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June 26, German Shepherd dogs are a very popular dog breed, owing to their many qualities. While German Shepherds were bred specifically for their herding and intelligence, they are also known for their strength, trainability, and obedience. These traits make them excellent disability assistance dogs, police dogs, and watch dogs as well as excellent pets. They are also considered easily identifiable due to their distinct tan and black or red and black markings. Many other colour varieties do exist including black masks, sable, pure black, and pure white varieties to mention a few. This is an obviously handsome, eager to learn, and curious dog breed that is very self-assured despite the curiosity in its nature. They are loving and attentive dogs with their family members but are not inclined to make friends easily with strangers, making them quite intimidating at times. Once getting past the initial introduction, these dogs are very friendly and energetic with children as well adults. Much is known about German Shepherds and some of their common medical ailments by pet owners and dog breeders alike. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency to name a few conditions the dog breed is prone to. Good breeding practices can help limit these problems in the breed. As German Shepherd dogs can also be prone to a large range of skin related problems, these can also be limited with responsible breeding practices, although some of the skin conditions are difficult to completely eradicate as individual variations do exist. As the range of most common breed-specific dog skin problems in German Shepherds is quite vast, we will discuss these conditions over a 3-part blog series. Here are some of the common pet allergy related problems that are seen in German Shepherd dogs: Environmental Allergy Canine atopic dermatitis An environmental allergy can occur in the predisposed individual to natural environmental substances such as grass and tree pollen, house dust, house dust mites, human dander, and environmental fungus in wet grass or close to water bodies. Indoor allergens, outdoors allergens, or a combination of them may cause dog allergy symptoms. A shepherd dog with any lifestyle can be affected by environmental allergies. Environmental allergies can cause seasonal or round the year dog allergy symptoms at a young age including itchiness, skin infection, hair loss, ear infection, skin rashes and redness. Often, the infections are resolved with treatment but recur until allergy is identified and managed. As an environmental allergy is a life long problem, and usually progresses with age, early intra-dermal allergy testing to identify offending allergens is encouraged. This helps to start allergy immunotherapy for better allergy control. Allergy desensitization will generally help German Shepherd avoid long term bacterial skin infections, that they are also quite prone to. Contact Hypersensitivity German Shepherd dogs are also affected by contact allergies, which can be triggered by compounds coming in contact with skin. This is especially true and evident for less haired areas that are more in contact with the environment. Most signs are noted at the paws, underbelly, armpits and tail based, perianal regions for this reason. Over time, skin redness and irritation signs may progress further along additional areas of the skin. Secondary skin infections may also develop, leading to further skin problems. Contact allergens for dogs may be substances found indoors or outdoors. Household cleaning agents, various plants, toys, carpet fibers, and even some skin products when applied for treatment are examples of agents that can cause contact allergy dermatitis. To help minimize this skin problem, identification of the contact irritant or allergen and its avoidance is critical. Thorough patient history review and in some cases, patch testing can be performed at our pet dermatology clinic to help control this problem. Flea Bite Hypersensitivity also called Flea Bite Allergy Flea bite allergies can cause pruritic dermatitis anywhere on the body, but especially on the back of German Shepherds. All it takes is one flea bite to cause a severe reaction! The vast majority of symptoms of this allergy, especially itching, disappear within a few days of adequate flea control. Interestingly, it can be quite difficult to find fleas and their evidence on flea allergic patients, due to their intense itchiness on the back end, where fleas can generally be found. Excellent flea control and flea treatment products are available these days, of which the most suitable and effective for your Shepherd can help control this problem well. Remember, in the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver areas of the lower mainland, our weather is mild round the year and harsh winters are not seen. Thus, flea infestations and flea allergy can be seen in pets round the year. Insect Bite Hypersensitivity As German Shepherds possess an immune system that can be quite reactive, they can also be affected by insect bite allergies including a condition called Eosinophilic furunculosis of face. In regions with biting flies being common in warmer months, fly bite dermatitis of ear tips is also seen in this breed. Being active dogs that like to train and spend time outdoors, they are definitely more exposed to insects in the environment. Food Hypersensitivity also Food Allergy, or Cutaneous Adverse Food Reaction Food allergies also affect German Shepherd dogs, in keeping with the dog breed being prone to developing allergies. While food allergy is less common compared to flea allergy as well as environmental allergy due to pollen, grass and dust mites, it is important to consider any pet with skin problems and signs of intestinal upset, to be a possible for allergic dog. If food allergy does affect a dog, controlling exposure to one or more allergens will help prevent ongoing concerns. Food allergy may also be seen in combination with other allergies, making identification of the problem more challenging. A fair amount of testing options are available for assessing food allergy in dogs. Not all these options are entirely reliable as blood tests and saliva tests have been proven to be of minimal benefit in benefiting the patient. If food allergy is suspected but control over the problem has not been achieved, a vet dermatologist consultation is encouraged to help confirm and eventually control the problem and related symptoms. Combination Allergies and Their Secondary Effects All dogs affected by allergies, irrespective of breed and including the German Shepherd, can be affected by more than one allergen. In fact, having allergies to more than one allergen is more common than being allergic to just one thing. Being allergic to a range of things polysensitization makes allergy in pets a complicated condition. This may mean an allergy to multiple grasses, tree pollen, foods, insects, etc. Some pets may be affected by a large range of food allergens without having additional allergy triggers. In dogs affected by multiple allergies, identification of the most important allergen is always the key. Ideally, most or all of the offending allergens need to be identified to help ensure good patient comfort. This in turn, will help limit secondary skin infections in a breed like German Shepherds, that is quite prone to skin infections as we will find in the next blog discussing skin infection related conditions of German Shepherds. Early and definitive identification of allergy signs is always helpful in stopping progression of allergies and their impact in any dog, but is especially true for German Shepherds. If your German Shepherd shows allergic symptoms of itchiness, redness of skin, hair loss, or changes in skin quality, it may be time to consult with a vet dermatology clinic so that your pet dermatologist can help identify the true problem. He is also the dermatology feature editor for Canadian Veterinary Journal. German Shepherd Itching Constantly? None of us want to see our German Shepherd itching like crazy and constantly in discomfort. Or, worse—in pain from their own skin! But there are solutions for German Shepherd allergies and dry skin that you can use right now to help your dog from itching like crazy. And you can do them right now, too! Although food is rarely a cause of dry skin or allergies, in many dogs a change in diet dramatically decreases itchy skin. While there are plenty of sensitive diets on the market you should try Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Formula which has no soy, wheat, peas, or corn. German Shepherd itchy skin might also happen if your current feeding routine lacks proper nutrition. Choosing a sensitive or hypoallergic dog food is a quick way to help your German Shepherd from itching like crazy. If your dog has special medical conditions, check with your vet first to make sure a change in diet will help with their scratchy and itchy skin issues. Look for a shampoo that contains coal tar which moisturizes and calms the red, irritated skin. Beware… Over bathing can cause more irritation by stripping the skin of natural oils and removing the protective layer. This can increase itching and scratching. Only bathe your dog with the medicated shampoo as needed to control their symptoms. They are also convenient and easy to use throughout the day. Look for a spray that contains aloe vera and vitamin e, both of which moisturize the skin. I use this spray for my itching German Shepherd and her skin felt moisturized and looked healthier after only a few applications. For areas you think are infected or extremely irritated, try a thicker cream that also offers pain relief, like this Sulfodene ointment. My GSD immediately shows signs of relief upon application! Use soft strokes and a brush with rounded tips. Specifically, try a rake brush that removes the dead undercoat. My GSD loves the rake brush, and this helps her to have the excess dead hair removed so that her skin can breathe more. This reduces the efficiency of the oil glands and causes your GSD to itch constantly and like crazy. Add Anti-Inflammatory Supplements to their Diet Research shows that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce skin inflammation and increase skin moisture in some dogs. You want o use a blended oil like this salmon oil with hemp oil blend because it produces outstanding coat and skin results that help your dog to itch less while giving them a shiny, healthy coat. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or even several months for your dog to feel the benefits of an omega supplement and for you to see the benefits. Begin before the cold seasons to avoid having a German Shepherd itching in winter or because of allergies. Most dogs enjoy the oil as a treat on top of their usual kibble. My German Shepherd itches and licks her paws a lot in spring because of grass and pollen allergies. Use a brand that has ingredients to help with scratching and itching. You need a wipe with soothing ingredients found in them, such as Tropiclean Oxy Med Allergy Relief Wipes that give your dog clean skin to lessen irritations. Use these dry skin tips! Deicing solutions and salt on the walkways increase skin dryness. Remember, in the winter your German Shepherd needs special attention to their skin: Be sure to keep paw cleaning and wiping products by your door. Upon returning from every walk use them to remove any debris. Brush them thoroughly to help distribute their natural oils after walking outdoors in winter and apply an anti-itch spray and ointments if necessary. Run a Humidifier Adding moisture back to the air helps some dogs decrease their scratching, especially during the winter months and in dry climates. Especially if they enjoy lying close to the heat! Humidifiers come in a variety of models and sizes and both in a cool mist and warm mist options. Avoid Using Room or Fragrance Sprays Some German Shepherd allergies are brought on or worsened by unnatural, chemical-laden room and fragrance or perfume sprays. Avoid using these items, including the plug-in room fragrance models, if you suspect your German Shepherd has allergies or is itching constantly. The chemicals can even cause allergies to become worse in German Shepherds or they can develop breathing problems when you use too many chemicals products around them. Switch to a more natural cleaning option when possible. Use the following helpful information to understand why your GSD may have allergies and what contributes to allergies and scratching. German Shepherds are prone to a variety of skin problems because of flea or insect allergies, food allergies, inhalant allergies, and skin contact allergies. Some GSDs are also itchy because of medicine allergies either over the counter or prescribed and even genetic allergies. This leads to a lower quality of life and possible serious medical and health complications. Itchy German Shepherd? Use this list to see if your dog might have an allergy to one or multiple items that causes them to itch like crazy: Food Allergy wheat, unusual proteins like bison, kangaroo, etc. Parasite Allergy fleas, ticks, etc. Environmental Factors cold weather, dry air, fragrance sprays, commercial cleansers, carpet powders, mold, etc. Always seek vet advice when in doubt. You can also provide temporary and sometimes long-term relief using the process of elimination and the home treatments for skin problems previously listed. How to help my German Shepherd from itching and scratching? Treating a German Shepherd with itchy skin at home can help decrease their itching and scratching so they are more comfortable and regain healthy skin. Your GSD might just need a change of diet or a quick spray of anti-itch solution. There are simple ways to help your German Shepherd from itching and scratching like crazy. Most of the treatments you can order from home and apply right away. Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. And for good reason! They are characterized by not only their smarts, loyalty and courage, but also the thick fur coat that protects them. However, their coat makes them very susceptible to developing skin issues. If you are a parent of a German Shepherd, stay informed by being knowledgeable about why they get skin allergies and what you can do for them. They are allergic to fleas, especially to their saliva. When bitten, they will constantly itch and their skin will be inflamed. You will most likely see red spots almost immediately. Flea control would greatly help. A few of the things you can do is give your dog a refreshing bath in either a pool or a bathtub. This way fleas are washed away. Do make sure you fully submerge the dog in the water. Controlling fleas can not only prevent German Shepherd skin allergies but they can also avoid serious health problems such as tapeworms, anemia, dermatitis and bacterial infections. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Steps for properly eliminating fleas from your German Shepherd: Bathe your dog using a hypoallergenic shampoo. Use a loofa for scrubbing his body. Make sure you cover his eyes with a dry cloth. Scrub vigorously to make sure it penetrates through his skin. Scrub for up to 5 minutes and make sure you include the genital area, tail and belly. These are the places where fleas tend to gather. Rinse using a hose a dry him off with a towel. Food Allergy Do you know that the number one cause of allergy in German Shepherds is the meat in dog food? When they develop this allergy, the skin is most likely the place where the inflammations would appear. If remain untreated, it could progress to infections or secondary bacterial infections that may be accompanied by alopecia or crusting. Food with real ingredients containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are a good choice. Skin allergies may not be completely avoided but your German Shepherd will not likely develop skin irritations related to food if he is consuming the right diet. Environmental Allergy German Shepherds, as a dog breed, are really prone to skin allergies. Pollen-related allergies are one of the most common. This happens usually in the summer or in the fall. Many dog owners will use Benadryl for dogs to help alleviate pollen allergies that are common during the spring season for many dogs. Pollen allergies could lead to Atomic Dermatitis. This is usually a genetic condition caused by dust, trees or pollen. The dog may also experience ear infections when the allergy is not treated. Claritin for dogs is commonly used to help alleviate this type of allergy but it is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian prior to giving anything to your dog. Eye drops for dogs are common for helping to remove environmental allergies from the eyes and face of your dog. When you notice these, your dog may have an allergy. Symptoms also include flaky skin, hot spots, hair loss, dandruff, sores and dry skin. You need to watch out for skin allergies affecting either the ears or the eyes. Smelly ears or teary eyes could lead to painful infections when not treated. It would be best to consult a veterinarian right away for the proper prescription. Other Treatment Options For German Shepherds Most environment-related allergies are treated with over the counter treatments. Buying hypoallergenic or sulfate-free shampoo would be best for your German Shepherd. You can also choose a shampoo with either aloe vera or tree tea oil as the ingredients. These will provide a calming and soothing effect on their skin. Consult your veterinarian for antihistamine prescriptions for your dog. You may also visit a nutritionist so they could devise a good diet plan for your canine. Learn about our healthy protein food excellent for your German Shepherd. Managing Skin Problems with German Shepherds Fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants may reduce the symptoms. You may also regularly vacuum or wash the dog in hot water to remove the allergens. Keep an eye on them! We love our pets like family and hate to see them uncomfortable. Fortunately, by keeping an eye on their activity, watching how they react to their diet, bathing them regularly, and giving them a supplement if you think they need extra support, you can go a long way toward helping them live a more comfortable life! In this article:. The best way to prevent hot spots in your German Shepherd is by taking care of their skin and coat on a regular, preferably daily, basis. Although hot spots are common in German Shepherds, you can prevent them. Groom your dog regularly—take at least 5 to 10 minutes a few times a week to give your GSD a comprehensive brushing. Use a gentle undercoat rake brush to remove dirt and dead hair while detangling the longer coat fur. Provide your German Shepherd with food made for dogs with allergies, such as Advanced Allergy Care Dry Dog Food , or a limited-ingredient dog food diet. See also these valuable posts: Dog Food for Skin Allergies and Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs Some pollen can worsen skin allergies, leading to hot spots; therefore, keep your dog inside during the parts of the day when pollen counts peak normally early morning and early evening hours and wipe down their face, paws, and stomachs when returning from outside fun and walks with allergy relief wipes. With the right care, you can help your dog stay comfortable and happy. Seek treatment at the first sign of skin irritation. Have your supplies ready to treat the issue. Those pesky hot spots seemingly appear from nowhere! These hot spots often occur due to allergies, fleas, or moisture buildup on the skin. Check for skin issues during brushing. Thorough Drying: Dry your dog thoroughly after baths or in wet weather to prevent skin irritation. Flea Prevention: Use vet-recommended products, especially in summer, to prevent fleas and hot spots. Allergy-Friendly Food: Feed your dog specialized allergy-friendly or limited-ingredient food. Pollen Season: Keep your dog indoors during peak pollen times and use allergy wipes after outdoor activities. Stress Reduction: Create a stress-free environment with quiet zones, a comfortable bed, and regular exercise. Alone Time: Teach your dog to be comfortable alone to reduce anxiety-related skin issues. Taking care of a German Shepherd hot spot is easier when you know how to prepare yourself. If this post made your tail wag, please share it so you can help another dog owner. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. While they sound like they are insects similar to fleas, they are actually more like spiders, just in parasite form. As well, the longer you wait to seek out diagnosis and treatment, the more likely a minor issue with mites will turn into sarcoptic mange, or scabies, a much more serious condition. As Veterinary Partner explains, because the mites feed on dead skin, they like the more hairless areas on your dog like the ears, belly, or joints. Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange is not easy to diagnose because the symptoms are quite a lot like other skin allergies and conditions that can affect a German Shepherd. Your veterinarian may need to rule out other issues and do several tests. Even after a firm diagnosis is made, your dog will probably need a range of treatments, including antibiotics, topical shampoos or solutions, oral treatments, dips, and topical itch-relief products. You can see how severe the mange issues can become and also how effective treatment can be once a proper diagnosis is made. The big difference between scabies and Demodex is that the scabies mite is a definite invader, while the Demodex mite is always present on the skin. Typically, as long as your German Shepherd stays healthy with a strong immune system, the mites will live peacefully inside the hair follicles. But if there is any disruption to the immune system function, the mites may start to cause itching. The most common warning sign besides intense itching is patchy hair loss. In fact, current estimates indicate as many as 10 percent of all dogs alive today may be suffering from some degree of food allergies. Interestingly, food allergies in people are also on the rise. While researchers are not completely sure what is causing this uptick in interspecies food allergies, there are several suspects, from GMOs genetically modified organisms to global toxins. Certain foods are known to be more prone to causing food allergies in German Shepherds and other dog breeds. Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat gluten , rabbit, pig pork , and lamb are some of the most frequently cited food-based allergens. However, a German Shepherd may also have sensitivities to additional foods. For example, peanuts are known to be more prone to fungus, which can cause intense allergies in some dogs. Veterinarians who specialize in allergies and immunology are not sure exactly why dogs have sensitivities to foods that might ordinarily be a big part of their diets such as chicken and lamb. Even if your dog previously was able to eat the food item, over time sensitivity can develop and it may be necessary to remove that food from the diet going forward. One theory is that commercial livestock operations often give breeding animals and young animals antibiotics to try to ward off illness and infection. Some breeds are also naturally more likely to have food allergies and German Shepherds are one of those breeds. Your veterinarian will likely do some allergy testing to narrow down the search. Another option many veterinarians prescribe is to adopt a limited ingredient diet to see if the symptoms clear up on their own. Rather, it is important to rule out both behavioral as well as environmental causes to see what causes the itching to clear up. Behavior reasons why your GSD might be scratching Some German Shepherds may actually just need more enrichment, exercise, activity, or playtime. Because the GSD is such a sensitive and intelligent dog breed, these dogs can start to self-harm by chewing at the skin if they get bored or lonely. Boredom can lead to other destructive behaviors like digging , chewing things around the house, and barking. Systemic reasons why your GSD might be scratching Problems with thyroid function, endocrine disruption or immune system malfunction can also cause skin that dries out and becomes itchy. Sometimes testing reveals a hidden metabolic or systemic disease or sensitivity that is the real cause of the itching. Environmental reasons why your GSD might be scratching German Shepherds can be very sensitive to environmental toxins, including exposure to herbicides or pesticides or insecticides, toxic house or lawn plants, air pollution, seasonal pollen, mold or mildew, and similar triggers for scratching. It can be worth taking a second look at your lawn care and gardening products as well as what may be growing in and around areas where you and your dog walk regularly. Regular brushing and grooming can help you spot developing problems before they get out of control. Going forward, when you brush your dog each week, take time to examine the skin, ears, paw pads, tail, and belly areas, joints, and face for any signs of skin redness, hot spots, irritation, or inflammation. As well, it often helps to keep a journal so you can record what happened just before your dog experienced a bout of scratching. Does your dog seem to itch more after meals or yard time? These are valuable clues that can help quickly diagnose and treat the scratching issue. German Shepherd Itching Constantly? There are many different types of hypoallergenic and sensitive dog foods. These have been specially formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions as far as possible. By reducing the number of issues that their system has to contend with, you are likely to alleviate their itchiness. Common allergens found in dog foods are dairy proteins, chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, gluten, and soy. As well as this any chicken meal, fat, eggs, cartilage, grains, lentils, peas, potatoes, flaxseeds, fish, and yeast. If your dog is allergic to any of these things then their bodies will produce antibodies and antigens as part of its immune response. If you suspect that this is one of the problems with your dog, your vet may ask you to do an elimination trial. This is where you feed your dog a carefully controlled hypoallergenic diet for between 8 and 12 weeks. This diet cannot contain any foods that your dog has consumed in the past and does not allow for your dog to be fed with treats or supplements. Your vet may also perform a serum IgE test, which is a type of blood test. This will give them an indication as to what foods your dog may be sensitive to. Alternatively, your dog may be itchy if they are not being fed appropriate nutrition. They may be deficient in vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. The blood test will indicate this to your vet too. This can also cause itchiness. It is vital to feed your dog the correct diet to keep them healthy and well. This will also help to improve the quality of their coat, making it shiny and luxurious. We recommend using an oil blend, such as salmon and hemp. This is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction and will work beautifully to produce a healthy coat and skin. To feed it to them, all you need to do is pour a little of the oil over the top of their kibble at mealtimes. You will not notice results immediately after you begin to feed the oil blend to your dog. It is likely to take somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks to notice the benefits. We strongly suggest that you begin to incorporate this fatty supplement into their diet before the cold season begins. This will help to reduce the chances of your German Shepherd becoming itchy and ill over the winter. These will help to boost their immune and digestive systems. Probiotics will also help to reduce the inflammatory response of their bodies to any allergens present in their environment. There is evidence to suggest that these supplements can also help to protect your dog from immunological attacks. Change their shampoo There are many different types of medicated shampoo that are ideal for treating itchy dogs. These will help to soothe their inflamed skin and reduce the itchy sensation. They are super simple to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase. Your shampoo should contain a compound known as coal tar. This is commonly used as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis as it is incredibly soothing on broken and irritated skin. It is also a highly effective treatment for overly oily fur and dandruff. You can purchase coal tar shampoos designed for both human and canine use. You should not wash your dog too often as this can also lead to problems. If you over wash your dog, you can strip the natural oils out of their coat and off their skin. This can actually lead to even more itchiness and further complications. It is a good idea to bathe them every months, or more often if recommended by your veterinarian. You should always rinse your dog twice thoroughly to ensure all of the shampoo residues have come off of their coat. Use moisturizer There are many different moisturizing skin sprays and ointments available to treat your German Shepherd. These help to keep their skin hydrated, therefore reducing irritation and itchiness. Sprays are highly convenient to apply throughout the day and will not cause you much inconvenience. You should look for sprays and ointments that contain Vitamin E and aloe vera. Both of these are very moisturizing and will massively help your dog. Apply liberally to areas that seem most affected. These sprays are clinically formulated to have veterinarian quality impacts from the comfort of your home. For really itchy and affected areas, it is wise to use an ointment or thicker cream for more of an impact. This can also be applied to small cuts and sores for instant relief. It will also help to eradicate any loose hairs that may be causing them irritation. We recommend grooming your German Shepherd with a rake brush with rounded tips, 2 to 3 times per week. During shedding season, in the spring and fall months, you will need to brush your dog every day. This is because they will be losing a huge quantity of fur and will need some assistance to ensure the dead hair does not just collect in their coat. If your dog lives indoors, they are likely to shed slightly less than outdoor dogs. Ideally, this brush will have a double row as these will remove the most hair with ease. Use soft but firm strokes in the direction of hair growth. We recommend using a rake brush. This is because German Shepherds have 2 coats of hair, and this type of brush will remove dead hairs from their undercoat. Neglecting to brush your dog will result in a thick blanket of hair growing over the skin and preventing adequate air circulation. This means that their oil glands can become clogged and can make your dog incredibly itchy. Wash them often This is a particularly important step during allergy seasons such as late spring and summer. If your dog is sensitive to pollen and goes outside, they will drag the pollen back in with them on their fur. This can cause them to have continuing allergic reactions, even when indoors. This will reduce the amount of grass and pollen that they come into contact with and can reduce allergic reactions. Invest in a humidifier If the air is particularly dry, this can cause your German Shepherd to itch too. This is particularly prevalent during the winter months when electric heaters and log fireplaces are running. Humidifiers work by introducing more moisture into the air. This can help to alleviate some skin conditions and improve the overall health of your dog. They can emit either a warm or a cool mist, and some are capable of both. You should place the humidifier close to where your dog spends most of its time. This will help to ensure they get as much benefit from the humidifier as possible. It is a good idea to place the humidifier out of reach of your dog to ensure they do not knock it over and hurt themselves. Do not point it directly at your dog as they may become wary and move if any mist or discharge from the humidifier is suddenly sent their way. Do not use fragrance sprays The respiratory and olfactory systems of dogs are far superior to that of humans. Their sense of smell is more than times stronger than a human, meaning that they are incredibly sensitive to odors. There are many smells, such as ylang-ylang, which can actually irritate and cause harm to your dog. If your German Shepherd is already itching, their symptoms may be worsened by the use of room fragrances or perfume sprays. We do not recommend burning scented candles or incense in the vicinity of your dog. In extreme cases, you may wish to consider stopping using aerosol deodorant and perfume sprays. Change your household cleaning products Commercially available cleaning products can cause your dog to itch. Many chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in your dog. There are lots of naturally formulated cleaning products available that will reduce the reactions in your dog. Look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Allow all surfaces that have had chemicals applied to them to dry completely before you let your dog near them. Other home remedies for itching A completely natural way to treat your dog is through the use of apple cider vinegar. Use this as a rinse to alleviate symptoms of itching. Dilute it in a ratio with purified water and put it into a bottle. Wash your dog as normal with a mild castile soap and then rub the apple cider vinegar into their fur. Ensure all areas of their body are covered, paying close attention to their belly and legs. Take care not to get the vinegar into their eyes as this will hurt them. Do not use this on open wounds or raw skin as it will burn and hurt your German Shepherd. Do not rinse this off, instead allow it to air dry on their skin and fur. This can also be applied topically throughout the day to alleviate itchy hotspots. It can also be used to clean out their ears and can be ingested for digestive issues. Apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent. You may want to consider incorporating olive oil into their diet. Olive oil is high in vitamins K and E, as well as antioxidants. Do this 2 to 3 times per week to help alleviate itchiness and improve the quality of their fur. Another good incorporation into their diet is plain yogurt. Take care to ensure that this is one that has no additives or sugar, as these will be bad for your dog. The yogurt will contain probiotic cultures that will help to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in their gut. It can help to prevent yeast infections and skin issues. For small dogs, add in a teaspoon of yogurt 2 to 3 times per week. For large dogs, feed them 2 teaspoons. Coconut oil is another great and easy home remedy. Apply it topically to dry skin as a moisturizer or give it orally to your dog as an immune booster. It is also really useful as a human moisturizer and is delicious to boot. We have all heard of oatmeal baths for chickenpox, but did you know that this can be done for dogs too? Grab some oatmeal and place it into a high-powered blender and blend until a powder has formed. Fill your bathtub with warm water and pour in the oatmeal powder. Allow this to combine for a few minutes and then bring your dog in. If possible, allow your dog to soak in this bath for 15 minutes. Performing this bath regularly will help to reduce the overall itchiness of your dog and make their life more comfortable. You can also make herbal tea soaks for your dog. These can be done with chamomile, calendula, and green teas. All of these teas have soothing properties and will help to reduce itchiness. This is particularly useful for dogs with red raw skin that cannot stop itching. To make this soak, fill your tub with warm water and throw in around 5 tea bags. Leave them to steep here for minutes and then take the bags out of the water. Bring your dog into the bath and allow them to soak in the tea for around 5 minutes. If the itching is localized to smaller regions, steep a couple of tea bags in a jug of warm water. Allow it to cool and then pour over the affected patches and allow the tea to air dry. For more natural home remedies, take a look at this video. Learn About German Shepherd Scratching From a Canine Veterinarian In this YouTube video , you can watch a canine veterinarian examining a German Shepherd dog patient who is struggling with ongoing itching and scratching issues. Although their medium-length fur provides considerable protection, German Shepherds are far more susceptible to uncomfortable skin conditions than many other breeds. Skin conditions are some of the most common German Shepherd health issues. The average lifespan of German Shepherds is 10 to 12 years and German Shepherds stop growing around 18 months. So during that time, expect health problems every now and then. Knowing the three most common causes of German Shepherd skin issues can help reduce the risk of recurrence and potential complications. The more time you spend with your German Shepherd, the easier it is to pick up on subtle cues of them having a skin issue. When your four-legged companion starts biting at their fur, licking their limbs, or scratching a persistent itch, you might naturally assume a flea treatment, tick check, or bath will alleviate their discomfort. Said skin condition can also indicate other causes, such as a secondary infection. Many canine researchers believe German Shepherd skin issues are hereditary, meaning they have strong genetic components. German Shepherds are susceptible to many of the same health and wellness concerns as their human family members, including allergies. However, you may not realize your German Shepherd has a significant problem with common allergens until the reaction affects their skin. Although allergies can develop at any age, the allergic reactions most likely to trigger German Shepherd skin issues generally appear between the ages of one and three years. Until then, you may find it helpful to consider the three most common causes of German Shepherd skin issues. Hot Spots Polytraumatic Dermatitis Hots Spots polytraumatic dermatitis are areas of inflamed, infected skin. Although most often found on the paws, ears, hips, rump, or chest, hot spots can emerge anywhere your dog has been licking or scratching. If your German Shepherd dog seems uncomfortable, consider examining your pet for the following symptoms:3,4 A swollen, inflamed area of skin that feels warm to the touch Areas of moist, blistered skin that cause pain or discomfort Itchy round patches of skin that increase in size Hair loss or patches of matted fur crusted with discharge Scarring caused by continuous scratching, licking, or biting inflamed, infected skin The main triggers for German Shepherd hot spots tend to fall into one of four main categories, allergic reactions pollen, insect bites , breed-related genetic disorders , parasites dust mites, fleas , and pathological autoimmune, arthritic. The triggers that can cause symptoms to flare include seasonal pollen, human dander, soil fungi, harsh shampoo, and more. The most common culprits are the animal proteins commonly found in chicken, beef, and eggs. Your canine could also be allergic to grains, dairy, root vegetables, or preservatives. Although your German Shepherd will try to resolve their discomfort on their own, their efforts often increase the risk of pain, inflammation, and infection. Delayed healing increases the risk of infection. The advanced hypochlorous technology offers a powerful, non-toxic alternative to steroids and antibiotics and is completely non-toxic, even when ingested. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and remarkably loyal. Although most require only a quick brush and occasional bath, the breed is prone to developing uncomfortable itching, allergic skin reactions, hot spots, and other skin issues that could cause potentially serious infections. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: German Shepherd Corner. What is a Hot Spot in Dogs? German Shepherd Hot Spots? How to Treat Dog Dermatitis at Home.

Home » Blog » What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks You certainly want to know about every minute of your sweet puppy. Last year we did a documentary about our breeding program in which we showed where our Frenchies live and we also wrote about how our program has grown over the years. In this article, we share with you how we help our little puppies on the TomKings Puppies farm, from the first moments of their lives until we find a forever loving family for them. The vet checks if everything is fine and we take them home. The average birth weight of a Frenchie is 0. Their size strongly depends on the size of the litter; when there are a fewer of them they can be as big as a two-week-old puppy from an other litter. Newborn puppies are deaf and blind and absolutely helpless so we are here to assist their mother to nurture them. In the first two weeks They are breastfed every 3 hours, and then their mom stimulates them to pee and poo. Not all mothers are eager to do this, in which case we assist them with a dam, warm cotton towel. The puppies spend the rest of their time sleeping they often seem to be dreaming! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email They are so cute as they love to huddle together, but we also keep them warm with an external source like an infra lamp. As the puppies are very small, there is a threat that the mom accidentally smothers one or more of them. In the first 4 weeks We make strict precautions to keep the newborn babies sterile to avoid the risk of them being infected. They sleep in the house with us, and only a small circle of carers are allowed to touch them who use lots of hands sanitizing. As the mother has less and less milk we gradually switch to give them milk from a bottle and then crushed food. The puppies open their eyes when they are days old, and then they are able to hear — a whole new world opens up for them. At the age of weeks, the little explorers start crawling and then the first few shaky steps. At this stage, they are already very playful and start love-biting each other. Train your Frenchie here! You should start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Puppy brains are a lot bigger than we think — they soak up so much good information despite their young age. French Bulldogs can be a rather independent breed of dog. In fact, we sometimes might feel like we need them more than they need us! What age can I start to train my French Bulldog puppy? You can start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Build positive training experiences with Zigzag! We can start you off with a personalised training programme straight away in the Zigzag puppy training app , in fact, you can even use it before you bring your Frenchie puppy home as we have a pre-puppy section. Before bringing your French Bulldog puppy home, you can also get in touch with our Zigzag puppy experts with any of the many questions you may have! While blingy collars and outfits might be top of the list, there are some more sensible things you need to get your French Bulldog puppy that will help with your training. Here are my top picks for getting prepared for training your Frenchie. My favourite all-rounder is the Rapid Rewards treat pouch , it comes in many colours and looks stylish when on. The Mikki treat pouch is also good and a bit cheaper. You can go to town and choose pretty colours and designs for Frenchies! A lead — Around 2m is a good length for a lead. A training lead is a good idea as you can change the lengths of them to suit. A comfortable mat or a piece of non-slip vet bed. Treats The more smelly, the better. Have a look at the best puppy treats here. Chews and chew toys — lots of them! Our faves for Frenchies are West Paw Toppl and hollow buffalo horns for stuffing food into, and cow ears and pizzles for edible chews. Two identical toys : Excellent for swaps — your French Bulldog puppy will be super playful and enjoy the retrieving games in the Zigzag app. Originally, French Bulldogs were bred from English Bulldogs, who had a shady past as bull-baiting dogs. People enjoyed their cheerful nature and kept them as companion dogs after these awful blood sports were prohibited. When the need for these workers declined in England, their skills were still required in France, so the workers relocated, bringing their dogs with them. Relocate your training to Zigzag! When they arrived in France, they were adored by shopkeepers, butchers, and, most infamously, Les Belles de Nuit — the ladies of the night! What does this have to do with how I train my French Bulldog? Knowing the characteristics of the breed will help you better train your Frenchie puppy and understand why they behave the way they do. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Frenchies are incredibly loving and enjoy being in the spotlight. They can have a lot of energy possibly even more than a lot of energy and enjoy an active home life. Lack of stimulation WILL foster self-employment; provide them with items to rip up and pull apart to keep them out of trouble. By the way, if you leave them to it, they WILL go into your recycling and have a field day. Frenchies often think they are big dogs, thus they often do well playing with dogs larger than them. They look dashing in them too! As with most purebreds, French Bulldogs have in-built health issues. This causes some major problems when it comes to giving birth, and special care is needed if you are to avoid the pitfalls and dangers ahead. The mother needs to be given medication to let her body know that her babies have been born, as the natural hormones would not have been released. She may not bite through the birth sacs or the umbilical cords, so you should be prepared to help out here. Special DAP Dog Appeasing Pheremone collars are often used to combat the problem of mother dogs not bonding with their puppies, usually starting several days before the C-section. However, the owner or breeder should be fully prepared to step in and take over the job of caring for these tiny bundles of joy. They will need all the help and love you can give them. Some breeders and owners prefer to allow a natural birth, despite the risks. Being Prepared Preparation is key to the safe and successful delivery of the puppies. It pays to have everything on standby in case the mother begins to whelp before the scheduled C-section appointment. Although the date can be predicted pretty accurately, the time can be out by about 24 hours. However gentle they usually are, they might snap at little hands that get too close. Plastic whelping boxes are lightweight and easier to keep clean than wooden ones, which can harbor parasites and germs. Make sure the box is large enough for the mother to stretch out but small enough to keep her precious puppies close, with easy access for her to get out without the puppies escaping. Any equipment you use should preferably be sterile. Placing a plastic sheet around the whelping area and under the box will help. What To Expect Photo from: ansem. As the hour approaches, she will pant a lot and become restless before lying down, upon which she will begin trembling. Soon after this, she will begin to push. The best sign of the start of labor is a sudden drop in body temperature, from around .Once she starts to push, the first puppy should appear within twenty minutes. If there is no sign of birth after this time, then call for assistance immediately as there is a good chance that puppy number one is stuck. Hopefully, all will be well, and the puppy is born safely. Help momma dog out if she needs it by cleaning and cutting cords. She should lick her babies clean as this will help her bond as the scent causes hormones to be released. The birth process is exhausting for the mother, so help her whenever you can. If at any time she becomes distressed, or things go wrong, call for help immediately, or both she and her Frenchie baby could be at serious risk of death. Clean up the area as much as you can without disturbing them, and leave them to it. But your work, in some senses, has only just begun! Caring For A Newborn French Bulldog Whether whelped at home or delivered by C-section, both mom and her new babies will need your help. One new puppy is a challenge. You might have two, three, or more, plus their tired mom to look after! However, in some cases, the mother may not naturally take to feeding. This can be a problem when the birth has not been natural. If you need to step in, ready-made puppy formula is available, or you may wish to make your own. Allow enough flow to let them feed easily without it overflowing around their mouth and nose. For the first week, they need to be fed every two hours. This can be extended to three or four hours in the second week, especially if they look healthy and are a good size. Potty Training Like any newborn baby, they will look to their mother for guidance, but you will most likely have to lend a hand. They will not poop or pee of their own accord, and mom has to stimulate this action by licking them. After this, you will obviously have to clean them up. Newborn French Bulldog puppies lack the ability to regulate their own body temperature in the first week of their lives. Overheating can be fatal. Check the areas for drafts and plug any gaps where cold air is flowing, but do make sure there is a slightly cooler area for mom and her babies to escape to if they want to. Frenchies, in general, due to their flat face, can be prone to overheating throughout their lives, so you should always keep this in mind. Keep Them Clean Any newspaper that becomes soiled should be replaced as soon as possible, and blankets or sheets should be washed regularly. These precious pups are vulnerable to staph infections and can get sick really quickly. Diarrhea or vomiting are serious problems, leading to dehydration, which can be a killer. If they are feeding naturally from mom, they will be getting the nutrition they need and protection in the form of antibodies to help fight infection. Development They will need to nurse or be fed formula for about three to four weeks before weaning. By this time, they will have changed significantly. When born, and for the first week, they are blind, deaf, and only able to move by wriggling. They will also react to sound even though their ears are just starting to open. By now, they are able to defecate and urinate by themselves, without help. This is a good time to begin things like toilet training. Place a shallow water bowl within reach, and be sure to remove any small objects from the area as they are likely to choke on them! They will be more independent and will play with their siblings, sometimes getting pretty rough. By the sixth week, they should be fully weaned and eating good-quality puppy food. As well as interacting with their siblings and mother, they should be showing interest in humans too. This is the time to book them in for vaccinations. Up to this point, the puppies have been courageously investigating their little world, their natural curiosity overcoming any fears. Now, however, they should start to display caution, especially with new objects or experiences. An eight-week-old French Bulldog puppy should now be fully formed, with deep brown eyes and weighing between 5 and 7 pounds. As loyal, fun, playful, and cute as they can be, this breed faces a host of health issues. They require special care and consideration, and you should only take them on if you are prepared to do what it takes to keep them healthy and give them the love they deserve. Newborn puppies, especially French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to whelp and raise. Due to Csections and the nature of the French bulldog, puppies are not to be left alone with mom, especially for the first week or so. Unlike natural birth with other breeds, risk of injury or death is high when leaving mom with the babies unattended. She may accidentally sit on them or smother them. During natural birth, a bond is formed with mom and puppies. Hormones flow naturally and instinct kicks in. In a csection, mom doesnt get to experience birthing her own puppies, oxytocin is administered medically. You will need to teach them what to do and how to care for their babies. French Bulldog Elsa and Danielle with Puppies Coparenting with French bulldogs is vital for whelping frenchie puppies. A lot of breeders regardless of the breed coparent with their dogs anyway. Not only does it increase survival rate but it creates a stronger bond between you and mom. So lets get into how to care for your new born pups! Caring for newborn puppies is both an exciting and challenging responsibility. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure that your puppies grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted, and happy dogs. Creating a Comfortable Environment Temperature Regulation Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature for the first few weeks of their lives. We use an incubator. If puppies become too cold they will be unable to digest their food properly as well. The box should be large enough for the mother to lie down comfortably and have low sides so she can easily get in and out. Line the box with soft bedding, like towels or blankets, that can be easily washed and replaced. Keep it bumpy so pups can build muscle and avoid developing flat chest or swimmers syndrome. We like to use egg carton shaped acoustic panels with no adhesive under blankets. Limit the number of visitors and avoid sudden loud noises that could startle the mother. She will be in protection mode as she focuses on raising her litter. Stressed mothers could lead to illness and loss of milk production. Hydration is most important though. Importance of Colostrum In the first 24 hours after birth, puppies should nurse from their mother to receive colostrum. Actual milk will come in and drop down within 3 days. Be sure to use a formula specifically designed for puppies and follow the instructions on the package for proper mixing and feeding. Feeding Schedule Newborn puppies need to be fed every 2 hours around the clock. As they grow older, the time between feedings can gradually increase. By weeks, you can start introducing them to mush food while still supplementing with moms milk or replacement formula. Making Sure the Airways are Clear During feeding you may notice milk bubbles coming out of the nose. Do NOT remove the pup from the nipple until it is finished eating. Removing the pup will break the seal and cause the pup to inhale the milk that was coming out of the nose. You can gently wipe the nose or use an electric aspirator to remove the milk without disturbing the pup and breaking the seal or wait until the puppy has finished eating. When pups are finished nursing, gently clear the noses with a nasal aspirator bulb or electric after every feeding to remove any lingering fluids that may be inhaled. Burp the puppies to avoid regurgitation or vomiting. Any inhalation of fluids can cause aspiration which leads to aspiration pneumonia. Over eating Over eating can cause serious problems. It upsets the gut biome. Signs of over eating are pretty obvious the major one Is white poop. The puppy is taking in too much and the body is unable to process it so it just comes out. Adjusting frequency of feeding usually more frequent , length of feeding shorter feedings , and adding probiotics to every feeding will usually fix the problem. Over eating can also cause flat chest syndrome and swimmer syndrome. Elimination Assistance Stimulating Urination and Defecation For the first few weeks, newborn puppies need help to eliminate waste. Proper Cleaning Techniques After helping the puppies eliminate, make sure to clean the area with a mild baby wipe or warm water and soft cloth. This prevents infections and keeps the puppies and their environment clean. If butts become raw you can use aquaphor or Neosporin for relief. Monitoring Weight and Growth Tracking Weight When French bulldog puppies are first born they weigh anywhere from grams 4. During the first few days you might notice some fluctuation- both loss and gain, but by the end of the week they should only be gaining. Weight should double each week. Regularly weighing your puppies is essential to ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. Keep a log of their weights, and make sure they are gaining weight daily. If you notice any struggles to nurse, bottle, syringe, or tube feeding may be necessary. Pups should never flop to the side or crawl in circles. They should always be able to crawl and move with ease in the upright position. Growth Milestones In addition to weight gain, puppies should reach certain developmental milestones as they grow. By two weeks old, their eyes should start to open. By weeks ears will open and they will start to hear. By three weeks, they should be able to stand, and by four weeks, they should be walking and starting to play. Spot clean them with a warm, damp cloth or baby wipes if they become soiled, and change their bedding regularly. You can also use a little squirt bottle to spot clean. Use a pair of small nail clippers and trim just the tips of the nails. This helps to prevent ear infections and keeps them comfortable. Enrichment Cube Appropriate Chew Toys Provide your puppies with appropriate chew toys to help soothe their gums and satisfy their need to chew. Make sure the toys are safe and specifically designed for teething puppies. This typically begins around weeks of age as the teething process begins and should be done gradually to prevent digestive issues. Transitioning to Solid Food Start by offering a mixture of puppy milk replacement formula and high-quality puppy food, gradually increasing the amount of solid food while decreasing the amount of formula. By weeks, the puppies should be eating mostly solid food. Health Concerns and Vaccinations Common Health Issues Newborn puppies are susceptible to several health issues, such as parasites, infections, and congenital defects. Monitor your puppies for signs of illness, like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, white poops, weight loss, nasal discharge or difficulty breathing, and contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerns. Keep an eye on their eyes- if you notice any swelling, redness, and discharge contact your veterinarian right away. Puppy Eye Infection Dewormer should be administered starting at 2 weeks of age. If you notice any foul smelling poop worse than normal take a stool sample to your vet to have it looked at. Coccidia and giardia are other common parasites but can wreak havoc on your pups. Bacterial infections, antibiotics from moms csection, and over eating light yellow to white poop is the major sign are also common irritants in young pups. All of these upset the gut biome. Antibiotics may be needed to reset the system. Always keep a good probiotic on hand such as benebac or nurture flora. Probiotics are especially helpful during the weaning process. Importance of Vaccinations Vaccinations are crucial in protecting your puppies from potentially life-threatening diseases. These typically start at weeks of age. Consult your veterinarian for a recommended vaccination schedule and make sure to follow it closely. Socialization and Training Socialization Period The critical socialization period for puppies occurs between weeks of age. Crate — Available in Blue too! Crate Training Crate training can help your puppies feel secure and aid in housebreaking. Start by introducing the crate as a safe and comfortable space, gradually increasing the time they spend inside. Use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods to make the process enjoyable for both you and the puppies. Handling and Touch Desensitization Getting your puppies used to being handled and touched is crucial for their comfort during grooming and veterinary visits. Gently touch and handle their paws, ears, and mouth to help them become comfortable with human contact. Exercise and Playtime Exercise Guidelines Puppies need daily exercise to support their physical and mental development. Begin with short, gentle play sessions, gradually increasing the intensity and duration as they grow older. Encouraging Play Encourage your puppies to play with toys and interact with their siblings to help them develop important social and motor skills. Recognizing and Addressing Separation Anxiety Some puppies may develop separation anxiety when left alone. Gradually acclimate them to being alone for short periods, increasing the duration over time. If anxiety persists, consult a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for guidance. When to Seek Professional Help Signs to Watch For If you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behavior, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, consult your veterinarian immediately. Choosing a Veterinarian Select a veterinarian who is experienced with puppies, your breed, and establish a relationship early on. Conclusion and Final Tips Caring for newborn puppies can be a rewarding experience. Quiet puppies are happy puppies. If they constantly cry, something is wrong. FAQs How often should I feed newborn puppies? Newborn puppies should be fed every 2 hours around the clock. When can puppies start eating solid food? Puppies can begin transitioning to solid food around weeks of age. When should puppies receive their first vaccinations? Consult your veterinarian for a recommended vaccination schedule, which typically begins around weeks of age. How can I help my puppies with teething discomfort? Provide appropriate chew toys and use a cold, damp cloth to gently massage their gums. When should I start socializing my puppies? The critical socialization period for puppies occurs between weeks of age. Dont forget to Subscribe for updates and newsletters and follow on social! The early care and environment of the French Bulldog newborn puppy are very important. Reasons a French Bulldog puppy might die early on are usually due to difficult whelping, congenital or genetic defects, environmental factors i. However, the following formula is cheaper and provides all the nutrition. Many use it instead of evaporated milk — both can be found in the bakery section of your grocery store. If this seems to be, change to bottled water to make the formula. Keeping the litter box tempature between degrees with no drafts for the first few days is usually adequate. Other sources of warmth can be heating pads or heat lamps. If using a heating pad, monitor the intensity of heat, as pups have been known to cook on pads set on high settings! There are many excellent heat lamps on the market, but remember that caution is needed. Heat lamps have been known to start fires! The temperature on the French Bulldog puppies 1 inch above the bottom of the box should be about degrees with a corner that is slightly cooler and allow them to scoot to wherever they like best. There should also be plenty of clean blankets, as this will allow for regulation of temperature. Hydration is one of the most important things to monitor in new Frenchie pups, as it can be one of the first signs of problems. Check hydration by by pinching the skin on the back of the neck or on the top of the back. If the pinched skin stays creased, the French Bulldog puppy is dehydrated and needs fluid replacement. Dehydration can either be a result of inadequate nourishment, too much heat, or sickness. It is strongly suggested that you use regular newborn or infant bottles and nipples. The ones available for purchase for cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. Bottle feeding is far more preferable. The sucking on a nipple, the handling and holding of the French Bulldog puppy is so very important to their overall development. The French Bulldog puppy should be held with his head upwards and his body and tail down in a 45 to 90 degreee angle when bottle feeding. If French Bulldog puppies and their blankets are not kept clean, it is very easy to come down with a staph infection and diarrhea — which is serious, as Frenchie puppies can go downhill quickly. As mentioned before, it is equally serious if the French Bulldog puppies get chilled so avoid drafts. Even if you have them in a basket with a heating pad, you need to cover the basket with a towel to keep out drafts. A chilled French Bulldog puppy must be warmed up. There are lots of little ways to accomplish it. Priority should be to get the Frenchie puppy warmed up slowly. Newborn French Bulldog puppies cannot regulate their body temperature or body functions like urinating and stools. It is important that they are pottied at each feeding. They might not have a stool each time, but they will urinate. This is what the mother does when she licks them. After that, she will become a good mommy. Some might start off being good, then after a few days, or even a couple of weeks, not want to be bothered and might even be nasty to the puppies such as snapping and biting them. Always be careful and watch. If the mother will not clean the babies, you must be sure to do it. Using a kleenex, gently rub the area to stimulate their potty. Then be sure to clean them well. Make sure to check them even if the mother cleans them. Often the stool will get stuck to the tail and be dry. If that happens, or if the French Bulldog puppy seems to be straining and constipated, try the following: Run warm water in the sink slowly. Put a drop of soap on their behinds, and wash and massage their behinds; it will get the tail and poop unstuck, clean them up, and cause them to potty very well. If the little bottoms are red and sore, use some Desitin ointment. You may see green puppy stools and stools that have an appearance of bunches of tiny seeds. If all else seems normal, this seems to be harmless and short-lived. However, watery diarrhea can be very serious if left unchecked. Diarrhea together with vomiting usually means infection. It should be broken into feedings every 2 hours 5cc per feeding. If it is a good sized Frenchie puppy 1 lb. Towards the end of a week, you should increase the food needed to about cc or more. For the first week they should eat every two hours. If they are good size Frenchie babies, you can sometimes go longer. An average weight for newborn French Bulldog puppies is around ounces. Good size puppies are oz. Pin2 2 Shares Once the excitement of bringing your French Bulldog puppy home for the first time is over, the reality will soon start to bite as will the puppy. I remember my wife and I wondering what we had let ourselves in for on that first night of crying and howling! Bringing our French Bulldog puppy home to meet our son for the first time was an amazing experience. Bringing your French bulldog puppy home am: Paid via online bank transfer It was the morning of the pick-up! I transferred the money via online banking, then called the breeder who confirmed receipt you can see how much it costs to buy a Frenchie here — it was now time to go pick up our Frenchie puppy! Injections and vaccinations are super important, and I explain more about it in the questions you should ask a breeder before you buy a Frenchie. We were now the proud owners of a French Bulldog and were ready to bring him home! Ideally any dog should be properly restrained in your car when driving, and now Claude is older we use his own car booster seat. Claude the puppy was fine with the drive, but in some cases Frenchies can get car sick. This meant my wife and I had until 3pm to get Claude settled into our house so he was ready for his first day home. The things that I remember very clearly are how he wanted to run around the house sniffing at everything and getting used to his new surroundings. And then, we had to introduce him to our cat! Claude was a lot smaller than her, but being a puppy, he just wanted to run up to her and find out what she was all about. As you would expect, he wolfed it all down in super quick time! For guidance on how much to feed a Frenchie puppy, take a look at this feeding chart. I went to pick our 3-year-old up from nursery — he had no idea we had bought a dog! In the video below you can see the moment when my son met Claude for the first time! This is all because of their vaccinations, with public walks only advisable 2 weeks after their final set of injections which is around the week point. You can read more about how this work in this guide to when your puppy can go outside. He also had his third and final feed of the day at around .He was quite happy to snuggle up to us Frenchies are very cuddly , but we did make sure to take him downstairs every hour to try to get him used to peeing in the same place. You should try to get your puppy into a routine as soon as possible. Bringing our French Bulldog puppy home for the first time had proven to be an exhausting experience. It was now time for us to go to sleep, and we were hoping Claude would too! And, oh, how mistaken we were. What we did was place his crate in the corner of our bedroom. We put him in the crate, shut the door, and switched our lights off. Within 10 seconds he started crying and howling. It was heart-wrenching. We let him cry in his crate for a few minutes before we could take it no more. Handy Hint: Read my guide about French Bulldog crying and how you can start to stop them whining in their crate at night. We got him out and let him come back onto our bed for another 45 minutes then tried again. Frenchies really do suffer quite badly with separation anxiety , and at this age need you so much. We let him come back onto bed for another cuddle and gave him lots of reassurance. He had a comfy blanket in there and lots of cuddly toys here are the toys we used and this time fell to sleep… success! But it does get better… over time he will forget about his mother and siblings and start to view you as his family. The crying will stop over time, and a regular sleeping pattern will develop. In the graphic below you can see what to expect as your Frenchie gets older and how many hours they will sleep a day. The following days… Over the following days we tried to get Claude to sleep in his crate downstairs. It was impossible to do without lots of crying. In the end we gave up and kept him in his crate in our room for about 8 weeks. After two months we decided it was time for his crate to go in the kitchen. We had to be quite tough at first, as he cried the first couple of nights, but soon developed into his routine — him and our cat actually now share a bed! Claude would constantly be attacking our feet, chasing our shoelaces, chewing things like tables, door mats, shoes, and we would have to hide everything away out of his sight! Prepare to puppy-proof your home Firstly, prepare your home. You almost need to chew-proof everything. Also make sure that any potential escape routes and sealed off! We got a 42 inch one knowing that it would be ok for him as he got bigger and older. Inside his crate we placed some soft bedding and a few toys, plus laid down a puppy pad view on Amazon in the corner for him to pee on in the night. Get some toys and things to play with Frenchies love to play. We bought Claude a couple of stuffed toys, a Kong for teething on , and a few balls. You can see all the toys he still loves to play with here. It contains all the nutrition growing puppies need, plus… and this is a biggie… is said to reduce their terrible farts! You can buy Royal Canin Frenchie puppy food on Amazon. Be prepared to give him your undivided attention and be prepared for lots of crying at night. The sooner you can get this behavior ingrained into them, the quicker they will learn. You bred your Frenchie bitch. You got her through two months of pregnancy. Now you have puppies. The panic sets in. What have you done? What do you do next? Once you get the mother and puppies home, the work is just beginning. Enjoy the brief flush of satisfaction from the accomplishment. There is lots left to do. Is it covered to protect the pups from drafts? Once it is warm, put the newborn puppies inside. Consider this the First Commandment: Keep the puppies warm! For the first few hours, the mother will be weak and disoriented from surgery. If she has lost a lot of blood, she may even be in shock. She needs to be kept comfortable and warm, too. But one warning: Do not leave her alone with the puppies until you are certain she has recovered. Because of the surgery, some mothers have difficulty recognizing that the puppies are theirs. She should be introduced to them gently, and allowed to smell them and lick them. As soon as possible, lay her down in the whelping box which should be warm and protected and put the new puppies on her to feed. Initially, they may have to be coaxed to attach to a nipple. It is extremely important that they get some of the colostrum, the yellowish pre-milk that the mother will secrete at first. It is loaded with antibodies the puppies need to establish their immune systems. The Second Commandment is: Keep the puppies fed. The puppies should be encouraged to feed as often as possible. They should definitely feed once every two hours during the initial days. They will quickly gain strength and seek out the mother on their own once everyone has settled into a routine. Once the mother has recognized her puppies, she should begin to lick them and clean them. This is the Third Commandment: Keep their digestive tracts functioning. If she is not licking them, you will have to substitute. Rather than doing it exactly as she would, the best way is to use cotton balls moistened with warm water. Rub gently underneath to make them urinate, and behind to make them defecate. This should be done following each feeding. Keeping the digestive tract functioning involves the simple rule: put something in, something comes out. If the elimination of waste stops, the puppy will cease feeding, and will quickly start to waste away. If the puppy becomes chilled, the digestive tract almost always shuts down. In every litter, there will be stronger, larger more dominant puppies. They will feed more vigorously, and will tend to push the other puppies away. This becomes a serious problem with a larger litter. If necessary, move any dominant pups to one side to allow the others ample opportunity to feed. During the first twenty-four hours, the mother should not be left unattended with her puppies. She will still be weak and disoriented. She may accidentally lay on a pup or step on it. If she becomes frightened, she might bite or injure one. If you are right there, you can reassure her. You can also intervene if something goes wrong. You will have to be there anyway, as the pups will need to feed the moment your eyelids get heavy. One can get some rest while the other holds vigil. Otherwise, you will learn why it is said that sleep deprivation is the most successful form of torture. The yellowish colostrum will be replaced by pure white. And quantity should increase. You should notice a gradual change in the puppies. From a somewhat wrinkled appearance, they should start to plump up. Their tummies will start to become engorged after each feeding. If the mother is licking and cleaning the puppies, and is allowing them to feed, all is well. You can relax, somewhat. Some mothers take several days to settle into motherhood. If that is the case, clean the puppies regularly to stimulate elimination. As the puppies grow, they will learn to eliminate without stimulus. But if they are not cleaned, their little tails can end up stuck to their behinds. If you are remiss and allow that to happen, you will have to dissolve and dislodge the mess so they can eliminate. And it can set up like epoxy. Use warm water and cotton, and work at it as gently as you can. It may take some time. If the mother is reluctant to clean the pups, hold them up to her to show her what she needs to do. Once shown a messy pup, most mothers will relent and start to lick. Occasionally, the opposite syndrome will occur. A mother will clean too eagerly, resulting in raw, chafed little butts. If the pups are crying inordinately, this is a possible cause. Petroleum jelly for the chafing, or neomycin ointment will help ease the discomfort. Call your vet immediately and have her checked. In the meantime, you will have to bottle feed. Do not allow the pups to go hungry for long. Once they become weak, it will be difficult to get them to feed. There are many recipes around for substitute milk to feed them. Nowadays, a simple expedient is to buy prepared milk substitute for puppies. All you have to do is heat it to the right temperature and use it. The containers have complete directions. Bottles and nipples designed specifically for feeding puppies are available. Using newborn infant bottles and nipples should substitute nicely. If the puppies are older, you may have to widen the opening in the nipple to afford greater flow. As with breast feeding, bottle feeding needs to be done every two to four hours. Make sure each puppy gets enough. If they are not feeding well, give them smaller meals more often. If you have to bottle feed, be very careful. Because of their flat faces, it is easy for the puppies to aspirate milk. That can go one of two ways. When puppies feed too vigorously, milk will come out their nose. Be sure to clear it out completely, as it can cause infection. It can also be aspirated later into the lungs. The greatest risk with bottle feeding is that the puppy will aspirate milk directly into the lungs. If you take your time, and hold the puppy flat enough, this should not occur. If it does, you can tell by the rattling sound as the puppy breathes. Go directly to the