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All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. As a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age? Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs 5. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age. If you're worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll outline Lab puppies' size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading! In this article How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly. This is because a puppy's weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. However, there's a trick that may help you determine your pup's weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs 1 kg with every week of growth. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes. You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age. Below are 3 factors that can affect a Lab puppy's size and weight. Genetic May Affect Size A canine's size is partially genetic. Therefore, a Lab puppy born of small parents may inherit the genes and appear smaller for his age. However, this isn't always the case because some small-parents puppies sometimes grow into huge dogs. So, it's possible to note a considerable size variance on puppies from the same litter. Diet Greatly Influences Weight A puppy's diet also has a lot to do with his size and weight. Poorly fed puppies may fail to grow properly. Thus they may be low in weight and small in size. When feeding puppies, it isn't always about the amount of food the pup consumes but rather the nutritional value. So, to be on the safe side, it's advisable to consult your vet on the right foods for your pup based on his age. Health Problems Can Inhibit Growth Puppies that have been ill or have underlying conditions may portray slow growth. Their size and weight may be small compared to healthy pups within the same age limit. However, you shouldn't worry about this because such puppies often catch up later after recovery. Note that this chart only gives a weight limit, and it doesn't mean your puppy should weigh precisely that. It's only meant to help you protect your pup's weight and easily point out when he's seriously under or overweight. When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below!
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches. The picture of puppies in the bathtub is a past litter of German Shepherd puppies from Robin Blue. They are all adults now and all have happy loving homes and awesome families they live with. I have been a German Shepherd breeder since .I have all colors black and tan, black and silver, black and red, bi-color, black, white, black and tan brindle, sable brindle, silver sable, tan sable, fawn, blue, liver, and red sable of German Shepherd puppies. I have German Shepherd puppies for sale as pets that are wonderful, loving, family protectors. I also have full working line German Shepherd puppies for sale that would do well in a working job, SCH, agility, therapy dog, search and rescue, or as a very energetic family member. They are all sweethearts. Feel free to call or email. I always enjoy meeting and talking to people that are interested in German Shepherd dogs, as I am. Thanks for your interest in my puppies. If you are interested in having one of my puppies be one of your new family members you will have to call me on the telephone and talk to me about the puppy. I love all my puppies and just try to match them up to the right homes. If you are interested in one of my puppies please call me at home or my cell is .I will return your call. If you have any questions about any of my puppies you are welcome to email me too. My email address is whitefamily semo. I only have one email address. So if you are interested in any of my puppies I look forward to talking to you on the phone. I am proud of all my puppies and their parents and always enjoy talking about them all. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video! Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.
DBR, IDCR Temperament and Behavior Much like its parents, the Boxachi is a highly intelligent breed with a clever and alert expression, and are loyal and fond of their owners and family members. If they are brought up together, they are good with kids and other pets and can mingle with them well. Not being too adaptable to weather changes, some individuals might bear the heat, but hardly low temperatures. Some Boxachis can be quite active, while others are average. Either way, owing to their short stature, they are suited for apartment life. Boxachis are courageous, with an innate guarding instinct. Care Exercise Though they are well-suited for apartment life, never skip taking your Boxachi out for a walk or a jog every day, since they love outdoors. Grooming They are moderate shedders, and have a short coat, which makes grooming and maintenance easy. Brush the coat twice a week, but do not trim. Health Problems Like most crossbred dogs, they do not have any diseases exclusive to their breed. But do not skip the vaccine dates and visiting the vet annually for a general checkup. Training Do not yell if your pup barks a lot or too loudly. To train your dog, begin with pressing your doorbell. Once it understands your gesture, give it a pat or a treat. Gradually, your dog will learn to discontinue the connection between the sound of a doorbell and its craving to bark. Start socializing it from the time they are young. Other than for exercise, you can also take them out for shopping, a drive around your neighborhood, strolling through the greens, or visits to a dog park. Pleasant experiences, new places or new faces will help your dog stay calm and balanced. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Some believe that it descends from the Techichi, a small dog initially kept by the Toltec, in Mexico. Others say that the Chihuahua is a cross between a small Terrier and a Chinese crested dog. However, the most likely explanation is that the breed is a mix of several different dogs from Mexico and Central America. The Boxer Originally bred in Germany, Boxers were used as working dogs on farms. However, they soon gained popularity as pets, thanks to their friendly dispositions and loyal nature. Over the years, Boxers have been used as guard dogs, police dogs, and even search-and-rescue dogs. It's believed that American breeders started breeding Boxachis in the s, in order to reduce the brachycephalic features of the Boxer, which often lead the health complications. Unfortunately, not much is known about the history of this hybrid breed. The Boxachi is not recognized by the A. Boxer Chihuahua Mix Appearance Boxachis inherit the Boxer's signature square jaw and muscular build, along with the Chihuahua's large ears and round eyes. They are muscular with a short coat, and their brown or black eyes are almond-shaped. The Boxachi is a medium-sized dog that will weigh between 45 — 60 pounds, standing 18 to 25 inches at the shoulder. Boxachi Temperament The Boxer Chihuahua mix is a highly intelligent dog. Boxachis are known for their loyalty to their owners and family members, and their clever and alert expression. If they are brought up together, Boxer Chihuahua mixes are good with older kids and other pets. However, if you're looking for a quiet, lapdog-type companion, the Boxer Chihuahua mix is probably not the right breed for you. This active, high-energy breed needs plenty of exercise and stimulation, or they can become destructive. A post shared by concretefixerupper Boxachi and other pets Some say that Boxer Chihuahua mixes are too independent to get along with anyone else, while others believe that they have the perfect mix of energy and affection. So, what's the verdict? Well, it depends. Some Boxer Chihuahua mixes are perfectly happy living with other dogs, cats, and even rabbits. However, some Boxachis can be a bit too much for smaller pets, and some others can be very territorial. It really depends on the personality of the individual Boxachi. Some Boxers shed very little, while others may shed quite a bit. The same is true for Chihuahuas. However, Boxer Chihuahua mixes tend to fall somewhere in between. They're moderate shedders with short coats, so they're easy to groom and don't require a lot of upkeep. Chihuahua Boxer Mixes are not hypoallergenic. Boxer Chihuahua Mix Health Boxer Chihuahua mixes typically have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. While Boxer Chihuahua mixes may inherit some of their physical and behavioral traits from their parent breeds, they also inherit the same health issues. Patellar Luxation Chihuahua Boxer mixes are prone to patellar luxation, a condition in which the kneecap pops out of place. While this condition can be painful, it is typically not life-threatening and can be managed with medication and surgery. Hip Dysplasia Chihuahuas and Boxers are both breeds that are predisposed to this condition, so it's no surprise that their offspring inherit the same risk. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, lameness, and even arthritis. While it's not always possible to prevent hip dysplasia, there are some things you can do to reduce your Boxachi's risk. For example, make sure they get plenty of exercise to keep their joints healthy and avoid obesity. Degenerative myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a slowly progressive disease of the spinal cord in dogs. The most common breed affected is the Boxer, but the Boxer Chihuahua mixis also susceptible. The telltale signs of degenerative myelopathy include weakness in the hind legs, difficulty rising, and eventually paralysis. The disease is caused by the degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord, which leads to the loss of motor neurons. Boxachi Care When caring for a Chihuahua Boxer Mix, you must consider grooming, exercising, training, and feeding. Grooming Chihuahua Boxer mixes are moderate shedders, so you'll need to brush their coat a couple times a week. But unlike some other breeds, you don't need to trim their coat - just give them a good brush and they'll be looking sharp. Training Training a Boxer Chihuahua mix can be a bit of a challenge. These little dogs are full of energy and can be quite stubborn. However, with a bit of patience and consistency, it is possible to train them to be well-behaved companions. One of the most important things to remember when training a Boxer Chihuahua mix is to be consistent. This means using the same commands and rewards every time. It can also be helpful to use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, to rewards good behavior. However, the exact amount will depend on factors such as the size and activity level of your Boxachi. Exercise If you're looking for a dog that will be the life of the party, look no further than the Boxer Chihuahua mix. This hybrid is full of energy and loves to play. He'll thrive in an active household and will be your faithful hiking buddy - just be sure to bring a water bowl, as he's not one for long hikes in hot weather. They also tend to be more independent and less needy. On the downside, males can be more difficult to house-train and may be more prone to aggression. Female Boxer Chihuahua mixes, on the other hand, are typically smaller and more delicate. They're also usually more affectionate and eager to please. However, females can be more prone to separation anxiety and may be more difficult to obedience train. As always, you should check with your veterinarian before picking out recipes for your pooch to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Checking with your vet is especially important for this breed to their variance in size. For example, you may have a Boxach that weighs pounds while the one you read about online is closer to 40 pounds. While you are at it, you also want to discuss treats and snacks , as well. We can tell you that this pooch can be prone to weight gain. For this reason, you want to stay away from meals and treats that are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, processed and artificial ingredients, and other not wholesome foods. They do well with two walks per day along with some additional playtime. There are a few details to keep in mind, however. First, if they are on the bigger side, it is better to have some outdoor space for them to run. You can also take them on jogs, hikes , and other more strenuous activities. On the other hand, if they are on the smaller side of the canine community, you need to be more careful. Luckily, if they are smaller in stature, they can have more playtime indoors. Regardless of size, however, you need to keep them on a leash at all times when outdoors. They can be great escape artists. Other Activities With a smarty on your hands, you will want to give them some brain games to keep them busy. This can be in the form of toys , teaching them tricks, or playing games. This breed also loves to tackle and pounce, so stuffed animals are fun for them along with chew toys to keep that pastime from being taken out on your furniture. First and foremost, they are a quick study, so learning the rules is not an issue. Instead, they can be stubborn, sassy, and independent. You will have to be patient with your pet and keep training sessions quick and fun. As always, positive reinforcement works wonders. Be that as it may, they also need an alpha to follow. At the end of the day, if you are consistent, persistent, and repetitive, your pooch will learn their lessons and be better for it. They are devoted to you, and ultimately want to make you happy and smile. Plus, they like the treat, too. We also wanted to quickly point out here that while all training is important, socialization at a young age