or even every day when this occurs. Adjust your grooming sessions as necessary. The brushing sessions will help remove the majority of the dirt and dust. You will likely only need to bathe them if they roll in something particularly dirty, like mud or trash. In this case, be sure to use a sensitive shampoo, as some of these canines are prone to skin irritation. We do not recommend putting these dogs on a regular bathing routine. Like all dogs, you will need to trim their nails regularly. This not only prevents their long nails from hurting you and your furniture, but it prevents the nails from splitting. Very long nails can also cause walking problems and pain. Many offer nail-only appointments that are very inexpensive. The ears can trap dirt and debris, which can cause ear infections. They may need to be cleaned with a damp cotton ball. This will help prevent periodontal disease, which is extremely common in dogs. Their dental health affects their whole well-being. Damaged gums provide germs with quick access to the bloodstream, damaging organs and causing a wide range of problems. This occurs when the hip joint does not grow congruently. The ball and socket stop fitting together properly while the dog is a puppy, which causes them to rub together. After the damage begins, the hip will never correctly fit. Over time, this causes arthritis-like signs. Some dogs are affected but never show any signs. Other dogs may actually have minor wear, but they may be in severe pain or even lame. Treatment varies widely depending on the dog. Sometimes, surgery is required. This disease is partially genetic and partially environmental. Some dogs are more genetically prone to it than others. However, factors that affect growth, like food intake, are what usually cause this disease to occur. If puppies are overfed while they are growing, it can make some parts of their body grow faster than others. This uneven growth causes hip dysplasia. Like their Great Dane parent, this mixed breed may be more prone to bloat than other breeds. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills up with gas and expands. Without treatment, the stomach will push on the surrounding tissues and cut off blood flow. This lack of circulation kills the tissue and causes shock. Dogs can die after only a few hours. The only treatment is emergency surgery, which can be quite expensive. Without the surgery, the dog will die within 24 hours. Because of the high likelihood of bloat, some vets may recommend a procedure to prevent it. This involves securing the stomach to the inside of the abdominal wall, which prevents the stomach from flipping and filling up with gas. If their ears are floppy, this breed can be prone to ear infections. You can reduce the odds of this by carefully cleaning the ears if there is a build-up of debris. Be sure to dry the inside of your ears completely. Minor Conditions. Among largest crossbreeds on earth - this mix is considered a large to giant-sized breed. Typical colors: black, brown, hazel, white, merle. Great Dane genetics will typically give these dogs a shorter coat that's easier to manage than a GSD's, but this varies depending on parent dogs. Lifespan: 8 - 13 years. They need to be supervised around young kids due to their large size. Smart, energetic, loving, warm, affectionate, friendly, loyal, protective. Can be wary around strangers. Their intelligence and energy makes these dogs trainable, but they'll need a lot of daily exercise - big open spaces are great for these large dogs to run around in. This will help limit any destructive behaviors. This will depend on the breeder. Hektor eventually became the founding sire and was first named German Shepherd Dog in thanks to the keen eye and ambitious goals of Max von Stephanitz. German Shepherds split from a group of dogs similar in appearance and purpose that included the Dutch Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd. The Belgian Shepherds would eventually divide even further. They would include the well-known Belgian Malinois and three other types. A scientific article that addresses evolution in certain dog breeds states that the five Italian herding dogs, like the Bergamasco Shepherd, had ancestors in common with the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd line split from the Italian dogs and a French herding dog around .First, fanciers developed the breed in Germany in the late s. Finally, Great Danes evolved in appearance over the passing generations. Great Danes have much more ancient roots than German Shepherds. They appear in the art of Egypt from 4, B. As you have probably surmised by now, Great Danes are not Danish, although they had a distinctive slender type in Denmark. Danes became proficient at hunting wild boars, which at the time, hunters considered among the most challenging game to overpower. Boars were incredibly strong, smart, quick, and fearless. The dogs who hunted them had to be tough in mind and body and very swift of foot. Breeders during the 14th century blended their huge Mastiffs with the fast-coursing Greyhound and perhaps the scrappy Irish Wolfhound to produce the ideal boar dog that would come in at the end of the pursuit and grab and hold the hog. Their slow transformation began in the s when German noblemen discovered the fearless and magnificent Great Dane. These people of elevated status did not often hunt boars, but they appreciated how large and imposing the Danes were. They began seeking out the dogs for their families and to guard their properties. Nobility selected dogs for good looks and height because beauty and intimidation were of paramount importance for aristocratic households. After progressive selection for taller dogs, the breed standard for the Great Dane was born about .You will have a large hybrid dog German Shepherds are usually 22 to 26 inches tall at the top of the withers and weigh from 60 to 90 pounds. Males are slightly taller and substantially more muscular than females. Female Great Danes are 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder while males are 30 to 34 inches tall. The weight difference is also significant between the genders, with females about to pounds and males as much as pounds. Even current standards prefer dogs to be as tall as possible. The tallest dog ever was a Great Dane, Zeus, who stood 44 inches at the shoulders. GSD Great Dane mixes are quite tall at 28 to 30 inches at the shoulders. However, this mix can be very lean at 65 pounds or massive like a Great Dane at up to pounds. Expect a male to be a little taller and substantially heavier than a female. What traits will your Shepherd Dane mix have? German Shepherds immediately strike you with their confidence and self-assurance. Most of them are black and mahogany or black and tan. Even Shepherds who are solid colors like red, blue , or black , are easily recognizable with their noble, slightly domed heads, large erect ears, majestic and powerful necks, rather long torsos, and strong hindquarters built for driving. German Shepherds are smaller than Great Danes, but they have as much presence and poise. The Great Dane is very tall, but your first impression should be one of elegance, strength, and balance. Like the Shepherd, they have a noble head carriage on a slender but powerful neck. They are galloping dogs in contrast to Shepherds, who are trotting workers. A Great Dane has a long and deep muzzle with a slightly furrowed brow and medium drop ears. Cropped ears are quite long as they stand upright, especially for show dogs. Great Danes notably have long and powerful limbs, relatively square proportions, and a long slender tail that tends to curve up at the tip. A Great Dane can also be brindle, harlequin, mantle, solid white, blue, or merle. Unique colors that may not find favor in the show ring are any shades of chocolate including chocolate and white, blue brindle, blue and white, and merlequin. What are merle, harlequin, and merlequin? Merle is a marbling effect of the colors grey and black in Great Danes. Color variations of merle, as seen in breeds like the Australian Shepherd, are not standard for Great Danes. Harlequin, a color pattern unique to Great Danes, is a white base coat with random splotches of black and sometimes gray. Harlequin and merle are closely-related genetically, according to Doggenetics. Merlequin is where the black patches in an otherwise Harlequin dog express as merle splotches. What about mantle? Picture a Boston Terrier with a classic black and white coat. In a Great Dane, the Boston black and white color is a mantle, referring to the black blanket effect over an otherwise white dog. Although some dogs can also be fawn or blue in the areas of black, the traditional tuxedo colors are preferable. Many Great Dane German Shepherd mixes have a typical look about them. Shepherds mixed with Great Danes commonly sport colors like fawn, merle, black, and black and white. German Shepherd Great Danes tend to be leggy. German Shepherds have earned a sometimes justifiable reputation for aggression. They are naturally protective , a characteristic that people enhanced over the generations to produce good guarding instincts for home security and exceptional bite force for police and military work. The result of irresponsible breeding has produced a highly popular dog that shows up way higher on biting dogs lists than he should. German Shepherds are meant to be excellent guard dogs who discriminate appropriately between harmless strangers and malicious intruders. They should only bite as a last resort or in response to a direct command. Fear aggression with defensive biting persists in some German Shepherd lines. Great Danes were hunting dogs before they were guard dogs. Today, they are companion animals before they are formidable guards. Although inheriting some guarding instincts from their Mastiff bloodlines, Great Danes often have a bark worse than their bite. However, Danes always historically could be protective when warranted. In a fascinating statistical analysis by the American Animal Hospital Association , German Shepherds were in the top five dogs most likely to bite while Great Danes were in the bottom five with Dalmatians and Pointers. The Great Dane makes an excellent watchdog, able to loudly warn of suspicious activities, intimidate with her size and presence alone, and back up her stance if necessary. Some family bloodlines are fearful like the Shepherd, producing dogs that cower and bite with little provocation. Your Dane Shepherd should be a calm and steadfast companion, confident and friendly to strangers, and territorial and boldly sounding the alarm when sensing trouble. You should carefully train your Shepherd Dane mix so he can readily discern between guests and people who intend harm. He will likely be naturally protective of you, your family, and house, and many experts advise you not formally train such a dog to guard or become aggressive. The German Shepherd has an average lifespan of about 10 to 12 years and the Great Dane 7 to 9 years. Often a hybrid will live a couple of years longer than his German Shepherd parent breeds, but unfortunately not in the case of the Great Shepherd. Shepherd Dane mixes only live about 7 to 10 years. The notable condition the Great Dane and German Shepherd share is bloat. A peculiar and life-threatening condition whereby the stomach distends with gas or fluid and rotates about to degrees is fairly common in large, deep-chested dogs without proper management. Your Great Shepherd can also inherit certain diseases from his German Shepherd parent breeds, some more so than others. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency — A disease where the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to digest food properly, EPI is more common in the German Shepherd dog. Signs include a healthy appetite with failure to maintain a healthy weight. Affected dogs appear malnourished. Diabetes — a problem common to German Shepherds. Diabetes is a far different disease in dogs than humans or cats, rarely tied to insulin resistance. Cardiomyopathy — Although not as afflicted as Dobermans, Great Danes see their fair share of dilated cardiomyopathy, or heart disease, and can pass it to their puppies. Cancer — Great Danes are vulnerable to bone cancer and malignancies of the lymph nodes and system. German Shepherds commonly develop spleen cancer as they age. Hip dysplasia — Great Danes and German Shepherds both commonly struggle with hip dysplasia which they may pass on to their offspring. While German Shepherds may lack patience for children, especially strange ones, Great Danes typically are loving and playful around young people. While you would need to socialize your Shepherd to accept a child as part of her flock, you must teach a Great Dane to be gentle and mindful of his size. Great Shepherds may be unpredictable around children, but many of them display the easy affection of the Dane parent. Again, you must exercise caution when you have such a large dog around toddlers or infants. Commonly, Shepherd Dane mixes enjoy small kids but can act dangerously rambunctious. Great Shepherds typically have more energy than purebred Danes. What can you expect around other dogs? German Shepherds can get along with other dogs , typically with plenty of socialization at an early age. It is not uncommon for Shepherds to prefer to be the only animal in a household, but some also learn to get along with cats. The typical GSD has a high prey drive , one which early breeders refined for herding purposes. German Shepherds also have a very combative history with military training, Schutzhund guard requirements, and even some dog fighting. If you go to a dog park, you will often see Great Danes dancing around the field, perfectly comfortable with canine playmates. Despite their proficiency as ancient hunters, Great Danes seem to enjoy social interactions with both animals and people. If your Shepherd Dane puppy inherits more of the Great Dane personality, she will be friendly and playful around other dogs. Those more like Shepherds will need heavy exposure to other dogs at an early age. You should always supervise your Shepherd mix around small dogs because of her size. It is not difficult for an oversized dog to seriously injure a toy breed even if the larger canid intends no harm. Moreover, minor arguments can quickly turn ugly between dogs with vast size differences. German Shepherds rank second or third in intelligence, combining working proficiency, obedience, and instincts. However, German Shepherds are also a breed with a strong mind and a high incidence of overbearing dominance. Stanley Coren ranked the Great Dane 88th, and thus average, among dog breeds. While the Dane does not excel in obedience or as a working breed, she shows a remarkable ability to figure things out on her own. Great Danes also still possess good hunting skills. Great Danes with Shepherd bloodlines are often cooperative and highly trainable with an outgoing temperament. Some may inherit willfulness from the Great Dane. Qualities from both parents suggest the Great Shepherd needs persistence and consistency with her training as well as firmness and clear leadership. German Shepherds historically bred to sustain long periods of work through the day, need large amounts of activity. If you own a Shepherd or ever did in the past, you know how intense and driven the breed, is and how high its energy levels are. German Shepherds regularly need up to two hours of exercise a day. Great Danes require an hour of exercise every day, not having quite the stamina that a German Shepherd does. Plan on providing 60 to 90 minutes of exercise for your Shepherd Dane mix every day, depending on her body structure, age, and energy levels. Growing puppies need moderate exercise because their joints are susceptible to the damaging effects of overexertion. Your puppy may potentially keep growing to 18 months old, so restrain your dog from jumping and excessive running until he has finished. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure. You may also need to restrict exercise if your puppy or adult dog exhibits any signs of hip dysplasia. Appears to hop like a bunny as he runs Pain or obvious discomfort towards the rear end Difficulty getting up or laying down Can not or will not sit straight — always orients haunches to one side or the other Difficulty negotiating stairs Loss of muscle development in the hindquarters or exaggerated musculature of the forequarters Are German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes Suitable For Apartment Living? German Shepherds do not do well in small spaces. They are medium to large dogs with a limited ability to relax and stay still for extended periods. Moreover, Shepherds can quickly become destructive when left alone. Finally, the GSD presents a new and expanding liability with leased properties and insurance agencies. Most guard dogs feature on dangerous, banned, or uninsurable dog lists, and German Shepherds are not exempt. Therefore, even if your German Shepherd liked living in a condominium, it is not likely that many property owners would allow it. Great Danes may fit in with apartment living better than German Shepherds because they can lounge, but their size usually prohibits it. They find it difficult to get comfortable if the space is too small, and their tails are deadly to anything not nailed down. Moreover, insurance companies are not extremely fond of giant breed dogs any more than they are of guard dogs. According to Showbiz Cheat-sheets, Great Danes head the list in front of Rottweilers for undesirable canines for insurance companies. Your Shepherd Dane mix will most probably look like a Great Dane hybrid to most concerned parties. Insurance companies and rental properties will likely give your dog a second glance because of her size. Some policies have strict guidelines that treat mixes the same as dangerous and banned purebred parent breeds. While neither the Great Dane nor the German Shepherd is dangerous with appropriate socialization and training, always check all relevant bans before you decide to move into a residence with your Great Shepherd. Such a coat ensures the GSD is well-insulated when it gets freezing and snowy outside and also in moderate heat. Shepherds have two major sheds each year corresponding to seasonal changes that cause them to change out their undercoats. Great Danes have a smooth and short coat generally without an undercoat, but they are still moderate shedders. You should brush a Great Dane once or twice a week to remove dirt, stimulate circulation, and distribute oils to the fur. Great Danes can struggle in cold weather because they have a thin coat and like other sighthounds, minimal body fat. They do better in warm climates but do not have the insulating coats of German Shepherds. Their massive size can make it difficult for their bodies to lose heat. You should brush your dog two or three times weekly to minimize shedding and keep her free of excess soil. Bathing is only necessary twice a year, though most owners feel more comfortable with a monthly schedule. Use mild shampoos. Clip nails once every six to eight weeks. Depending on their coats, Great Shepherds will probably tolerate the heat moderately well and perhaps also the cold. Their size helps a little with frigid conditions, so most Shepherd Dane mixes do fairly well as long as temperatures do not dip too much below freezing and as long as they are not of a particularly lean body type. These crucial milestones are bloat and rapid growth. The risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus stomach distends and then flips dictates that you should feed your Great Dane Shepherd mix a few small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. Feeding recommendations are about 5 to 10 cups daily for adult dogs, so spread that out over three feedings spaced apart by several hours. Your Great Shepherd will be a large dog. You also want to avoid an overweight puppy to decrease joint strain. You can formulate a homemade raw or cooked diet for your dog with your veterinarian or nutritionist. There are also commercial diets that manufacturers specifically modify for large and giant breeds. Summary German Shepherd Great Dane mixes are large but lean dogs that are commonly black, black and white, or fawn. She may even have mixed heritage herself. There are two fawns and a black pup. Occasionally, your Great Shepherd could be merle. This dog looks much like a Great Dane except for a heavier frame, more energy, and the semi-prick ears. He has a single-minded focus common in German Shepherds. Genetics are unpredictable, and your dog may sometimes have upright ears and look like a shepherd. Rarely you could see a black and tan Shepherd Dane mix. Recommended Reading:.