vet. This is where a flexible plastic tube is inserted carefully down the throat so that the milk can be placed directly in the stomach. If done improperly, tube feeding puts the milk directly into the lung. Most important in this technique is to have a tube cut to exactly the right length. You need to measure how far the tube needs to go to reach the stomach. Tube feeding is best left to experts. Learning how to tube feed is best done with somebody experienced in the technique. Once the technique is learned, though, it is much faster and more efficient than bottle feeding. It is also the technique of last resort if a puppy is too weak to feed voluntarily. As the puppies grow and feed, they will become stronger and more active. They will more readily seek out the mother themselves. Although their eyes are not open, they can find her by smell and touch sometimes they seem totally lost , and by her body heat. The whole foreface is a complex of sensoria designed to find the mother, determine where a nipple is, and even to detect which is their regular nipple. You can start to relax a little more. If all goes well, the puppies should open their eyes around the tenth day. At first, their eyes will look scary and vacant when they open. Their ability to focus comes later. Frenchies take more time than other breeds to come up onto their rear legs. I have seen greyhound puppies on their feet before their eyes even open! But they should begin to get up on their front legs somewhere around the second week. They need a surface with good traction to get up on. Remnant carpet pieces work well. Slippery surfaces will make it hard for them to strengthen the pelvic muscles that hold the rear legs in position. Infections, viruses, congenital defects can all cause puppies to sicken and die. The mother can step or lay on a puppy and unintentionally cause injury or death. Amazingly, most puppies make it through. Somewhere between four and six weeks of age, the puppies will need to be weaned. If you are slow in starting them on solid food, the mother will let you know. Once the puppies start to develop teeth, her desire to let them feed declines precipitously. There are commercial products available, and most serious breeders have their own recipes for mush to give to puppies. The most important thing to remember is that it needs to be soft enough that they can lap it up at first. One simple alternative is to purchase good quality dry puppy food with a complete array of vitamins and minerals and pulverize it in a blender. Keep thinning it until it is just capable of being poured. Then warm it a microwave oven works well to about body temperature. Thin it a little more once it is warm, as heating will tend to thicken it. For the first attempt, the final product should be thin enough that the puppies can lap it up. Take the mother out while you are giving them the solid food. It may take some effort to coax them to try it. It can also end up looking like a food fight in a Three Stooges comedy. If they try it, good. They will do better the next day. Once you are done, let the mother back in to clean up the remaining food. She should help you with the puppies, but you may have to clean off the messiest of the puppies yourself. Start supplying them water to drink. The solid food will make them thirsty. You should be able to get the puppies to eat the semisolid food in a period of about a week. Once they will accept it readily, you can remove the mother. The puppies will need to be fed around three times a day once they are on their own. Gradually reduce the liquid portion of the food. If they will not accept it, it is too dry. The move to solid food will cause a quantum leap in growth. The puppies should grow less soft and beanbaggy, and should start strengthening up. Their immune systems will need to be built up by the time they are six months old. Talk to your vet to set up an immunization schedule. Suddenly they will look like Frenchies. By this time, you should have strong indications of their personalities, as well. A noisy five-week-old will likely be a vocal adult as well. A loving one or a shy one should correspond similarly. Training can begin somewhere around this stage. It is surprising how much a willing young puppy can learn. Familiarize them with a collar and lead. Teach them proper bathroom etiquette. Make sure that any new owners understand the special care required with bull breeds. They need to know they are indoor-outdoor dogs, and should not be left out at night. New owners should be encouraged to develop a relationship with their vet before any problems occur. Most importantly, let new owners know they can come to you for help if there is any problem with the puppy. You should be able to help them with the simple stuff, and warn them to get to the vet with anything more major. You want the puppies to do well in their new environments. If there was something you were breeding for, did you get it? If there was something you were breeding away from, did you succeed? What other surprise faults and problems came in with the breeding? Once you have done this for half a dozen generations, you should be able to see some trends. Some characteristics will pop up again after a few generations of dormancy. Others will dominate and stay with you no matter what you do. How you handle these characteristics and where you go is all part of what makes you a good breeder. John Niedhamer.

Prevalence: Common Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful. Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds 30 to 36 kilograms ; females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kilograms. Boxers have regal, distinctly shaped square heads. Their jaw is undershot and the muzzle blunt. They have a broad, deep chest and a relatively short, strong back. Boxer's ears fold over naturally, but traditionally, their ears have been cropped to stand erect. Their tails generally are docked and carried high. Their feet are compact and the toes are arched. The boxer's coat is short and sheds moderately. Some boxers are a rich, fawn color and others are brindle. Their face or mask is usually black, but many have white face markings and white on the chest and paws. Personality: Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers. Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers are vocal, however, and make a growling noise that's really just the dog's way of talking. Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. They can do well on a country estate or in a city apartment as long as they have the opportunity to romp and expel energy. If you live in an urban area, regular walks are necessary. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather, and care must be taken to prevent them from getting overheated. They also need protection from the cold since they are short-coated. Their coats, however, are very easy to care for and will be shiny and bright as long as they have a good diet, are bathed occasionally, and are given regular rub-downs with a grooming mitt or brushings with a rubber curry. Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. Some breed historians say boxers are named from the German word boxl, their slaughterhouse designation. Other fanciers contend the name boxer comes from the characteristic way that they use their forepaws to play, sparring much like a human boxer. After the breed rose to become among the most popular in America. Boxers are considered working dogs. They were one of the first breeds employed as a police dog, and they have been used as seeing-eye dogs. But they are also bred to be companion and guard dogs, perhaps best known for being loyal family pets that are especially fond of children. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. Back to Top Boxer Temperament With their muscular physique and dark eyes, Boxers might seem tough and serious. You can often catch them sitting with their rear legs out in front of them like people and rolling back into a lazy dog position. Often described as being more human than dog, Boxers are known to be quite sensitive. Sad puppy dog eyes warning! Boxers perform brilliantly as guard dogs and service, assistance and therapy dogs and in roles such as drug detection and search-and-rescue. But that protective nature can work against them, too. Back to Top How to Care for a Boxer Exuberant, playful and sensitive, Boxers require a good deal of exercise and training. But the extra effort is worth it thanks to their good nature and charming personalities. Brushing your Boxer a few times a week using a rubber curry brush or a hound glove can help keep shedding in check and keep the coat healthy and tight to the skin. Speaking of brushing, brush their teeth daily to prevent tartar buildup and dental disease. Get the how-to here. Unless they get really dirty, Boxers only need to be bathed once a month. Training Training is a great way to provide physical activity and mental stimulation, which are especially important for Boxers. So, a Boxer puppy will benefit greatly from early socialization and dog training classes. The good news is Boxer dogs are highly trainable due to their intelligence and excellent problem-solving skills. Canine sports like obedience, agility and herding are all great options for burning off that Boxer energy. Interactive toys , puzzle games and scent work which teaches a dog to identify and track various odors also can keep Boxers mentally stimulated throughout their life. To determine if a dog food is complete and balanced, look on the package for a statement that says it meets nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials AAFCO. Boxers are prone to heart issues. More on that below. At around 6 or 7 years old, they may need to transition to a senior diet to help manage their weight, which can become an issue later in life. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian as they can help you choose the best food for your dog based on their activity level, weight, age and unique needs. Treats can be an effective training aid, but giving too many can cause obesity. And of course, your Boxer should always have access to clean, fresh water. Well-trained Boxers make great running companions for short, brisk runs when the weather is moderate. Boxers also love to play fetch. Growing Boxer puppies should be exercised less than adults. Ideal Environment Boxers need room to roam, so apartments may not be ideal. A house with a big yard for activity and exercise would be best, but living in an area where long walks are possible will also suffice. Ulcers: Eye ulcers are a common condition in Boxers. Signs are extreme tearing, squinting and redness. If you suspect your Boxer has an eye ulcer, take them to a vet who can diagnose and treat it. Degenerative Myelopathy: This incurable spinal condition spreads through the central nervous system and can leave a Boxer unable to walk when they get older. Dragging the hind legs is often the first sign dog parents notice. A doggy wheelchair can help improve mobility and quality of life. Hip Dysplasia: Boxers have a predisposition to this skeletal condition in one or both hip joints. If your Boxer has trouble getting up from sitting or navigating stairs, it can be an indication of the disease. A veterinarian can diagnose hip dysplasia with an examination and X-ray. Treatment varies depending on the severity, and may include physical therapy or surgery. In mild cases, the dog may not need treatment. In moderate to severe instances, medication may be needed. Most often, exercise is limited in Boxers with this condition. Cancer: Unfortunately, Boxers are prone to several different cancers, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma, as well as tumors. Allergies: Just like in humans, seasonal allergies affect dogs, and the Boxer is no exception. Baths, air filters in the home, and avoiding walks during times of day when pollen counts in your area are highest can help ease Boxer dog allergies. Boxer underbite, when the upper jaw is shorter than it should be, can be common. If the upper incisors dig into the lower jaw, teeth will have to be extracted. Back to Top Boxer History The sleek Boxer we know today can be traced back to Medieval Germany—it was bred down from the larger German breed, the Bullenbeisser, or bull biter, whose forte was hunting ferocious game like bear and wild boar. A jack-of-all-trades, Boxers have been athletes, cattle dogs, police dogs, war dogs in both World Wars , watchdogs, protection dogs and guide dogs for the blind. You can also reach out to a Boxer rescue organization to adopt a Boxer or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. FAQs Are Boxer dogs hypoallergenic? No, Boxers are not considered hypoallergenic. Even though their coat is short, they do shed. The good news is they require little grooming. Are Boxers dangerous dogs? Boxers are not considered an aggressive dog breed, but they can be dangerous without proper training because of their size and power. Obedience training early on is important to channel their energy in positive ways. Do boxers drool? Since Boxers have drooping jowls, they produce large quantities of saliva and, yes, they do drool. What are the most popular Boxer dog names? For more dog name ideas, here are our suggestions for the top dog names. What are the most common boxer mixes? The most common Boxer dog mixes are: Boxer-Pitbull mix Bullboxer. They have a great sense of humor and are quite cuddly, considering their stocky selves to be right at home on your lap—even when they reach up to 80 pounds! They love their people, they love to please, and are extremely intelligent and loyal," says breeder Marc Hatten, owner of Mountain Crest Boxers in Huson, Mont. Boxers have a short, glossy coat —usually a fawn, brindle, or white color —that's soft to the touch, often with flecks of white across the chest, face, and paws. His square head is a unique feature, lifted high above a strong back and tapered hindquarters. Most boxers have broad, black faces, also known as masks. Their ears create a floppy frame around their masks, although some dog owners have traditionally cropped the ears so they stand up. Though this is controversial; according to the American Veterinary Medical Association , cropping is almost always done for cosmetic reasons and has no proven health benefits. Don't let the downward frown of the jowls fool you—they're happy dogs! Because boxers weigh between 50—80 pounds and top off at nearly 2 feet high at the shoulder, they're considered medium- to large-sized dogs. Temperament While your boxer is a puppy, introduce him to as many adults, children, and other pets as you can so he develops strong connections and learns good manners. Boxers can be suspicious around new people and animals, so the earlier they interact with other pets and families at a dog park or in the neighborhood, the better. A boxer dog's temperament is naturally friendly and fun without being overly jumpy, barky, or excitable—once they graduate from their awkward puppy phase, that is! They reach full maturity in about three years, which is longer than other dog breeds. So positive reinforcement training is a must to help properly channel a young boxer's abundant energy. Fortunately, they're easy to train and eager to please, so they respond well to cues and leash training. Boxers dislike routine, so teaching them new tricks from time to time keeps their curious minds engaged. Hatten recommends two essential reasons for crate training boxer puppies : to curb undesirable habits caused by boredom and to provide a sense of security. This provides a safe retreat as he adjusts to new people and surroundings, also referred to as a "decompression period. Some experts recommend that the crate—with door open—be placed in an area where your new companion can easily see you and approach for reassurance whenever he needs to, reinforcing the new bond. Ask your veterinarian or a certified trainer for more tips to ease your boxer into the family. Living Needs Owning a boxer means you want a dog that can keep up with your lifestyle and be a true canine friend. They wouldn't be well-suited to an individual or family that couldn't provide these basic activities and socialization aspects. It's not unusual for boxers to need at least 30 minutes—or more—of exercise and dedicated play each day. Because of their dutiful personalities and intelligence, they've been trained to work in K9 units with police, as messengers during WWII, cattle wranglers, and guides for people with visual impairments. So with this type of energy and attention to detail, it's no wonder they thrive with people who are active in the great outdoors and enjoy running , hiking , camping , enjoying family outings in the park, working on farms, and exploring other environments that provide healthy engagement. American boxer dogs have lean, muscular bodies designed for movement and short, easy-care coats, so they're ready to go when you are. A mature boxer can also be a trusty and loyal companion for an apartment dweller or senior citizen who enjoys daily walks and has a fenced-in yard or accessible park area that allows for plenty of fetch time. Care Clean your boxer's teeth every day if possible to prevent tartar buildup. Fortunately, a specific doggie toothbrush and toothpaste makes this an easy task. Ask your veterinarian for tips. Sparkling teeth and healthy gums also help reduce drooling. Boxers don't drool as much as other breeds, but slobber can happen regularly depending on the size and shape of your dog's nose and jaw. Keep his coat sleek and shiny by brushing him a couple of times a week with a hound glove or rubber curry-brush. They don't shed a lot , but regular brushing helps control any fur that does fly. Because boxers are generally clean, they only need a bath about once a month, and that's a good time to trim their nails and clean their ears , too. Some boxer dogs have deeper facial folds than others, so you might need to wipe these clean with a damp washcloth, especially after a vigorous romp outside nosing through dirt. Health Because boxers have short coats, they often need sweaters or jackets to protect them in cold weather. They're also more sensitive to hot temperatures. They don't sweat , and their snub noses and fleshy mouths can't provide adequate cooling from panting like other dogs. So if it's warm out, time walks in the early morning or late evening when the sun isn't at its hottest. If you notice your boxer is a bit overheated , apply chilled water to his ears, belly, and genitals, where blood vessels are closer to the skin. Because they're so playful, they might also enjoy a quick cool down by frolicking in a small wading pool placed in a shady backyard spot. According to Upstate Veterinary Specialities , particular boxer health problems include cardiomyopathy—specifically, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy ARVC , which appears in some dogs 5—7 years old. This is a genetic disease that occurs in nearly 40 percent of boxers. The heart muscle is gradually replaced by fibrous, fatty tissue, and causes an irregular heartbeat. Symptoms of ARVC include fainting, shortness of breath, and difficulty exercising. Unfortunately, some dogs don't present any symptoms of ARVC at all, and may die suddenly because of it. According to the American Boxer Club ABC , other potential medical conditions include hip dysplasia , degenerative myelopathy—a progressive disease that affects the hindquarters and spinal cord— thyroid issues , and tumors. When you're looking for a boxer puppy, ask specific testing questions of your breeder. In the 19th century, German and Belgian breeders created bullenbeissers from other dogs of that line, including the mastiff and English bulldog , and used them as large game hunters and for cattle control. Further refinement of that breed revealed a sleeker type of dog—the boxer. Some canine historians believe the name boxer comes from a German reference for the bullenbeisser's role in slaughterhouses—boxl—while others say it describes how the dogs use their front paws in play. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the boxer breed in .A boxer named Sigurd was born in and sold to a California kennel when he was 5 years old, according to the ABC. He and his offspring were the first boxers in the U. Fun Facts American boxer dogs are known for their goofy personalities. They also have a special wiggle frequently referred to as a "kidney bean"—they curve into a semi-circle shape and spin around when really excited! Boxers are favorite companions of many famous folks. Actress Jennifer Aniston, who usually has at least two or three pooch pals, adopted a pit bull-boxer mix in named Sophie. Actress Jessica Biel, along with pop music sensation husband Justin Timberlake, have frequently been snapped by paparazzi while on walks with their boxers, Buckley and Brennan. Was this page helpful? With a distinct build and highly recognizable face, the breed is a hard one to forget. Even though many people fall in love with Boxers for their wrinkly faces and droopy jowls, their personalities make it nearly impossible not to be impressed by a Boxer dog. Playful and clever, Boxers are patient with children and protective of their loved ones, making them a popular choice for families. Breed History Bred for hunting and working, the Boxer is a distinct breed that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. These characteristics were most likely seen in the now extinct breed known as Bullenbeissers, which were used to bring down large game and to keep an eye on the livestock. The Boxer breed that we are most familiar with began with a man named George Alt. Living in Munich, Alt imported a Bullenbeisser from France. The breed name, Boxer, has two possible origins. While no definitive history of the name exists, the former, while not as fun, is more likely than the latter explanation. Attributes While the breed is barrel-chested and athletic looking, perhaps the most distinguishing feature is the shape of their head. With a snout about half the length of the skull, coupled with some wrinkly jowls, the head of the Boxer served them well when hunting — mainly to breathe while holding on to prey until their owners arrived. Boxers have a sturdy build and muscular body, weighing anywhere from pounds and standing inches tall, with the female members of the breed being significantly smaller than their male counterparts. Boxers come in several colors, including brindle, tan, black, and even white. However, like most white-coated animals, white Boxers do run a higher risk for deafness. There are no indications, other than the increased risk of deafness, that white Boxers are more prone to other types of health concerns or temperament issues. Giving a Boxer the exercise and energy outlets they need can go a long way toward having a well-behaved pooch. Conversely, a Boxer with high energy but no outlet can go from clownish to destructive. This, of course, can be avoided with plenty of stimulation and activity — which are also great ways to form a bond with these playful pups. Boxers, like most dogs, also need regular nail trims, teeth brushing , and an occasional ear cleaning. Your veterinarian can recommend an ear cleaning solution. And, remember: use a cotton ball to wipe the ear clean and never go down deeper than your first knuckle. Also, avoid using cotton swabs. They can actually push dirt and debris further down into the ear. And those wrinkles — make sure to clean them out with a damp towel to help avoid any possible infections. Have you been thinking about getting health coverage for your pet? Very real potential for health problems and a short lifespan A Boxer may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Boxers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. More traits and characteristics of Boxer dogs If I was considering a Boxer, I would be most concerned about.Health problems. Most Boxers, unfortunately, do not live a long life. This is partly due to unwise breeding practices such as inbreeding and linebreeding, which are more likely to pass along defective genes. It's also partly due to the deformities in their structure, especially their shortened face. An alarming number of Boxers die of cancer or heart disease in middle age. Other health concerns include eye diseases such as corneal ulcers , digestive diseases such as ulcerative colitis , hypothyroidism, itchy allergies, skin tumors, and more. Prospective Boxer owners should be aware that they might be taking on expensive health problems over their dog's lifetime. Read more about Boxer Health. Boxer sounds. Boxers are not quiet dogs. Now I don't mean they're yappy! Not at all. But they do vocalize with grumbles and grunts which owners find endearing and also snorts, snuffles, and snores which bother some people. Only you know whether you're one of those people. Gassiness flatulence. All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. Boxers who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness. Many Boxers, especially those with loose lips, slobber or drool, especially after eating and drinking. You seldom see Boxers in obedience competition. They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many Boxers are passively stubborn and will brace their legs and refuse to do what you want them to do. Some want to be the boss and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show your Boxer, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Read more about Boxer Training. Older Boxers can be quite mellow, but most young Boxers up to about two years old romp and jump and play with vigor, and things can go flying, including small children or infirm people. Potential dog aggression. Most Boxers are fine with other family pets, including the family cat. But many Boxers are dominant or aggressive toward strange dogs of the same sex, and a few Boxers view cats as prey. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy.