is imperative for the Boxachi. You want to start this training from day one if possible while also adding in obedience, behavioral, and housebreaking one step at a time. Thankfully, their nail, ear, and teeth care are pretty basic. You want to brush their teeth as often as possible. You will also need to check their ears twice a week and clean them gently with a cotton swab and canine ear cleaning product. Nails are done as needed typically every four to six weeks. It is their coat fur where things can get confusing, so we are going to break it into two sections. Short Fur If your Choxer has short fur, you will need to brush them weekly to get all excess hair off and keep their coat shiny and healthy. They are not overly big shedders, but you want to keep the excess to a minimum. When it comes to baths, it will depend on whether they take after their Boxer or Chihuahua side. With that being said, it is recommended that you only bath a Boxer when they really need it as it strips their fur of essential oils. We would advise following this dictate for the short-haired Boxachi. Instead, if you need to clean them more often, you can wipe them down with a damp face cloth to remove any dirt or debris. You also want to note that this short-haired pooch does not do well in cold weather. Even if they are on the bigger side, you need to provide them with a sweater in the winter and colder months. Long Fur When your pup has longer fur, it is important to brush them with a pin and slicker brush several times a week. Not only will these keep excess hair from getting all over your furniture and clothes, but it will also keep mats from forming. Unlike the Boxer, experts recommend that you bathe your Chihuahua often. This is also what they advise from a longer-haired Boxachi. This will help keep them clean, and their fur healthy. Also, if your pup is on the smaller side, you will still want to provide them with a sweater in the winter to keep them warm. Bigger dogs may not need to be careful when the temperatures plummet. For that reason, we have listed the serious and most likely problems along with the minor and less-likely issues below. Thankfully, this is a pretty healthy pooch, but regular check-ups are important to make sure they stay that way. Minor Conditions. Your Chihuahua Boxer mix may grow to between 6 and 20 inches tall, depending on which dog had the predominant height gene. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. The History of the Chihuahua Boxer Mix The Boxer and Chihuahua mix is a fairly new mixed-breed dog, without much documented history to go on. However, both of its parent breeds have plenty of documented history — both stretching back centuries, one in South America, the other in England. Chihuahuas in the United States are routinely found as some of the most popular family and companion pets in the country. While most Chihuahuas may have something of a Napoleon Complex, they generally make very good pets. Despite or perhaps because of their smaller stature, Chihuahuas are frequently chosen in the United States to be companion and family pets for many different types of families. Their relatively low-maintenance coat, calm and aloof demeanour when not excited and moderate exercise requirements make them a good fit for the elderly, as well. The Chihuahua was first bred in Mexico in the 19th century, but has historical lineage that stretches back to the 9th century, when the Aztecs ruled over much of Mexico. There are competing theories as to when the Chihuahua was first crossbred. Some dog historians believe that the Chihuahua is a descendent of the above-mentioned Techichi pup. Others believe that the dog was crossed with another ancient Mayan dog — this one was hairless. If the latter opinion is true, then this may well be the origin of crossbreeding of the Chihuahua. This practice was ended in with the Cruelty Against Animals Act, though Boxers still were used in dog fights. Later, Boxers were introduced into other parts of Europe and at the turn of the 20th century, into the United States. Ever since their introduction at the turn of the 20th century, Boxers have enjoyed a relatively peaceful existence in the United States, in comparison to their English beginnings. Nowadays, Boxers are companion pets, though they have also been used as working dogs in police and military functions. Boxers can be rather energetic small to medium-sized dogs, making them difficult for the elderly to handle and care for. How Did Boxers Come About? Unfortunately, Boxers have a much similar history in the UK to the Pitbull, bred for violence and sport. Boxers are some of the most popular crossbreeds of today, however, their original crossbreeding history is somewhat difficult to determine. They originated in the 19th century in England and were likely crossbred between then and now, though documentation of this is few and far between. Our most accurate information suggests that Boxers were likely crossbred in the United States in the s and early s, as crossbreeding of dogs became more and more popular. For example, an active dog will do much better with an active family. Much of the temperamental questions are fairly common-sense, but a miscalculation could mean that you and your new dog are unhappy and may lead to more trauma for the dog, if it needs to be re-homed again. What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Boxer Mix? Luckily for most of its owners, the Chihuahua Boxer mix presents a fairly mild temperament. Contrary to its excitable Chihuahua genes, the Boxer brings a calming element. The Chihuahua Boxer may initially be stubborn and resistant to training, though keep at it! Chihuahua Boxer mixes are generally very friendly and loving animals to humans and other pets alike! Is the Chihuahua Boxer Mix Friendly? Yes, in general, you can expect the Chihuahua Boxer mix to be a very friendly dog. The Boaxchi will adopt the ever-loving, affectionate personality of the Chihuahua, with a more reserved and standoffish approach to strangers. The Chihuahua Boxer mix can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds. Generally, the Chihuahua Boxer mix can reach anywhere from 6 to 20 inches in height. Similar Sized Breeds Given their small to medium ish size potential, there are plenty of similar-sized breeds to the Chihuahua Boxer mix. These include: King Charles Spaniel.
Six possible 0 Comments Owning a dog can be a stressful experience when they are unwell. When should you be concerned and when do you need to take them to a vet? With certain issues, can you treat your dog at home? This article is aimed at people who own French Bulldogs and have noticed a problem with their eyes. There are several causes of red or bloodshot eyes in French Bulldogs, with cherry eye being a common one. Cherry eye is caused by an injury or infection to the clear membrane of the eye known as the third eyelid which results in a red, bloodshot appearance. Red eyes in French bulldogs are not always a symptom of cherry eye. Bloodshot eyes can result from other eye conditions such as entropion, dry eye, and ectopic cilia. Some issues are caused by eye infections and allergies, which are easier to treat. To be safe, visit your vet for a professional diagnosis. So, how do you know if your Frenchie has cherry eye? Look for the below symptoms: Red, bloodshot eyes Either too much tear production or not enough. Obvious problems with her sight. Obvious signs of irritation, such as trying to paw the problem-area, causing further problems. Swelling around the eyes. How serious is cherry eye and what should you do? She will instinctively try and claw at the area, naturally thinking that something needs to be got out. However, this can lead to more serious problems, such as corneal ulcers. So, as you can perhaps gather from the above, you need to get it sorted as quickly as possible to prevent further problems and to make her feel better! Get her to your vet. There are a few things your vet can and might recommend at this point: Removal of the gland surgically. Suture the gland back into position. Antibiotics which will most likely be prescribed with the above also as well as massage techniques. There are positives and negatives with all three of these options, for instance , if you have the gland removed totally but this can cause other problems related to the removal. In summary, there are two things you need to do with cherry eye: Identify that your dog has this condition. Visit your vet. As with any medical condition, the sooner the better. Entropion This is when an eyelid well, actually the edges of the eyelid rolls inwards and is actually quite common, not only to the French Bulldog but to many that have these adorable wrinkled facial folds. The discomfort comes due to the associated eyelashes making contact with the cornea, which can create an ulcer. In the more severe cases, the damage caused to the cornea due to this problem can , unfortunately, lead to vision impairment or total blindness. Tears start falling, you wash it, you rub it and eventually, it just comes out — the relief! Entropion is usually something that happens to her typically at a young age but can happen at any point in her life. But what are the symptoms of this, apart from the obvious signs of discomfort from her? Teary eyes, which may be red or bloodshot this could be a sign of an ulcer. Signs of anxiety or depression. To resolve this condition, your vet will need to perform a surgical procedure that will remove a bit of the skin from underneath the eyelid. What should you do about Entropion? If you notice red tears, which may be a sign an ulcer is developing, then this should be regarded as an emergency and you should contact your vet straight away. If your dog is young, there is a chance that the procedure will be delayed by your vet. Your vet will want to avoid the risks associated with anesthesia in younger puppies. If this is the case, they may choose to put a temporary suture in place until a later point. As far as preventative actions, keeping her face nice and clean and dry by using pet wipes. As this is not something you will be able to fix at home, a visit to your vet will need to be arranged as soon as possible to ensure your Frenchie gets treated in a timely fashion. This is to prevent pawing which in-turn can cause a lot more damage. This condition should not be ignored as it can cause other problems such as: Scarring Inflammation of the corneal Ulcers Note that this condition can occur after the resolution of another eye problem. For instance, if a dog has had cherry eye, the gland may that produces tears may have been replaced. It may also be the result of an eye infection or an allergy. It is actually quite common with Frenchies and other types of bulldog and will typically be seen more often in an adult rather than a puppy. What should you do about dry eye? Consult your vet , of course, they will most likely clean her eyes up and use some medication alongside this as well as providing you with instruction as to how to continue with this maintenance at home. Your vet may also check for an ulcer by using a fluorescein staining of her cornea, which can then be examined under ultraviolet light. One last thing about this. I often see dogs with their head outside of the car window. These are readily available, for instance on Amazon. Ectopic Cilia Eyelash Problems This is a problem related to eyelashes that grow from the middle eyelid typically and rub against the cornea. This rubbing action can actually cause excruciating pain for the dog imagine a hair being stuck in your eye and not being able to do anything about it and needs to be addressed quickly. How can you spot that your dog has this? Any or all of these symptoms may be apparent: Obvious eye discomfort. You notice the dog trying to paw at the problematic eye. A change in. When your French eyes are noticeably red or irritated, it may be a symptom of something as mild as an itch, mild allergies, or as severe as an eye condition. Bloodshot eyes are among the first symptoms of irritation. The eye is an organ that continually adapts to light stimuli and focuses on objects of interest. Their third eyelid can expand to shield their eyeball against cuts and scratches or in response to infection. Environmental pollutants can cause inflammation, and disease can impair or weaken various parts of your Frenchies eye. Certain breeds of dogs are much more susceptible to eye problems than the others, such as: Dogs that have long hair over their heads, like Maltese and Poodles. Brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs such as bulldogs , Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs. Elderly dogs or ones with current health issues, including diabetes or high blood pressure french bulldog eye allergies What Causes Your French Bulldog To Have Red Eyes? Among the most likely reasons for bloodshot and irritated eyes in your Frenchie include the following: Allergies Eye allergies can cause your Frenchies eyes to become painful, swollen, and red. Many factors can cause such an allergic response. Typically, if the source of the problem is removed, the issue should fix itself without difficulty, but occasionally a ride to the vet is required for your Frenchies allergy treatment. Eye allergies are also connected to close exposure to allergens that your French Bulldog is exposed to throughout your household. Examples are mould, dust mites, or pollen. It could also be triggered by certain food or other additives. Vets can perform both skin and blood examinations. Findings can help determine the best ways to minimize allergen exposure in your home. Many medicines, as well as natural remedies, can also make your Frenchie recover. When you have a good