Color variations Blue merle French Bulldog Blue merle French Bulldogs are one of our most sought-after puppies of all the colors. They got their name after the blue patches on their light-colored coat, which are essentially grey with a bluish shine in the light. The shade of the grey parts may vary from very light to almost black, while their base color also ranges from a yellowish cream color to light grey. Lilac merle French Bulldog Lilac merle French Bulldogs are often mistaken for blue merle Frenchies, but they are much more unique and harder to come by. Lilac merle Frenchies have very light, almost ashy or silver colored patches on their light coat. To produce this rare and beautiful color, the parents have to carry the blue, chocolate and merle gene. Lilac merle French Bulldogs usually have light-colored eyes which are glowing red. Chocolate merle French Bulldog Chocolate merle French Bulldogs have dark brown mottled patches all over their light-colored bodies. Choco merle pups also have unique genetics so they are quite rare and hard to come by. Similarly to lilac Frenchies, they are the combination of blue and chocolate but their grey shade is more of a champagne color. Breeders have managed to mix in the merle gene as well producing the Isabella merle French Bulldog, but these dogs are extremely rare. Black merle French Bulldog Black merle French Bulldogs have black mottled patches often covering most of their bodies. Their base coat is also slightly darker than in other merle Frenchies, ranging from light grey to light brown. Fawn merle French Bulldog There are a number of different variations of fawn merle French Bulldogs, like blue fawn merle, lilac fawn merle or chocolate fawn merle. The dark patches these Frenchies have are less distinct looking than in other merles, as they are only a bit darker than their light fawn base color. One of these rare traits is their sparkling blue eyes. Since the merle gene affects the skin pigment as well, when a merle patch crosses the eye area the Frenchie will have bright forever blue eyes. Sometimes only one of the eyes will remain blue, which is a phenomenon called heterochromia. Because of how dominant the merle gene is, merle Frenchies should only be bred to a dog with a solid coat color. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owners. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a Merle Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. As you might expect, colors that are considered common for the breed have the lowest prices, while colors which are more unique and harder to produce are more expensive as well. When it comes to Merle French Bulldogs, they are already in a higher price range, but depending on the color variation their prices may further vary a lot. Permanent blue eyes also push the prices up a bit: we charge USD per blue eye. Showing 1 - 40 of 61 resultsPage 1 - 61 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. She is 14 weeks old and ready for new adventures. She is Blue is 10 months old and is a fluffy.Vaccination and health certificate. Black female Brown female Merle females with blue eyes Fawn boy with blue eyes .Sturgeon County Last but not least, Boots is the pick of the males. French Bulldogs have a nature that is both humorous and mischievous. They are fun-loving, free-thinkers who will charm you with their little.Amazing and beautiful puppies with truly.TheStudMuffin and I am a handsome boi. I was born January 3rd, .I am a blue Merle. My mom had my genetics and health traits tested.See all Merle and blue French Bulldogs for sale. Best offer. Hamilton We have a beautiful litter of 7 French Bulldogs. Here is what left: 1. Blue boy. Merle boy blue eyes. Merle boy. Shots and deworming are done. Puppies will come with the starter kit. She is great with kids and others dogs. Temperament is amazing along with a phenomenal build and body structure. We are thrilled to announce the arrival of an adorable litter of six puppies, born on August 5th, .They come in Lilac and Cream chocolate Merles and blue Merle and one solid chocolate. They come microchipped, Red fawn irish pied. Gorgeous and fit guy. Laid back temperament. Red fawn merle. Born July 16 .Black and white boy Merle girl puppies are healthy checked and certified by vet clinic dewormed and first shot. This will be Sams last litter. Sam has studded across Canada and produced some of the smartest and best looking Frenchie pups anywhere. Look no further! We have a stunning 2. French bulldog puppies Annapolis Valley I have 2 girls and 1 boy available. They were born August 8th and are looking for their new homes. They will be ready to go October 6 th. Great family dog, very well socialized, raised with children and other dogs in household. Puppies will come with first set of shot, dewormed, Puppies will come with first set of shot, She is companion puppy loves attention, she is fun, loving, and absolutely adorable and will turn.Mother is blue, father is lilac, blue, tan tri Merle. We have both parents and the puppies have been raised in our home. They are friendly with all

They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. He loves people, kids and other dogs. His mom travels for work often, and though it's sad to part with him, it's not fair for him to be left alone so much. He needs a good home. Wasnt meaning to have a litter. But here we are. Vet checked and 1st shots. Both parents are AKC. We have 1 Brindle girl left. Please contact me for further info or links to their heritage. Pictures of Parents below. Two males and one female. Ears are starting to stand. Theyre weaned and eating solid foods. They were born May 31 and are ready for their fur-ever homes now. Theyve had three deworming, 1st shots and a complete exam. Champion bloodlines on sire and dams side. Can produce multiple Frenchie and Boston colors. They are CKC registered. Call for additional questions and pictures. Please contact Debbie xxx xxx-xxx2. Crate training, house breaking and pee pad training is going very well. I can do a zoom video call of FaceTime if youd like to see them or you can come over and meet them in person. I have 2 females and 3 males still available. Will be dewormed, Vet check and 1st shots. Will accept deposit. Please email onedsfrierson if interested or to make an offer. If you want some of the best Frenchie's on the market with the added bonus of stacked pedigrees and quality, short and compact, Lilac and Tan carrying testable and fluffy. These puppies have been fetched up in a family environment, well socialized and are full of character. No Expense Spared on these puppies. Can send videos and pictures. French bulldog female carrying. Here I have my beautiful girl dottie who i sadly have to rehome due to no fault of her own but to my current situation. She is absolutely brilliant with other dogs and children, she is such a loving girl and just loves to play. She is fully house trained and she knows basic commands sit, down, paw etc. Microchip, vet card and akc papers to hand. They are now 10 weeks old and are still looking for their forever homes. They are chunky solid dogs and love their walks and are great with other pets and kids. Fully toilet trained, vaccinated and KC registered. All paperwork and shots up to date. Bought from Petland so he has a chip. He is lovable and great with kids. He is potty trained to go in yard. Contact me if you are interested. Come with papers has a chip up to date will all shots. And not fixed. Perfect dog for kids! Lovable and playful! View Detail Fawn female French bulldog for sale Looking to rehome my female frenchie her birthday is march 19th she active and very friendly to kids and other animals. She has had her shots but i do know she is past due on some i have had her tested so i do have proof she is percent french bulldog. When she gets to excited she will have a little part of her eye at the bottom pop up like a bulge but is goes away on its own. She was born with umbilical cord hernia but vet said it will probably go away on its own also she ie not fixed. Also i did get her chipped so if lost you can easily find her. Im moving next year from a house to an apartment so i cant afford to take her with me. She will use the bathroom outside and also on pee pads she is good with cages to i use a playpen type of cage for her if interested dont hesitate to reach out the price is not firm but i will not take low ball offers so please dont try it. Also i will not ship my dog to noone you must pick up thanks. .Pet home only. Utd on shots. Very energetic. She is to much for me to handle at this time. Super sweet. Would be great with children. She is non aggressive. Working on potty training. She is crate trained. Text only. Cincinnati Ohio area. Home raised, Vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, health guarantee, socialized with the upmost care for the best startin life. View Detail Charming French x Bulldogs ready now adorable and a very very faithful friend. Please come meet us in person- You can come to our home to have a puppy play date. We have a little frenchie named Dexter. French Bulldog Puppies. Although spaying or neutering is not compulsory, it is highly advisable to spay your French Bulldog. This will help to decrease its chances of getting certain kinds of cancer. It also prevents the risk of unwanted breeding between your French Bulldog and any nearby dog. Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? French Bulldogs have the potential to be aggressive. However, they are not usually aggressive unless they are trained that way. It is important to note that they may show aggression towards other dogs or smaller animals. Owners should watch out for signs of aggression and nip them in the bud. What is the life expectancy of a French Bulldog? With a proper diet and nutrition, French Bulldogs can live for up to eleven or thirteen years. Can French Bulldogs eat raw meat? French Bulldogs can eat raw meat such as chicken, liver or kidney. They could also eat canned, dry food. What is the difference between a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog? French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are quite similar but different at the same time. English bulldogs are bigger while the French Bulldog is considerably smaller. French Bulldogs also have upright pointy ears whereas the English breed has folded ears. Do I have to worry about fleas with French Bulldogs? Just like all other breeds, French Bulldogs can get fleas. If they do get fleas, this can be solved by getting flea medicine or using a flea comb to get rid of the fleas. How do you deal with separation anxiety in French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are very prone to separation anxiety. To curb this, owners can crate train their dogs or provide them with chew toys. What is the best way to train your French Bulldog? Crate training is one of the best ways to train your French Bulldog. It helps to create good and positive behavior in your Frenchie and could be a fun place for it to rest. Are French Bulldogs children-friendly? French Bulldogs are not the best option for kids. However, if they grow up surrounded by children, the risk could be lessened. They should not be left unsupervised around kids. How big are French Bulldogs? The French Bulldog is about 11 or 12 inches tall and weighs an average of pounds. Are you interested in purchasing a French Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Mark and Jessica are the nicest people and really care for their clients and dogs. This is a family business and their dogs really are apart of their family. They have been very helpful with this process and have answered all our questions. We are absolutely in love with our newest family member Whinnie thanks to them! We even made great friends out of this. We are so appreciative of them being so available every step of the way. We love our golden boy! We would absolutely work with Silver Butte Golden Retrievers again. They were extremely patient with us through the process and took great care to work with us through any questions and concerns. Our golden is amazing! He has a goofy, sweet and loving personality, has been an excellent learner and is seriously gorgeous! He is a wonderful family member and will be an excellent hunting companion as well. Anyone lucky enough to welcome a Silver Butte Golden Retriever into their life will be forever grateful! She is so sweet, and SO smart!! At just 9 weeks old she is already potty trained, and knows how to sit and lay down, she has been very easy to train. After reading everything we could on each breeder, and following Silver Butte Goldens for a few weeks, we sent them a message. They responded within a few minutes and patiently answered all of my questions, even before we put down a deposit to reserve a puppy. They are a family business who love their dogs far beyond breeding them. Abigail is sweet, smart, loving and she keeps us laughing; our Vet has been impressed with how well she has grown, not just in size, but in behavior. She really is an amazing puppy. We are a hunting family and she has already been on a 5 day hunt and we take her hiking twice a week. She will "stay" when the wildlife around her are running amok. I highly recommend Silver Butte Golden Retrievers to anyone who wants a family dog, that can also hunt and be a great traveling companion. Silver Butte was very accommodating to work with and always answered questions quickly. If we decide our pup needs a friend in a few years, we will definitely be contacting them again. Puppy pads Create a Schedule Golden Retriever pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. It can even grow louder as they age. Moderate Training Golden Retrievers responds well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Our Story When our 1st son was 18 months old, he was bitten by a family member's dog when he fell on her. She was a common rescue mix and even though she was kind and showed no aggression before, we had to pry her off of his head. This was a horrifying experience, and it was very hard on the family. After that happening, we knew we needed a family friendly breed for our young family. We chose a Golden Retriever puppy and she was loving, smart and affectionate. I started adding a few breeding dogs to my program and began a wonderful adventure. I have always longed for the farm experience that I grew up with. Both of us grew up in farm settings, and have always been around raising animals and puppies. I knew that breeding dogs would give me the love of the farm, at our home near Boise, Idaho. It is the perfect match for me. We started breeding Goldendoodle puppies and have never looked back. I will always be a dog breeder. It fits my personality perfectly. When we started our journey for a family dog, we were where you are. The journey you're on is not easy. If you've researched, you know that Goldendoodles are amazing with families and children. Feel free to reach out to us for support, we are here to help you in the process. Authority Check it out! I am proud to be published in the Complete Guide to Goldendoodles. I dedicate myself full-time to being a Goldendoodle Breeder. We put our heart and soul into being professional and dedicated. I am learning every single day something new about genetics, health or breeding. I network with hundreds of other breeders where we discuss changes in the parent breeds, new medications, materials, new genetic testing, and trends. I also have a handful of excellent specialized veterinarians that I work with weekly to ensure the best care of our moms and puppies. We carefully learn about genetics and commit to extensive ongoing research in health, genetics, training and breed practices for goldendoodles. We are an in-home goldendoodle breeder. We purpose to always be adding more and more health testing to our breeding program. Our Mommas We run a Guardian Program, which is on of the best breeding practices in existence. We breed full-time and therefore have lots of experience. Small breeders often make many mistakes because they only breed occasionally. They don't have the knowledge or resources to improve the breed. We average litters a year. Are we a puppy mill because of many puppies being produced? We are the farthest things from a puppy mill. Puppy mills kennel their many mother dogs and puppies for most of their lives. They re-sell their retired mothers for cheap prices, donate them to rescues, or even worse, euthanize them. Our mother dogs are pampered, and cared for with their loving families and live with no more than 1 other dog forever in the same home they were raised in. They are bred for only up to 4 times, and if they have no health issues. We are able to have many, happy dogs this way. No mother dogs are kept outdoors or in dirty, disease infected areas. In fact, they get more attention than most dogs because we hand select homes where the environment is extremely healthy emotionally and physically for a family dog. They have kids to play with, usually an adult home most of the day, sometimes another doggie playmate and of course, there are two families watching out for their health. They are groomed, exercised required , vetted, protected, and loved! Champion Lines Champion Lines means that there are close relatives of a dog that has achieved a Champion title in the show ring. We import our parent dog's lines, so they are from International Champion Lines. This is Ace for example. We raised Ace as a puppy and he now lives in Washington, DC with our sister, as a stud for our breeding program. He has 15 International Champions and 1 World Champion in his 5 generation pedigree. Several of his puppies are now grown and are currently in our Guardian Program having mini teddybear Goldendoodle puppies. She is such a wonderful example of a sweet, highly trainable mini Goldendoodle puppy. Trainability Blossom, one of our talented puppies has achieved "Trick Dog Champion. She also opens the refrigerator, gets you a drink of water and closes the fridge. She is a dock diving dog and a demo dog for a highly regarded trainer in Northern California. See her HERE. We breed our own lines of English Golden Retrievers and all of our future breeding dogs will be English Golden Retrievers. We partner with family members and choose from the very best puppies to introduce into our program. Our current American Golden Retriever mommas also have many of these characteristics. We chose them because out of the American lines, they have similar qualities. We look for blocky, mellow, and great health testing in our parent dogs. We found that most English Cream Golden Retrievers have all three of those qualities. Some American Golden Retrievers have all three, but they are hard to find. Their hip testing has significantly higher scores. The other genetic tests we do on our dogs are often much better with the English. Their temperament is the biggest difference that most people notice between the two types. They are much more mellow. We feel that because our puppies will be family and service dogs instead of hunting or agility dogs, we think that the mellow, laid back temperament of the English Golden will be best for our lines. English creams have a wonderful body style for Teddybear Goldendoodles. They are blocky and thick. This offsets the lean, athletic build of the poodle and perfectly compliments them. They are the parent dog for us! Our Puppies Our puppies are thoroughly and highly socialized. Our puppies are handled daily by children of all ages. Our Goldendoodle puppies are exposed to every household noise because they are raised in a home. They are in the dining room or living room areas so that they are close by all the daily activities in the home. This also gives everyone in the home convenient access to socialize them as part of family life. As they grow, we integrate outside playtime for the puppies part of the day, so that they learn the dog world as well as the people world. A few of our breeding females are active therapy dogs in facility settings. We have sold several diabetic alert dogs DADS and many to be trained for therapy and service. We work with local and national trainers to choose potential puppies. Golden Retrievers are known to be the all-around best family dogs in the world. They are trainable, easy going, and safe with children. That's why we initially chose a Golden Retriever when we had a young family. They are great at agility, retrieving, hunting and they have beautiful soft coats. Most of all, Golden Retrievers are people pleasers and will do almost anything to earn affection. They are one breed and so their temperaments are the same, just in different sizes. They are the second smartest dog in the world and easily trained. They are alert, and of course, non-shedding! They give the Goldendoodle their lovely fleecy and easy to groom coat. Why Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are retrievers with a soft mouth, affectionate, and highly intelligent. They have endurance and agility. Goldendoodles have what Breeders call "Hybrid Vigor. This contributes to their health and minimizes the breed specific hereditary health predispositions. Goldendoodles often grow stronger than both parent breeds. They often have better hips, eyes, and lifespan. To get a book on Goldendoodles, click here. Please reload. Located on a spacious farm with plenty to do and lots of ground for hiking, we are an active