We have answers. French Bulldogs come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique coat and color combination. From the traditional brindle to the more rare cream or white, there is a French Bulldog out there for everyone. And with different coat markings such as black masks, ticked coloring, piebald spots, white markings and brindle patches, you're sure to find one that catches your eye. So come on down and meet your new best friend today! Are French Bulldog puppies Bakersfield working dogs? Today, Frenchies are known for being gentle, loving companions. However, they are also known for being stubborn and lazy! But that's all part of their charm. If you're looking for a low-maintenance dog who will still shower you with affection, a French Bulldog for sale Bakersfield is the perfect pup for you. How much exercise does a French Bulldog Bakersfield need? Dogs need regular exercise, even lazy dogs like a French Bulldog for sale in Bakersfield. How long you should walk your French Bulldog depends on the dog's energy level. A lack of exercise is one of the top causes of destructive and negative behavior in dogs. So, walk your dog regularly to keep them happy and healthy. When I get a Bakersfield French Bulldog for sale, will he or she snore? French Bulldogs may be small, but they sure can pack a snore. Their cute little faces may deceive you, but don't let that fool you - their snoring can be quite powerful. Although some Frenchies snore less than others, chances are your Frenchie will snore often and loudly. So if you're looking for a silent sleep partner, a French Bulldog may not be the best choice. Do Bakersfield French Bulldogs for sale shed? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but if you're looking for a pup that won't leave your furniture and clothing covered in hair, Bakersfield French Bulldog puppies for sale are a great choice. These dogs have short, fine hair that sheds minimally, so you won't have to spend hours lint rolling your couch or vacuuming your floors. Are French Bulldogs for sale Bakersfield tails docked? If you're concerned about French Bulldog puppies for sale Bakersfield CA getting their tails docked, don't worry — these dogs are born with naturally stubby tails. There's no need to have their tails modified in any way. Embrace your pup's unique look, and get your French Bulldog puppies for sale in Bakersfield CA right here! Do French Bulldogs have a lot of health issues? While French Bulldogs may have shorter snouts than other dog breeds, this does not mean they are any less charming. In fact, many people believe that the shortened snout is part of the Frenchie's appeal. However, shorter snouts can be riskier than longer ones — especially if the pup's breeder is not experienced or reputable. Good breeders always work to minimize health risks for their dogs. Can Frenchies handle hot weather? As the weather heats up, it's important to remember that our furry friends rely on panting to cool off—unlike humans. However, due to their shortened airways, Frenchies are inefficient at this cooling method and require extra care on the hottest days of summer. Make sure your pup has access to air conditioning to help them stay comfortable and safe. Are Frenchies popular? Looking for a pup that will make all the other dog owners jealous? Look no further than the French Bulldog. These pups are not only adorable and full of personality, but they are also one of the most popular breeds in the world. What is a fluffy French Bulldog? The French Bulldog is a popular breed of dog that is known for its short, fine hair. However, there are some Frenchies that have a recessive gene that gives them long, fluffy hair. These dogs are becoming more popular with breeders, but they are still quite rare. If you are looking for a fluffy Frenchie, be prepared to search high and low. Why are French Bulldogs so awesome? Well, have you seen one recently? French Bulldogs have got to be some of the most unique looking dogs on the planet. Are Frenchies good travel companions? Sounds like the perfect travel companion to us! Call Now! French Bulldogs are an incredibly popular breed in the United States and are known to be one of the most loyal breeds to their owners. If you're looking for a companion with a squishy face, look no further! Our Mission at Beautifully Made Frenchies is to create and provide nurtured, healthy, and happy French Bulldog puppies. Ethical, responsible breeding and selling is our core value. Our pups are raised in an open home and slowly socialized so we know that they are ready to enter their new world. We also believe in ensuring that your new puppy is safe and prepared to be re-homed, that is why your puppy will be vaccinated and de-wormed before you take over as Mom or Dad. Our Frenchies are raised at home and receive the utmost care, affection, freedom, and exercise every day. Needless to say, our Frenchies are pampered. Our pups are fed top-quality puppy food that provides all of the necessary nutrients a growing puppy needs. As America's most popular dog breed, French Bulldog puppies can be a great addition to your family. We consider our Frenchies our babies, and we know you will too. Contact Us Today to get on our Waitlist for your new furry friend! Excercise Our French Bulldogs love to get outside! We walk our Frenchies daily to keep them strong, healthy, and happy. We provide all pet vaccination documents for your records. Nutrition Our Frenchies and pups only eat the highest quality dog food, packed with the right vitamins and minerals to support a healthy lifestyle. Mini is our beloved one-year-old French Bulldog who is, and will always be, the star of the show! Born in Salinas, California, Mini has recently been adopted into our home in Bakersfield. Mini has expressed her joy in going on daily walks and taking baths! She is playful, active, intelligent, obedient, and a professional cuddler. Mini is polite and makes it known when she needs attention, and there's nothing like a belly scratch or a few rounds of fetch that won't satisfy her. Mike is born and raised in Bakersfield, California. Like Mini, Mike has a strong passion for going on walks, interacting with other dogs, and deep-tissue massages. Mike is an adventurous and curious dog that loves engaging with people and all animals. Mike loves his treats and his freedom to express his personality! Why Choose A Frenchie? A French Bulldog has the ability to catch any dog lover's eye! French Bulldogs are known to be incredibly cuddly, loving, and need plenty of attention. They make the perfect companion to anyone who is ready for great responsibility. French Bulldogs thrive in the presence of humans and crave the security of being warm and snuggled. French Bulldogs are gentle, loving, affectionate, playful and make the perfect addition to any family household. Besides our French Bulldogs and puppies being stylish, they are acknowledged as appealing lapdogs. They love spending time on their owner's lap. French Bulldogs show closeness and desire for their owners, granting the ultimate friendship for you and your family, friends, or spouse. If you're ready to accept the tenderness French Bulldog puppies offer, you've come to the right place! Our puppies are bred in Bakersfield and will be ready for the life that awaits with you.

He is beautiful, loving, funny, and smart, and comes from a strong and healthy lineage. Marcellus was wonderful and supportive throughout the whole process. We love Buckeye Golden Retrievers so much! Marcellus is very responsive and professional! The facility is very clean and cozy. I would recommend Buckeye a million times over! Our Charlie girl is smart, cute, and such a joy in our lives! He is a spirited, loving, and playful boy who has brought so much joy to us all. I knew we were going to get a great puppy from the first time I spoke with them. Thank you so much! The 1 year health guarantee covers any major genetic defects such as a heart murmur. It does not cover treatable health issues. The remaining balance is due at pickup. We find great satisfaction in raising healthy, happy Goldens and placing them in your loving home! One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Golden Retrievers are eager to please and are great with children and other dogs. Additionally, Goldens are intelligent and skilled in whatever they do, whether serving as a therapy dog, aiding search-and-rescue, or being a devoted companion. Max Max is our handsome boy, an imported Jr Champion from Ukraine. Top of the line genetics and champion bloodlines make him an incredible addition to our breeding program. Max is intelligent and friendly, complementing his incredible physique and beautiful white coat! Max is available for stud service to qualified females. Skye comes from a long line of champions and is genetic tested clear. Skye has a happy go lucky personality and is a wonderful mother to her beautiful little snow white babies! She is truly a stunning European Golden Retriever! This mama is really great with children and other dogs and has been a wonderful asset to our breeding program. We kept two of her girls Maple and Bella to continue her incredible bloodline. Zoey loves nothing more than exercising and getting belly scratches! Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved. We have answers. What are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Dayton like? A Golden Retriever is a breed of large dog that is known for its intelligence and loyalty. It is often active and easy to train, and a popular breed for people who want an energetic and friendly companion. Historically bred as a hunting dog, Golden Retrievers were initially trained to help retrieve waterfowl such as ducks and geese. They have since become popular working dogs in many other settings, such as search and rescue or contraband detection. These intelligent animals are known for their thick, beautiful coats that come in shades of golden, red-gold, or cream. With Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Dayton, what is their coat like? The Golden Retriever is known for its luxurious golden coat, which is generally long and thick. It is composed of a water-resistant outer coat with a dense and thick undercoat. The coat often has feathering on the legs, chin, chest, and tail. The length of the coat varies between different lines of Golden Retrievers, though all should be evenly distributed. Grooming requirements can range from daily brushing to only occasional baths and brushing. Some owners prefer to give their Golden's coat a full trim at least twice a year. What's the best dog food for Dayton Golden Retriever puppies for sale? Finding the best dog food for your Golden Retriever depends on several factors like age, size, activity level, and individual tastes. Generally speaking, a high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds or those with high energy needs is ideal for a Golden Retriever. Look for foods that are high in animal protein such as fish, poultry, or lamb rather than plant proteins like corn or soy. You should also ensure the food is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals including calcium and phosphorous, which are important for strong teeth and bones. How can I become the best puppy parent for Golden Retriever puppies in Dayton? Waiting for a Golden Retriever puppy can feel like an eternity, but taking the time to prepare and become the best puppy parent you can be is an important step. Research what type of food, treats and toys are appropriate for a Golden Retriever and decide on a routine. Familiarizing yourself with common health and behavioral issues can also help you best determine how to provide your puppy with the care it needs. You can also begin the necessary training now by learning commands and understanding how to best reward your puppy and discourage undesirable behaviors. What sizes do Golden Retrievers for sale in Dayton come in? Golden Retrievers typically come in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. Small Golden Retrievers are usually about 20 inches in height and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Medium-sized Golden Retrievers typically range between 21 and 24 inches in height and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Large Golden Retrievers typically stand between 25 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 75 and 90 pounds. However, it is also important to note that some Golden Retrievers may naturally be larger or smaller than these sizes based on their individual traits. Are Golden Retriever puppies near Dayton active dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers are quite active, which is why they make an excellent choice for those who regularly participate in outdoor activities. They generally require at least one long walk or two shorter walks every day, as well as ample time to play and explore in a secure environment. Even when indoors, they are prone to running and playing indoors, so they will need toys and other activities to keep them entertained. When given the opportunity, they enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming or running alongside their owners. Do Golden Retrievers in Dayton get along with kids? Yes, Golden Retrievers get along very well with children of all ages. They are incredibly loyal and love to play with their families, especially younger children! They are known for being incredibly gentle and patient, so they make great playmates for kids. Golden Retrievers also tend to pick up very quickly on the moods of those around them, giving them an extra sensitivity when interacting with children, making them excellent playmates and protectors. Overall, Golden Retrievers consistently get a high rating when it comes to being family dogs and getting along with kids. Are Dayton Golden Retrievers for sale smart? Golden Retrievers are often referred to as one of the smartest breeds of dogs. They are widely known for their intelligence, loyalty and trainability, making them excellent service dogs and companions. They've got an impressive memory, and are able to recall previously taught commands and tricks very quickly. Not only are they capable of learning complex concepts, but they're also willing to please, making them a great breed to train. They also have an insatiable curiosity that ensures they are constantly picking up new information.