idea of what is causing your Frenchies eyes to go red due to allergies, then take the following steps: Replace everything in your house, including the problem item. When you believe your Frenchie has been exposed to allergens like dust, dander, feathers, or spores, seek to remove as many sources as possible. When necessary, clean the carpets and clean every soft piece of furniture that can hold onto all these invisible irritants. Relatively benign allergens can usually be managed quite successfully. For example, if your french suffers from pollen, you can search online for pollen counts every day for your area. Then only take your Frenchie for a walk when the counts become low. Under extreme situations, it might be important to keep your Frenchie in a different, protected area that is not exposed to the irritant until a suitable care solution can be found. Consider an air purifier, as this will also help decrease airborne allergens. Gently clean your French Bulldog eyes with temped water. Boil the water and let it cool. It can help make your Frenchies eyes to become a lot more comfortable, and it helps remove any allergens or contaminants from their eyes. Use your cotton wool balls and be patient and careful. Eye injury Even the slightest eye injury may become an infected wound and vision loss. Look at their eyes when you notice your Frenchie squinting, avoiding bright lights and sunlight, and constantly blinking. Excessive tears are a common indication of issues, such as watery discharge. Eye injuries develop if a foreign object enters or lodges in the eye. In addition, your Frenchie scratching their cornea, overgrown eyelashes, or inverting the eyelids could even lead to eye trauma. Immediate Care When your Frenchie is blinking or constantly squints and hates bright lights, there is a good probability that something in their eye: With your thumb, raise the top eyelid of your Frenchie and search for any object or debris underneath. Try the same thing with the bottom eyelid. If you have trouble extracting the foreign object, gauze your Frenchie eye and take it to the vet. When the foreign object has pierced your Frenchies eye, urgently bandage it and immediately take them to the vet. When this liquid is created in excess, the eye pressure rises and damages the retina and the optic nerve. And can eventually lead to blindness. Glaucoma results in discomfort that is more acute in dogs than in people. The signs and symptoms include: Red or Bloodshot eyes Eye pain includes rubbing against the ground or some other surface or with their paw. Pupils appear different in size Cloudy cornea. YouTube Help! French bulldogs are extremely prone to eye problems. If your pup's eyes are red, something is definitely wrong — you just need to figure out the problem. If you can see a red membrane in the corner of your dog's eye, they are experiencing a cherry eye. You can help them by softly massaging the gland back into place. If the whites of your dog's eyes are red, or if the irritation persists, your dog may have an eye condition. Untreated eye problems can cause serious issues for french bulldogs. Schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. French Bulldogs Have Eye Problems According to Animal Care of Glouchester , french bulldogs have a high chance of inheriting or developing eye problems over the course of their lives. Potential conditions can range anywhere from cataracts to eyelashes that point in the wrong direction. Frenchie's eyes naturally protrude; they're not protected as well as the eyes of other dogs. This leaves them more prone to injuries and infections. Those cute protruding eyes can also develop muscular issues. The result is a sweet and lovable pup who occasionally gets a case of red and extremely irritated eyes. Cherry Eye Is Common in French Bulldogs If your french bulldog's eyes are extremely red, the most likely reason is the cherry eye. Cherry eye looks like a large pink or red spot sticking out of the inner corner of your dog's eyelid. Cherry eye occurs when the third eyelid gland in your Frenchie's eye starts to protrude from underneath their eyelid. According to Jordan from All About Frenchies , the reasons for this condition are not well understood, but the problem is easily treated by any veterinarian. The size of the pink spot will vary depending on the severity of the condition. You might see a tiny bit of pink, or the problem might look like a large red blob. If too much of the membrane is exposed, your dog might have difficulty seeing out of that eye. Your dog's eyes are likely to be red or swollen from the irritation. This is especially true if they have been scratching at their eye. However, cherry eye can occur even if the rest of the eye looks normal. Getting a cherry eye can be painful and irritating for your dog. The protruding membrane is very sensitive and will become more swollen if it's exposed to dust and air. Cherry eye is common in french bulldogs, but it can happen to any kind of dog. Treat it quickly to prevent the problem from becoming more serious. You Can Treat Cherry Eye at Home You can usually take care of cherry eye at home, but your efforts will be more effective if you treat it right away. Always ask your vet to confirm that the problem is a cherry eye and not a different medical condition. Hold your dog's head still, and gently massage their lower eyelid with your thumb; the gland should shift back into its proper place. This video by Jordan Johnson displays the right way to massage the eye without hurting your bulldog. Even if you fix the cherry eye yourself, you should always schedule an appointment with your vet. The membrane has become disconnected, and it will eventually pop back out again. Your vet can offer surgical treatments to prevent the cherry eye from occurring in the future. There are two surgeries used to treat the cherry eye. Your vet might simply suture the gland into place, or they might replace it entirely. Ernest Ward emphasizes that the gland must be replaced and not removed; the third eyelid gland is responsible for most of your dog's tear production. Dry eye occurs when your dog's tear ducts are not producing enough liquid. Bulldog Guide notes that dry eyes are often caused by genetic issues or adverse reactions to medications. Dry eye can also be caused by the surgery that's used to correct cherry eye. Regardless of the cause, the symptoms of dry eye are usually the same. Your dog's eyes will be dry, swollen, and itchy. You will probably notice that your dog is blinking, squinting, or pawing at their eyes on a consistent basis. One of the main identifiers of dry eye is an unusual green discharge coming out of your dog's eyes. This is mucus, and your dog's eyes are producing it to replace the missing tears. Dry eye is a serious problem for bulldogs. If their eyes don't receive enough moisture, they can get scratches, infections, and even corneal ulcers. Luckily, dry eye can be treated with special eye drops prescribed by your vet. Your vet may also recommend supplements that will help increase your dog's natural tear production. Treat Quickly to Prevent Corneal Ulcers Whether your dog has a cherry eye or dry eye, it's important that you get the issue taken care of as soon as possible. French bulldogs with eye problems can end up developing a much more serious condition: corneal ulcers. According to Nancy Thompson from IVG Hospitals , a corneal ulcer is a term used to describe any wound or abrasion on the corneal surface of your dog's eye. Superficial corneal ulcers are easy to treat and usually do not pose a serious risk to your dog. However, deep corneal ulcers can cause serious damage to your dog's eye and almost always require surgery. Corneal ulcers can permanently impair your dog's vision. Small problems like dry eye or cherry eye can leave your dog's eyes exposed and vulnerable. If they get even a small scratch, it could turn into a serious corneal ulcer. Vets can diagnose and treat corneal ulcers. They can also clear up your dog's dry eye before their eyes get damaged. If you suspect that your dog's eyes are at risk, see a vet as soon as you can. You should perform a simple checkup on your dog before you call the vet. If your Frenchie has already been diagnosed with an eye condition, you might be able to treat it yourself by following the vet's instructions. When you first notice that your Frenchie's eyes are red, pick your dog up and take a closer look. See if there's any membrane poking out of their eyelid; this is a cherry eye, and it can be massaged back into place. Next, check for any unusual discharge in the corners of their eyes. Any animal with irritated eyes will probably have dried tears, but if you notice yellow or green mucus, it could be a symptom of dry eye. Finally, if you notice a scratch or a wound on your dog's eye, get them to the vet quickly. If an eye wound develops a bacterial infection, your dog could end up losing their vision or even their entire eye. Luckily, your vet can easily disinfect and treat most scratches. You can't always prevent your dog from developing a cherry eye or dry eye. However, you can help keep them from getting an eye infection, and you can treat the symptoms if they develop a long-lasting eye issue. When you give your french bulldog a bath , make sure not to get any soap in their eyes. You may want to talk to your vet about finding a pet-friendly soap that doesn't risk giving your dog eye infection. All dogs develop mucus in the corners of their eyes; this is very similar to the crust that humans get after they wake up in the morning. Dogs can't clean this out for themselves. Take a moment every day to check your dog's eyes and wipe away the discharge. This is also a good time to look for a cherry eye and dry eye. French bulldogs may produce more discharge than other dogs. This can take the form of brown stains beneath their eyes. Will Blunt from Ask Frankie recommends using a sterile eyewash to clean your french bulldog's tear stains around once a week. If your dog is diagnosed with dry eye, the vet will recommend an ophthalmic ointment that can help remoisturize their eyes. Jordan from All About Frenchies says that these ointments are a medicine cabinet essential for any french bulldog owner. You should also consider keeping a Frenchie-sized dog cone in your supply cabinet. One of the most common causes of corneal ulcers is a dog scratching at their own eyes. Use the cone while you wait for the eye drops or ointment to reduce the swelling and irritation. Taking care of your french bulldog's eyes isn't as difficult as it seems. Keep your Frenchie's eyes clean , and perform a maintenance check on a regular basis. Follow your vet's instructions to the letter; they'll tell you how to treat your pup's specific condition. As long as you react to red-eye situations promptly, your dog will live a long and happy life with excellent vision. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. But why do these dogs have red eyes? The answer may not be as straightforward as you might think. In fact, there are a number of potential causes, including genetics, allergies, and environmental factors. The cause of red eyes can be a combination of things, such as genetics, allergies, and environmental conditions. French Bulldogs have some distinct anatomical features which can affect their eyes, including their wrinkles and the shape of their faces. They can also inherit conditions that lead to red eyes, such as congenital glaucoma or entropion. Environmental factors can also play a role in red eyes. Make sure your pup is getting the right diet and avoiding air pollution as much as possible. Genetic Causes When it comes to French Bulldogs, genetics can play a role in their eye color. Because of their anatomical features, French Bulldogs can have eyes that appear red. They can suffer from inherited conditions that can cause their eyes to take on a red hue. Eye color is determined by the genetic makeup of a Frenchie, as well as the pigments in their eyes. While some Frenchies can have black eyes, others can have lighter shades of brown, amber or even a copper-like hue. Anatomical Features French Bulldogs have a unique eye structure that can contribute to their red eyes. Their eyes are more round and protrude outwards due to their short muzzle, creating an increased chance of having issues such as dry eye, tear duct problems and irritation caused by dust and other environmental factors. French Bulldogs frequently have shallow eye sockets which can further irritate the eyes. To prevent any eye issues, it is important to regularly clean around the eyes and check them for any signs of irritation. Allergies can also be a cause of red eyes in French Bulldogs. Common signs that your Frenchie might be allergic to something include red, itchy eyes, excessive tearing, and paw chewing. If your Frenchie does have allergies, the vet may recommend adjusting their diet or providing them with allergy medication. Environmental factors can contribute to red eyes in French Bulldogs. Sun exposure can greatly affect their eyes and make them prone to drying out and becoming irritated. Their diet and the air quality in their environment can have an effect on their eyes. Inherited Conditions Inherited conditions can play a part in why your French Bulldog has red eyes. Inherited conditions can be passed down from generation to generation, and if your Frenchie has inherited one of these conditions, it could be a contributing factor to the redness in their eyes. Some common inherited conditions that can cause red eyes include entropion, which is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inwards, and cherry eye, in which the third eyelid slips out of place and causes the eye to become red