family who loves the company of our dogs! Our breeding program began after 3 years of being Guardians to Yoyo when her family gifted her to us with breeding rights! She has had 4 litters total between both families. She will remain with us for the rest of her life. We do our best to ensure our dogs and puppies have a life of care, love and exercise. Our female is always outside, busy with her nose to the ground. Her other canine friend is our Farm Guardian who is NOT a part of the breeding program but provides our livestock with the extra set of eyes we need. Together, our dogs form an eclectic team! Puppies are well taken care of in our custom whelping box and warm temperatures are always maintained! We provide natural materials for the puppies to use for potty once they graduate from the whelping box to encourage the natural tendency to not "go" around sleeping or feeding areas. This makes house training a lot easier when they are adopted into their new homes as our previous litter families can confirm! Cleanliness is important here and bedding is changed and kennels are cleaned daily. Yoyo is given a rich diet to support nursing and recovery from pregnancy. They are on our short list of recommended breeders. This is the first in our series of ethical breeder spotlights! Coleen, of all the breeds out there, why did you decide to breed English Cream Golden Retrievers? I loved JJ fiercely, and then his son, Chipper. So dark that you knew you had an Irish Setter! After a brief internet search, I began to see a different Golden. The European, or more commonly called English Cream Golden caught my eye. Their round black eyes and nose spellbound me in stark contrast to their stunning cream-colored coat. That blocky head and stocky build became the Golden standard I would grow to love. William photo courtesy of Council House Goldens How long have you been breeding? The decision to breed Goldens happened when a breeder told me that they would soon become a thing of the past. Their popularity created a profitable market, and careless breeding became the rule rather than the exception. The drive to breed with intention and purpose drove me to ask questions and look for answers in the not so familiar places. The research and questions that began almost ten years ago remain with me and continue to influence every step I take. What sets me apart from other breeders? What does set me apart? Most breeders do health testing, and I do as well. Not many feed their dogs a species-appropriate raw diet, but I do. I choose classes from a Ph. I appreciate the conventional and unconventional approach to healthcare and carefully research all of the standards. The only skin I have in the game is the health and well-being of my dogs. Do these things make me different? Perhaps to some small degree. That sentiment expresses my goals as a breeder. Yesterday and today, my goals are health, temperament, and beauty. But, my knowledge of health, temperament, and beauty is ever-evolving. We try not to. Our girls have reputations; some have big litters, and some have average litters. We even accuse one of the girls of being stingy! Depending on the girl, I generally limit the reservations to three or four girls and three or four boys. To make matters more challenging, I never know how many girls and boys we are getting until they are here. This reservation thing has been known to keep me up at night. Waiting for a puppy is grueling. The waitlist can be up to a year and sometimes longer and is difficult for the family and us. Ever sat on a three-legged stool? You know, the short one with the big legs? I see health testing like that stool. The coefficient of inbreeding is another leg, and genetic testing via Paw Print Genetic makes the stool complete. Imagine my surprise when I was told that feeding dogs what wolves eat in the wild was what I should do. It was time to dig in and do one of my favorite things. I read books about the principles of the raw diet, written by veterinarians. I read about how kibble was made, the sourced ingredients and what a label reveals, and what it hides. Can anyone say controversy? The raging battle between some of the raw feeders and kibble feeders was both disappointing and revealing. I have been determined to stay true to my love of knowledge and my disdain for bickering by staying out of the time-sucking social media food fights. Today, I feed raw meat and bone and add eggs from our pastured chickens. I make kefir from our raw fresh milk and toss in a few homegrown garden veggies. The benefits are tangible and proven in the health profile of our adults and puppies. Kiah photo courtesy of Council House Goldens How do you figure out the best home for a puppy? No matter how detailed, the puppy application is inadequate in matching the perfect family with the perfect puppy. Phone visits and emails help round out the process. Hearing what a family hopes for in their new family member goes a long way in making a good match. Tell us about that. We have promised to give a puppy from each litter, or in some instances, an entire litter, to be raised by carefully selected foster families. We are empowered by the knowledge that our dogs are fit for a job such as this. Right of first refusal provides a pathway for families that can no longer keep a dog they got from us. We will take a dog back to ensure that no dog from our program is placed in a shelter. We have had three dogs come back home. In every case, the dogs were successfully rehomed and are living good lives. Did you know counting puppies before they are born is a thing? Experienced breeders tell the next generation breeder that an x-ray is safe and highly accurate in counting puppies once the female is 49 days pregnant. I remember reading and rereading that. Back to the research. I found an article noting cancer in pups as young as two years of age that had been exposed to x-ray before birth. I had to wonder about the effect of repeat radiation every time the female was exposed as well. Counting puppies with x-ray would not be used in the breeding program. Council House has grown beyond my expectations and abilities to manage everything. Thankfully, I have a family that is deeply committed to this work. Our dogs live with us in our homes. After all, Goldens are part human, right?! If that connection with their family is lost, our goal to keep the Golden into perpetuity is lost too. We are not offended by dog hair and allow them to join us on the couch while watching a movie or reading a book. No matter how big they get, they will always be lap dogs! Gabe x Josie puppies photo courtesy of Council House Goldens Thank you, Coleen, for sharing this information and all your wonderful photos with us. I know first-hand from meeting you, evaluating your litters and training the dogs you produce, that your program is a cut above the rest! To contact Council House Goldens, please go to their website at www. Like them. Follow them. Coleen notes that all the photos shown in this article were taken by her dear friend, John Hafner, a professional photographer. Here is a link to his website for anyone who might be interested in commissioning him for photos of their dogs.

Eager to get started? This is an important consideration because puppies have smaller bladders and may not have full control over them yet so a little extra patience and understanding is required. Like many dogs, senior Labradoodles can be harder to housetrain but if you own a puppy, you can start training them when they reach 4 to 6 months old. The Labradoodle is a naturally smart breed and will take about 4 to 5 months to housetrain. Consistent training and applying the right training methods will go a long way in making the process easier for you and your dog. Dogs are in the habit of sniffing the ground before doing their business. Barking and Whining Your dog will sometimes bark and whine to let you know that it needs to go outside. They can be signs of discomfort as they get the urge to pee or poop. Going in Circles This is another indication that your dog needs to go outside. Here are 3 methods we recommend. Choose one that you feel will work best for you: Method 1: Using Commands A tried and tested classic potty-training method, commands allow us to communicate with our dogs so they know what we expect from them. How To Do It As you start out, this method requires you to take your dog out 10 to 30 minutes after finishing a meal and every three hours. Issue your command and eventually, your dog will learn to associate the action with the word. Method 2: Bell Ringing This has to be one of the more impressive ways to train your Labradoodle. You can train your dog to ring a bell whenever it needs to go out for potty. Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! You only need to attach a bell like this one to your door so that it rings every time you go out. Potty Bells dog doorbells are THE original dog doorbell made of only the highest quality.Great Training Tool: Tired of the scratching and barking at your door? Dog potty door bells are the perfect aid to housetrain your puppy or dog. Follow our easy 3 step training guide. Teach your pooch.Simply the best puppy training bells for dogs. Eight color options. Black and grey Potty Bells also.Function: Potty Bells are the original superior dog training aid for housebreaking your puppy. Adjustable strap training bell is ideal for any size or age puppy or dog. Use the strong holding snaps to.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Teach your dog to ring the bell on its own. To do so, you can hold a treat near the bell and when your dog makes it ring, reward your pet with the treat and praise your dog profusely. If this happens, let them out anyway. Your pet will sooner or later tire of the game and will only ring the bell to alert you of legitimate potty breaks. Method 3: Crate-training Crate-training is another classic method for potty-training. This method also gives your dog a safe space where they feel comfortable and cozy as they adjust to a new home. Make sure that your dog can comfortably lie down, turn around, and stand in it. This method requires you to move quickly and let your dog out at the earliest sign that it needs to go. You can also let your dog out even before it starts sniffing and moving in circles. Depending on the dog, it can take days or weeks for crate training to work. Note that younger dogs will need to go out more frequently than older dogs. What should you name your Labradoodle puppy? Our best Labradoodle name ideas. Tips for Potty-training Success Do you have an idea of which training method you want to use? Here are some things to keep in mind: Tip 1: Maintain a Consistent Schedule One of the best ways to predict when your Labradoodle will need to go is to maintain a consistent feeding schedule. When you serve meals at the same time every day, your dog will learn to anticipate them and have more consistent bowel movements as well. You can also incorporate scheduled walks and playtime to create more consistency and give them the physical and mental stimulation that healthy dogs need. Tip 2: Treats and More Treats! Labradoodles have a healthy appetite that you can use to your advantage while potty-training them. Since Labradoodles inherit the eager to please personalities of their poodle parent , you can also shower them with praise and belly rubs to show them how pleased you are with them. Pro Tip: If your dog rings the bell, or relieves itself on command or right after you let it out of the crate, reward it immediately so they learn to associate the action with the reward. Tip 3: Build a Strong Bond This must be one of the most enjoyable tips on this list because it entails cuddling with your Labradoodle and spending time with it. As their owner, your dog will not only thrive by having a healthy and secure relationship with you but will also want to please you during potty-training. A great way to build a strong bond with your dog is by feeding it from your hand. This is particularly effective for shy and fearful dogs. Dogs by nature love their humans and enjoy their company. You can also use the opportunity to get to know your dog better. Additionally, pee pads are also much easier and more pleasant to deal with than cleaning your floor. Tip 5: Make Learning Fun As their owner, you can help them associate following commands with positive experiences. After your Labradoodle is done relieving itself, spend a few minutes playing with them. Get to know what activities they enjoy the most and reward them by engaging in them. While it may seem like an obvious and practical lesson, it may take some time for Labradoodles to understand what we want from them. Despite the challenges, potty training is worth the time and effort that you put in. Imagine what a difference a properly housetrained dog makes compared to an untrained one. Being patient with them as they learn will also help you establish a strong bond and make it easier if you want to teach them more tricks in the future. Remember to be patient, consistent, give your dog a structured schedule, and immediately reward your furry friend whenever the situation calls for it. If, once in a while your dog fails to measure up, just keep at it, and sooner or later your Labradoodle will pick up on what you want it to do. 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. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Apr 26, Share Labradoodles are smart, loving, and active dogs. Hybrid dogs end up with traits from both parents. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both incredibly smart breeds. Here are nine expert tips to help you potty-train your Labradoodle. Take Your Time Patience is a virtue when it comes to potty training Labradoodles. The entire process can take 4 to 6 months, so get ready to clean up a few accidents! While most adult dogs can go for around hours without a bathroom break, puppies require more frequent trips outside. Most 3-month-old dogs need to pee every 4 hours, and 4-month-old puppies are usually okay for around 5 hours without a bathroom break. Puppies often require bathroom breaks first thing in the morning, after naps and meals, and before bed. Puppies often have physical tells that indicate they need to hit the bathroom. Once you know what those indications are, take your pet outside, encourage them to pee, and give them a nice reward. Dogs eventually learn to associate peeing outside with getting a reward, which usually leads to increased motivation to pee outside. Sniffing, pacing, and whining are often signs that dogs need a bathroom break. COM, Shutterstock 3. Stay on Schedule Feed and take your Labradoodle for walks at the same time each day. Regular scheduling often reduces canine stress, as most pets do best with steady routines. Stick with Positive Reinforcement and Training Labradoodles are sensitive dogs. Harsh training techniques, including punishment and even sharp reprimands, can increase canine anxiety, often making it difficult for dogs to learn. Catch your dog doing the things you want to see and provide lots of praise and treats for emphasis. And make sure to keep training, including potty training, fun to ensure your dog remains motivated, interested, and engaged. Image Credit: Josh Borup, Pixabay 5. Training and Bonding Most dogs can start basic obedience training at 8 weeks old. Begin with the basics, such as sit, stay, and down. Early obedience training and socialization exercises provide fantastic human-canine bonding opportunities. Owners often find that training is a great way to spend quality time with their pets. Because Labradoodles are people-oriented, having a strong bond with your dog may make the potty training process more manageable. Allow your pet to become comfortable with one way of communicating their need to take a potty break; you can always introduce alternative options after your dog has mastered the basics. Image Credit: Lopolo, Shutterstock 7. Walk Your Puppy Before You Head Out Because puppies have small bladders, most need to use the bathroom more frequently than adult dogs. Walking your puppy at set times, like after breakfast and before bed, is often helpful. Set your Labradoodle up to succeed by allowing them to take appropriately spaced bathroom breaks. Take your dog to the same place every time you go for a walk, and wait until they go to the bathroom. When your dog uses the bathroom outside in the designated spot, provide treats and praise. Eventually, most dogs learn that peeing in that spot instead of in the house earns goodies. Image Credit: John Edmonds, Pixabay 9. Ignore It When Your Dog Has an Accident Dogs pee and poop inside for several reasons, including not being able to hold it long enough and not understanding how to communicate their needs. If you catch your dog getting ready to pee inside, tell them to wait and take them outside immediately. Most dogs will naturally stop peeing or pooping in response. Next, take them outside to their pee spot, let them finish going to the bathroom, and then reward them for good behavior. Conclusion Labradoodles are sweet, friendly dogs that make fantastic, devoted companions. They bond deeply with their favorite people and enjoy spending time around loved ones. Labradoodles are incredibly smart , and they are known to be incredibly easy to train. Potty training a Labradoodle requires patience, and you can expect the entire process to take anywhere from 4 to 6 months. Stick with positive reinforcement , reward what you want to see, and celebrate when your Labradoodle masters a new skill. Toilet areas can be as specific as a litter box or as general as an area outside. You must have a clear idea, however, of what is an acceptable toilet spot, before you start educating your dog. Your dog can be trained to use only a specific corner of the yard if you are willing to take the time to train your dog to that level of understanding. Your attitude is the most important ingredient in the formula of house training. You are taking your dog or puppy through a process of education; he does not know that it is wrong to use your carpet as his toilet. His Mother never told him. It is not preprogrammed into his genetic coding. It is your job to help him understand the whole concept. With patience and understanding you and your furry friend should be able to achieve your goal in a few short weeks. Keep all meals on a predictable schedule. Avoid any rich foods that could upset your puppy's bowels. Establish a bedtime and a wake up time. Puppies need a lot of nap times, make sure your schedule allows for these. Keep in mind, your puppy will need to go out immediately after all naps. Anytime your puppy has been emotionally stimulated IE frightened or a very rowdy play time your puppy may experience the need to eliminate. Supervise in the house If you know where your dog is at all times and what he is doing, you can catch him before he makes a mistake.If he starts to make a mistake, firmly but calmly say "No" and take him straight out to the toilet area. Do not yell at your puppy or chase him. If you are busy and cannot totally supervise your puppy, put him in a contained area, where he won't make a mistake, or tie him to the door knob of the room you are in. When supervision is not possible gone to work all day? Provide a small area to contain your puppy IE a crate or small bathroom or fenced off corner of the garage. Do not leave food and water with your puppy and do not load your puppy down with a lot of doggie cookies. If you are gone 8 hours, it would be good to find someone who would take him for a walk and give him some water. Take Your Puppy Out Take your puppy out to the desired toilet area and stand quietly while your puppy investigates the area for the "right" spot. This is not play time! Do not distract your puppy by trying to talk to him into hurrying up. If he does not go potty during that time , return him to the house and contain him in a crate for a half hour, then try again. When he does start to potty, quietly and calmly praise him while he is in the process of going potty. Use the word you have chosen for this IE "Good Potty", when he is done, you can praise him with more enthusiasm. Learn your puppy's habits. Some puppies need to potty 2 or 3 times in one outing. Urination is often followed by a BM. If the weather is foul and you aren't happy about taking out your puppy, it is very important not to let your puppy sense this. You may create a dog that does not like using the outside to do his business in foul weather. While you are learning your puppy's habits, take him out, every time he wakes up, after he has eaten, and after all play sessions. Help your puppy get outside to the appropriate potty area; follow the preceding instructions for taking your puppy out. Clean the mess with an odor neutralizer. Your puppy's sense of smell is far superior to ours. If it smells like a toilet area to him, he will continue to use that area for a toilet. Do not clean up the mess in front of the puppy. Put the puppy on a leash and calmly bring him to the scene of the accident. Keep the dog to your side, not in front of you. While your puppy is watching.Blot up some of the urine on a tissue and take it and your puppy out to the appropriate toilet area. Place the tissue with the potty on it on the ground, with the puppy watching; Praise the tissue for being in the right area, then leave the tissue there. Clean up the