Golden Retriever History Facts This section obviously includes the history of goldens, but also some facts about the breed today. Golden retrievers are originally from Scotland Tomich, Scotland, to be precise. They are a mix of a Tweed water spaniel and a wavy-coated retriever both extinct now. The first pair of these two dogs were named Nous the retriever and Belle the spaniel. The first litter of goldens was born in .They were originally bred to hunt waterfowl, as Lord Tweedmouth was a hunter and wanted a dog that could retrieve game both on land and in the water. Like all good stories, there is some controversy surrounding the origin of the golden retriever breed. Golden retrievers are part of the sporting group. This includes breeds such as retrievers, spaniels, setters, and others. Golden retrievers are one of six retriever breeds. This also includes Labrador retrievers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, curly-coated retrievers, flat-coated retrievers, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retrievers. Golden retrievers are the 3rd most popular breed in America. Golden retrievers were recognized by the AKC in .This is 57 years after the first goldens were bred. Golden Retriever Physical Facts This section includes a mix of facts about their physical stature, physical needs, and even some stats about their brains! The breed standard height is inches for males and .The breed standard weight is pounds for males and pounds for females. There is only one type of golden retriever. American, Canadian, English, English Cream, and European golden retrievers are all one breed: golden retriever. The average lifespan is years. Yes, goldens can live much longer lives, but this is the average. There are no white golden retrievers. English Cream Golden Retrievers, which are typically light-colored, are in fact a pale gold color click here to learn more about English Cream Golden Retrievers. There are no black golden retrievers. Golden retrievers have webbed feet. This is one of the physical traits that make them good hunting dogs. Golden retrievers have a double coat. These two coats protect their skin and help regulate their body temperatures. They release heat through their paws, mouth, and nose. Some goldens have black spots on their tongue. These black spots are just pigmented skin cells. Golden retrievers need hours of exercise per day. Their faces turn gray as they age. This usually starts around years old. Golden retrievers have soft mouths. Since they were bred as hunting dogs, they naturally have soft mouths to carry fowl in. This is when they shed the most in preparation for warmer or cooler weather. Related articles:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful? Posted on December 2, by Galen Kauffman Share: There are few dogs in history more famous and easily recognized than the golden retriever. In fact, Golden Retriever facts will reveal to you that this beautiful dog even has aristocratic roots. A flat-coated retriever and Tweed water spaniel were bred to bring about the Golden Retriever. They earned their namesake because they were originally bred for bringing back waterfowl shot by hunters out of the water. Sport hunting in Europe and North America increased interest in the development of gun dogs and Setter, Pointers and Retrievers have specific attributes that make them superb sporting- and gun dogs. It comes from decades ago when there was the need for a gun dog that could plunge fearlessly into the water to retrieve game from the water after being shot down. The breed was originally created by Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland to be his attractive, cheerful hunting companions. It would have been impossible for him to navigate the marshes, bogs, water, and land to retrieve the birds were it not for his energetic, enthusiastic Golden Retriever companion. These working dogs retrieved ducks and waterfowl during hunting trips and would gently pick the birds up without breaking their bones. Tweedmouth got that distinctive long-haired golden look from mixing the Tweedwater Spaniel, a now-extinct breed, with the Flat-Coated Retriever. The Tweed Water Spaniel became extinct but is best known for being involved in the y development of the Golden Retriever breed of dogs. The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is a strong, muscular dog with an intelligent, friendly expression. They come in 3 colors and they have a strong desire to please people. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a distinctive breed, a natural breed with strong hunting abilities. Later in their history, to further diversify the breed from the pack, Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Red Setters were introduced. This resulted in the Golden Flat-Coat dog. Later on, the dog was named the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever has a double coat with a short undercoat below the coat. Both the layers help to insulate the dog against cold, moist weather. The double coat also has a waterproofing effect. Those coats come in two distinct layers, the upper, wiry one keeping water from penetrating the fluffy lower coat. The Golden Retriever has a double coat, meaning there is a topcoat and a bottom coat. The outer coat of the Golden is slightly more coarse than the soft, fuzzy undercoat. Both the layers have an important role to play — protecting the skin from moisture, cold, and heat. Some urban legends say the breed originally came from a pack of Russian sheepdogs in a traveling circus. But it nonetheless makes you think of these pet urban legends. After all, Golden Retrievers love learning new tricks and they are easy dogs to train. People say their antics, their smiling face and the way they train so easily is because they once performed in a Russian circus. There is no truth in this pet urban legend. The breed was made official in when they were registered with the American Kennel Club. To this day Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular show breeds. The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in .To become a recognized breed, a dog must have an interested, active following of admirers and this the Golden Retriever has in abundance. They are large dogs with the males being about 23 to 24 inches tall. The males weigh in at about 65 to 75 pounds. The females can be anything from 21 to 24 inches in height and they can weigh between 55 to 65 pounds. They usually stand somewhere between 1 foot 9 inches tall and two feet, making them great medium-sized dogs. Because nothing is set in stone and a Golden Retriever is totally unique, you can safely class your Golden as a medium to large breed. Some will be a little larger and some smaller, but they are always beautiful strong athletic dogs. Goldens usually have a 10 to year life span, making them great family dogs. So while the Golden typically lives between 10 and 12 years of age, with good nutrition, good exercise, and a wonderful lifestyle for your pet, he can push through to 17 years of age and even older. The females are typically smaller than the males, only measuring up to about .You can always pretty much rely on the standard, but there are always variations. Each one is different in a few subtle ways. One thing is certain, they are all purebreds and they all fall under the one Golden Retriever breed. The Canadian Golden Retriever looks just a bit different from the other two in that his coat is darker and shorter and not quite as thick as the other two. The shorter hair also means less feathering on the neck, tail, and legs. The British or English golden retriever is more solidly built than the Canadian and American retrievers. English goldens also tend to be just a bit smaller than the other two varieties. American Goldens tend to have thin, dark coats and are usually the thinnest of the three. The American Golden Retriever is the most popular of the three. Its coat is darker in color than the other two varieties and it is generally taller and slightly more slender. Canadian Goldens usually have darker coats and can sometimes be the tallest of the three options. The darker coats can lean towards being a dark reddish color, almost like a Red Setter. British Goldens tend to be the lightest in color and are usually stocky and muscular. English Golden Retrievers are characterized by their muscular, stocky builds. The entire head and neck area are bigger. Their coats can be very light or golden. All three types of Goldens share the same head shape, with a broad, straight muzzle that comes to a well-defined stop. In fact, while the three types of Golden Retriever differ slightly, all three are famous for their beautiful coats, the broad head, the well-spaced eyes, and straight, bluntish muzzle. Generally, dogs with sharper pointed faces and wolf-like features tend to live way longer than their flat-faced cousins. Dogs with longer, more pointed faces live longer than broader-faced dogs such as the Golden Retriever. The coat of the Golden is dense and water repellent complete with an undercoat. The coat creates a waterproof jacket for the dog. They should never be shaved or have their coats cut very short unless needed for a medical reason. That coat is long and fluffy for good reason! The long coat protects the Golden from the heat and the cold and it should never ever be cut except for medical reasons as suggested. Its beautiful coat serves a purpose. You can always pick out a Golden Retriever with his long golden locks. Despite their name, Goldens actually range in shades. Some are a much darker, richer gold color, almost orange even, while others are much duller and muter yellow cream color. Golden Retriever colors are quite varied in the golden color range. You can see shades that are milky, some creamy, some gold, and some red. Not all the colors are recognized as a standard color by the American Kennel Club. The official colors are golden, lightly golden, and dark golden. Even though they are immensely popular, a white Golden is frowned upon by the British and American kennel clubs. You can usually get a pretty good indication of what shade your puppy is going to end up being by checking their ears. Goldens tend to have their coats get darker as they age, usually getting their true color by about a year old. Golden Retrievers promise to stay beautiful forever but their fur does get darker as they grow older. At about a year old, a Golden is considered full-grown. A Golden Retriever may well have reached his full size by one year of age, but mentally they only reach maturity at about 18 months of age. It comes about because of a breakdown of an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which produces pigment. This Tyrosinase is seen in order dog breeds too, one of which is the Husky. As sporting dogs, these Goldens are going to need plenty of exercise. As active members of the sporting group, they are always ready for action and are natural athletes. They are used for everything from hunting and tracking to rescue. Goldens are known for their kind, friendly, and confident demeanor, a selling point for their breed. Goldens are super easy to train. They love pleasing their masters, taking instructions, and learning new things. They are capable of learning voice instructions but can understand hand gestures too. So long as everyone in the family uses the same words and gestures so as not to confuse him. Golden Retrievers are immensely charming in the way they carry their puppyhood behavior well into their adult years. Golden retrievers are great family dogs, fantastic with babies and kids, and get along great with other pets in the house. No wonder they make such superb therapy dogs. Golden retrievers were trained to retrieve and hold onto wild birds and this is why they instinctively love to hold toys or your shoes in their mouth. Goldens love to carry stuff around as they were selectively bred to retrieve birds. Socialized Goldens are always good off-leash but it is best to be cautious when outside your property and have him on a leash. Because of how high-energy the breed is, Golden Retrievers make great playmates for other dogs. They make great playmates for other dogs and for kids. They fit well into active families. Goldens need, at a minimum, 30 minutes of playtime per day to live their healthiest and happiest. You should probably plan for more! An energetic, sporty breed like the Golden Retriever must get 30 minutes of playtime every day to be at their most content. Leaving a Golden outside for long periods of time often can lead to major skins problems and environmental allergies. Atopic dermatitis can affect some Goldens and things such as dust and grasses can cause your Golden to develop inflammation. Keep an eye out for scratching and lesions. Goldens are incredibly social animals that need to be social with other pups as much as possible for them to live their best, happiest lives. Due to their innate sense of loyalty, Goldens will likely want to be with you at all times. So yes, Golden Retrievers do get jealous. The social Golden Retriever loves his human family so much he feels disconnected, depressed, and lonely when separated from them and he will even suffer from separation anxiety. A great way to give your pup some relief from separation anxiety is to give them a piece of clothing with your scent on it. Because your Golden Retriever is such a people-loving dog, it is far better for him to have a pet sitter stay with him to keep him company. Maybe consider looking into a doggy daycare if nobody you know is free to hang out with your dog. With doggy daycare, your dog will have other doggy friends to keep him company. This is important as dogs are social, pack animals. Also, with doggy daycare, he will be exercised. Your Golden might be used to having food in his bowl throughout the day and also from getting treats from you. Having food available to him throughout the day can cause him to eat from sheer boredom. Speak to your vet about how to feed your Golden so that he stays the muscular, lean dog he was designed to be. Your vet can recommend the right kind of food for your Golden and the right food portions. Golden Retrievers can sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, skin conditions, and various eye diseases. From 3 to 6 months, they have rapid growth which will slow down by the time your puppy reaches 6 months of age. The whole idea of this slow-grown plan is to ensure a slow rate of growth for puppies between the ages of 0 to 4 months. The slow growth rate allows the healthiest possible development of bones and joints. Rather, give the coat a good brush 2 or 3 times a week. Dogs with folded over ears, like Goldens, are extra susceptible to ear infections. Make sure to keep an eye out and keep those ears as clean as possible. Floppy-eared dogs like Golden Retrievers and Basset Hounds do tend to have more ear infections than those dogs with upright ears. They are often water-loving dogs and the moisture trapped in the ears results in the growth of bacteria. A Golden Retriever Club of America study showed that 61 percent of Goldens die from some form of cancer, a worrying trend. Make sure you take your pup to the vet often. It is thought that Goldens have this high probability for cancer as environmental toxins may concentrate on the nails of the dog. Tests are still undergoing to prove this, but if you suspect your beloved Golden is ill, get him to the vet immediately. Both will cause serious health issues. Chocolate certainly is toxic to dogs along with other human foods. Make sure you do research on this. Make sure you keep grapes and raisins away from your pup. Both can cause liver and renal failure. As a health threat to your beautiful pup, their toxicity can cause your puppy to develop acute kidney injury with anuria which is a lack of urine production. If they eat too much, they can suffer from anemia. Even onion rings from the takeaway joint are highly toxic for your canine friend. There are a few symptoms to look out for — weakness, decreased appetite, pale gums, vomiting, and elevated heart rate. Avos are delicious for us but for your pet, the persin can cause serious health problems and even death. Veterinarians tell us that dogs are particularly resistant to persin than other animals. They tend to shatter and can do some serious internal damage to their guts. Bits of bone can even lodge in the esophagus, and in the gut causing internal bleeding as they pierce the organs. When dogs are overheated or stressed they do breather heavier than normal to cool themselves. Golden Retrievers are at their most active super early in the morning because of their history of waking up early to hunt. In fact, all dogs dream, causing them to twitch and paddle intermittently. Golden Retrievers, like most other dog breeds, have a faster heart rate than smaller breeds. The average is somewhere between 60 to beats per minute. So there is no cause for alarm as a larger dog breed does have this faster heart rate. If there is any cause for concern, get your Golden to the vet. Your Golden has around taste buds, way less than the average human with ! Dogs also have taste buds in the back of their throat, so that food that they gulp down they can actually taste! Goldens usually have around puppies at a time, giving you a massive litter of pups! Some Goldens can even have .This is because of the many scent receptors they have. For each scent receptor we have, a dog has about .Contrary to popular myths, your Golden can see color! They do it to keep themselves warm and protect the belly. Believe it or not, dogs actually have three separate eyelids. Dog experts say that dogs have floating shoulders giving them speed and agility. Just like snowflakes, no two dogs have the same two noseprints. Just like us humans have different fingerprints, dog noses each have their own unique pattern of ridges. Goldens are a quick, athletic breed that can reach up to 30 mph on average. Goldens are the go-to choice for therapy, search and guide dogs all over the world. According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden retriever is the 3rd most popular breed. Of course, and for good reason, as they are friendly, loving, playful, energetic, and utterly companionable. Despite being a relatively large breed, Goldens are great dogs for apartments or semi-small living spaces. While they can live in apartments, you will have to give more attention to their physical and mental needs, taking them out regularly for exercise. Goldens can be trained to detect epileptic seizures up to a full hour before they actually happen. It makes them invaluable for people who suffer from them. Being naturally sensitive, gentle, and attentive, they offer emotional support for anyone with a disability or suffering from depression. Ancient Egyptians loved their dogs so much that they would shave their eyebrows, smear mud in their hair, and publicly mourn when they died. Dogs were kept in Ancient Egyptian homes and apart from being terribly sad when their pets died, they would sometimes even mummify their pets and insist on them being buried with their pets. He also wants to mark his territory and while urinating, in this vulnerable position he wants to send out a warning. Supposedly, the best dog for attracting a date is the Golden Retriever while the worst is the Pit Bull. Anyone though should check out the way a person treats a dog, as they will likely treat their date like that too. Goldens are a popular choice for movies because of how trainable they are. Add in intelligence and you have the perfect canine film star. Goldens are a popular pick among celebrities and politicians, including both President Reagan and President Ford. These people are all achievers in one way or the other, and they appreciate an intelligent dog that adapts well to situations and the people they are with. They are people pleasers and will drool over strangers, but their own human family gets the most kisses and loving nudges to show their adoration. They have a low tendency to snore. Yes, all dogs snore at some time but some are heavier snorers. If yours is, rather clear it with the vet as sometimes a health issue could be causing his snoring. They have a medium tendency to bark, but will often get very excited and bark at their owners to play. If he does dig, it could be out of boredom or anxiety, and then there are things you can do. Before you buy a Golden Retriever, understand their need for attention and activity. Goldens have been as high as the second most popular dogs on the AKC charts in .Studies suggest that Goldens are the sixth least likely breed in terms of aggression. They can be trusted not to bite. Goldens have webbed toes to help them swim better. These are water dogs and this helps them swim better. Because of their thick coats, Goldens are known to shed a lot. They shed throughout the year and that is why it is important as an owner of a heavy shedding dog, to ensure you have the proper grooming tools and to brush his shedding coat three times a week to remove loose hair. Goldens respond best when positive reinforcement is incorporated into training. Golden Retrievers want to please their human owners and they want to learn. It is why they respond so well to positive reinforcement training techniques. The intelligent Golden Retriever quickly learns that good tasty treats come to them when they please their owners. Owning your Golden can make you happier and help you live longer That makes perfect sense, because, in a world of fickle human beings, the constant love and loyalty from a Golden Retriever is like therapy to people who are finding it difficult to trust human beings for true companionship. Their wonderful, gentle, happy-go-lucky natures make them sought-after therapy dogs. What makes Golden Retrievers so special? Where most dog breeds have one or two exceptional qualities the Golden Retriever has many. How smart is a Golden Retriever? The Golden Retriever is ranked smarter than most other dogs and comes in as the 4th most intelligent dog there is, easily managing to learn more than commands. What do Golden Retrievers like to do? Do Golden Retrievers bite? Highly unlikely, if ever. If they are feeling sick or feeling threatened they may nip someone. What do golden retrievers eat? Avoid most human foods. If in any doubt, speak to your vet. Why are Goldens so mouthy? They were bred to retrieve soft birds that their owners had shot. Their soft mouths are able to hold things without the teeth putting any pressure on what it is they have in their mouth. Conclusion The Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dogs breeds of all time. To appreciate them as they are, these facts about these Golden Beauties will inspire you to investigate buying a puppy. Always make sure to choose the most reputable Golden Labrador Retrievers to benefit from all these amazing qualities. My Golden Retriever Puppies are breeders who are a minefield of information on Golden Retriever puppy facts. Are you in need of a sincere friend today? There is no doubt that an exquisite, friendly, loving Golden Retriever puppy is going to improve your quality of life. Post by: Heather M. These dogs are known to be sweet, silly, loyal, lively, loving, and good-looking too. Check out some fun, interesting, and little known Golden Retriever facts! They certainly do love to clown around. Lord Tweedmouth was passionate about waterfowl hunting and wanted to create a breed with superior bird retrieving skills. According to his breeding records, he was seeking a dog that would be loyal, even keel, and well equipped for adverse environments. He started by crossing a Tweed Water Spaniel with a Wavy-Coated Retriever, which resulted in four puppies that had those desired qualities. Golden Retriever Temperament Although personalities may vary from dog to dog, there are qualities commonly associated with Golden Retrievers. They are famous for being friendly, energetic, and playful. They tend to keep their puppy-like natures even as they get older, which can be adorable as well as a bit frustrating for dog parents. They are also people-pleasers who love their humans and like to stick so close by that they are often found underfoot. All of these traits make them wonderful family dogs, but not so great watchdogs. Physical Attributes Golden Retrievers were bred to be sporting dogs, and it shows in their physical appearance. They are a medium to large-sized breed with a solid and athletic build. They also have broad heads, strong necks, and ears that fold over. So, how heavy do Golden Retrievers get? Well, they typically weigh around 55 to 75 pounds and measure between 21 and 24 inches tall. Between their size and energetic nature, these are dogs who do well in larger spaces and need plenty of exercise. As their name suggests, Golden Retrievers have golden or yellow fur that comes in a range of shades. They also have a thick undercoat and a dense, water-repellent outer layer that can be wavy or straight. Typically, they have feathery hair on the back of their front legs and along their chest, back, thighs, and tail. Golden Retriever FAQ The Golden Retriever is a popular and familiar breed, but do you know the answers to these commonly asked questions? Do Golden Retrievers shed? Yes, they sure do! That thick, double-layer coat tends to shed quite a bit, particularly in the spring and fall. If you have a Golden Retriever, you should also invest in a lint brush to keep your clothes free of fur and a sturdy vacuum to clean up that hair. Is it hard to train a Golden Retriever? Like most breeds, training a Golden Retriever takes time and patience. However, they are known to be smart and eager to please, which can help them learn commands and behaviors. They are also likely to respond well to praise and other positive reinforcement tools, like clicker training. How much exercise do they need? Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs who need plenty of exercise to help them stay in shape. An active lifestyle can also help prevent stress, frustration, and boredom, which can result in bad behaviors like chewing up your favorite shoes or damaging the furniture. Your veterinarian can tell you how much exercise is right for your dog, but a good rule of thumb for Golden Retrievers is to get them moving for at least 30 minutes two times a day. That should tire out your four-legged friend. These dogs were bred to fetch birds from the water and tend to enjoy a nice dip in a lake or pool. What should I feed my Golden Retriever? Your veterinarian can offer recommendations and advise you on a healthy feeding schedule. Be careful not to overfeed your Golden Retriever. How long do Golden Retrievers live? On average, Golden Retrievers can live anywhere from years. Some Goldens who have a clean bill of health have even lived well beyond 12 years. Like many dogs, Golden Retrievers like to chew. They also like to hold things in their mouths—remember they were bred to retrieve waterfowl. Chewing is a healthy activity for dogs since it helps clean the teeth and strengthen the jawbone. This can cause choking or obstructions that require surgery. Are they healthy dogs? While Golden Retrievers are generally considered healthy dogs, they are susceptible to a number of conditions, such as: Elbow Dysplasia This is an inherited condition common in larger breeds where the bones that make up the elbow joint develop abnormally. It can be very painful and result in lameness. Like elbow dysplasia, it can cause pain and lameness. Hypothyroidism With this disease, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone that helps regulate metabolism. This can lead to weight gain, skin issues, and heart problems. Luckily, it can often be treated with prescription medication. Cataracts Like humans, these dogs can get cataracts as they age, causing a cloudy film to form over the eye. Cataracts typically need surgical correction. Heart Disease Golden Retrievers are prone to heart problems, particularly a disorder called sub-aortic stenosis, which causes a narrowing of the aorta and can lead to sudden death. This makes it especially important to schedule annual check-ups, so your veterinarian can listen for heart murmurs and other signs of this disease. Cancer Skin cancer , bone cancer , and other variations of this disease can be common in Golden Retrievers. Our illness coverage includes cancer, which can be very helpful since treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can be costly. Allergies Golden Retrievers can be prone to allergies of all kinds, from pollen to foods. If you notice your dog is pawing at their face or sneezing excessively, talk with your vet. Skin Problems These dogs can suffer from common skin disorders , such as parasites, mange, fleas, and dry skin. Regular brushing and periodic baths about once every other month unless they get into something stinky or messy! Ear Infections Those dark, damp folded-over ears are a great place for bacteria to grow. A great rule of thumb is that a healthy Golden will be a happy Golden! Ear Issues. History and Origins Sir Dudley Marjoribanks Lord Tweedmouth took a liking to the yellow colour of the retriever and acquired a dog called 'Nous' from Brighton, England, in and used him on a Tweed Water Spaniel bitch, which was a liver-coloured retrieving dog. In 20 years of further breeding, and bringing in Labrador Retrievers , Red Setters and possibly a Bloodhound or two to improve scenting and add bone, the Golden Retriever dog breed was developed. In , it was registered and shown as Golden Flatcoats until when the listing was changed to Golden or Yellow Retrievers until finally, in , they took the name they bear today. Ideal Owner Ideal Golden Retriever owners understand that this breed only becomes a loveable, cuddly best friend if trained and socialised well and given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks in mud and rain are part of the joy of the Goldie, cleaning up muddy pawprints and vacuuming shed hair will need to be also! Exercise Needs Adult Golden Retrievers require a reasonable amount of exercise to keep them in peak condition. A couple of hours of daily exercise should be sufficient for a fit adult, though this dog will happily accept more if you can offer it! Like many gundogs , they can easily become overweight if not given enough exercise - especially as they love their food! Space Requirements At heart, this is a country dog that loves the great outdoors and long walks in the countryside. Plus, given the Golden Retriever size, they will most likely feel more comfortable with access to a large backyard. However, they can adapt to smaller spaces as long as they have a garden and plenty of daily exercise. Nutrition and Feeding Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The Golden Retriever is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk. Grooming Golden Retrievers Because of the density of the coat, the Golden Retriever grooming process has to be done regularly. The undercoat, because of its water-repellent nature, is extremely thick and must not be allowed to mat, causing unnecessary suffering to the animal. Whilst the length of the coat attracts water and mud, this is easily cleaned off once the coat has dried. Training Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are great dogs to train — whether in obedience or more traditional gundog work— bas they are smart and enjoy pleasing their owners. They need sensitive reward-based training to help them gain confidence and excel. As well as walking exercise, they excel in any games that use their natural retrieving abilities and love working with their owners. The Golden Retriever is an ideal dog for families as they love everyone, are gentle, and enjoy being involved in all activities. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. He and his handler John Gilkey worked at the site for three months trying to locate people buried in the rubble. Golden Retrievers are said to have extremely soft mouths, so soft in fact that they can carry a raw egg in their mouth without cracking the shell. Due to their high intelligence and willingness to please, Golden Retrievers are often used in films and TV shows, some famous ones include Buddy from Air Bud and Shadow from Homeward Bound. They are thought to be the 4th smartest dog breed in the world. No, Golden Retrievers are known to be high energy and very active so if there are signs of laziness, they might be experiencing medical issues or emotional distress. Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot? When they do bark, however, it mostly sounds like a friendly bark instead of a menacing one. Is a Golden Retriever good for beginners? Absolutely, Golden Retrievers make great pets for any potential owner, regardless of the experience they have with pets. How many times a day does a Golden Retriever need to be walked? Depending on age, a Golden Retriever would need between 15 minutes and 2 hours of daily exercise. Similar Breeds.