and irritated. If you suspect that your Frenchie may have an inherited condition causing red eyes, it is important to speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible to get the proper treatment and advice. It is also possible that your Frenchie may be exhibiting signs of an ocular issue, such as glaucoma or cataracts. It is also important to keep your Frenchie away from bright lights and other potential irritants, and to monitor their eyes for any further signs of irritation. Keeping your Frenchie healthy and comfortable will help ensure that their eyes remain healthy and clear for years to come. Allergies can cause symptoms like itchy, red, watery eyes, puffy eyelids, and tear-staining. Allergens can include pollen, dust, mites, fleas, and food. A vet can recommend treatments like antihistamines, eye drops, and shampoos. Taking proactive steps now can help keep your pup healthy and free of red-eye symptoms. Allergic symptoms can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including red eyes, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and skin irritations. Your Frenchie might also experience a watery discharge from the eyes and nose, as well as scratching and pawing at the face. Another common sign of allergies is a condition called conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the lining of the eye, and it can cause redness and irritation. In severe cases, the eye may swell and your Frenchie may experience pain. To properly diagnose conjunctivitis, your vet may need to take a swab of the eye to determine if there are any bacterial or viral infections present. Treatment for conjunctivitis typically involves eye drops, ointments, and antibiotics. Allergies in French Bulldogs can be caused by environmental factors, such as dust and pollen or a poor diet. You should look out for signs and symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy skin. Treating allergies in French Bulldogs can be relatively simple and straightforward. Start by having your Frenchie examined by a vet to determine the cause of the allergens. And 5 Simple Cleaning Steps You can use a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner to help reduce the amount of dander that is released into the air. This can include installing air purifiers, keeping windows closed, and regularly vacuuming and mopping your floors. With the right steps, you can help your Frenchie stay comfortable and healthy. Sun exposure can increase the risk of red eyes for your Frenchie. Diet can affect eye health. Make sure your Frenchie is eating a balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients they need for good eye health. Try to avoid taking them out into areas with high levels of air pollution. Opt for walks in more rural or well-ventilated areas. Doing this can help reduce the risk of red eyes in your Frenchie. UV rays can cause permanent damage, leading to red and irritated eyes. To protect your Frenchie, make sure you limit his time outdoors during peak sun hours and always use pet-safe sunscreen when outside. Be sure to use eye protection if your Frenchie is playing in the sun. You should look for signs of eye strain such as squinting, redness, and discharge. Whenever outdoors, be sure to keep your Frenchie in the shade. If your Frenchie is showing signs of eye strain or discomfort, take him to the vet immediately. Diet It is important to feed your Frenchie a healthy diet that provides all the necessary nutrients it needs. Choose high-quality foods that are made specifically for French Bulldogs. There should be an appropriate balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the diet. Pay attention to the ingredients list, as some foods may contain ingredients that Frenchies may be allergic to. This can lead to problems such as obesity and digestive issues, both of which can cause redness in the eyes. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water throughout the day to keep them hydrated. Air Pollution Air pollution is a major consideration when it comes to the health and wellbeing of your French Bulldog. Pollutants such as dust, pollen, exhaust fumes and chemical fumes can contribute to red eyes in your Frenchie. Keeping your pup away from polluted areas is the best way to reduce redness and irritation in their eyes. Daily walks or trips to the park will help keep their eyes clear and healthy. If you have to walk your pup in a polluted area, make sure to wear a face mask and pay attention to any signs of redness or irritation in their eyes. Allergies, and environmental factors can all play a part in causing the characteristic gaze of these beloved dogs. Be aware of signs and symptoms of allergies and contact your vet if you have any concerns. Ensure that your Frenchie gets adequate sun protection and a balanced, nutritious diet. Keep an eye on air pollution levels in your area, too. The answer lies in a combination of factors, such as genetics, allergies, and environmental conditions. Inherited conditions like entropion, which is when the eyelids fold inward and rub against the eyeball, can also cause red eyes. If you notice your Frenchie rubbing their eyes, pawing at their face, or squinting, have them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Allergies can be managed with the right treatment and avoiding any potential triggers. Environmental factors can also lead to red eyes. Make sure to keep your Frenchie out of direct sunlight and provide them with a balanced diet. Minimize air pollution by ensuring their living space is well-ventilated. Genetics are the most likely cause, with some anatomical features and inherited conditions playing a part. It could also be caused by allergies, so watch out for signs and symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Environmental factors can also play a role, such as sun exposure and diet, as well as air pollution. So make sure your Frenchie has access to a clean environment and a healthy lifestyle. Regularly check for any symptoms of allergies or health problems, and be sure to keep up-to-date with vaccinations. Talk to your vet about any potential issues or health risks and make sure your Frenchie has the best care possible. Post Views: .A short snout and other genetic predispositions may cause them to have frequent problems with their eyes. Any delay can cause a serious infection and even result in permanent blindness or the loss of an eye. Dry eye, corneal ulcers, and cherry eye are the most common eye problems your Frenchie may experience. More than half of these eye problems are caused by an injury to the cornea. Some other common French Bulldog eye problems you may come across are entropion a condition where the genetic trait of droopy eyelids causes the eyelid to roll inward and cause the eyelashes to scratch the eye , ectropion another condition where the genetic trait of droopy eyelids cause the lower eyelid to sag and expose the delicate tissues underneath , abnormal eyelashes, persistent pupillary membranes, and pink eye. Cherry Eye This condition is one of the most common eye problems that Frenchies experience. Cherry eye can be characterized by red tissue protruding from the inside corner of the eye. The protruding tissue is caused by the prolapsed gland of the eyelid. If a Frenchie has this eye problem, they may also experience other symptoms like discharge and excessively watery eyes. Cherry eye is usually not painful, but if not treated in a timely manner it can lead to other serious eye problems. Treatment for this condition will involve suturing the gland back in place or completely removing the gland. The dryness will cause the cornea of the eye and the surrounding tissues to become inflamed. In response, the eyes will produce thick yellow or green discharge. Dry eye can be painful for your pup so if you notice them squinting or blinking a lot, they may need treatment as soon as possible. Treatment will involve the daily application of an ointment or eye drop. Corneal Ulcers Out of all the eye problems your Frenchie may experience, corneal ulcers can be the most serious. Corneal ulcers will cause your pup to be in extreme pain, and they will try to relieve the pain by rubbing their eyes. Ulcers are usually caused by some type of trauma, untreated dry eye, or a chemical burn due to soap or shampoo, and it will require urgent medical care. Treatment will involve the application of antibiotic ointment as well as medication for pain and swelling. If the ulcer is very severe it may require surgical intervention. If your Frenchie is rubbing his or her eye with their paw or on the carpet, is excessively blinking, has unusual drainage coming from one or both eyes, or if you can see spots or redness, your pup may need to be seen by a vet. Cloudiness, change in eye color, tear-stained fur, red or white eyelid lining, and a visible third eyelid is also common signs of an eye problem. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to get it checked out as soon as you can. Most issues can become serious and cause permanent damage if they are left untreated. If you suspect allergies may be causing the symptoms, you could purchase an over-the-counter saline wash. If the symptoms do not improve after two days, see your vet. But there are a few steps you can take to reduce this risk. When bathing your Frenchie make sure shampoo or soap does not get into their eye. Chemicals from shampoo can easily irritate their eyes. Also, examine their eyes regularly for dry eye or any unusual marks. This can be done with regular application of sterile eye wash with eye wash pads. Wrapping Things Up French Bulldog eye problems are very common , and any French Bulldog owner may be able to quickly confirm this. However, with the proper preventative care, small issues can be caught before anything gets too serious. Seeing a vet regularly who is experienced with bulldog care is the best way to keep your pup healthy. Pin1 5 Shares We love our pets, often times in a way that other people may not quite understand. When something is wrong with them, we want answers, and quick. Our Frenchie, Claude, developed bloodshot and red eyes last week. It was really worrying, so I took him to vet. French bulldogs can have red and bloodshot eyes due to a condition called Cherry eye. All dogs have a third eyelid which is a clear membrane that cleans the eye and distributes tears. Cherry eye occurs when this eyelid becomes injured or infected. This results in dry, bloodshot, and red eyes. It might not be cherry eye with your Frenchie; it could also be dry eye syndrome, corneal ulcers, allergy. Claude had the cherry eye problem, so will talk more about that first. What causes cherry eye in French bulldogs? Cherry eye is not a life-threatening condition read more about it , but it can be a serious and chronic condition. How to spot cherry eye in a Frenchie Cherry eye is easy enough to spot, with the first sign being your dog showing noticeable signs of discomfort around his eyes. With Claude, we noticed him pawing at his eye, and trying to scratch it which undoubtedly make it more bloodshot and even worse. His eye was noticeably dry, and he himself looked very irritated. The vet told me that sometimes, the third eyelid will also be visibly inflamed, and very red in appearance. These are the most obvious signs that your French bulldog is experiencing eye discomfort. Other symptoms of cherry eye include a significant increase in tears, the eye will water, swell and your dog could suffer with impaired vision. Your dog may exhibit only a few, or all of these symptoms. If your dog exhibits any of these problems, please do what we did book an appointment for him to see his vet as soon as possible. Cherry eye can quickly become extremely painful for your dog and treatment options are best discussed with a professional. How to treat red eyes in a French bulldog There are a few ways to treat cherry eye; it can be corrected surgically and non-surgically. The most successful non-surgical treatment consists of simple eye massage techniques that can be taught to you by your vet. This is what we did. It worked using a combination of some eye drops, a warm damp cloth, and massaging his eye using a technique our vet showed us. He was a lot better after a few weeks. We will be going back to see ours in a month to see how Claude is getting on. The most successful surgical treatment is a called an attachment procedure. It involves anchoring the fleshy part of the membrane to more sturdy tissue in the lower corner of the eye socket, preventing cherry eye from returning. This surgery can be a life time solution, and your Frenchie is unlikely to experience cherry eye again. What else could be causing red eyes in your Frenchie? Red eyes in French bulldogs are not always due to cherry eye, as this breed is prone to a range of different bloodshot eye problems. Some of these problems are caused by environmental factors, such as dust. These are far easier to treat, while others require a trip to the veterinarian. Dry eye Dry eye means your Frenchie is not producing enough tears to keep his eyes moist. This condition can have many underlying causes, from allergies and illnesses to inherited problems and environment. The eyes will begin producing a thick, cloudy yellow to green discharge and your dog will exhibit behavior like squinting or blinking a lot. Dry eye is not serious, but it can be painful for your Frenchie. Typical treatments include, ointment, antibiotics, or eye drops. If it is due to an infection, or illness your vet will most likely prescribe your Frenchie an antibiotic, which will clear up the infection and get rid of his red eyes. For allergies, environmental factors, or inherited eye problems your Frenchie will probably need to