remaining mess as previously stated. You must understand his nature as an animal and companion. Knowing these things will help you house-train your dog. In this way, you can give rewards or praise when the dog does well. These rewards will likely depend on what dogs want as dog food or as a simple pat on the back. The next thing you need to know, in addition to the time it takes, you should also be patient enough to train your child at home. If you find it difficult to train a human child, it would be impossible to train a dog. Communicating with your dog can be the most difficult part. However, when you understand them, their nature will be more relaxed. Patience is a key aspect of ensuring that the dog learns what it wants to learn. It should feel that your home is with you, the person who is training you. In this way, the dog would surrender to your order and would do as you say. You, as a coach, should always have quality time together in the form of connecting through games or as easy as doing it together in the park. Unfortunately, many dog owners have no idea how to train their dogs at home. Go Outside Every Couple of Hours A Labradoodle puppy should be outside every time it has slept, eaten, had something to drink, after playtime, or just after being really excited. That might seem excessive, so as a rule of thumb, it might be easier to just remember to allow it outside every hours. That should lower the risk of an accident quite a bit. A clear signal that your puppy is about to have a call of nature, is that it will spin around itself a few times, before sitting down on its bottom. When you see this, quickly get it outside. Praise and Treats Shouting and screaming have probably never helped anything, the puppy will learn far more by positive reinforcement. This way it will quickly find out which behavior is rewarded, and the puppy would naturally want to repeat those actions. The reason why it might have a few accidents inside is that it has never really learned any alternative. When there is the occasional accident, there is really no better way, than to just get a paper towel, clean it up, and move on. Patience is a virtue If you do intervene with the puppy, it might take a bit of time before it remembers where it left off. And the second you get back inside where there are peace and quiet, the puppy will let out a sigh of relief, and pee on the floor. Quick Summary Let the dog outside every time it has eaten or had a drink. Also quickly after a nap. To begin with, also a couple of times through the night. Start as soon as possible. And if you want it to primarily go on grass, introduce it to this element fast. Perhaps even use the same area so the puppy is familiarized with the spot. Praise it when the opportunity is there. By following these simple ideas, you should be able to house-train any puppy. And if you want even more detailed advice and tips on how to house-train your puppy, this guide affiliate link has pretty helpful tricks you might be interested to look into. Additional Tips for House Training a Labradoodle Puppy Training Tip 1 The first rule of thumb to train your dog at home is to stick with foods that are already used to his system. Giving your Labradoodle puppy fatty foods can make it difficult to control his intestines. Training Tip 2 Not only is it important to feed your dog the food it is used to, but it is also very important to feed it every day. Doing this makes home training easy for both you and your dog; for your dog because it helps you establish a regular elimination pattern. And for you, because you can use this pattern to your advantage when it comes to training your pet, quickly and efficiently. Training Tip 3 You probably already have the idea that schedules are a good idea when it comes to training your dog at home. Well, here is another piece of the puzzle. Then be sure to take it out every few hours throughout the day. Doing so will help you understand that his business must be done outside. The sooner he learned this, the better. If you can avoid it, you really want to prevent your dog from entering. Not only because cleaning is a pain, but because the smell is almost impossible to remove and will continue to attract your Labradoodle puppy repeatedly. Hopefully, your dog will crash from time to time during training. When this happens, immediately clean the pool. Remember, animals tend to repeatedly return to places where they can smell urine or feces, so be sure to clean them well, especially carpets. If you notice your Labradoodle puppy gravitate to the point and bend down to do his business again, pick him up and take him outside. You may also want to check with your local pet store for something to help you get rid of the smell. Dogs often behave in a certain way when they feel the need to eliminate. It is much easier to train your Labradoodle puppy at home when you are alert and ready to accompany your little one as soon as you see the first signs that he may need to leave. You may want to look at boxes to train your dog. With a little time and training, he will learn how to do his business where he should. The key here is to make sure your labradoodle puppy gets out of the box and into the yard! Training Tip 6 Good behavior should be praised. Then give credit where it is due. Your Labradoodle puppy will do almost anything to gain approval. You must make it very obvious that you are satisfied with his behavior, so be enthusiastic and effusive. Later, when obedience training begins, your Labradoodle puppy will already know that obedience equals praise, so home training sets the stage for all your dog training efforts. Doing so will truly show your pooch that working together outside is synonymous with being distant from everyone else. Put a positive turn on the whole preparation experience. Praise your little one while doing business, and then spend a few minutes on quality playtime. He will learn faster, and you will both be happier. Daring your dog after the disaster will only scare him of you or the mess. And in some cases, it can even cause your dog to start eating its waste because it feels its presence annoys it. Training Tip 8 Pick a verbal order. The pet is more used to short expressions that its owner utilizes much of the time. Since mistakes will continue to occur during the home training process, you will need a variety of hand-cleaning supplies. You can use Bleach to neutralize urine, but beware of where you put it away, as it will stain some clothes. Buying cleaning products for controlling pet mess will be more beneficial than using regular cleaning products. It takes a lot of love, but your dog will learn not to make the whole house his personal bathroom. Final Words Not all puppies are created equal when it comes to training. Some require more time and effort than others, but the training methods are usually very similar. It takes time and dedication to train a dog properly. Patience is the key to training, and repetition is key to reinforcing the learning process. The age of the little dog can be critical, as it is commonly simpler to prepare more puppies. If possible, training should start between six and eight weeks. Different races can also play an important role in training methods. Different breeds have different temperaments and personalities. Then take him outside immediately. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Ways to Potty Train a Labradoodle Puppy There are two main schools of thought when it comes to potty training a puppy: Puppy pads But there is also a happy medium, where you combine these when necessary. Which Method is Best? In reality, neither method is better than the other. But, one may be better for you and your lifestyle. When done correctly, both ways, and the happy medium, can create a well trained Labradoodle. But, for others, cleaning up puppy pads inside is no big deal! The end result will be the same — a Labradoodle that goes to the toilet in the right place. Puppy Pad Potty Training Potty training with puppy pads involves covering the floor of the area that your puppy has access to with pads. The floor you need to choose must be easy to clean for this method, like wooden or linoleum. So a kitchen is usually ideal. Then, when your puppy is reliably toileting in this smaller area, you just pop a couple of pads outside the back door. Finally, you will remove them altogether. You must remove the pads gradually for the same reason that you must start off by covering your entire kitchen floor. To reduce the risk of your puppy having an accident on your floor itself! To him, the floor might seem just as suitable as a puppy pad. So, covering the entire floor at first will remove the risk of any accidents on your floor. Removing the pads gradually will help your puppy learn that the pads are the right place, rather than causing any confusion when they suddenly disappear. But the downside is that it takes longer to get your puppy going to the toilet outside. And in the meantime, you have a house that is periodically peed and pooped in. It can also be more confusing for the puppy to transition to doing their business inside, to moving outside. Which can mean the occasional accident. Crate Training Crate training is a great help to many puppy parents, because it helps your puppy learn to pee outside from the very start. A crate also gives your puppy their own cosy and safe space to stay in for short periods of time. The crate must be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in, but not much more. And it should be full of comfy, cosy bedding. When gradually introduced to a crate, with lots of rewards and for very short periods to begin with, a puppy will love their soft bed very much. And because it is where they sleep, they will really not want to pee in there. As long as it is not too big. This means it is a useful place to put your puppy if you want them to wait just a few short more minutes between pees. The rest of the time the pup is out and about in a wipe-clean room with you. If they squat or start sniffing around, take them outside and stay with them to see if they need the bathroom. If they have any accidents, clean them up with a pet safe spray straight away. But hopefully, your schedule and lots of close monitoring will mean that accidents are few and far between. Using the Crate Safely When used properly, a crate can make a great training tool. However, if your crate is too large, your puppy will simply go to the toilet at one end and sleep at the other. The benefit of the crate is that you can easily wash bedding and clean the crate tray if there are any accidents. Labradoodle puppies need lots of mental stimulation, play, engagement, and exercise. But, another great way to do this is simply by picking your puppy up. If they usually pee every 20 minutes, and you want to see if they will last 30 minutes, just pick them up after 20 minutes if they have already spent a lot of time in their crate today. Hold them for 5 or 10 minutes before taking them out for a pee. And remember, you need to introduce the crate gradually at first, to ensure your puppy feels happy and safe inside. So, picking them up will help you a lot in those early days. Combining Crates and Puppy Pads The crate training puppy method requires getting up at 2am for at least a few days, as you will need to continue to offer regular potty breaks through the night. Many puppy parents find this understandably tough. It also means that you can barely remove your attention from the puppy at all during the day for the first few weeks. But, puppy parents are often human parents too. And, you may need to pop out of the house for a few minutes a couple of times a day as a minimum. A great way to deal with these situations is to set up your crate inside a puppy playpen. During the night and when you need to briefly pop out during the day, you leave the crate door open and line the puppy play pen with puppy pads. This means they can relieve themselves if they need to, without risking messing in their bed or on your floor. Schedules for Potty Training a Labradoodle Puppy To give your puppy the best chance of success when crate potty training, you need to give them lots of opportunities to use the bathroom outdoors. These timings are not set in stone, but are a good starting point for each stage. Some owners will find that they need to offer a pee break as often as every 20 minutes. Watch out for the behaviors we talked about above if you think your puppy needs a pee — particularly sniffing in one spot and squatting. Many puppies will start sleeping through the night. Give them lots of opportunities to pee outdoors, including after every meal or big drink from their water bowl. Remove the water at night, but keep it somewhere they can get at it during the day. In those early weeks, they should spend most of their time with you in a room with wipe-clean floors, just in case! Post navigation. However you must teach your puppy all of your expectations, gently and firmly from day one. Decide the rules you want for your puppy, and teach them those rules right from the beginning, such as: not getting on furniture, not jumping up on people. If you allow that in the beginning, it will be very difficult to break the habit. Getting Prepared for A New Puppy! Puppy Chewing The more things you have for your puppy to chew, the less likely they are to chew up your things. The need to chew will go on for at least 18 months, although they may always love having things to chew and toys. You will also need a premium puppy food of your choice. We use an All Life Stages dog food made primarily of chicken and rice. Dogs originally were den animals, they burrowed holes underground, where they were safe from predators and nice and warm. They instinctively do not go to the bathroom in their dens. A crate is a safe haven for your puppy. Never take your puppy out of the crate until they are quiet, just sit patiently, without speaking, until they are quiet for a few seconds, and you will teach them to be quiet in the cage. Every time you take your puppy out of the crate, take them immediately outside to the place you want them to go to the bathroom. Puppies find places to go to the bathroom with their feet. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet and it becomes part of their potty que or trigger. If you allow your puppy to have accidents on your rugs or hardwood floors even by accident then that can quickly become their potty texture preference. Same goes for potty pads. Using potty pads only teaches your puppy that going potty on absorbent material is Ok. Not a great idea. Try to avoid accidents at all costs. This way, you will teach your dog to go to the bathroom on command. This can be very convenient if you are traveling or leaving the house. Stay away from the puppy until they are done with their business, keep other animals, children and any other distraction away from them. As soon as your puppy is done, immediately give them a dog treat and praise, and praise and praise. Then, stand back and see if there is more forthcoming and repeat the process. Your Puppy At Night. .If your puppy cries in the middle of the night, get up, sit by the cage until they are quiet for a minute or two, then and only then, take them outside to their spot, give the potty command to go, and stand quietly ignoring them until they are done, do not instigate play or talk in an excited voice. When their bladder gets mature, this nighttime potty break should stop. Read my post about how to stop puppy whining and crying in the crate! Then after that every hour for a couple of days, 2 hours for a few days. When they finish going to the bathroom, praise and treats. Never hit or yell harshly at your puppy, or they will be afraid of you, and will develop fear of you, rather than trust. It may take months before your dog is completely housetrained, be patient, it is all worth it! When you feed your puppy, stroke their back and head, and tell them how good they are. You want them to be used to having someone touch them when they eat. When you sit down to eat, ignore the puppy, or put them in the crate. When you have to leave make sure to crate your puppy or put them in a x-pen setup, when you get home, even after a short absence, calmly take your puppy outside, talk gently to them, let them go to the bathroom, take them back inside and talk to them calmly, pet them slowly and try to be as calm as you can. If you come back and get them excited, they will try to recreate that excited feeling when you are gone, because that means you will be home soon. Puppies are like any baby, they need lots of attention, a dog that does not get attention, will get anxious and nervous and may chew and chew furniture, rugs, shoes, cords, anything to get rid of the anxiety. Read my post on crate and x-pen setups for potty training puppies! Taking your Puppy to Class Take your puppy to obedience school. An untrained puppy can be a nuisance instead of a pleasure. Another important benefit, perhaps the most important, is puppies will meet many new people and dogs in puppy class, which will greatly help socialize them, and make them more people and dog friendly. When I take them out to the yard, to grass, rocks or dirt, which ever you prefer , they get used to that feeling on their feet. When they get to your home, your puppy will be used to the surface that you want them to use. This teaches them that talking to you actually works. Going Potty Outside Step by Step — Take your puppy outside on leash, take them to their designated spot, put them down, and give the potty command, stand back without touching them, and wait a bit for them to go to the bathroom. When you know your puppy is done going to the bathroom, praise them, give them a treat or a snuggle and then take them immediately back into the house, unless you are going to play with them outside. Our Main Menu. That was a smart move on your part, because the Doodle is more than just adorably cute; you have a loving and highly intelligent dog who is eager to please and is curious about his or her new environment. What your puppy discovers is up to you, because your Labradoodle will learn whatever you teach it. Those lessons begin the moment it arrives in your home. Put yourself in the place of your puppy. Being anxious makes you nervous, and being nervous makes you. But where? And does it matter? What's in it for You - and Your Doodle? As it turns out, most dog owners say it does matter, a lot. The Labradoodle is a family dog, and as such, needs to live with its family, indoors. That means having a dog that has indoor manners and habits. The Labradoodle has to learn when and where it can go potty. Postponing potty training your Labradoodle will make the process much harder, and it will take longer if you wait to begin instructing your puppy on your expectations. Left untouched, they serve as beacons, or direction finders, to remind your dog to go in this location. Even if you clean it up, you might not be able to remove the scent that draws your pup back to the X that marks the spot. The answer to that question depends on you more than it does on your Labradoodle. Puppies are all about sleeping, waking, eating, playing and pottying. The most difficult part of the potty training process is being ever vigilant. You have to watch your Labradoodle constantly for signs that it needs to go potty. Training yourself to supervise your doodle may be the hardest part of all, but if you know the signs to look for and you have a strategic plan, your Doodle will become a housebroken member of the family, and a pleasure to be around or leave at home without worry that your carpet and floors will become soiled. Training a Labradoodle puppy to use a designated spot to relieve itself is a matter of age and bladder control versus time. Expecting a young pup to hold it for five or six hours sets him up for failure and up for disappointment, if not displeasure. Figure that your pup can hold its bladder and bowels one hour for each month of age, and then add one more hour. A three-month old puppy, for example, should be able to wait to do its business for one to three hours, plus one, or four hours. Your puppy may be able to go longer or need to potty sooner. Rather than wait until the last minute, take your dog out at the three-hour mark. They also have to go outside when they become excited. All training can be divided into one of two categories, regardless of the method used: ignoring or praising. If your Labradoodle has an accident in the house, scoop up the mess and take it outside to the spot you want her to use. After all, no one ever made a fuss about it until now. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and the spot in the house they used once will lure them again and again to do their business unless you remove all evidence of the act. On the other hand, praise your pup for pottying in the location you designated. You can give small treats as rewards. Offer tons of praise and a treat, and after 30 days, wean your pup off the treats. The praise will mean much more to your dog. So which method is best? The one that works. The crate recreates the den your puppy grew up in, and no dog wants to soil its own house if it can be helped. As a benefit, the crate also provides a safe break from all the action in the rest of the house, and sometimes your puppy will choose to hang out in the crate. Baby gates work the same way a crate works.