Owning a Merle Frenchie for sale can be pretty interesting when going to the dog park or pooch store. Eye catching as can be, Merle French bulldog puppies are absolutely gorgeous and no two are alike! Being completely unique because of their one of a kind pattern is just part of why owning a Merle Frenchie puppy is so cool. There are many, many different types of French bulldog puppies for sale that are different kinds of Merle. Blue Merle French bulldogs for sale A blue Merle french bulldog puppy is just one of many types of them. Another cool option is the Lilac Merle French bulldog. The merle gene allows for a broken pattern on an otherwise solid coated or solid colored dog. As cool as the blue but even lighter in color, the Lilacs are just breathtaking. Most blue and Lilac Merle keep their blue eyes that they are born with throughout their lives. Usually darked pigmented dogs will retain a darker shade of blue iris. Another great color that is beautiful and breathtaking is the Isabella Merle Frenchie. This is available as a fluffy frenchie for sale as well as a non fluffy. Isabella Frenchie can cost quite a bit as well due to how rare they are. Check out all of the Merle French bulldog information and pages offered here:. Our goal is to provide quality bred healthy dogs that fits your lifestyle. All puppies are AKC registered with breeding rights, 1st round of shots and deworming and microchipped. Up-to-date on shots. CKC registered. They are raise in our home and have been around children and other dogs. Great temperament. Buy Now French bulldog puppies Male puppies ready mid September. Will have first shots, microchipped, dewormed and AKC limited registration. Sire onsite. Raised in home with our family. View Detail French Bulldog Puppies We have a new litter of puppies born on August 15,, and they will be ready for their new homes on October 10, We have 2 girls and 3 boys. Our puppies will come up to date with shots and de wormed. We are accepting deposits to reserve puppies. Buy Now Rehoming needed for a4 month old Frenchie Dark Brown and white chest female frenchie for sale. Light colored eyes. She was born in April, she is healthy and solid. Beautiful girl and protective. Semi potty trained, knows when to use pads inside. Official DNA paper work available; with papers additional fee may be required. She is fully vaccinated and dewormed. She is AKC registered and comes with papers. She will be a wonderful addition to a loving family. My name is Justin xxx-xxx-xxxx. Serious inquiries only. No health issues whatsoever. All shots up to date. Any questions or concerns just reach out. Buy Now Best of the best kennel rva "Welcome to best of the best rva kennels We specialize in providing loving homes for French Bulldogs. With a passion for these charming and affectionate companions, we've dedicated ourselves to responsible breeding practices and exceptional care. Our Frenchies are raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring their health and socialization. We prioritize the well-being of our pups and aim to match them with loving families who will provide a forever home. French Bulldogs lovable and it is our passion commitment to their happiness. Join us in the wonderful journey of adding a furry friend to your family! Their markings are stunning with many unique patterns. These puppies are 11 weeks old and ready to go to their new forever home. Please feel free to call or text for more details xxx-xxx-xxxx. RTG Aug 30 .Will have age appropriate vaccine, wormed every 2 weeks from birth. Health certificate from licensed vet. Please call or text xxx xxx xxx6. They are also known for their distinctive "bat ears" and squishy faces, compact and muscular body and a broad head with a flat forehead. They come in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes which makes them appealing to different tastes. French Bulldogs can be found in colors such as blue, lilac, and merle, which are considered to be rare and unique colors. At Country Club Frenchies, we are a reputable and responsible breeder based in Georgia, dedicated to breeding quality French Bulldogs. We have strict breeding practices in place and only breed dogs that meet certain health standards. We are transparent about our breeding practices and are happy to provide information about the parents of our puppies, as well as any relevant health certificates. We have a wide variety of French Bulldog puppies for sale, with a variation of colors including blues, lilacs, merles and tri-colors. Our French Bulldogs are well socialized and have great personalities, easy to train, and make great companions. We also offer stud services for other reputable breeders in Georgia. We understand that bringing a French Bulldog into your home is a big decision and we are happy to provide all the necessary information about French Bulldog care, training and health. Our dogs receive the best care and nutrition, and we also provide information about genetics and how to keep your French Bulldog healthy. We also believe in the option of adoption, and we encourage people to consider adopting French Bulldogs from shelters and rescues, who are waiting for a loving home. French Bulldogs are low maintenance and don't require a lot of exercise or grooming, which makes them a great option for people who lead busy lifestyles. If you're interested in bringing a French Bulldog into your home, please visit our website www. You can gain further insights about us by exploring our informative blog posts. Merles are primarily known for their unique markings, a genetic expression of the M-locus or Merle gene which causes random skin pigmentation and lightens their eye color. They come in a variety of colors and range in spectrums of white, grey and black, white and beige, dark brown, beige and white and mixes of greys and Beiges together. The lilac genetics are expressed in the flash of red in there light blue colored eyes and a combination of chocolate and blue base color in their coats. Black, tan and fawn make up the black Merle and they often have brown eyes or blue eyes. On occasion, a combination of both will express itself where you will see one brown eye and one blue eye or a streak of one color inside the other. Genetically they come from the black Merle whose color base has been diluted to create a blue hue. Health of Merle Bulldogs French Bulldogs like all other breeds have certain health risks. For a golden retriever it is hip displasia. For a french bulldog it is a vulnerable back that encourages good practices for their owners to have stairs in place always at sites where dogs should not be jumping from such as a high bed or couch. It has been rumored that Merle french bulldogs are less healthy than standard french bulldogs. This would only be true if poor breeding practices are exercised. That would be breeding one Merle dog to another. Common problems include blindness and deafness as well as chronic allergies, immune disorders, heart murmurs and hip dysplasia. A responsible breeder will tell you about this. Additionally to encourage better health throughout a dogs life Feeding your dog a raw diet and giving them NuVet supplements are required by our standards. In general a raw diet has been proven to lengthen life span. Also not spaying and neutering before the age of six and preserving hormones will encourage longer life. Merle is not a color, its a pattern. There are some patterns recreated by breeders that have become popular and also despised upon by other breeders. Merle French bulldogs are such dogs whose pattern has become very popular due to its rarity and the diversity of patterns. The gene alters the color of the dogs and creates patterns over patterns and this creates mottled patches in the colors of the litter. Also, the gene modifies the color of the eyes nose and the paw pads. Blue eyes are common in these dogs and also an odd colored set of eyes can also be present. No Merle dog will be the same as the patterns will always differ along with the color. There are three types of genes that the dog can carry. Breeders take advantage of the availability of French Bulldogs in up to 20 twenty different colors. They then create a rare, low maintenance dog. Merle is one of the most expensive colors of French bulldogs out there and one of the rarest. Merle French bulldogs are not pure breeds. The color is a mix of other patterns mixed together by careful selection and breeding. If the breeder messes up on the color combination, the puppies can come out unhealthy and weak with birth defects. No French bulldog has the merle gene and therefore, Merle French bulldogs are not purebred. Many dog breeds have this gene, however, Chihuahuas are used to introduce this gene in the French bulldog family. Some breeders can also crossbreed the puppies to create a purebred Merle French bulldog. The pattern depends on the gene dilution as there are variations in the pattern of these dogs. Blue, black, lavender are some of the colors which are diluted with the merle gene. These dogs are very rare and are sought out for all over the world. 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.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Which is why a lack of exercise can be the root cause for many destructive behavioral problems for active dog breeds such as Labs. As WebMD. This is a game that combines both mental and physical activity. To start, teach your dog the specific names for his or her toys by pointing at them and repeating the names. Ask your dog to fetch a particular toy. If they bring back the wrong one, throw it back and ask again until you get the right toy. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Make a circle of about 20 feet or more with your Labrador square in the middle and take turns calling him or her to you. Praise your dog or give a treat when they come, and then step back to let someone else call. Once your dog understands how it works, call faster and faster for a great doggie workout. You can also have family members in different parts of the house calling to give your Labrador the exercise they need on a rainy day. If you have the room, you can set up the hurdles indoor and have your dog run through them until blissfully tired. You can also set them up in the yard and create a true agility course, complete with jumps, twists and turns. Your Labrador has an incredible nose. Keep it in top shape by hiding treats around the house or yard and asking your dog to find them all. You can hold one treat in your hand and let your Lab sniff it before sending him or her out to search to give an idea of what to look for. Alternatively, you can use people instead of treats and have your dog find your loved ones instead for a twist on the game. Just make sure to have treats on hand to reward your Labrador for their excellent finds. Kong makes some of the most popular models, but you have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to picking the right toy for your Labrador. Designed to help cut down on boredom, food dispensing toys are like puzzle treats for your dog. Click here for our list of the best chew toys for labs and strong chewers. Upgrade Your Fetch Toy To a Frisbee Unlike balls that tend to sink and roll away, Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. As for durability, you can choose between soft Frisbees your dog can easily grip with their teeth yes, even puppy teeth! Then you can scatter multiple toys around the house and give the command for your dog to put them all away. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. If your dog is a whiz at identifying the right cup, you can then make things more challenging by slowly rotating the cups. Have you any favorite games you like to play with your Labrador? Let us know in the comments! 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. Just perfectly normal! Although can appear really rough.I don't mind my three playing like this.This becomes a learned and highly self rewarding behaviour that in a friendly love everyone labrador can be a challenging issue to address So I have a rule, and maybe let them play with one out of four dogs they meet.With the other dogs I don't want them to meet, I keep mine at a distance, so they are not frustrated and are able to process and learn, and reward heavily for focus on me and ignoring the other dogs. Click to expand.I might start doing that when out on walks then, we have just got in from one actually and she is a lot more "can I sniff you please" I don't know if that is just chance but I think she could be calming down a bit. She is respectful when first meeting new dogs but if they give her just a little hint that they are interested she is their best friend. We have had some comments from people in our puppy class that Harley is "aggressive" and over the top. So we have kept her from those dogs or rather, those owners. We watched a series called Rescue dog to Super dog and in one of the episodes one of the rescue dogs was being introduced to a home with an existing dog. I think it was Nando Brown who eased the concerns of the owners that it is important to read the body language of the dogs in a neutral way and not project our anxieties. So he recommended that the playing dogs get seperated and then the "victim" dog is set free and the "bully" dog is on a harness seperately. If the "victim" dog approaches the "bully" and attempts to re-establish play or positive contact then the chances are good that the "victim" dog is actually okay with the current interaction. I just couldn't forgive myself if she got hurt. Dogs normally greet each other and indulge in some sniffing before inviting play, frequently with a chase game. Bitey face is frequently only played by dogs who are well known to each other as it takes trust in the others actions. It is advisable to stop Poppy practicing this behaviour as it can lead to problems either with a dog that takes exception to her behaviour or an owner who takes exception to their dog being jumped on. The other dog may be recovering from injury or surgery or may be reactive to other dogs etc. One way to think of it is how you would feel if a complete stranger ran up to you in the park, threw his arms around you for a big hug and gave you a big smacker of a kiss Click to expand.Hi Jojo83, yeah very good point, I don't know if Poppy has somehow found out I've been worried but this afternoon has been a little better. Been keeping her on her lead and going up to dogs slowly, shes been a lot sniffier with them rather than just being overly excited and lunging herself at them! Guess she's still a puppy though but I don't want her to think she can get away with it at the same time, as you say, if it was revered roles i'd be a little concerned too. Labrador Retrievers are usually very kind , friendly, and even-tempered, even when they are puppies. It is actually for this reason that Labs make great family dogs. The fact that they love to play with people—whether they are kids, adults, or seniors—contributes to making them one of the most popular dog breeds. Take note, however, that every dog also has its limits. Just like humans, if you push your Lab too hard and annoy them during playtime or while they exercise, they may grow to dislike it and may even snarl, bark, or nip. Additionally, Labradors need obedience training while they are young. Their temperament may change as they age if they do not learn how to obey you. Generally, however, it is fairly easy to play with your Labrador puppy. They love to be around people and enjoy most games that you teach them. If a child tries to play with a Lab puppy, they often play more carefully, but again, that depends on your particular pup. What toys can you use to play with Lab puppies? Here is a quick list of the basic toys that your Labrador Retriever puppy will love: Balls Whether soft or hard, having balls as toys for your Lab puppies is great. Ideally, however, puppies should have softer balls, while older dogs may prefer tougher ones. Just make sure that the ball is always too big for them to swallow to avoid choking hazards. At the same time, however, the ball must be small enough to fit in their mouths. Squeaky toys Some Labs get excited whenever they hear a squeaky toy. Puzzle toys For Labradors that are known for being very smart dogs, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. You can also get them activity toys, boxes, and balls to present them with a challenge. These puzzle toys usually have spaces where you can put food inside. Chew toys Chew toys are always great toys, especially when your Lab puppy is teething. For these types of toys, you can try chew toys and rawhide bones, among others. Tug toys Dogs love tug toys because the goal is to win. However, you also need to be careful with these kinds of toys, especially if your puppy shows aggression. How long should Labrador puppy play sessions be? Typically, if your puppy looks energetic and wants to play, they can play as often as they can. They should take breaks, though, whenever they show signs of exhaustion, like lying down, panting, and aggression. However, a lot of people agree that puppies should play for 5 minutes for each month of their age twice in a day. For example, a four-month-old puppy can play for 20 minutes two times a day, while a 5-month old puppy can play for 25 minutes two times a day. Be gentle, however. While Labrador Retrievers are big dogs, it does not mean that they can handle rough play all the time. This is especially true when your Lab is still young. They could get hurt or feel scared of you if you play with them too roughly. Fetch game to play with your labrador puppy A simple game of fetch is a great way of bonding with your Lab puppy. Plus, it helps them exercise their mind and body. When your Labs are still very young puppies, stick to the basics—throw the toy and encourage them to bring it back to you. Once your Labrador Retriever gets good at playing fetch, you can make the game more interesting. For instance, you can get specific toys and name them. Of course, you need to say the names to your dog as well and point at your dog so they can identify the toy. Start slow by throwing two toys in front of your dog and saying the name of one toy that your dog knows. Your dog should get the right toy. To encourage them to make the right choice, give them treats every time they get the right toy. The name game Once your Labrador gets good at playing fetch, you can make the game more interesting. Of course, you need to say the names to your dog and point at the dog so they can identify the toy. Start slowly by throwing two toys in front of your dog and saying the name of one toy that your dog knows. Hidden treasure Another great brain game for Lab puppies is to find yummy treats. Show your Labrador a treat and let them smell it, but do not let them eat it. Make your dog leave the room and hide the treat. Let them enter the room to find the treat. Make sure it is not too hard to hide at first to make sure they understand the game. You can increase the difficulty the more you play the game. Chase game to play with your labrador puppy If you have more than one Lab puppy, then you can encourage them to chase each other. However, you may not need to since puppies love to naturally chase each other to play. Do not be alarmed if it looks like one of your Lab pup is getting bullied. Bubbles game to play with your labrador puppy A fun way to play with your Lab puppy is to blow bubbles! You can get non-toxic bubbles and blow them into the air. Some pet shops will sell flavored play bubbles so your dog will love the game even more. Most Labradors will instinctively try to grab and bite the bubbles, which can be lots of fun for them. Plus, it is definitely cute to watch! However, you need to have a mop or a rag to use after playtime. The bubbles can make your floor very slippery because some bubbles will fall on the floor and leave a soapy, slippery residue. Tug of war With tug of war, you can get a few chew toys and rope toys to play a classic game of tug of war. Your Lab will simply bite on one end as you pull the other. Make sure you take regular breaks, though. Do not be too rough and let your Lab win sometimes. Frisbee game to play with your labrador puppy Does your pup love to jump in the air? Encourage them to run and jump high by playing frisbee! All you have to do is throw the frisbee, and they will run and catch it. Play with sprinklers Most Labs love water, so this is a great game to help them enjoy playtime and get used to water. All you have to do is turn the sprinklers on, and you can run and play with your Lab through the water! Hide and seek If you want to play a fun game, make your Lab sit and stay. Make sure they stay as you find a place to hide. Once you are hidden, call out their name one or two times until they find you. Piggy in the Middle If you co-own a dog or have multiple people in the house, this game is a fun way for many people to play with your pup. Find a way to surround the puppy without making them feel closed in. Grab a ball and throw the ball to the other person. Your dog will probably not get the ball, which is fine, but they will definitely try their best! In short… It is easy to play with a Lab puppy and keep them entertained. You can buy them the appropriate toys, be gentle with them, and play fun games with them to keep them happy and healthy. Post navigation. How to play with a puppy through training. Playing has been a part of social development for both humans and dogs since the days of hunting and gathering. Nowadays, our daily routine has been reduced to mostly hunting burgers and gathering fries, but playing still remains a critical part of human social development. This is true for our canine companions as well. Ensuring adequate and healthy playtime is a big part of raising a well-rounded dog. Some types of puppy games are good for physical development, whereas others are important for mental and social development. Here are a few of my favorite twists on classic puppy games. Puppy Running Games 1. Use a Flirt Pole Flirt poles are fabulously simple and absolutely brilliant. A flirt pole is simply a stick or pole with a rope or bungee hanging from the end. At the other end of the rope is a fabric-type toy that bounces and moves easily. By bouncing the pole or dragging it slowly across the ground, the toy at the end of the rope becomes wildly animated like a small animal. Your dog will go nuts chasing and trying to capture it. But, how do their trainers first start them on that path? Playing hide-n-seek! To initiate the game, trot away from your puppy while looking over your shoulder and calling her name. Stop after a few yards, squat down to your knees and scoop her up into a playful snuggle. Repeat several times, each time going a bit further away and calling her less and less until you are no longer calling her at all. The final phase of hide-n-seek is to wait until your puppy is distracted such as when they first go outside to use the loo! Wait and see if she can find you based on sound and smell cues alone. The following games can be played with your puppy indoors, in the comfort of your sweatpants as your dinner simmers on the stove. Blow bubbles My shepherd mix Lily had a blast chomping at the bubbles and sneezing as they pop on her nose. Be sure to dry off the floor afterward so nobody slips on the little bit of soapy residue bubble-blowing sessions will inevitably leave on the floor! Certain toys work better than others—a knotted rope, length of fabric, or Kong tug toys. Start by initiating tug with the toy. Tug-of-war is only fun when two are playing, so your puppy will drop the toy eventually. If you time it right, you can praise your puppy for dropping the toy and then re-initiate the game right away. And the game will go on and on. This is the easiest indoor game for puppies. It also helps your puppy become desensitized to being touched—useful for future grooming or vet visits! A bored puppy is a destructive puppy! So here are my favorite brain games for puppies. Tracking Games Tracking games are great for dogs to put their awesome olfactory system to work! All you have to do is drag a treat like a milk bone across the ground a few yards and hide. The best hiding places are inside something like a box or overturned flowerpot. Next