be given eye drops daily to prevent symptoms from reoccurring. Corneal ulcers Corneal ulcers are one of the more serious eye conditions your Frenchie can get. It can be caused by trauma to the eye, untreated dry eye, chemical burns from shampoo and grooming products, or any foreign substance your Frenchie gets in his eyes. Corneal ulcers cause significant pain and can lead to blindness. Corneal ulcers treatment is usually given in the form of an antibiotic, plus some dog pain medication. If you believe your Frenchie might have a corneal ulcer it is best to get him to a vet as soon as possible. If the ulcer is severe it may require surgical intervention to correct and prevent blindness from occurring. Fever Frenchies will also exhibit sore and red eyes when they have a fever. Find out more about how to do that, and what signs of fever to look out for here. Preventing red eye problems in French bulldogs An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take care when bathing and grooming him When bathing, or grooming your Frenchie pay extra attention while working near his head. Frenchies naturally have sensitive eyes and the chemicals in shampoos and other grooming products can cause irritation, inflammation, infections and even more serious conditions like corneal ulcers. If you take your Frenchie to a dog groomer, be sure to express these concerns to them. Tear stains are not only unsightly, they can harbor bacteria. Handy Hint: Click here to read a comprehensive guide on how to clean French Bulldog tear stains , plus how you can reduce them from happening in the first place. You can use a sterile eyewash product from your local drugstore but be sure to avoid products that contain added chemical ingredients. The eye wash you use for your Frenchie should be a sterile saline solution only — visit my Frenchie Gear page to see what saline solution we recommend and used with Claude. Conclusion Why does your French bulldog have red eyes? Well, it could be down to a number of reasons as discussed above, and for us it was the dreaded cherry eye — but thankfully Claude appears to have made a complete recovery. If your Frenchie does develop bloodshot or red eyes please do get in touch with your vet, as it could be the sign of a longer-term health issue that will need resolving with professional help. Need more advice on health? Whilst I always advise you get advice from a vet, there are certain health problems French Bulldog owners should be aware of and know how to spot. You can see what they all are in this guide to Frenchie health problems and symptoms. Home » Blog » 5 most common French Bulldog eye problems 5 most common French Bulldog eye problems Frenchies and other bulldog breeds are more exposed to eye problems as their shorter snouts cannot protect them as much from scratches and things that can get into them. In this article, we address some of the most common French Bulldog eye problems. Watery eyes in French bulldogs Some dogs simply produce more tear than others. The constant tearing colors the fur, especially in between the wrinkles, which is even more noticeable in white or light-colored Frenchies. Apart from being an aesthetic issue, these stains may lead to health issues as well: since bacteria thrive in wet conditions, your puppy will be more likely to catch an eye infection. It is completely safe for the eyes and is the best way for a thorough sanitization of the area under them. Our TomKings Family members have also shared their experiences in our Facebook group, read their experiences here. Inflamed eyes in French bulldogs You can recognize inflamed eyes by being red, which may be due to a number of reasons. For example, if your Frenchie has a runny nose as well, and is also sneezing and coughing a lot, then they most probably caught a cold for which your vet will need to prescribe antibiotics. In such cases, you should put some eye drops into them which contain antibiotics, our recommendation is Tobradex which you can purchase at the vet and human pharmacy as well. The solution again is an eye drop with antibiotics, and a visit to the vet! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email Cherry eye in French bulldogs French bulldogs have loose skin, which pulls down their face and makes their mucous membrane visible. The mucous membrane is red because it is full of blood vessels, so it is perfectly normal. There is a minor issue called cherry eye, which is very common in all bulldog breeds. You will just need to use some antibiotic eye drops afterwards and it will heal quickly. Ultimate Guide First name Email There are also surgeries where they cut and remove the cherry eye. This method is not recommended as the third eyelid plays an essential part in producing tears, and without it your Frenchie may have constant dry eyes. Dry eyes in French bulldogs When a Frenchie has dry eyes, they are not producing enough tears to keep their eye balls moist. There may be several reasons for that, like medications, removal of cherry eye, or even sleeping with their eyes open. You have to put drops in both eyes twice a day, or even more if you have the time at the weekends for example. Corneal ulcer in French bulldogs Corneal ulcers are probably the most serious and painful eye problems in Frenchies. They usually occur due to some kind of trauma or injury to the cornea, chemical burn from shampoo, but can also be caused by untreated dry eyes. The symptoms include your puppy rubbing their eye to relieve the pain, keeping it closed, or there may even be some discharge coming out of it. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. Allergies Allergies on your French Bulldog eyes can cause bloodshot like eyes as well as excessive tearing and pawing at the eyes. Itching, discharge, and crusty skin around the eyes are also common symptoms of allergies. The most common allergen is pollen, but a French Bulldog can also be allergic to dust, mites, fleas, and foods. Eye injury If your French Bulldog has a tear in its cornea, it can affect the inner surface of the eye, causing blood vessels to grow over the affected area. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Dry Eye Syndrome If your French Bulldog has dry eye syndrome, its eyes will be red and irritated due to a lack of tears. A French Bulldog with this problem will blink excessively and may develop a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. Glaucomaa Glaucoma is a condition that causes an increase in pressure within the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. This can lead to blindness, and one of its symptoms is a red eye. A French Bulldog with uveitis may have red eyes as well as other symptoms such as excessive tearing, pain, and light sensitivity. Corneal ulceration A French Bulldog with a corneal ulcer will have eye pain, red eyes due to blood in the vessels, squinting because it hurts to look, and excessive tearing. The most common cause of corneal ulcers in Frenchies is trauma caused by a foreign object or a scratch from another dog or cat. Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and coats the eyeball. A French Bulldog with conjunctivitis may have red eyes, discharge, and crusting on the eyelashes. Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland of the third eyelid becomes enlarged and pops out , protruding from underneath the nictitating membrane. It is possible to treat cherry eye but it will likely recur in some French Bulldogs. It may require surgical intervention. Cataracts If your French Bulldog has cataracts, his eyes will become cloudy and may look red. Distichiasis Distichiasis is a condition where extra eyelashes on the edge of the eyelid rub against the cornea. Entropion In French Bulldogs with entropion, the eyelid rolls inward toward the cornea, leading to damage from lashes and inflammation. Entropion may cause red eyes and other symptoms such as excessive tearing and sensitivity. French Bulldogs Eye Problem Signs If your French Bulldog is showing one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment with your vet right away. Its eyes are red; Has clear discharge from the eyes and does not go away after a few days; Squints or closes eye often; Eyes are tearing; Has crusting around the eyes; Is constantly pawing at the eyes. These are some of the most common symptoms of French Bulldog eye problems. They will be able to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment. The sooner these conditions are identified, the more options for treatment your veterinarian will have. Well, you should have their eyes cleaned regularly, especially if they have a lot of discharge. Use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean the area around the eyes. Remove any crusts that may have formed and allow the area to dry naturally. Protect Their Eyes from Hazards A Frenchie can be injured by many different things, such as splinters, sharp edges, or even other pet friends. To do this, first, try to flush the object out with water. Before taking action, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. This can cause further injury and should only be done by a veterinarian. They will be able to remove the object safely and without causing any additional damage. This is because the blood vessels in the eyes become more visible when they are tired. Some people prefer to use a warm, damp cloth, while others may use an over-the-counter eye cleaning product specifically designed for dogs. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and use them as directed. Wipes can be used to clean away dirt, dust, and debris that French Bulldogs pick up around the house or outside. Eye drops for dogs can help to keep their eyes moist and free of discharge. This can help to keep the area lubricated and free from infection. Remember, only use products that are designed for dogs, and never use human eye drops on your dog. When should I get my Frenchie to the vet? French Bulldog eyes are prone to certain conditions that can be pretty painful or even life-threatening if not treated. Frenchies also have tiny tear ducts that can cause excess tearing or watering problems. Conclusion French Bulldogs are bred with a number of genetic conditions that can affect their eyes. They are also prone to developing certain types of eye infections. Many of these conditions can be treated if caught early. A French Bulldog should have a yearly eye exam to ensure that there are no problems. Your French Bulldog can also develop allergies or other types of infections that cause the eyes to become red and inflamed.
We weren't going to operate like everyone else did, because we were not happy with what we were seeing from other breeders. Every time we looked for a reputable, quality breeder in and around Nebraska we were met with challenges we didn't appreciate. Poor customer service, poor breeding quality dogs, poor breeding facility, poor nutrition, poor cleanliness, and high prices. Each time we had one of these experiences, we learned exactly what we didn't want to be here at Krieghund Farm. I would definitely recommend them first to anybody searching for a quality GSD. We got our beautiful Axel boy in March and he has been a great addition to our family. They would send us so many pictures and updates while we were waiting to get him. It was important to me that we got a dog from somewhere that was so caring to them as we would be, and they definitely surpassed my expectations! Murphy became our furbaby in and he has been a great addition to our family. We have another German Shepard who was 7 at the time and the two have been the best buds from day one! Murphy is active, smart, funny and we love him so! Krieghund Farms was a great find, they are very personable and to this day still check up on us to make sure all is well! Not only is he blind, he also spent the first years of his life confined to a kennel, day after day, sitting in his urine and feces. When life starts off that way, the world can be a pretty scary place. When Muddy Paws rescued Wyatt, he was underweight, lacked socialization and was terrified of everything. The little things we take for granted each day such as the sound of brewing coffee or an air conditioner kicking on startled him. But with consistent interaction and love from our volunteers, Wyatt went from being afraid of nearly everything to craving love and affection. He has steadily been gaining confidence within the calm atmosphere of his foster home and would do best in a home without children and with minimal guests. In fact, he actually navigates quite well! He seems very curious about having a potential playmate, though it would have to be another dog that is fairly mellow and will require dog intros. He likes going for walks, sunbathing, and following his foster mom around the house. Wyatt is yearning to find a forever person that will help him make up for lost time, but also someone willing to go slow and at his own pace. His adopter would benefit from having experience with blind dogs. We request that he be adopted within 50 miles of the Omaha area to benefit from continued training, as provided by a certified positive reinforcement Muddy Paws trainer. All donations go toward that mission. Adoption fees are the primary source of funding for the cost of veterinary care for our animals. If so, we will arrange a meeting for you and the animal. The adoptions for all of our animals will take place in the Omaha, NE area and must be done by the adoptive family in person. We do not ship or deliver. We conduct veterinary and personal reference checks during the application approval process. If you and the animal are not a good match, we will help you select another animal, or we will keep your approved application on file for 6 months.
Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. As the German Shepherd growth chart suggests, a German Shepherd dog reaches full size and adult weight after one year. A growth spurt can occur between 1. The result of this late growth is an up to 10 percent increase in height and weight. Although you can consider a German Shepherd fully grown by one year, there may be additional factors that influence the growth of German Shepherd dogs. Is Your German Shepherd Healthy? Improper development can occur for many reasons. It could be as simple as your dog responding poorly to their dog food. Your feeding schedule and portions might not be sufficient. Your dog could also have a basic nutritional deficiency that you need to correct. Yet, being underweight or overweight can signify serious health problems. Weight loss can occur when the syndrome develops. Dogs typically show signs of EPI at between six months and six years of age. Parasites Dogs are highly susceptible to parasites. Deworming medication helps to reduce the risk. Yet, almost all puppies experience a parasitic infection at least once. Upon infection, your dog is at risk of serious weight loss and other troubling symptoms. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus can affect any breed but has an above-average occurrence in German Shepherds. These dogs need insulin daily to accommodate for the inability to metabolize sugars. If your German has diabetes, severe weight loss can occur in a short period. Diabetes typically affects canines that are four years or older. It is the most common cancer in German Shepherds. Up to three percent will develop HSA. In most cases, this condition sets in at around nine to 12 years. Dietary Deficiency Do you have your German Shepherd on a raw food diet? Puppies often run underweight when receiving their nutritional requirements through raw meat. This diet is healthy and effective but needs monitoring, as not all dogs respond the same. Review the diet plan with a veterinarian and confirm there are no digestive or metabolic issues. Also, do not forget the importance of exercise! Clear Your Concerns with Coverage You put your heart into loving your dog like a child, but some things are out of your control. Health struggles can affect canines as much as humans. Even purebreds from AKC-certified breeders are not safe from serious health struggles both early and late in life. All you can do is prepare yourself to overcome complications. What if cancer happens? What else could happen? Peace of mind is great as a dog owner. Is coverage the answer? Get pet insurance quotes and see for yourself. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.
Articles If you have a Labrador that has just had puppies, you are definitely curious about the different stages of growth your pup will go through, as well as what to expect at each stage until your pup is fully grown. So, when do puppy Labs stop growing? Generally, your puppy Lab will stop growing by the time they reach their second birthday. By this time, they would have reached their adult height, but your puppy could still continue gaining weight and filling up. Knowing the key milestones your puppy Lab will go through is key to gauging the health of the pup until they get to adulthood. Labrador puppies go through several growth stages between the moment they are born and when they fully transition into adults. They cannot see, hear, or regulate their body temperature, and their teeth have not grown yet. At this point, they depend on their mother for almost everything. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 Weeks Two weeks after birth, your pup will start seeing and hearing sounds, and their teeth will start growing. The Awakening Period For The Senses 3 to 4 Weeks At this stage, your Lab puppy will start becoming more sensitive to what is happening in their environment. The Socialization Period 4 to 12 Weeks This is the period where the puppy Lab starts learning how to interact with humans, other dogs, and other things in their environment. You can start weaning the puppy and training them basic commands at this stage. You need to be firm with training at this stage and let the puppy know that some behaviors are not acceptable. The Ranking Period 16 to 24 Weeks During this stage, your puppy is going to learn about the dynamics of dominance and submission, and their ranking within a pack. The pup will try to show dominance and become more independent. First Week Labrador puppies undergo rapid growth during their first week of life. By the end of the first week, your Lab puppy will be about twice their birth size. According to the study, this happens around the 89th day for female Labs, and around the 95th day for male Labs. This means that this growth spurt will generally happen when your puppy Lab is between 12 to 14 weeks old. By the 18th or 19th week, however, you can expect your Labrador puppy to have reached half their adult weight. By the time your Lab puppy is about 6 months old, their bones are about to stop growing, which means that after the 6th month, the puppy will not gain much height. Weight gain will also slow down significantly, but your puppy Lab will still continue filling out until they are about 2 years old. Your puppy Lab will stop growing by around their second birthday. From there, weight gain or loss will be affected by things like diet and physical activities. You might also consider to pet-proof your home , especially if you are a 1st-time labrador owner. A good way to tell if your puppy Lab is growing normally is to track how much weight they gain every week. Generally, a healthy Lab puppy should gain about 2 lbs every week on average until they are about six months old. After your pup reaches 6 months, the growth rate will reduce, with the pup gaining between 1 lb. From a birth weight of between 8 to 24 oz, your puppy should be about 50 to 60 lbs by their first birthday. Once they get to 4 weeks, you can then start introducing softened puppy food. By the time your puppy is 8 weeks, they should be fully weaned, and should be fed about 2 cups of food every day. The food should be divided into 3 or 4 meals. At 10 weeks, you can increase the food to 3 cups. Once your Labrador puppy is 12 weeks and older, their appetite will increase, and at this point, you can start giving 4 cups of food every day, divided into 2 or 3 meals. For proper growth and good health, you need to feed your Labrador pup with food that is rich in nutrients and calories. We recommend feeding your Labrador pup with food from Pet Plate. So, what is a good weight for a Labrador? By the time your Lab puppy is 10 weeks, their weight will fall between 10 to 20 lbs. At 4 months, your Labrador puppy will have already experienced their second growth spurt. The ideal weight for a Lab puppy at this point is between 25 to 35 lbs. By the 5th month, your Labrador puppy will weigh 35 to 50 lbs. They will also be approaching their adult height. The average weight for a 1 year old Labrador is 50 to 65 lbs. By this time, your Labrador pup is no longer growing in height, but they are still gaining weight. By the time they are two years old, your Labrador puppy will have completed their growth. Female Labs are usually smaller than males, and this will become apparent as the puppies grow older. At 2 years old, the weight of a female Labrador pup will typically fall between 55 and 70 lbs, while that of a male Lab will fall between 65 to 80 lbs. The best way to tell how big a Lab puppy will get in adulthood is to look at the size of the parents. If the parents are big, then you can expect your Lab puppy to get equally big. Similarly, if the parents are small, it is very unlikely that your Lab puppy will get very big. This can be done by playing tug of war with your Lab, giving them tough toys to chew on, and basically anything else that will encourage them to use and strengthen their jaw muscles. At the same time, you should keep in mind that your Lab puppy is still growing, so it is advisable to get an adjustable harness and the correct harness type for the purpose of the activity. Labrador Retriever Stages of Development Labrador Retriever Stages of Development If you are new to the Labrador Retriever world and you have a new puppy, you may be wondering when Lab puppies finally calm down. First, for those that do not know, the Labrador Retriever breed is not for those that want to lay back on the couch and toss back a few beers. Labs are people dogs meaning that they are very sociable and do not like to be left on their own all the time. They have a great deal of enthusiasm and energy. That is why it is important for this breed to get plenty of exercise and social interaction. We did a lot of research about the breed and found that many people have their own ideas on the age of maturation. In all honesty, there are differing levels of energy that the Lab will go through during its life and from the age of about 10 weeks old to 5 years old, the energy level can remain quite high. Stage 2: Toddler — This stage starts around weeks old and goes until about 5 months old. The energy level is quite high at this time as the puppy is learning all it can about the world and go through many biological changes. It tests its environment with its mouth and as it gets towards the end of this stage, it begins to chew on everything it can to try and get relief from teething. It is usually to have some terry cloth towels that have been soaked in water and sitting in your freezer, waiting to be gnawed on! Stage 3: Adolescent — This is a tough stage and starts around 5 months old and go anywhere up to a year, depending on the dog. Some would call it the terrible twos because all of a sudden, your sweet Lab baby has forgotten everything you have taught it and has the manners of any human teenager out there! Sure, they know not to go on the couch but they will test you again and make sure you meant it. This is when you need to reinforce all your training because if you let them get away with it now, it is harder to break them of it later! Stage 4: Maturing — Usually this starts around a year old and goes until the 5-year old stage. The level of energy is still high and is equal to a college student or young twenty-something adult. They get more comfortable with their surroundings and take a little more time to enjoy life and the company of their owner and family. This is more of an enjoyable time with your family Lab! Stage 5: Senior — Around 5 years and up, the little puppy you once knew with all the energy level of an energizer bunny is there in spirit but the body is slowing down more. They still have a good amount of energy but nothing compared o stages 2 and 3! Life is good and comfortable. So, when does a Lab puppy start to calm down? Well, generally it is around stage 4 but can happen before that stage. The one thing people with Labrador Retrievers, or any dog for that matter, need to understand is that each dog is different. Yes, there are certain traits in the Lab breed for which we eagerly welcomed them into our home, but just as human identical twins can have opposite personalities, so can your Labrador Retriever. For example, if you are in stage 2, there is housebreaking and teething to deal with. Your puppy also needs help with getting rid of some of that pent up energy it has and it is your responsibility to give it safe and structured ways to expel that energy. Short walks work well on soft surfaces for young pups as well as schedule play times. Whatever you choose to do, high energy levels in Labs are normal during certain stages — just remember to enjoy them while you can because your Lab will only be a puppy once. Post navigation. Puppy growth is also related to proper diet: weekly growth rate varies from breed to breed but proper nutrition of the puppy influences each individual's growth curve. The diet of a growing puppy requires more protein and healthy fats, such as the omega-3 DHA Regardless of breed, all puppies are born dependent on mom, so proper nutrition of mom during pregnancy helps in the early stages of puppy development. The first months play a crucial role in determining a dog's lifelong health and well-being. Prenatal period: mother's gestation The time puppies spend in the womb is usually called the prenatal period. It lasts about days, and the puppy's development begins during this stage. A pregnant mother should exercise less and receive more care in the last weeks before delivery-she should not be exposed to unnecessary stress. The health of the puppy is influenced by the mother as early as the prenatal stage: the amount of stress and hormones the mother secretes is transmitted to the puppies through the placenta, and this can affect the growth of the fetus as well as any intestinal parasites such as the ascarids , can pass from the placenta to the fetus even before birth or enter the milk through the mammary glands. For this reason, our breeding philosophy requires us to avoid all forms of chemicals by following a natural supplementation protocol during gestation as well as then natural deworming on the puppies. Prenatal stress can affect puppies' brains and organs, causing them to establish behavior in stressful situations before they are even born. It may make puppies less curious, they may have reduced learning ability, they may be more aggressive or have changes in sexual behavior. During pregnancy, the mother needs supplementation and amore nutritious diet than usual because she no longer eats only for herself. Neonatal period Stage beginning from birth to the second week of life. At birth, pups are blind, deaf and toothless, unable to regulate body temperature, urinate or defecate on their own. Pups depend on their mother and siblings in the litter, staying very close together to preserve body temperature. A puppy separated from this situation can quickly die of hypothermia, which leads to a drop in body temperature. If a puppy is isolated from its mother and siblings, it can quickly cool down and cry to alert its mother of its situation. Read also: neurosensory stimulation program Biosensor Puppies first experience the feeling of being petted when they are licked by their mother to keep them clean, to keep her den clean and also to stimulate them to defecate and urinate. From birth, pups are able to use their sense of smell and touch, which helps them orient themselves to find the udders that carry their mother's scent. The first milk produced by the mother, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies that provide passive immunity and help protect puppies from disease during these first weeks of life. For the first two weeks of life, puppies sleep almost 90 percent of the time, are active only 10 percent of the day, spending their waking time sucking milk, and all their energy is channeled into growing so that their birth weight doubles the first week. At this stage the puppies are not able to support their weight but are able to crawl with the movements of their front paws, however, the mother will always try to position herself as close to them and group them by bringing them to herself with her muzzle. This limited locomotion, however, provides the necessary stimulus to develop the puppy's muscles and coordination so that, day after day, the puppies will be able to reach their mother even on their own. Transition period This stage is from the second to the fourth week of life. The third week of life brings major changes in the puppy: hearing and vision are not developed from birth. Eyes begin to open during this period, eyelids between ten and sixteen days, and hearing begins to develop around two weeks. This stage allows puppies to "feel" their new world: they learn to recognize the appearance of their mother, other dogs, and begin to expand their vocabulary from grunts and yelps. Puppies generally stand by day 15 and take their first wobbly walk by day .At the age of three weeks, puppy development advances from the neonatal period to the transitional period. This is a period of rapid physical and sensory development, during which pups move from total dependence on mother to minimal independence. They begin to play with their littermates, learn about their environment, the pack, and may be ready to taste wet food never dry in weaning other than breast milk in moderation. After three weeks puppy teeth begin to emerge until all baby teeth have come out at about weeks of age. They begin to control their needs and begin to move away from their nest to remove them. After the transition phase, puppies enter the socialization period at the end of the third week of life: this phase lasts until about the tenth week. During this socialization period, the puppy increases interaction with other animals, and puppies form bonds that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The most critical period, from six to eight weeks, is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family. Starting at four weeks of age, the mother's milk production begins to slow down just as the puppies' energy needs increase. As the mother dog slowly weans her puppies from nursing, they begin to taste easy-to-digest wet food. Environmental stimulation affects your puppy's rate of mental development during this period. The puppy's synapses look like those of an adult dog around day 50, but it is not yet ready: this is where the work of the breeder, mother and littermates comes in. During this period, puppies hear, walk, become acquainted with the world around them noises, sounds, smells, habits , feed independently, learn bite control, and receive correct teachings from their mother on how to relate to each other. At this stage the puppy basically learns to recognize the individuals around it as living beings of the same species with whom it can communicate, play, and interact in different ways. At this stage, therefore, it is very important that the puppy also have many experiences with the human being in such a way that it identifies with and sees him as a living being with whom it can communicate and interact positively. The more diversified the experience in this regard the better so men, women, children, humans in different clothes and various disguises, etc. At this stage, puppies may go through a period offear fear period : when they encounter new people and animals they do not know, they may react with fear and distrust. Anything that frightens them at this age can have a lasting impact, so be careful that the puppy is not over-stimulated with too many changes. This allows the puppy to grow up with fewer phobias-it is simply a normal part of development in which puppies learn to be more cautious, and careful socialization during this period helps counteract fear reactions as adults. A puppy that lives with siblings, mom, and other adults in the group until they are eight weeks old will adapt better to new situations: their interaction with littermates and mom have unique and unparalleled value Interaction with siblings and mom helps teach bite inhibition, understanding and responding to normal canine communication and their hierarchical position in the pack. Youth period The pup's juvenile period generally begins at the age of ten weeks and lasts until puberty and the onset of sexual maturity. Puppies of this age have boundless curiosity, infuriating stubbornness and enthusiastic affection. This is the ideal time to begin training: it is during this period that puppies begin to learn the consequences of behavior and determine what is most appropriate under certain circumstances. Almost every waking moment is spent playing, which is not only great fun for the puppy, but is great practice for his future canine life. From 10 weeks of age, puppies learn to perform important activities such as chasing and running, biting and fighting. Social skills and canine etiquette are learned from interaction with littermates and mother. During this period, puppies learn to inhibit their b iting when bitten by each other and learn canine language: through play, they practice dominant and submissive positions and prepare for life in the world. From 10 to 16 weeks, puppies test their limits and begin to challenge the outside world. They test their owners to see who is the real top dog and seem to have forgotten any education they learned from their mother, behaving like rebellious teenagers. Part of this behavior has to do with teething: puppies change their baby teeth from three months of age and may experience discomfort when their permanent teeth erupt. Often during this period, puppies tend to bite and chew more of anything to relieve the discomfort. This "delinquent" behavior can also be influenced by hormones: unlike many other species, the testosterone level of a male puppy between four and ten months old can be up to five times that of an adult dog. Because of this high level of testosterone adult dogs recognize that he is a young puppy and needs "education"-they make sure to subdue him to teach him manners before he gets too old. Growth from four to six months Puppies grow very fast during this period, and you may notice changes every single day. Not only can your puppy test and challenge you on anything, but this is also the time when puppies understand where they are and living with other pets in the pack. They will be frequent scuffles and fights as play: it is a rule of the older dog to teach puppies its limits and social position. The testosterone level of a whole unneutered male puppy increases around 4 to 5 months of age: because of this, an adult dog can recognize even a full-grown but still small puppy that needs to be educated in proper behavior between beings of the same species. Puppies may also sometimes experience another phase of fear during this period: it can last up to a month and perhaps more than one especially in large dogs, this is normal and nothing to worry about. This fearful phase tends to correspond to growth spurts and "wobbly" behavior or unwarranted aggression, becoming protective of toys or one's territory. Be sure not to reward this behavior and to "talk" to the puppy with precise actions without using words. Build trust between you and your puppy through daily training. Adolescence: six to 12 months During this period puppies may begin to lift their legs and mark their territory with urine, but there is no one age for all, much also depends on size, and generally large breeds such as the Labrador Retriever take longer. The testosterone level in male puppies increases times that of an adult dog at the age of 10 months, then gradually declines to a normal adult level at about 18 months of age. This helps signal to older male dogs that the young still need to be adjusted so as to reduce fights between puppies during this period. Females can go into heat oestrus as early as the 6th month, and males begin to take an interest in the opposite sex during this period. Most of your puppy's height growth ends at this time, to continue to increase muscle mass and body weight. Puppy fur begins to be replaced by a more robust coat as an adult. Puppies at this age seem to explode with great energy and respond well with mental activation games and structured exercises. Ongoing education and socialization are vital to ensure that your puppy knows how to behave politely with other dogs, other animals such as cats, and other people including the dog-child relationship and strangers of all ages and appearance. Social maturity This usually occurs between the first and second year of life. Depending on the breed, your dog will be physically mature at this age: small dogs mature much earlier and older dogs take longer. Your puppy's social maturity may also depend on his experience with other animals. Socialization and training continue throughout your Labrador's life, because there are always new things to learn or lessons to repeat. After all, the joy of your puppy's first year provides for a lifetime of eternal love! Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Image from Pixabay Labrador Puppy Behavior and Growth Stages Labrador retriever puppies do plenty of growing, learning, and maturing in a short amount of time, especially when compared to humans. Labs also change quite a bit, both mentally and physically from even birth to 8 weeks, which would be around the time you would bring your new puppy home. They are dependent on their mother for most things and although they have fur at birth, their mother keeps them warm because their internal thermostats have not begun to work yet. Their mother only lets them alone for bathroom trips and to eat and drink while the puppies huddle together for warmth. Two Weeks Newborn puppies cannot see or hear but by 2 weeks their ears and eyes should begin to open, allowing for hearing and sight. Handling should begin with the breeder for their first introduction to socialization. Puppies will receive their first worming. Three Weeks Puppies will begin teething as teeth come in and some solid food will be introduced gradually. Puppies can sit, stand, and trot about, a little unsteadily, at this time and even play with littermates, each developing their own personalities. Four Weeks Labrador puppies are becoming a lot more vocal and they are looking and acting more like dogs, wagging tails and playing with enthusiasm. Their mother who has kept everything clean until now is beginning to grow weary, so clean-up will now fall to the breeder. Puppies will receive their second worming. Mothers also teach pups not to bite so hard when feeding and playing. Six Weeks Worming will take place for the third time. Puppies are eating all solid food about six times a day and are totally weaned. Their mother still works with them in regards to biting and gives them a sharp bark, or reprimand, when they play too roughly with littermates. Seven Weeks Puppies will be socialized more, often with breeders beginning initial housebreaking. Usually, puppies will be checked out by a veterinarian before leaving their mother, brothers, and sisters for their new home at 8 weeks. Potty training and socialization should continue. Even though your pup was checked out by a veterinarian, you will need to make an appointment to begin the necessary vaccinations. Before bringing your new puppy home, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies for the pup such as bed, blanket, crate, toys, dishes, food, treats, collar, and leash. Keep in mind that this is the first time puppy has been away from their mother, littermates, and their familiar home. Have patience and give them reassurance and love. They may cry or be shy or fearful until they feel comfortable in their new home. Nine Weeks Your Labrador puppy should feel more familiar with its surroundings. Keep on top of housebreaking, taking them out every 20 to 30 minutes, especially after meals. Work on some basic training but keep sessions short. Socialization will be your biggest task now. Take them to as many places as you can so they can see situations as an adventure, not something to be feared. Ten Weeks Your puppy will need more vaccinations and their veterinarian will check them out and their weight to ensure that they are growing properly. Keep working on socialization. By this time your pup should be properly socialized, but continue to take them to as many places as you can. They may act independently and test you by ignoring certain commands that they are very familiar with. Be firm. Five Months Your puppy may be totally housebroken by this time and able to be left alone a little longer without accidents. Some pups take a little longer just as children may for potty training. They are beginning to be stronger and when they become too weighty, pulling on the leash will be a chore if not properly trained. Six Months Between 4 and 6 months your pup may try to challenge you or other family members. You and others must be the dominant forces in the family. Your pup is also looking more like a dog, but keep in mind, they are still a puppy at heart. Meals can now be reduced to two times a day. You will need to continue with training and obedience classes can be a huge benefit. Your pup will be quite a lot of fun at this time with lots of energy, stamina, and exuberance but will also show some characteristics of a rebellious teenager which may be frustrating. Be patient, yet firm. They may have the appearance of an adult Labrador but are without the maturity of one. When is Do Labs Stop Growing? Keep in mind that just as humans are individuals, so too are dogs and some may be full-grown at a certain age, while others may add a few more pounds after this time. Their full height, however, will be reached by nine months of age. A full-grown Lab will range in weight from 55lbs — 75lbs for females and 64lbs — 85lbs for males. Your Labrador retriever may grow to be large or be a smaller version. This helps to ease your mind. Enjoy every moment with your Labrador puppy as they grow through the stages. Recent Posts. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.