By Emily A. Fassbaugh, DVM on Oct. They can determine if your dog needs to be professionally examined and treated. Here are some common dog eye problems and signs to look for. Common Dog Eye Problems Dog Eye Infections Dog eye infections can affect the eyelid, the conjunctiva pink part inside the eye , or the eye itself. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these signs: Yellow, green, or red drainage from the eyes Swelling, crusting, and hair loss on the eyelids Very red and swollen conjunctiva and whites of the eyes Your dog squinting or holding their eyes closed Your veterinarian may do an eye stain to check for injury to the cornea. The treatment involves giving your dog eye drops to heal the infection and relieve inflammation. If there is an infection of the eyelid, your veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics. It occurs most often in brachycephalic flat-faced dogs, such as English Bulldogs and Pugs , and in giant dog breeds with droopy eyelids, such as Bullmastiffs and Newfoundlands , but it can happen to any dog. Always take your dog to the vet if you suspect they have cherry eye. When cherry eye in dogs is mild, an anti-inflammatory eye drop can occasionally cause the tear gland to return to its normal position. However, most of the time, surgery is required to replace the tear gland behind the third eyelid. Unfortunately, cherry eye can come back after a dog has surgery. Glaucoma in Dogs Glaucoma in dogs is increased pressure in the eye. Normally, fluid flows in and out of the eye to maintain pressure. Early signs of glaucoma in dogs include eye pain or redness and visible vessels on the whites of the eye. Early glaucoma is treated with medication to decrease fluid production in the eye and allow for better drainage of fluid, reducing the pressure. If the medication cannot control the eye pressure and the pain, your veterinarian may recommend removal of the eye, also called enucleation. This may sound extreme, but dogs can still have a great quality of life without the affected eye. To help avoid eye loss, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of glaucoma. You will see these symptoms: Green or yellow discharge from the eye Squinting or holding the eye closed Rubbing the eye because it is painful or itchy The whites of the eye will be red or bloodshot, but the cornea will typically be clear Conjunctivitis in dogs is triggered often by an allergy or, rarely, a virus. It is treated with a bacterial eye drop or ointment, and sometimes, a steroid is used to reduce inflammation. It usually clears up within a week. Take your dog to the vet so they can be evaluated and prescribed the appropriate treatment. Ectropion in Dogs Ectropion is a condition where the bottom eyelid droops or folds outward, away from the eye. Some breeds of dog can naturally have mild ectropion, including Bullmastiffs , Bassett Hounds , Bloodhounds , Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Spaniels. It is often not a problem, but it can result in chronic inflammation, dry eye, and eye infection in some dogs, so take your dog to the vet if they are exhibiting any of these signs. Surgery can correct ectropion in dogs. Entropion in Dogs Entropion is a condition of the eyelid that causes it to roll inward. It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. In chronic cases, it can cause permanent damage to the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. Entropion in dogs can be fixed with surgery. Visit your vet to determine the best option for your dog. Cataracts in Dogs In dogs with cataracts , the central part of their eye appears cloudy because the lens has lost transparency. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts can be inherited or caused by other diseases. One cause of cataracts is diabetes, as the excess glucose causes the lens to swell. The lens can eventually rupture and cause uveitis, or severe inflammation in the eye. A dog can also develop cataracts as a part of normal aging. Additionally, they can form because of inflammation or infection inside the eye. Depending on the size and the severity of the cataract, some dogs may lose significant vision and become blind. See your vet to have the underlying cause of the cataract identified so your dog can be treated accordingly. In some breeds of dogs, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers , strabismus is congenital and common; this does not require treatment. However, if a lazy eye comes on suddenly, always seek veterinary assistance. A sudden lazy eye in dogs can signal a neurological problem that affects the balance system, or it could be caused by a mass in the ring of bone surrounding the eye. Treating lazy eye in dogs relies on addressing the underlying cause. A dog with a corneal ulcer will have cloudiness in the front of the eye. There may be green, yellow, or clear discharge. Corneal ulcers in dogs can be caused by an injury or infection, or they can result from inflammation of the cornea due to chronic dry eye. Corneal ulcers are very painful, so the dog usually squints the eye closed and may rub at it. Seek treatment from the vet as soon as possible to help make your dog more comfortable. Treatment involves giving your dog an antibiotic eye drop and using an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from rubbing their eye, causing further damage. Some dogs require surgery to heal the ulcer. It contains the cells, called rods and cones, that absorb light signals to send to the brain. The retina is what ultimately allows all mammals to see. All diseases of the retina cause blindness. There are inherited retinal diseases seen in Irish Setters , Briards , and the Papillon. Other causes of retinal diseases in dogs include: High blood pressure. Retinal Dysplasia Entropion By familiarizing yourself with these conditions, their symptoms, and their treatment options, you can prepare yourself for any doggie health emergencies. After all, part of being a pet parent is understanding that sometimes our animals get sick. It can present itself early on during puppyhood or become more evident with age. Labs are just one of many dog breeds affected by this condition. This type of atrophy can lead to total blindness. PRA is a degenerative illness, meaning it tends to become more debilitating over time. However, by recognizing the symptoms and taking early action, pet parents can minimize the adverse effects of PRA. Common Symptoms Unfortunately, some of the most common symptoms of PRA only occur after many retinal cells have already decayed. This means that your dog may already be partially blind by the time they start exhibiting noticeable symptoms. Still, dogs that seem uncoordinated or that often bump into objects may be exhibiting early signs of this condition. You may also notice that your Labrador Retriever struggles to find their toys or locate the entrance to your home. Dogs that generally struggle with their vision may have PRA, but the only way to know for sure is to take your pup to the vet for diagnostic tests. High-quality breeders regularly perform genetic testing on their breeding pairs to ensure healthy litters. Purchasing a pup from a disreputable or inexperienced breeder can result in puppies with PRA. If you are getting your dog from a breeder, you have the right to ask for all their health forms related to the parents and even past litters. They should be able to provide you with proof that the dogs are as healthy as possible. If you suspect that your dog may have PRA, your vet will perform a standard series of eye tests. If they cannot rule out PRA, they may recommend genetic testing to confirm or deny the diagnosis. Sadly, there are few ways to reverse or stop the damage that PRA causes. Still, this condition is not painful. Pet owners can implement helpful tools, introduce new training tasks, and practice patience. This may mean introducing specific sound cues for everyday tasks, reducing home layout changes, and adding protective gates around your home or swimming pool. Overall, the best possible treatment for dogs with PRA is thoughtfulness and affection. Many times, a blocked or inactive tear duct is to blame for this condition. Some breeds are prone to inherited KCS as their genes lack the information to help their bodies generate and maintain healthy tear ducts. However, an infected third eye gland can also cause KCS. Keeping your dog in an unclean kennel or boarding facility can result in KCS. With that in mind, proper hygiene and grooming are two ways that owners can prevent infectious KCS. However, inheritable forms are naturally far more challenging to combat. Common Symptoms When your vet checks for signs and symptoms of KCS, they tend to look for eye irritation and redness, as well as pus-like discharge near the corners of the eyes. Unlike some other eye problems, KCS is almost always present in both eyes at the same time. Still, to make an accurate diagnosis, your vet may perform several minor procedures. They might take a small tissue sample and have it analyzed for the presence of tear film, or they may utilize Schirmer Tear Test strips. Pet parents can also purchase and use Schirmer Tear Test strips to test for eye dryness. Not only are usage instructions included with every order, but each envelope features an easy-to-read scale. The majority of dogs with KCS need special eye drops to keep their eyes healthy. Pups with congenital KCS will likely need daily drops for the whole of their lives. However, dogs with an acute, infectious case of dry eye may be able to wean off eye drops once their infection has cleared up. Notably, this condition may not affect labs as often as it affects other breeds, particularly smaller ones. Breeds such as the Boston terrier and English springer spaniel tend to develop or inherit KCS far more than their larger labrador retriever relatives. Cataracts are far more noticeable than many other eye problems. In turn, the retina may struggle to process the light coming into the eye, resulting in partial or complete blindness. This condition often occurs during old age, but previous eye injuries and certain illnesses can increase cataract development. Additionally, some genetic markers may influence the onset of cataracts. The HSF4 gene seems to be one of the most influential markers of canine cataracts. However, testing for this gene can be challenging and expensive. Still, in most cases, the symptoms of cataracts are evident. Common Symptoms As mentioned above, cataracts are relatively easy to diagnose. In addition, unlike other forms of eye disease, cataracts are fairly noticeable. However, catching cataract formation during its early stages could help reduce overall treatment times and costs. Consequently, pet parents should watch for any discoloration in the eye , as well as any whitish change around the pupil. Conferring with a vet can help you determine whether your labrador retriever has cataracts. Diagnosis and Treatment Like many other types of labrador retriever eye problems, one of the best treatment methods for cataracts is prevention. Adopting a dog from a reputable breeder that screens for genetic diseases and abnormalities is crucial. However, owners of labs that are currently developing cataracts should seek veterinary counsel. In some cases, canine cataract surgery may also be an option. Vets often perform a physical examination to check for cataracts. Retinal Dysplasia One of the more common inherited eye problems that labrador retrievers develop is retinal dysplasia RD. While breeders can test for RD, helping prevent its spread to future generations, some breeders opt-out of genetic testing. This abnormal shape or design can result in partial blindness or vision difficulties. In many cases, a dog with RD will have strange folds throughout their retina. While many cases are mild and relatively treatable, severe cases can lead to total retinal detachment. When this happens, your lab will go entirely blind. That said, some dogs are born with a form of RD that disappears with time. If puppies fall ill while still in the womb, they may be more prone to developing RD. Visiting your vet is the best way to diagnose and treat RD. Consistent check-ups can help you determine the type of RD your labrador retriever has and how best to treat it. Generally, pet parents may struggle to identify the earliest symptoms of RD. A vet can use precise medical instruments to test for eye conditions, including RD. Depending on their age and the severity of their particular condition, these dogs may already be partially or totally blind. Be sure to take note of any clumsiness or confusion your dog exhibits. Walking into walls, getting lost, or bumping into new pieces of furniture are all signs of vision problems. That said, most vets will use an ophthalmoscope to check for retinal folds and attachments. Unfortunately, retinal dysplasia is not treatable, so if your labrador retriever is diagnosed with severe RD, the first course of action should be to have them spayed or neutered. Doing this will help future puppies from inheriting the condition. Secondly, you should do everything you can to ensure your dog has a happy and healthy life. For example, you may want to set up protective gates around your house, especially if you live in a multi-story dwelling. Entropion Entropion might be the most common eye problem that plagues labrador retrievers. Entropion is when the upper or lower eyelids roll inward toward the eye. Additionally, tiny particles of dust or dirt can become trapped between the eyelid and eye surface, causing pain and discomfort. Labrador retrievers may be prone to developing a case of entropion due to excess skin around the eyes. Older dogs may be slightly more at risk of developing this condition, as the skin around the eyes occasionally forms small folds. Left untreated, entropion can result in long-lasting vision damage. This often means pawing at the affected eye or repeatedly rubbing it against surfaces. Unfortunately, these methods typically only add to the problem. Dogs with entropion may also produce an excessive amount of tears and appear to be crying. In addition, their eyes may be swollen, red, and irritated. Additionally, some dogs squint and repeatedly blink when suffering from entropion. This is similar to how you might react if you got a small piece of sand in your eye. Early treatment often results in few veterinary costs, as mild acute cases might only require a few days worth of lubricating eye drops. Sadly, deciding to wait for veterinary care could cause your dog lasting pain and vision loss. Diagnosis and Treatment Vets can spot entropion from a mile away. The more challenging aspect of this condition is determining the level of damage caused to the cornea. Severe, long-term cases may require surgery, removing some excess skin around the eye, much like an eye lift. The best time to visit your vet is pretty much any time! Conclusion Labrador retrievers may inherit specific eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy PRA and retinal dysplasia. Older dogs also have a relatively high risk of developing cataracts as they enter their senior years. Dogs with malformed or injured eyelids can also suffer from entropion. That said, some conditions are hereditary, making them challenging to prevent. Still, there are helpful treatment options that can help labrador retrievers with eye problems enjoy a happier, more comfortable life. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. After all, vision is central to much of our interaction with the world. We also would hate to see this horrible event happen to our furry friends. Since dogs also have sharper hearing and smell than humans, they are actually able to adapt to blindness better than their owners. The retinal tissue, as the name suggests, eventually atrophies until the entire retina is dead and the dog is unable to see. If you remember from biology class, the retina, which is found at the back of the eye, is divided into rods and cones. These rods and cones turn visual stimulation into electrical impulses that the brain reads as sight. Rods are responsible for night and black and white vision, and cones are responsible for color. Contrary to popular belief, dogs actually can see some color, just not at the level of humans. PRA slowly attacks the rods of the eye, killing them and causing the retina to degenerate. However, it is also seen in puppies and older dogs. Unfortunately, the inevitable result is often total blindness for the dog. PRA is found in many different types of dogs, but Labrador Retrievers are prone to this disorder identified in certain genetic markers associated with the breed. Other breeds plagued by the disease include collies, Irish setters, miniature poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Briards, Mastiffs, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies. Labs are more prone to a subset of PRA called central progressive retinal atrophy, which means they initially lose their central vision, but can often keep their peripheral vision for years before it finally fades away. There is a marked faulty development in a group of cells in the retina, which worsens over time and eventually spreads to the rest of the rods. If your Labrador develops PRA, you need to inform your breeder immediately to ensure they change their breeding protocol. Additionally, all of the siblings of the dog with PRA should not be bred. Other Causes of PRA While genetic deformities in the eye are the main reason dogs develop this disease, there are additional causes for progressive blindness due to the retina slowly dying. Long-term glaucoma, scarring and inflammation of the retina, or separation of the retina due to trauma. Metabolic issues from insufficient or excessive amounts of enzymes. Cancer from other areas of the body that spreads to the retina. Nutritional deficiencies: specifically lack of Vitamin A or E. Retinal infections that spread from other parts of the body. Adverse reactions to specific drugs or toxins. Dogs are actually very good at hiding their blindness and sharpening their other senses to adapt. Because of the slow progression of PRA, dogs have ample time to learn to rely more on their hearing, smell, memory of their surroundings and touch. PRA is usually painless, which means your dog just quietly learns how to get around in other ways as their visual world slowly fades away. There are usually no obvious outward signs around the eye such as squinting, redness or excessive tearing. Usually, the first signs that your dog is developing PRA is night blindness, which then progresses to total blindness even in the day. You may notice your dog is more reluctant to run the entire yard at night, and instead stays within the glow of the porch light. They may be afraid to go into a dark room, but will happily go into the room when you turn on the light. As the disease continues to advance, you may start to see changes in the eyes. The dogs pupils may be dilated or have a slow response to light. The best way to catch PRA early is with routine eye examinations from a veterinarian. An ophthalmologist can view the retina with an instrument called an indirect ophthalmoscope. With this tool, they will be able to see changes in the blood flow to the retina, the optic nerve and the tapetum. Another way to diagnose PRA is by electroretinography. This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the retina, similar to the way an ECG test measures the beat of the heart. Electroretinography is widely regarded as the best way to determine a definitive diagnosis. Since there are some nutritional components to this disease, you need to make sure you are feeding your pup the highest quality food to give them everything they need for proper eye development. Some vets promote certain antioxidant therapies to slow the progression of PRA, but as of yet there is no confirmed treatment or cure. Some dogs do develop cataracts in the later stages of PRA. Even if the cataract is removed, the true cause of the blindness is in the damaged retina. However, while blindness can often be traumatic for the owners, most dogs actually do just fine sharpening their other senses to still get around easily without additional stress. Conclusion Since this disease progresses slowly and is usually painless, the gradual loss of vision gives the dogs adequate time to learn to rely on their other senses and map out their surroundings. While it may be tempting to humanize this condition, dogs have much better senses of hearing and smell than we do. Losing their vision is usually not a traumatic experience as long as their surroundings remain predictable and they are with their loved ones. They need your guidance and love, not your pity and sadness. With a bit of research, owners can learn how to help blind dogs transition into a world where they rely on their other senses to lead happy, healthy lives. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. But I recently got a severe shock when I took my big yellow lab to visit my parents. This dog has the best personality in regards to loving people. He is totally devoted to me. My father is 92 and failing health leaves him very seddentary. But when I took him on the four hour trip to go there, I found out my dog is mostly blind. He is only four and a half, and is seemingly very healthy. When we got to there house He was so terrified, all he would do in crouch down on the floor and hold on for dear life. I could barely get him to go from the bedroom to the kitchen. .He was obviously not misbehaving, it was totally due to fear. Apparently, he has his own seeing eye dog. Breeders who take advantage of genetic testing and annual eye examinations are helping to prevent eye diseases. The most common eye disease in Labradors is a late-onset form of progressive retinal atrophy known as rod-cone degeneration prcd-PRA. Before the discovery of the gene mutation for prcd-PRA in , breeders often bred carriers and affected dogs without realizing they were passing the disease onto future generations. The development of the genetic test has helped to advance breeders' ability to test their dogs and make responsible breeding decisions. We never have to eliminate a dog solely based on its PRA status. The goal is not to eliminate carriers but to eliminate affected dogs. The chances are very high the pups will go blind before they are 10, and PRA is a completely preventable disease. Though the condition is considered rare, with around 3 percent of Labradors identified as carriers, it is devastating to those whose dogs develop the disease. Retinal dysplasia encompasses a spectrum of severities, ranging from focal or multifocal retinal folds to geographic retinal dysplasia and retinal detachment. Retinal folds typically are considered benign and have no significance unless they are associated with oculoskeletal dysplasia. These eye diseases, as well as others for which there are no genetic tests, prompted the Labrador Retriever Club to recommend annual eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and testing for inherited eye diseases for dogs that are part of a breeding program. Puppies should have eye examinations around 6 to 8 weeks of age before they are sold to new owners to check for retinal folds and the possibility of oculoskeletal dysplasia. Eye examinations, in which results are registered through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Eye Certification Registry or Canine Eye Registration Foundation, are among the required tests for Labradors to receive health clearances via Canine Health Information Center certification. The retina, located at the back of the eye, takes the light gathered and focused by the other eye structures and converts it into electrical nerve signals to send it to the optic nerve and then the brain for interpretation. Besides Labrador Retrievers, the recessive gene mutation occurs in more than 20 breeds. Experts say signs of the disease are visible by physical eye examination when dogs are between 3 and 6 years of age. Owners may initially notice their dogs having diminished sight in the evening. In prcd-PRA, retinal receptor cells develop and function normally in early life, but at some point in mid to later life, they degenerate and die. There are are two types of receptor cells: rods and cones. The rods, which are responsible for vision in low light levels, die first. Thus, affected dogs may have difficulty seeing in dim light. The cones, which are more important for detail, movement and color vision, follow. A dog eventually loses vision in bright light until becoming completely blind. Physical signs of prcd-PRA are determined by ophthalmoscopy, and electrical signs are detected by electroretinography. Both appear much earlier than behavioral signs. Owners may notice that their dog's eyes glow. This occurs as the receptor cells die, leaving the retina thinner and thus allowing the shiny tapetum behind it to show through more. In addition, the pupil compensates for the lack of light reception by opening up wider. The added effect of the wider pupil and brighter tapetum makes the dog's eyes glow to the point that owners may be the first to notice something different. More often, however, it is a routine eye examination that leads to discovery of the problem. The good news is that DNA testing allows identification of carriers and affected and normal dogs. Helmers recalls having all the dogs in her kennel tested when the test was first offered. When the results showed two were affected, I spayed them and found good homes for them. I wanted them to be in good pet homes if and when they started to go blind. The disease is considered the canine version of retinitis pigmentosa in humans, which has more than genetic mutations, all resulting in identical clinical signs. We are interested in any outliers, such as prcd-affected Labradors that show clinical retinal degeneration by 3 years of age or that, conversely, show no clinical signs of retinal degeneration after around 9 years of age. These outliers will hopefully point us to modifiers that affect retinal degeneration and help us learn more about therapy for treating retinal diseases in dogs and humans. Angie was born blind due to the hereditary disease. Today, one would not suspect the 8-year-old is blind. Walsh is past president of LABMED, an organization that has helped fund and care for 1, rescued Labradors and Labrador mixed breeds since it was founded in .The Walshes couldn't help but fall in love with the blind, bowlegged puppy. She can figure out her surroundings in a matter of minutes and is a fearless explorer. We forget she's blind because she rarely bumps into anything. The retinal layer may fold over and prevent normal focusing. A few small folds seldom cause a change in vision, but larger areas may cause blind spots. Folds are noticeable in puppies from 8 to 16 weeks of age. Some folds may disappear in adulthood. The mode of inheritance for most retinal folds is not well characterized. Research by Greg Acland, D. Since OptiGen began offering the genetic test, more than 1, Labradors have been tested for the eye disease. OSD carriers, which inherit one copy of the mutated gene, often have significant retinal dysplasia, although silent carriers without retinal folds are possible too. Some dogs with retinal folds have the benign type and are not susceptible to OSD; however, without genetic testing for OSD, they do not pass an eye examination and are not eligible for CHIC certification. Their status changes if the owner shows test results indicating the dog is not a carrier for the OSD mutation. Annual eye examinations are the best way to identify affected dogs for earlier treatment and to avoid using them in breeding programs. Among the diseases without DNA tests is entropion, an eye disorder in which the eyelid and eyelashes roll inward in an abnormal inversion. Most cases are due to a dog's facial and eyelid conformation. Signs include excessive tearing, squinting, redness and facial rubbing. In severe cases, irritation of the cornea may produce conjunctivitis, keratitis or ulceration. Surgery, which can be expensive, corrects the disorder. I know dogs that had entropion surgery yet ended up in a breeding program, which transmits the disease to the next generation. Congenital cataracts are present at birth, whereas juvenile cataracts occur in dogs under 6 and senile cataracts in dogs older than 6. Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in dogs and humans. About breeds are affected by hereditary forms, and some breeds may develop more than one form. Little is known about the genetics of cataracts, a condition in which the clear lens of the eye used for focusing develops cloudy spots that gradually inhibit light from reaching the retina. The opacity inhibits the lens from focusing light onto the retina. As the lens gets cloudier, the light reaching the retina is reduced until a dog eventually becomes blind. Labradors are among the breeds prone to a type of juvenile cataract that forms under the lens capsule, or the sac-like covering of the lens, called posterior polar subcapsular cataracts PPSC. Fortunately, the PPSC type progresses slowly and seldom interferes with vision. Surgery to remove cataracts in dogs is almost identical to cataract surgery in humans. Advances in microsurgery make the procedure appropriate for younger, healthy dogs, resulting in more retained vision and greater success. Ophthalmologists who specialize in this surgery can take the lens out of the eye and replace it with an artificial lens, restoring vision effectively. Concerns about these diseases, plus others, prompt breeders to vigilantly have annual eye examinations and genetic testing in their breeding dogs. This practice lies at the crux of reducing eye diseases in Labrador Retrievers. Purina appreciates the support of the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. Test results from examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists will be entered in the registry and become part of the clinical database. Dogs with normal results will receive OFA eye certification numbers valid for one year. The addition of eye examination results in the OFA database makes OFA the most complete resource of canine health screening results in the world. OFA will share a percentage of its registration fees with ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation to support research leading to elimination of ocular diseases causing vision loss and suffering in animals. For information, visit the OFA website at: www. Written By Remi Audette Vision is precious to dogs just like it is to people. Unfortunately, like us, dogs can experience eye issues that affect their vision. Here are 8 common dog eye problems you should be aware of: Conjunctivitis One of the most common eye infections in dogs is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs are similar to humans and include redness, inflammation and eye discharge. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction to smoke, pollen, perfume or other irritants. Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious to humans, so you should visit your vet for treatment options. Until it clears up, limit contact with your dog and wash your hands regularly. Cherry Eye Dogs have three eyelids, with the third located in the inner corner of their eye. Cherry eye occurs when this third eyelid prolapses out after it becomes inflamed, resembling a red cherry. With puppies under the age of one and certain dog breeds being most susceptible. Surgery is usually needed to repair cherry eye in dogs, so it is important to consult your vet. Cataracts Cataracts are clouding of the eye lens, which is progressively more common as dogs get older. Cataracts may also make the eye more prone to developing inflammation and conditions like glaucoma. Surgery is the only long-term treatment, which involves your vet removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs include pain, redness, cloudiness, eye tearing or bulging and dilated pupils. Causes range from eye inflammation, tumours or trauma. .This can lead to eye irritation, infection or other damage, including corneal scarring. Symptoms of entropion include redness, squinting and excessive tearing. Entropion is usually caused by genetics and is more common in certain breeds, especially short-nosed and giant breeds. Contact your vet if you suspect your dog has entropion, and they will treat it using antibiotics, artificial tears, temporary stitches, contact lenses to protect the cornea or entropion surgery. It is also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and symptoms include redness, squinting, excessive blinking, gunky discharge and eye pawing. Ensure you consult your vet if you notice these signs, as dry eye in dogs can result in corneal ulcers. They may suggest using artificial tears and immunomodulating drops. These ulcers can be caused by trauma or chronic dry eyes. If not properly treated, dog corneal ulcers can worsen and get bigger. Visit your vet so they can determine the necessary treatment, which may include ointment, antibiotic drops or eye surgery. Keep an eye out for any symptoms of eye problems in your dog and contact your vet if you notice any issues. If you suspect that your dog has eye problems, give us a call at 03 to get advice from one of our experienced vets. Cherry eye Entropion So what exactly are these issues and what should you do about them? Read on to find out. Corneal Damage There are plenty of ways your dog can injure their eyes and damage the cornea. They could scratch their eye with their nails trying to satisfy an itch. They might get poked by a branch as they are running past the bushes. Or they could get a bit of dirt or debris in them while playing outside. The signs of corneal damage can include redness and excessive tearing. You may also notice your dog pawing at the eye since it can be irritating and painful. If you suspect your dog has an eye injury, you should have a veterinarian take a look. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend treatment, which could include antibiotic drops to help avoid infection. Dry Eye Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is quite a mouthful so we'll stick to calling it dry eye. This condition occurs when a dog's tear glands aren't producing enough tears to properly lubricate and clean the eye of dust and other debris. Dry eye can result in scratches, ulcers, and other problems with the eyes. Signs of dry eye can include redness, squinting, blinking, and pawing at the eye. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has dry eye. They may recommend applying sterile saline or artificial tears to your dog's eyes to help alleviate the problem. Pink Eye Conjunctivitis Like people, dogs can get pink eye with those familiar symptoms, including redness, inflammation, and gooey eye discharge. Pink eye can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. If it's bacterial, your dog will need an antibiotic eye solution to help clear it up. Pink eye can also be brought on by an allergic reaction or if something gets in your dog's eye. If your dog is allergic to something like a particular scent or cigarette smoke, you can try to keep them away from the irritant. In the case of outdoor allergies or hay fever, you can ask your veterinarian about using a saline solution or artificial tears to flush irritants from your dog's eyes when they come back inside. Eyelid Mass If you notice a bump on or at the edge of your dog's eyelid, you should have it checked out by your veterinarian. Fortunately, these masses are often not cancerous. They can be caused by issues including a cyst or benign tumor. Your veterinarian can help determine if the mass is cancerous and whether or not it requires treatment such as surgical removal. Cataracts If you notice that your dog's eyes are getting white or cloudy, cataracts may be to blame. This condition tends to show up in dogs as they get older, much like it does for people. Cataracts can also be a sign of an underlying illness, such as diabetes. Contact your veterinarian if you start to notice signs of cataracts in your dog's eyes. Glaucoma Glaucoma happens when fluid in the eye does not drain properly and causes pressure inside the eyeball. Symptoms can include redness, tearing, cloudiness, dilated pupils, and bulging of the eye. It can be painful and eventually result in blindness. Any dog can have glaucoma, but it is more prevalent in certain breeds including Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Chow Chows. Medications to control pain, decrease fluid production, and increase drainage can be helpful. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. Cherry Eye Did you know dogs have three eyelids? The third one is normally hidden away in the inner corner of the eyelid. However, if the ligaments that hold it in place weaken, it can stick out like a red cherry from the corner of your dog's eye. This condition typically requires surgery to repair. Entropion Entropion is a hereditary eyelid abnormality that causes the eyelid to fold inward. When this happens, the eyelashes or hairs on the outside of the eyelid can rub against the cornea resulting in irritation and damage to the eye. It can also cause corneal scarring, which can interfere with your dog's vision. Signs of entropion can include squinting and excessive tearing. Healthy Eye Care for Dogs While you can't always prevent a dog eye problem, there are things you can do to help keep your pup's eyes healthy and injury-free. Schedule those check-ups — Routine wellness exams can help your veterinarian detect eye problems in the early stages even before you might notice them. Clean them gently — When you give your dog a bath , you can use a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently clean around they eyes. Wipe outward from the corner and be careful not to scratch the eye. If your dog has tear staining, which causes dark spotting in the fur around the eyes, you may need to clean them more often. Clip their nails — This can help prevent your dog from injuring their eye if they paw at their face. If you're worried about cutting your dog's nails on your own, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how or do it for you. Trim their hair — When you groom your dog , make sure the fur near their eyes isn't so long that it irritates them. Close windows when driving — You should never let your dog hang their head out the window of a moving car no matter how much they love it. You should also close your windows when your dog is in the car. Bugs, dirt, or other debris could fly in through the open window and harm your dog's eyes. If something does happen to your dog's eyes, a pet health insurance plan can help cover the costs of care. Get a quote for your dog. Does My Dog Have Asthma? If your dog is coughing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe, they may have asthma. To help keep your pup healthy, read up on preventive measures, symptoms, and treatment options. Email Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. Then give them a treat. Sign up for product updates, offers, and learn more about The Wildest, and other Mars Petcare brands. Must be over 16 years to sign up. I'm In See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights. It could be something more than cuteness, though. Eye problems in dogs are no joke — dogs can suffer from a host of health conditions including glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, cataracts and more. Light enters through the pupil, and the iris controls the amount of light allowed in. Light then passes through the cornea and lens, which focus the light on the retina, a layer containing color-sensitive cones and motion- and light-sensitive rods, which convert light into electrical signals. The cones and rods send these signals via the optic nerve to the brain, which constructs an image from them. Dogs have only two types of cones, compared with the three types in human eyes. Dog eyes also contain structures not found in a camera, such as the gel-like vitreous humor that fills the eyeball and gives it shape. Canine eyes are different than