time you go to the pet store for kibble, bring a few old rags and ask the staff if you can get some scents from the hamsters, birds, and maybe even the fish department! Then move them around, mix them up, and let your puppy use his nose to knock over the tubs and find the right one. Leisurely Sniff-n-Strolls Going for a walk is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to socialize your puppy. The point is to mix it up with keeping your puppy on a tight lead for polite walks, versus leisurely strolls with a little more leash to sniff around and explore. A fun way to desensitize your puppy to a variety of noises is to play this game. Gather a basket of objects from around the house and hide it behind your back. One by one, make noise with each object while your dog looks on, probably confused. Then show him the object and let him sniff it and explore it while you make the noise again with the object in plain sight. This could include your shaking keys, dropping a small pan on the floor, crinkling some plastic wrap, or clicking a ball-point pen. Meet the Car It may not occur to you to introduce your puppy to the family car, but you should! Walking around the car together, opening and closing doors, honking the horn, and letting him jump in and out are good activities. Crate games Getting your puppy comfortable going into a crate or bed is one of the earliest goals of training. So why not make a game out of it? Toss tiny treats inside and around the crate while she gets used to walking in and out without fear. Then up the ante by occasionally closing the door after she walks inside. Then let her out again and start over. This is one of those puppy training games for the whole family to get in on! Have everyone stand in a big circle in the backyard. It seems simple, but we always end up having a laugh at the antics that puppies get into when they start running around the circle looking for who has called! Pick two objects and set them in front of your puppy. Say the name of one object a few times, and wait. Repeat, using the same object as the target a few times before repeating the same thing with another object. Then alternate back and forth and see how many sessions of this game it takes for your dog to know the names of the objects! The secret to successful play with a large dog is to define the boundaries and rules of the game, and to control where it starts and stops. This is almost impossible with free play or rough housing, where dogs often become over-excited and careless. Structured games enable you to remain in control whilst keeping your dog happy and entertained. It is not just bloodhounds that are great at following a trail. Labradors can do it too. Try laying a scent trail for your dog, with a treat at the end, and watch him follow it with his nose. You will lay your trail with a scent marker. A piece of cloth rubbed in some roast meat juices should do the trick. And you will also need some little chunks of roast chicken or beef steak, for the treat at the end of the trail. Your First Scent Trail Lay your first trail in a straight line on an open piece of ground. Keep your dog out of sight while you do this. Step 1 Mark the start of the trail with a cone or a rock, so that you know where to begin tracking Drag your cloth along for 3 feet. Place a little piece of meat or some other yummy treat at the end. Step 2 Now fetch your dog and take him to your start marker. Watch him sniff around and follow the scent to the treat. Step 3 Repeat a few times. Now you can start to make the game more fun. Making scent work it more difficult One way to make the game more challenging, is to make your trails longer. You can also gradually introduce turns or changes in direction so that the trail is wiggly rather than straight. After a few weeks of practicing you will be able to lay quite complicated trails for your dog to play the scent game. The next game can be played indoors 2. Statue Games To Play With Your Dog In this game, your dog has to sit perfectly still without moving a muscle, whilst you walk all around him in a circle. Take care not to step on his tail as you cross behind him. You teach this game in easy stages, using an event marker to let the dog know when he is on the right track. Your event marker The event marker is just a sound that you make each time the dog is successful. Step 1 To begin with, sit your dog next to you, stand still, and watch him carefully. As soon as he is completely still, mark and reward! Step 2 The next step is to mark and reward 3 seconds of not moving. Fidgety dogs may need you to mark 2 seconds first, and then move on to 3. Step 3 When your dog can sit like a statue for 3 seconds, it is time to teach him to keep really still whilst you move your leg. To start with, just lift one foot off the ground and put it back down again. If he keeps still, mark and reward. If he moves or fidgets go back to standing still for 3 seconds, then try and smaller movement of your foot. Making it more difficult Once he can do this, you can progress to bigger movements of your leg. If he moves, make the game easier for a moment. When you give him his treat, let him move around, then bring him back to sit next to you for the next attempt. Over the space of five to ten games of five minutes each, you will be able to progress from lifting your leg, to taking a step to one side, to taking a step backwards. All without the dog moving. Soon you will be able to step forwards, turn and face the dog! You will also be able to step back wards and to one side, so that you step across his tail. It is then just a short step to be able to step all around your dog whilst his sits like a statue. Step 1 Choose a toy your dog really loves. Use the name of the toy a lot whilst your dog is holding and playing with it. Step 2 Now sit your dog or get someone to hold him and let him see you take the toy through and open doorway and place it on the floor in full view in another room. Tell him how clever he is when he gets it. Step 3 Repeat a few times, then begin to make things more complicated. Making it more difficult Try placing the toy where he cannot easily see it until he is in the room. You need to build up his skill gradually. After a few more games, you will be able to make the game more difficult, hiding the toy under a cardboard box or a cushion. You can also teach your dog different names for different toys and see if he can pick up the right one. Teach Your Dog To Freeze! This is great fun to play with an active dog. Step 1 Have your dog move around near to you. Keep throwing him tiny treats to hold his attention and dance around to keep him moving. Step 2 Start dancing around again. Each time you freeze, wait for him to freeze too and immediately mark and reward. Step 3 Now you can start to add a cue word. Mark and reward the dog when he stops. Making it more difficult Now start throwing the treats further away and saying freeze when he has picked up the treat and is starting to return. But as long as you always throw the treat well behind him, he will soon start to freeze further from you. Freeze is not just a fun game, it can also be a useful cue to give a dog that is heading towards danger or getting too far away. Keeping it fun With all these games, it pays to make haste slowly, and to stop whilst the dog is having fun. Many dogs will get bored if you carry on much longer than this.

FAQ Welcome to Omni's dog harness size calculator, a convenient tool that will help you to choose the perfect harness size for your dog. Hence, many veterinarians and cynologists agree that harnesses could be a better option in some instances, especially for reactive dogs. Whether you're a new dog owner or an experienced pet parent trying to switch from a collar to a harness, you're in the right place. Use the dog harness size calculator, and read the article to get clear answers to some of the harness-related questions, such as: How to calculate dog harness size; How to measure your dog for a harness; What the correct harness is for a medium size dog; Whether harnesses are safer than collars; Whether collars are more appropriate for puppies than harnesses; And more! Harness what you need to know about dog harnesses Although, as dog owners, we would love to give our furry friends the freedom to roam free, unfortunately, for safety reasons, it's not always possible. Hence, harnesses and collars have always been pet owners' essential items; but what are the benefits and disadvantages of a harness? Let's explore. There are multiple benefits to using a harness. Below are a few: A harness helps your dog to avoid neck and spine injury when pulling on the lead. This is particularly relevant for leash-reactive dogs, who respond to external stimuli in an unwanted way and are more prone to pull on the lead. A harness prevents your dog from escaping. It is much easier for a dog to slip their head out from a collar than from a harness. A harness ensures that the dog does not have the means to escape. A harness makes it easier for you to control your dog. If your dog is easily distracted when walking, a harness will help you to have a tighter hold on the dog's movements. This is also beneficial if your dog tends to jump on people with excitement; since pressure from a harness is distributed more evenly on your dog's body than from a collar, you can quickly stop your dog from hopping without fear of injuring it. Harnesses prevent ocular proptosis. Too much strain on your dog's neck, which a collar may cause, can lead to the dog's eyeballs protruding out of the sockets — a condition known as ocular proptosis. Since the harness doesn't strain the dog's neck, this condition is avoidable by using a harness. Certain discomforts come with using a harness: It can be inconvenient to put on and take off a harness from your dog, compared to a collar, which is moderately easy to put on, and mostly stays on throughout the day. You may be unable to display the ID tag, which is crucial in case your dog gets away while outdoors. If not fitted correctly, a harness could be uncomfortable or painful for your dog. Ensure the harness is not too tight on your dog, especially if you have a growing puppy. You may need to monitor how well the harness fits closely. You may need to use more strength when walking your dog with a harness. This is often the case with bigger breeds. Want to know more about dogs? Then visit the Omni dog food calculator and our dog life expectancy calculator to determine your pet's daily calorie needs and life expectancy, respectively. What size harness does your dog need? Dog harness size chart by breed The size of your dog's harness will depend on the weight and girth of your dog. You can find the dog harness size chart by breed below: Breed. In more simplistic terms, the girth is the chest measurement. To get the best, most accurate fit, compare the girth measurement of your dog with the weight chart. However, keep in mind that puppies grow quickly, and you may need to go up at least one size until your puppy is fully grown. When you try to measure your puppy for a harness, he or she may be extra wiggly, so grab an extra set of hands if possible! One person can hold your puppy while the other measures around the chest. Most small puppies will probably start off in an xs, but larger breed puppies may need to start with a small or even medium-sized harness. For dogs in between sizes with a wide chest or shoulders, go up a size. For dogs in between sizes with a narrow chest or body, go down a size. We never recommend ordering a harness without measuring your dog or puppy first. However, if you do accidentally order the wrong size, we offer free exchanges and returns on our harnesses as long as it remains unwashed and the tags are intact. If you believe you measured incorrectly and ordered the wrong size, you can view our entire return policy on our website. We will respond to your message within one business day. You can also check out our blog for more information, such as why dog harnesses are better for walks than collars. Joyride Harness is a bestselling all-in-one harness that keeps dogs safe and comfortable on daily walks and excursions and helps prevents dogs from pulling. You can find candid product reviews on our website, where you can even search by breed. Make your daily walks easier and more enjoyable with Joyride Harness! Owners who wonder if a collar or a harness is better for a Pug dog, the answer is that both are important accessories for this breed and each will serve different purposes. However, for the Pug this is should not be the case since this is a brachycephalic breed. Being brachycephalic, the face is flat with a short snout. Nasal and airways passages are compressed, with many Pugs having some level of stenotic nares narrows nasal openings. The soft palate located in the back of the throat is often elongated, causing some issues with breathing. Due to the structure of the face and the short neck of the Pug, ability to breath correctly is already an issue with this breed. If the leash is connected to the collar all pressure, force and tension is placed directly onto a Pug's neck. This can cause several serious issues including: Compression and constriction whenever the Pug pulls ahead and the leash goes taut, causing increased breathing difficulties Injury to the windpipe if the Pug lunges to the side or jerks his head including the very serious issue of collapsed trachea in which rings of cartilage surrounding the windpipe collapse inward. The Harness A proper harness should be the apparatus that is used any time that a Pug dog is on leash. As opposed to a collar, the harness will distribute pressure, force and tension across the dog's shoulders, chest and back. These areas of the body are much sturdier since they are comprised of bone and muscle as opposed to softer cartilage and ligaments of the neck. Using a harness frees the Pug's neck from potential injury and allows the Pug puppy or dog to breathe easier when on leash. In addition, the right harness will give an owner better control when walking a Pug. This is a curious breed that often tends to want to lead while on walks. A harness allows an owner to better control the puppy or dog, keeping him on course, without having to worry about causing any type of neck injury or pulling that would inhibit breathing in a dog that already has struggles in this respect. Choosing a Collar for Your Pug Though connecting a leash to a collar is not recommended, you may still want your Pug to wear one for other reasons. This would including to hang a dog tag for ID purposes. And many owners find it easier to have a collar on their dog inside the home to help facilitate handling such as grooming. There are over 20 different types of collars and there are only a couple that are ideal for this breed. Let's first look at what type of collar should NEVER be used: X Flat Buckle Collars - These are similar to a belt in which the sizing of the collar's diameter is adjusted with prongs that slip into punched holes. The issue with these is that you need to fidget with the buckle when taking it off and with this breed, breathing issues can come on very quickly. You'll want a collar that you can take off almost instantly. X Choke collar - These are exceedingly dangerous for the Pug breed. Made of chain with rings at the ends; both 'dead' and 'live'. When a leash is attached to the live ring, the chain instantly slips tighter when the dog pulls, causing a massive jerk to the neck. X Prong collar - These are used as a means of control via pinching the dog's neck when he pulls while on leash. The interlocking steel link collar's metal spikes are considered - by many- to be inhumane for any dog. The choke and prong collars mentioned above have been associated with whiplash, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, fainting, collapsed trachea, asphyxiation, fracture of the bones in the larynx, bruising of the esophagus, dislocated neck bones, damage to the skin and tissues in the neck, brain damage and dislocated eyes the eye s are forced from the socket due to excessive restraint to the head and neck. Now, let's look at the best collars for a Pug puppy or older dog. For this breed, the two best options are: Flat collar, quick release - This consists of one flat, adjustable strap that fits around the neck. It closes with a clasp that is ideal for fast removal. You'll want it to be lightweight yet sturdy, weather resistant and with stitching only on one side to prevent irritation. Examples would be if the Pug's collar got accidentally caught on an object such as fencing, a part of a safety gate or even a chair, in which the dog would otherwise be strangled. Material - The material that the collar is made of along with its thickness will determine how heavy it is and therefore how much weight will be placed on a Pug's neck. Flat collars the type recommended for this breed can be found in an array of materials that include leather, polyester or nylon webbing. Let's look at the choices: Polyester - This is a cheap material that is made from synthetic polymers. This low quality fabric wears out extremely quickly, absorb and hold body oils that can lead to terrible smells and are not a good choice. Leather - These collars can look very stylish though the downsides are that these are not waterproof and some cheaper leathers can stretch out over time. Nylon - Webbed nylon, flat collars with a quick release or breakaway clasp are the best choice for most Pugs. A quality collar made of nylon webbing will be weather resistant, washable, resistant to odors and sturdy. Size - The general rule of safety and comfort is that once the collar is on, you can easily slip two fingers between it and your dog's neck. This allows it to be loose enough to avoid any type of constriction but be tight enough that it cannot slip off or be easily snagged onto something. While the collar for your Pug will be adjustable, you'll want to make sure that as your puppy grows, it can be sized to still fit those two fingers underneath. Pug puppies often wear collars sized for toy breeds, though this will change after the first year. Since the Pug is the largest of all toy breeds with an adult weight of 13 to 18 pounds 5. How Many Collars You Should Have for Your Pug You'll want to have at least 2 quality collars so that if one is taken off your Pug and misplaced, you'll still have one on hand. The collars should be periodically checked for any wear and tear. Depending on their use if you always use one and the backup one is rarely used you may need to replace the collar anywhere from every 2 to 5 years. Times to Remove the Collar Many owners wonder if it is okay to keep the collar of a Pug when the dog is at home inside the house. One element that you'll want to be exceedingly aware of is the chance of the door being opened and the Pug darting outside. If you do take the collar off when at home, it can help to have a rule that even household members knock on the door to announce their presence so that the dog can be held while the door opens. While it can be freeing for a dog to be collar-free while sleeping and playing inside of the house, for some this can cause intolerance for times that it must be placed on. Bittoo, 20 months old Photo courtesy of Vishnoo Sangeet Dubey For puppies in the house training phase, it's best to keep it on at all times since you may only have seconds to bring the pup to the designated bathroom area and spending time putting the collar on can result in an accident inside the home. It is recommended to take a Pug's collar off when brushing the coat. Since this is a heavy shedding breed, the collar can impede proper grooming. You'll want to be able to do long strokes down the back of the head, over the neck and along the back in addition to the front of the neck and down the chest. It should also be removed during baths to properly scrub and rinse the coat; keeping in mind that a wet dog is quite slippery and all exit points of the house should be secured to prevent an unplanned escape. For Pugs that have breathing problems due to tracheal collapse or other medical issues, the veterinarian may recommended that the collar be kept off while the dog recovers. Choosing a Harness for Your Pug As mentioned above, a harness is a necessary accessory to use any time that a Pug is on leash. Some owners shy away from harnesses due to a bad experience of the Pug resisting or showing intolerance for it; however in most cases this is just a matter of the dog needing time to become accustomed to it and having one that is comfortable. The best type of harness for a Pug will be easy to slip on and will fit comfortable without pinching the skin. Let's look at some things to keep in mind: 1 A comfort wrapped, strapped harness is the best choice for most Pugs as these are designed for flat faced breeds with wide chests. If the straps are too thin, they will pinch and cut into the dog's skin, causing discomfort, redness and even sores. This way, it's super easy to put on and off within seconds. However, adult Pugs are more powerful and this type of harness often does not properly distribute pressure on a dog as large as a full grown Pug. Leaving it on can cause body oils to accumulate under the strapping, blocking healthy air circulation to both skin and coat. Our favorite choice: It has these great features: Quality nylon that is sturdy but soft to the touch won't chafe a Pug's skin Has quick-snap buckles on both the shoulder and belly making it super easy to put on Has a Martingale loop on the chest piece this prevent the harness from twisting The strap that goes under the Pug is a slightly different color, so you'll always know how to put it on Did you find this article helpful? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. After all, your pug depends on you to provide the best possible fit and comfort. In this article, we will discuss the various factors to consider when selecting the perfect harness for your pug. With the right harness, you can ensure your pug is secure, safe, and comfortable. Here is a guide to help you choose the best harness. Why a Harness and Not a Collar? Harnesses are a great alternative to traditional collars for pugs. Collars can be uncomfortable and can even cause injury if they are too tight. Harnesses distribute the pressure of the leash more evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury. In addition, harnesses provide more control when walking your pug, making them a better option for leash training. How to Measure for a Harness The first step in finding the perfect harness for your pug is to measure them for the right size. You can do this by wrapping a tape measure around their chest, just behind the front legs, and around their neck. Then measure from the base of their neck to the base of their tail. There are several different types of harnesses available, including step-in, vest, and no-pull. Step-in harnesses are easy to put on and take off, while vest harnesses provide more coverage and control. No-pull harnesses are designed to discourage your pug from pulling on the leash. Look for harnesses that have adjustable straps and breathable materials to ensure that your pug is comfortable while wearing them. At Love Harlso, our adjustable dog harness range is made from easy to wash neoprene which is super comfortable for your dog to wear. Make sure to check the stitching to ensure that it is strong and secure. Look for a harness that comes in colour and pattern that your pug will look great in. If you want to dress your pug up for special occasions, look for a harness with a sparkly or festive pattern. Conclusion Choosing the perfect harness for your pug is an important decision. It is important to consider the size, comfort, and durability of the harness to ensure your pug is safe and secure. Additionally, you should make sure to buy a harness that is made of high-quality materials and is easy to clean. With the right harness, you can make sure your pug is comfortable and secure in any situation. Ultimately, choosing the perfect harness for your pug is an important decision that should be made with care and consideration. If you are looking for an adjustable harness for your pug, come to Love Harlso. Let us help you find the perfect fit for your furry friend today!