human eyes in that they have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane, a thin whitish-pink tissue that protects the eye. The visual streak is a horizontal band in the retina right above the optic nerve; this area has the highest concentration of rods and cones, and vision is sharpest here. The visual streak varies greatly among breeds, and studies suggest that different breeds see the world differently. In dogs with long heads like wolves, the streak is wide, with the nerves evenly distributed. Even within breeds, the visual streak can vary from type to type. How Well Do Dogs See? All of these features equip a dog to be a good hunter under various light conditions. A rod-dense retina also makes dogs excellent at detecting motion and shapes. When a wide field of vision combines with a wide visual streak, as in a German Shepherd, a dog can see the whole horizon at once instead of having to scan the eyes back and forth as humans do. Short-nosed dogs, with their human-like area centralis, do appear to see well up close. Overall vision is also less sharp. Note: Some dog breeds are more prone to eye problems than others, and a mixed-breed with one of those types in the mix could also be affected. Conjunctivitis in Dogs Conjunctivitis is a condition in which the lining of the eyelids and the front of the sclera the white of the eye become inflamed. Treatment depends on the cause. Dry Eye in Dogs Dry Eye is when not enough tears are produced to keep the eyes properly lubricated. Small, flat-faced dogs sometimes have eyes that bulge so much that their eyelids cannot close, which makes the surface of the eyes to dry out. Dry eye may also result from an immune system reaction, an injury or a drug side effect. Dryness can be a serious problem for dogs because dry eyes are easily irritated and may develop conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. If the cause is known, the veterinarian treats that as well. Most ulcers are caused by injuries, and treatment often involves antibiotics. Small dog breeds with very short noses and big eyeballs are more prone to eye injuries, says Dr. Samuel J. Most dogs with cataracts inherited the tendency to develop them. Diabetes , injuries, poor diet and aging can also lead to cataracts. Surgery is available to treat dogs with cataracts. Removing the lens allows light to again enter the eye. For best post-surgery vision, the natural lens is usually replaced by a plastic lens. Glaucoma In Dogs Glaucoma is the elevated pressure of the fluid inside the eyeball caused by fluid draining more slowly than it is produced. Dogs with glaucoma can experience damage to the retina or optic nerve. Most often, dogs get glaucoma because they inherited an eye structure that leads to poor drainage. Primary glaucoma has no obvious cause, and it affects both eyes although one eye may develop glaucoma earlier than the other. Secondary glaucoma is glaucoma that is caused by a dislocated lens, injury, tumor or other problem that decreases fluid drainage in the eye; it may affect just one eye. Glaucoma treatments include surgery, pills, eye drops or rarely removal of the eyeball. Although PRA strikes more than breeds of dogs, different genes are responsible. Therefore, breeds differ in the age at which the condition appears, how fast the condition progresses, and the ratio of males to females among affected dogs. Genetic tests for PRA are available for several breeds. Other retinal problems include detachment of the retina from the back of the eye, inflammation and abnormal development. Causes include infection and injury. Some retinal disorders have no treatment, while others can be helped by surgery or treatment of the cause. Small dogs may be more prone to retinal detachment. According to Dr. Vainisi, several small breeds of dogs, including Boston Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers and Shih Tzus, love to pick up toys and shake them hard. A dog with eye or vision problems may paw at or scratch their eye, squint, bump into things, become afraid of the dark, or be frightened in situations that did not frighten them before. The nictitating membrane may partially cover the eye. If your dog seems to have an eye problem, take them to the veterinarian right away. Your vet may have the knowledge and equipment to diagnose and treat the problem immediately; if not, they may refer your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist, a specialist in animal eyes and their disorders. Only about veterinarians in the United States have board certification from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. As a result, if your dog needs a veterinary ophthalmologist, you may need to travel to see one. Some, but not all, veterinary ophthalmologists see dogs only by referral. The bottom line: If your dog has an eye issue, make an appointment with your vet right away. Related articles. Labrador Retrievers Carl Palazzolo T Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds we care for at our hospital. They are predisposed to certain diseases though, so careful observation of your pets daily routine is important. Any significant change in this routine is cause for an examination. Our web site in the Diseases Section has detailed information on many of the diseases they are prone to. Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to hip dysplasia , a disease characterized by malformation in the hip socket, which eventually causes arthritis. The symptoms of this disease can vary, from a pet that is just not as active as it should be, to a dog that can barely get up after laying down. This breed also gets joint problems in other bones, particularly to the elbow joint and shoulder joint. Problems here are usually manifested by limping in the front legs. A physical exam and x-rays will help make the diagnosis. If your young lab seems lethargic, disoriented, or just not with it, especially after eating, it might have a liver disease called a portosystemic shunt. Unfortunately, the also can get a malignant cancer of the lymph nodes called lymphosarcoma. Please refer to our Learning Center to learn how to perform a lymph node exam. One of our doctors will help you find them. Active labs that run and jump vigorously are prone to tearing a ligament in their knee call the cranial cruciate ligament. This occurs where there is a twisting or tweaking motion. Symptoms range from a subtle lameness to complete limping. Labradors are also at risk for several eye problems including PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy , cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. All of these eye problems manifest themselves by a loss of vision. If we suspect one of these problems we will refer you to our ophthalmologist. Hereditary cataracts can also occur. Labrador Retrievers can also have an inherited deficiency in one of the clotting factors of the blood. Dogs affected with this disease may have symptoms varying from very mild to severe bleeding. If your pet bruises easily or bleeds excessively, this disease is a possibility. Hypothyroidism , a metabolic disease characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone circulating in the bloodstream, is common in the breed. Affected animals may also have various reproductive problems, including irregular or absent estrus heat cycle , and lack of fertility. Other hormone problems include Hyperadrenocorticism Cushings , Diabetes Mellitus sugar diabetes , and insulonima causing low blood sugar. Symptoms vary, and usually include excess drinking and urinating. If your Lab is underweight and regurgitates its food it might have an esophagus problem secondary to myasthenia gravis. This breed is prone to many skin problems , particularly allergies and hot spots. The usual symptoms are excessive scratching, flaky or bumpy skin, an odor to the haircoat, and hairloss. Also watch for a lack of pigmentation on the nose or flakiness to the nose. Run your hands over its haircoat daily because they can even get a malignant skin cancer called a mast cell tumor. These can appear as minor bumps or areas of inflammation, yet they can be highly malignant. A vast array of eye problems can occur. Any discharge, redness, swelling, squinting, or pawing at the eyes is reason for an immediate exam. Labs are also prone to ear trouble , which can be very painful without your realization. Any sign of head shaking, pawing at the ears, inflamed ears or odor requires veterinary attention. Daily checking for odors or discharge, and proper cleaning when needed, will help prevent this problem. Several different types of heart problems can affect them. Look for symptoms of lethargy, exercise intolerance, coughing, and poor appetite as a clue. Search for:. We are honored she chose an article she wrote for us for her submission, and thrilled to hear that she was recognized for it by the dog writing community. They smile, they seduce, and they are powerful enough to pry a pork chop right out of your palm. Labrador retrievers are prone to congenital and acquired eye disorders, and knowing what to look for will help you get your pet the help he needs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy If your Lab seems to stumble when it gets dark, his night vision could be failing. Loss of night vision is a symptom of progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, a group of inherited eye diseases that involve the deterioration of the retina. This disease attacks the rod cells in the retina, the cells that help the eye see in low light. You may suspect your Lab has this if his eyes have a reflective shine and he seems to have difficulty in dimly lit situations. Unfortunately, prcd is progressive, and your pup may eventually become blind. A veterinary ophthalmologist can diagnose prcd even before symptoms appear with an electroretinogram, a test that measures activity in the retina. Genetic testing can also be conducted with a simple blood sample. There is no treatment or cure or treatment for this disease, but careful breeding has made it less common, Dr. If your Lab has entropion, it will be obvious in the first year. His eyelid usually the lower one will roll in toward his eye. His fur and eyelashes will rub against the surface of the eye causing irritation, excessive tearing, and redness. You may notice that he squints or tries to rub his eye with his paw or on the floor. Entropion can be corrected with plastic surgery that removes a small slit of extra skin below the eye. In some cases, your vet may be able to train the eyelid to stay in the correct position by temporarily suturing the eyelid to the skin below, forcing it to roll out and away from the eye. Peiffer, who has three Labs at home. Cataracts If your Lab has cataracts, one or both eyes will have a milky cast to them. That cloudy appearance around middle age is caused by a change in the lens of his eye. Because cataracts make the lens opaque instead of clear, they prevent light from reaching the retina and eventually cause blindness. Researchers suspect that Labs inherit this common disease, but they have yet to identify the gene that causes it, Dr. Cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, also common in Labs, or by inflammation or trauma to the eye. This change is a bit like needing reading glasses in your 40s, Dr. Cataracts can be removed, but you should think twice before opting for cataract surgery, Dr. For some reason, dogs have a much higher rate of complication than humans do after this common eye surgery. A high percentage of Labradors will develop glaucoma after cataract surgery, even though glaucoma — unrelated to surgery — usually occurs in only 10 percent of Labs. In fact, one-third of all Labradors will develop glaucoma after the surgery, according to a paper published in the Veterinarian Ophthalmology Academic Journal in .He can still have a life worth living. Conjunctivitis is the term used for a contagious eye infection usually seen in dogs 18 months or younger and can generally be treated with antibiotic drops. But not all eye infections are contagious, and they can come from a variety of sources. Lisa Lomond, who sees dogs a month at her Los Angeles practice. Where you live may help provide a clue to the type of infection and the appropriate treatment, Dr. Peiffer said. For example, in the east, tick-borne Lyme disease can cause a secondary eye infection. In the southwestern U. In the Midwest, your Lab can be blinded and potentially die if he inhales infectious spores from the Blastomyces fungus. Retinal Dysplasia Your Lab can be born with retinal dysplasia and you may not even know it, Dr. In Labs, retinal dysplasia is associated with another syndrome called oculoskeletal dysplasia, he said, which can cause shortened limbs, a detached retina, and early blindness. As with prcd, a genetic test has been developed to detect the gene for retinal dysplasia. Selective breeding has helped to reduce the number of dogs born with the disease. You can promote healthy eyes with antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A, C, and E, recommended Dr. And remember that if your Lab does have a congenital or acquired eye disease that impacts his vision, he can still live a long, healthy life. However, you may need to adapt your lifestyle together. Most dogs who lose their sight learn to negotiate at home just fine, but rearranging the furniture will confuse them. Any of these presenting signs may represent something serious.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Free Bulldog Puppy Starter Kit! Breeds The link has been copied! Are you looking for a new four-legged addition to your family? The blue English Bulldog is an adorable and unique breed of canine companion that will appeal to pet lovers everywhere. The blue English Bulldog stands out from many other breeds. They have distinct traits that make them unique and endearing to so many. In this blog post, we'll explore why owning a blue English Bulldog breed can be such an incredible experience, from their chill personality and cheerful disposition to their loving nature and ability to stick by your side through thick or thin. Read on if you're interested in discovering more about this eye-catching pup. A blue English Bulldog is one of the unique and striking hues among the breed. They have a shimmery, silvery-gray coat that stands out from other colors in the Bulldog family. It can appear almost black at first glance but has a subtle icy sheen that's unmistakable. Blue English Bulldogs tend to have light eyes and blue noses, adding to their eye-catching appearance. Though the coat color is rare, this makes the blue English Bulldog even more desirable to pet owners. They are often referred to as "blue fawns" due to their distinct coloring. English Bulldogs are known for their unique coat colors, especially when it comes to the 'blue' variety. This results in a lightening of the coat, which in turn gives it a distinct bluish-gray tint. The coloring is also not just limited to blue, as it can range from a pale steel gray right through to a deeper grayish-black color depending on the intensity of the mutation. They typically have short, smooth coats with a white or fawn undercoat. Their faces are round and flat, with long wrinkles on the forehead, and a short, wide muzzle. The ears are small and folded over their heads. Bulldogs' tails are also short and thickly coated. They have strong legs that end in feet that are slightly turned outwards, giving them a distinctive look. When walking or running, their strong bodies move in a smooth, rolling way that is unmistakably "Bulldog" in nature. These Bulldogs typically stand 12 to 16 inches tall. An athletic build, a broad chest, and short legs give them a solid appearance. While compact, blue English Bulldogs are surprisingly strong and powerful in terms of strength and agility. They also have very determined personalities, which can sometimes come off as stubbornness if not properly trained or given enough attention. This blood sport involved tying a bull to a stake, while several Bulldogs would fight against it in an attempt to subdue it, all while spectators bet on who would win. After the blood sport was outlawed in , these Bulldogs were bred primarily as companion animals and show dogs. Some historians believe that bulldogs were also used to hunt boar and guard livestock at one point. A fascinating feature about blue English Bulldogs is that they are actually black dogs whose coat color has been diluted through generations of breeding. A blue English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed of dog. They have a solid, weighty build. Their broad chest, muscular body and short legs give them a powerful, stocky appearance. Although they are not fluffy fur dogs, their short coats often appear thick and heavy due to their dense muscle mass. While they may not be the biggest breed of dog out there, they are certainly larger than toy breeds and possess impressive strength for their size. When fully grown, they can reach heights of up to 16 inches at the shoulder. Their weight depends on their size, but on average a male blue English Bulldog will weigh around pounds while females will weigh slightly less at pounds. They are eager to please their owners and families, and tend to form strong bonds with them quickly. Their sweet, docile nature makes them great companions for those who want a laid-back pet that is content to snuggle up on the couch. Despite their appearance of having low energy levels, they enjoy being active and will love going out for regular walks and playing in the yard with their family members. This breed is intelligent and alert, making them an excellent watchdog too. They can be stubborn at times but respond readily when given consistent training. As with all breeds, socialization from a young age is key to ensuring the blue English Bulldog grows up to be a well-rounded adult dog. Yes, the blue English Bulldog is a great family dog. They are loyal, friendly, and affectionate companions that make excellent playmates for children and other pets. Because of their mellow nature, they don't require as much exercise as other dog breeds , making them an ideal pet for busy families or those living in urban areas. The blue English Bulldog's intelligence and gentle nature make them easy to train and can even be taught simple tricks. Their loving personality makes them great guardians as well. All in all, the blue English Bulldog is an ideal pet for families looking for a faithful companion who will give plenty of love and devotion in return. Blue English Bulldog Health Risks With any breed of dog, there are certain health risks that owners should be aware of before bringing one into their home. Here we will discuss the various blue English Bulldog health issues associated with these Bulldogs specifically. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is one of the most common blue English bulldog health risks. This is a condition caused by the shortened skull typically found in brachycephalic breeds, like the Bulldog and Pug. Dogs can experience difficulty breathing due to an obstruction in their nasal passages or throat, and this can lead to major respiratory problems such as snoring, gagging, coughing, and even difficulty eating or drinking water. Another big risk for blue English Bulldogs is overheating. This breed has a thick coat that can make it difficult for them to cool down during hot summer months, leading to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke if left outside for too long without access to shade or water. It's important to keep your dog indoors during extremely hot days and provide them with plenty of water at all times in order to prevent overheating. Blue English bulldogs also have a predisposition towards skin problems such as allergies , hot spots, eczema, dry skin, etc. Additionally, this breed is prone to Degenerative myelopathy DM , commonly described as degenerative spine disease, which can cause pain and immobility over time if not addressed properly through diet and exercise modification from a young age. Other potential health risks include eye problems cherry eye, dry eye , hip dysplasia, head shakes, thyroid and heart disease which can both be screened for prior to adoption , cancer, and joint and ligament injuries. While some of these conditions may sound scary at first glance, many of them are preventable or manageable when caught early on with proper care and monitoring from an experienced veterinarian. Being aware of the various health risks associated with blue English Bulldogs is essential in order for owners to provide their pets with the best possible blue English Bulldog care throughout their lifetime. Blue English Bulldog Exercise Requirements Blue English Bulldogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, but they should avoid strenuous exercises. Brisk walking, light jogging, and playing fetch are great ways to give them the exercise they need while keeping them calm. Bulldog owners must also be aware of the breed's limited endurance; Bulldogs become quickly agitated and can overheat easily. For this reason, it is important to keep their exercise sessions short and controlled. Feeding your Bulldog quality food in small amounts throughout the day will help keep energy levels regulated for a more enjoyable exercise routine. A slicker brush and comb should be used to brush the coat at least once or twice a week, with added brushing during seasonal shedding periods. Bathing Once a month to every six to eight weeks is sufficient for bathing a blue English Bulldog. This should include washing the skin folds on its body and face to keep them clean and dry, as food, dirt, or moisture can get trapped in these areas and lead to irritation or infection. Regular checks of these areas are essential. It's also important not to over-bathe your Bulldog, as this may result in skin irritation or damage the coat and increase the chance of skin allergies appearing. When choosing a shampoo for your dog, look for one that is specifically designed for sensitive dog skin. If you prefer, you can take your Bulldog to the groomer for a haircut, nail clipping, or ear cleaning, three to four times a year every three months. Ear Care To ensure a blue English Bulldog's ears remain clean and healthy, they should be cleaned weekly with a cotton ball soaked in a cleansing agent designed specifically for dog ears. It is important to only use a cleanser that has been recommended by a veterinarian, as some products may irritate the skin or cause further infection. When cleaning, it is important to be gentle; it is best to never insert anything deeper than the first knuckle on your finger into the ear canal. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical advice right away. Oral Hygiene To maintain oral hygiene, brushing your dog's teeth at least three to four times a week is a must. Using an enzymatic toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs, as well as a soft-bristled toothbrush and finger brush, will help reduce plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of the teeth. Also, adding dental treats such as chew bones can help massage the gums and remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas in between teeth. It is clear that not all kennel clubs recognize the blue English Bulldog. This means that if an individual wishes to register their blue English Bulldog with a kennel club, they must find one that will acknowledge it as a legitimate breed. There is a possibility that they can be registered with the American Kennel Club and other kennel clubs as a Bulldog. But, unfortunately, this lack of recognition from some of the world's most prominent kennel clubs means that blue English Bulldogs cannot compete in major dog shows or other competitions. Are Blue English Bulldogs Rare? Yes, blue English Bulldogs are indeed very rare. Although there are other rare Bulldog colors in the breed, such as black, chocolate, and lilac, blue is considered to be the most unique and sought-after color of Bulldog. This rarity makes blue English Bulldog puppies more expensive than their counterparts with more common coat colors. In fact, they are so rare that some breeders may not even have access to this type of bulldog at all. Despite this, it does not stop many people from trying to get their hands on a blue English Bulldog pup. The rarest English Bulldog color is known as the merle coat. This unique and distinctive coat color features a pattern of dark brown or black mottled markings on the fur. The merle gene is recessive, meaning that both parents need to possess the gene for puppies to be born with this coloration. As such, breeding for a merle-colored bulldog can be quite difficult and takes time, which explains why it is so rare. Merles are also more prone to health issues because of the associated recessive genetic traits, making them even more scarce in the bulldog world. However, those who do own a merle-colored English Bulldog often consider them highly prized possessions due to their uniqueness. Final Thoughts The blue English bulldog is an amazing pet for families, singles and seniors alike. Their blue English Bulldog characteristics, combined with their adorable looks, make them one of the cutest and most popular companion pets out there. With a decent exercise regime, good nutrition and regular vet visits, these dogs can easily become lifelong members of any family. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Usually, they have a white base with light and dark gray markings. Often, there are also patches of tan and black on their coat. The shades make them appear to have dusky-looking fur. Note that fawn, a light tan or yellow color, may have many different shades, ranging from a pale tan to a deep deer-red. Specifically, brindle stripings are visible on the top of the head and the chest or back area. Usually, these appear to be blue and fawn stripes with various white markings. Blue-grey English Bulldog The blue-grey English Bulldog has a dilute bluish-gray coat, from dark grey to light grey. Their coat usually goes with white or tan color around the face and the chest. These dogs made their first appearance in the United States in the s. They may have patterns including brindle and solid colors white, fawn, red, or black , with or without white markings. A full-grown blue English Bulldog ranges from 12 to 25 inches in height and can weigh around 40 to 50 pounds. They are generally short, compact which adds to their whole appeal. Their size makes them suitable for small living spaces such as apartments, considering they do not need a lot of room to move around. Unlike large dog breeds, their average size makes them less intimidating and easier to manage. Like other breeds, a blue English Bulldog is expected to be fully grown at around one year. Most likely, you can expect your new furry friend to reach its final weight and height after one year and up to 18 months. In most dogs, a blue-colored coat is due to a recessive gene known as the dilution gene. Different color variation in English Bulldogs occurs as genes modify eumelanin to create other colors, including blue grey. For blue English Bulldogs, the genetic locations or Loci is called D for dilution. It is responsible for diluted pigment that lightens coats from black or brown to gray, blue, or very pale brown. The d-d genotype makes up the blue English Bulldog variations: blue brindle, blue fawn, blue with tan points, blue sable fawn, etc. Hence, d-d is a dilution that affects black pigment and black-colored hairs. Are Blue English Bulldogs Rare? Yes, blue English Bulldogs are extremely rare. Typically, you will pay a premium for one because of its uniqueness. Blue Bulldogs are considered one of the rarest colors in the breed, alongside black, chocolate, and lilac. Only a few blue English Bulldogs exist in the world. They are notably tricky to breed to a great degree, making them more costly than standard Bullies. If you find a blue Bulldog pup, ensure that it is a purebred English Bulldog with proper AKC documentation before making a purchase. It would also be best if you affirm that the breeder is reliable and knowledgeable. Most blue English Bulldog puppies do not entirely change color as they grow. When Bulldogs grow, the shade of their coat may change, making them look darker or lighter, but their color usually stays the same. For instance, when blue Bulldog puppies are born, they may look black at first. The coat color may fade over time until they take on a blue or grey coat in their adult years. Different types of lighting may also play an important role in how your Bulldogs appear to the naked eye. Hence, their color can certainly look different in specific lightings. However, the skin and coat of your dog may sometimes change later in life, becoming lighter or darker. It may be due to several reasons such as their nutrition, infectious diseases, cancer, inherited health conditions, bruises, or ear or saliva staining. The different causes of a pigment change in your blue English Bulldog pup may vary. It is better to contact your vet for a diagnostic assessment. However, many kennel clubs do not recognize rare colored Bullies such as the blue English Bulldog. In particular, the American Kennel Club AKC is yet to acknowledge this color along with some other non-standard varieties like merle, lilac, or chocolate. Thanks to their sweet and gentle disposition, the blue English Bulldog makes for a brilliant family pet. Rest assured, their rare coloration does not affect their general temperament in any way. They also have the well-loved sweet disposition of the English Bulldog breed. Some female Bullies tend to display maternal instincts with kids and toddlers around. Hence, they will watch over them and become protective. However, some may act aggressively toward other dogs and cats. Prospective owners must prepare for possible animal aggression. With Strangers: These dogs are typically shy and timid around strangers, especially if not trained to socialize at a young age. If you want your blue English Bulldog to act well around other people, expose them early towards new presences. Before you adopt or buy a blue English Bulldog puppy, get to know the dog so you can assess its overall disposition. It will help you figure out whether the puppy fits your lifestyle or not. The average lifespan of blue English Bulldogs ranges from about 6 to 8 years. They were once considered very healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 years, but their expected dog years changed over the years of breeding. Due to inadequate and improper breeding practices, some blue Bullies may develop genetic health problems. An initial sign to look out for is the gradual onset of a dry and dull hair coat. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: This pathological condition affects short-nosed dogs such as the blue English Bulldog, leading to severe respiratory distress. Some telling signs include Dyspnea or difficulty breathing, stress and heat intolerance during exercise, and collapse. Severe Skin Problems: Your blue English Bulldog may be prone to several skin allergies, hot spots, eczema, and dry skin. The breed is known to be at risk of severe skin infections or recurrence of disease within skin folds. Degenerative Spine Disease: This progressive disease of the spinal cord targets older blue English Bulldogs between 8 and 14 years old. It starts with a lack of balance Ataxia in the hind limbs, causing the affected dog to wobble, knuckle down, or drag his feet while walking. Eye Problems: This condition includes cherry eyes, dry eyes, and more. Eye and eyelid problems are common in blue English Bulldogs, which presents with redness, discharge, and frequent rubbing due to pain. Hip Dysplasia: This common orthopedic condition in blue English Bulldogs results from a malformed hip joint. Thyroid and Heart Disease: Hypothyroidism occurs when your blue English Bulldog is not secreting enough thyroid hormones. This condition is also linked to seizures, heart and blood vessel problems, and infertility. Ensuring your blue English Bulldog has a proper diet, adequate exercise, and treatment are essential in preventing these health problems. Remember that Bulldogs quickly overheat and have breathing problems in hot weather. Hence, never leave your blue Bulldog out in the sun unattended or without access to shade and water. Photo from bigsbythebully IG Blue Bulldog puppies are so rare and hard to produce, which makes them very expensive. The price depends on their coat type, color, and generation. For those wondering if blue puppies are more expensive than other Bulldog colors, the answer is yes. It is quite cheaper than the price range of blue Bulldog puppies. It is going to be very rare to see a blue English Bulldog in any rescue center. Your only chance of owning one of these expensive and rare breeds is by looking for a reputable breeder. Moreover, the high and life-long expenses only start when you bring home these adorable blue English Bulldog puppies. Protein Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Carbohydrates Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function. Fat From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others Responsible for providing quality energy, growth and development. Supports the function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues. Minerals Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production. Water Water Hydration is critical in dogs. Ensure they have water available throughout the day. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function. Typically, Blue English Bulldogs thrive on a diet for medium size dogs. When choosing the best dog food for Blue English Bulldogs, consider their potential health, lifestyle, and nutritional goals. The best dog food for Blue English Bulldogs would be a formula that can support eye health, allergies, bone and joints, coat, and skin health. For instance, if your Blue English Bulldog weighs 45 lbs, it will typically require calories daily. You will need to split the total daily calories into different meals throughout the day—usually, 2 or 3 cups per day of or calories each. Other Nutrition Health-Related Tips To help with allergies and coat problems in Blue English Bulldogs, adding a couple of fish oil squirts to their meals will provide relief and nourishment to keep their skin and coats in good condition. Eye health is essential in this breed. Daily eye care bites like Zesty Paws Eye Supplement and dog eye drops for long-lasting corneal protection and hydration can promote good eye health for your four-legged buddy. They need only a moderate amount of exercise. The best environment for Bulldogs to exercise is in temperate climates as these dogs overheat fast. Blue English Bulldogs need between 20 to 40 minutes of exercise, brisk walking, and playtime daily are ideal for this breed. Keep in mind that Bulldogs get agitated much faster than other dogs and can have breathing difficulties when excited. Regular-intensity exercises and a healthy diet will help your Bulldog stay happy and healthy. But, if you dedicate yourself to training your Bulldog, they will learn it just might take some time. Puppy training classes are highly recommended for English Bulldogs. There are two essential training aspects you should focus on from a young age with your Blue English Bulldog. Here are some grooming tips to properly groom and care for your Bulldog. Brushing Frequency While Blue English Bulldogs have short and fine coats, they are moderate shedders. You can help keep their coat looking clean free of dead hair and tidy by brushing it with a bristle brush at least once to thrice a week. Deshedding Frequency Blue English Bulldogs will shed more than average twice a year, in spring and fall. During these times, use a de-shedding brush to prevent excessive shedding while keeping your house hair-free. Bathing your Blue English Bulldogs once a month or every six to eight weeks is probably plenty, but you can give them another bath if they start to smell or get super dirty. A crucial part of bathing your Bulldog is washing the wrinkles on its body and face. You need to keep these skin folds clean and check them regularly to ensure they are clean and dry, as food, dirt, or moisture can get trapped and cause irritation or infection. You can use a cotton ball dipped in peroxide to clean the wrinkles, and cornstarch can be applied afterward to aid in drying. Never use it near the eyes. Clean the area under the tail as well. This could cause skin irritation, and frequent baths could damage their coat and trigger skin allergies. Look for a shampoo that is suitable for sensitive dog skin. If your dog is afraid of water or needs a quick bath, waterless dog shampoo is a great alternative to bathing. Take your Blue English Bulldog every two weeks to the groomer for a haircut, nail clip, and ear cleaning. Clean their ears weekly to prevent infection, excess moisture, or wax build-up. Oral Care Blue English Bulldogs suffer from a condition known as underbite or canine malocclusion. Dogs with underbites often develop excessive tartar, trouble chewing, calculus build-up, and other oral health-related issues. You want to brush your Blue English Bulldog teeth at least 3 to 4 times a week. Adding a dog dental treat will also help keep their pearly whites in good health. Stick to these tips, and your pup should avoid any hygiene-related problems! If we want to put this into perspective, a German Shepherd or Labrador takes fewer than 5 repetitions to learn a new command. We are sure they can learn just as much as your average dog with the proper training. Blue English Bulldog Breeding Due to the wide-ranging and severe medical conditions affecting Bulldogs and years of extreme inbreeding, breeding healthy Bulldogs may be an impossible mission, reported a study led by researchers from the University of California, Davis. If you are a Blue English bulldog Breeder, you need to be aware of some of the most common health conditions affecting the English Bulldog breed and do your best to breed such issues out of your bloodline. Blue English Bulldogs are a rare Bulldog type and may bring more risks involved in breeding this particular dog. To breed a Blue English Bulldog, both parents must pass down the merle gene, a recessive responsible for their blue coat color. Why is this risky? Studies have shown when two merle Mm dogs carriers are bred together. Breeding such dogs will produce a double merle MM litter, which is extremely prone to genetic diseases such as deafness and blindness. Blue English Bulldogs can produce healthy offspring. When breeding Blue English Bulldogs, ensure the female and male come from healthy bloodlines. Breeding Blue English Bulldogs is no different than breeding Bulldogs. Wait until the female is two years old and after her second heat cycle. She needs the proper time to recover. You should expect a litter size of between 3 and 4 puppies. When getting a Blue English Bulldog puppy, you have two options: breeders or adopting. Here are some of the best places to find Blue English Bulldogs for sale and what to look for before you get one. Blue English Bulldog Breeder A reputable Bulldog breeder should be able to provide the following: Record of health testing i. Avoid breeders who are unwilling to disclose any medical records, refuse to accept credit card payments, use stock photos, and seem uncooperative. Try meeting the Blue English Bulldog in person before buying. The first place you want to look is your local breeder in your city or state. And the best place to find Blue English Bulldog puppies for sale is online or on social media. We advise not getting one from a random person unless they can provide official health documentation about its health and records. Here are two breeders that can jumpstart your search: Lancaster Puppies Adoption Adopting a Blue English Bulldog is another excellent option. Rescue groups that specifically help Bulldogs, mixes of this breed may be able to guide you to Blue English Bulldog in need of a new home. Blue Tri-Color English Bulldog.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.