By Chris Labradoodles are amazing dogs, and Labradoodle colors are just as interesting! Labradoodles come in many different shapes, sizes, and coat shades. Labradoodle Images — our favorite Labradoodle photographs Some Labradoodles have black coats with white spots on their chest or paws. Others have brown coats with golden highlights around their eyes. But no matter what color labradoodle you have, they all make great companions for all! A chocolate medium Labradoodle enjoying a park visit Labradoodles with chocolate coats are such pretty dogs! There is a Labradoodle with a chocolate coat that lives in my neighborhood pictured above on a walk with my Labradoodle Max that I see every day walking all over the place. When he sees me, he actually jumps up on me and starts licking my face! He is a medium-sized Labradoodle dog. There are three sizes of Labradoodles, standard, medium, and miniature. Occasionally you will find a LAbradoodle that does not take to the water — but they are few and far between. The golden-brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach Labradoodles are more than just pets, they become part of our family. Labradoodles are friendly, social animals that love to play and run around with their human friends. Some Labradoodles like to be outdoors, and you will find them rolling in the grass, chasing butterflies, or just plain relaxing. This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. White coat Labradoodles can get pretty stained and dirty. White Labradoodles are especially prone to this. My labradoodle gets dirt all over his coat after she plays outside! Luckily basic grooming and shampoo do the trick. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Black Labradoodle puppies normally have black eyes too see the photo above. This actually makes it quite difficult to capture photographs of them. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members Labradoodles are amazing friends! Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some Labradoodles are thin while others are more stocky. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Friendly, energetic, playful, social, cuddly, smart. AKA — the Labradoodle. Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. Labradoodles get on well with other dogs. It is important to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. If you live in a city, this will be easy because there will be lots of dogs everywhere. You can find out about off-leash dog parks and dog walking groups in your area and try going along to meet the Labradoodle owners and their Labradoodle friends. This can be done in a professional setting, but many owners prefer to take the job on themselves at home. You will need a Labradoodle-specific brush, labradoodle shampoo, scissors, and nail trimmers. Before you start brushing your Labradoodle put, it in a comfortable position in front of you on the floor or sitting on your lap. Brush their fur from head to tail with a Labradoodle-specific brush picking up any tangles as you go. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! Even though they have long coats, Labradoodles can still get sunburn or suffer from sun damage. Give them plenty of opportunities to cool off away from the sun. A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Some Labradoodle will have two shades in their coats. Black and white two-shade Labradoodles are common. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Labradoodles love running through the snow, playing with their family, rolling around in the white stuff, barking at the sound of someone nearby, or just relaxing. Labradoodles are also found in many climates. The Labradoodles can be found living on islands such as Hawaii or Australia or on the cold mountainsides of Europe. It will help make bath time easier for life. It can even save money because some Labradoodles shed a lot of hair and need to be groomed more often and DIY grooming saves a bunch. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Non-shedding small dogs are popular. So are shedding small dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and more A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Miniature Labradoodles Images This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max wearing his usual harness Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Giving a labradoodle puppy a bath can be challenging. Bath time is much easier if Labradoodles are groomed early on. Labradoodles, like other dogs, need to be brushed often. A non-shedding dog coat still needs regular brushing, even when it is cut short like the photo above we shaved our Labradoodle Max before a beach holiday to help prevent coat knotting with daily swims. Before taking a puppy to the beach be sure you have a plan, and safety in mind. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish raincoat Dogs rarely need raincoats. We got one just because it looks great. It does help during walks in cold rain or when there is wind and I am worried that Max will get a chill. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Labradoodles will often hang out with their tongues out. A Red Labradoodle enjoying time in the snow. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. He does not have the gene to make a rose-nosed puppy. They display slightly smaller curls than some pups, but it is still not a tight curly fleece. As adults, they will have a coat similar to Tilly, their mom. This coat is easy to care for, does not mat easily, and is easy to brush out regularly. The first two pups pictured have a different dad, they are out of Riley, and the other four are from Sam. Also, note that Riley's pups have a rose nose, and the others have a black nose. These two display tight fleece. Keep short for easy management, or brush regularly to avoid mattes. The first pup had a slightly curlier coat than the others and was fluffier as an adult. You can also see the rose nose on the caramel pup 3 versus the black nose on the apricot pup 6. The black pups range in colors; the first black Australian labradoodle puppy is solid but already showing signs of silver showing through around his nose and will likely silver out as he matures. The other two black pups are phantom or sable, with adorable brown eyebrows—two caramel pups with rose noses and one apricot pup with a black nose. You can see three of each type in this litter. The pups in positions 1, 3, and 6 are tight curls, and the other three are loose. An equal distribution of rose noses, 3 rose and three black. Gypsy makes a wide range of sizes in her litter. In this litter, the Australian labradoodle puppies range in weight, at age 1, from lbs.
Bernese Mountain dog cross Edmonton Bernese Mountain dog cross with husky German shepherd Puppies were born August 21 will be ready to go October 16 Puppies will come with vet, check first set of vaccinations and dewormer and a puppy.They were born on June 22nd and are 11 weeks old. They eat solid food and use puppy.Golden, Husky and Shepherd Mixed Puppies!!! Puppies will come with vet papers that include their first shots and.Looking for a furry bundle of joy? Look no further! These 4 adorable puppies are ready to find their forever homes. They're cute, cuddly, and full of love. Don't miss out.Urgent Husky puppies Edmonton 2 beautiful puppy left male if fluffy one two brown eyes and female is all white with one blue eye one blue hazel they have probably one of the best temperament I've ever seen very playful very happy.Ready To Go! The proud parents had a litter of 7 to choose from. Dad is a.Currently rehoming him due the fact I am overworked and after a recent tragedy in the family I no longer have the time nor emotional capacity to care for.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Contact for further information. Serious enquires only please. There are 3 girls available. They will come fully vet checked with first and second shots, de worming and a clear bill of health.Dad is a Border Collie. Looking for long term homes. Trained for pee pad, working on training to go outside. Have had shots and will have booster shot. Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.Tres sociable. Nee le 6 juillet donc prer a partir Un melange de deux race hyper active auront besoin de.Mom is our family pet, quiet and calm and loves children. Ready to go home with you! Females and males available. Top German Shepherds off championship bloodlines Limerick German Shepherd Age: 3 months 1 Male, 1 Female We are delighted to offer for sale our beautiful, intelligent, well-bred German Shepherd puppies. Born just a few months ago, these alert pups are already showing signs of their brilliant lineage. We have two female and one male puppy, all boasting a striking black and tan coat. Their father, a jet-black German Shepherd with a unique white Mallon streak, is a brilliant guard dog. His lineage includes top protectors from Ireland, England, and Germany, with a sire sheet available for viewing. He also boasts a lineage of show dogs. The mother, a beautiful black and tan German Shepherd, is not only intelligent but also a wonderful guard dog. She too comes from a champion show dog lineage. Both parents are our family pets and can be seen upon your visit. These puppies have been vet checked, wormed, and vaccinated. We are looking for good homes only, preferably with people who have experience with German Shepherds. Located in Limerick. Mother in last picture. Call today to learn more about your new forever friend! They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their. He is being raised on the family farm where he gets lots of love and attention. These bubbly, playful, loving Doberman Husky Shepherd mix are family raised and receive lots of love and attention daily. German Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale Alaskan Malamutes are large, hard-working, trusting Spitz-type dogs bred in the Arctic for endurance and strength. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. German Shepherd Mix Puppies for Sale. Wolf Hybrid Puppies for Sale. The genetic mix of the brave, strong German Shepherd and the hard-working Husky results in a family-friendly German Shepherd Husky Mix. Say hello to these beautiful German Shepherd Mix puppies! Their puppy eyes and stunning looks combined with their sweet, adventurous personalities make these cuties almost irresistible! They have been born and raised here at our home where they are well cared for and much loved. Standard coat colors range from fawn, black, and brown, but blue and white are typical. Update - Last girls looking for their forever homes, see main photo. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. It is an excellent partner for someone who leads an energetic way of living. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. Dad is a calm, intuitive German. Their puppy eyes and stunning looks combined with their sweet, All About Me! German Shepherd and Siberian Husky mix. German Shepherd Husky mix puppies for sale in Michigan are available at pet stores and shelters. Husky, German Shepard, Malamute and Wolf pups. Unfortunately I work 6days a week and barely have the time to enjoy her. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Micro-chip and first round of DAPP vaccinations included. Find your new German Shepherd puppy here! Doberman, Husky, German Shepherd. The blue-eyed german shepherd husky mix is constantly attentive, daring, and lively. German Shepherd breeders have a special breeders' license that lets them legally sell puppies. An obedient yet independent dog, the German Shepherd Husky Mix loves spending time outdoors and could make the perfect hiking or camping companion. Siberian Husky Puppies Sale India. AKC champion bred pug puppies for sale. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. German Shepherd mom Dad is a lab mix. Female unspayed puppy. Micro-chip and first round of DAPP vaccinations. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the. Shepherd Husky Puppies for sale in United States from top breeders and individuals. Tan, red, silver, cream, and grey are rare colors that could show up if the Malinois X favors one parent over the other. Micro-chip and first round of. German Shepherd Husky Mix puppies. Shepherd Lab x mix puppies 10 weeks. Shepherd Husky For Sale .Hudson is a beautiful Siberian Husky and Australian Shepherd mix puppy. They are known for their energy. This is their second and last litter. Look like a Shepherd but will be smaller. PetzLover helps you to find your lovable pets to your home. This is one of the best ways to find great, adorable and wonderful German Shepherd puppies for less than from a breeder. Puppies on Sale; See our sister site for more Puppies. He is. Puppies Available Now! All our Wolf-Dogs are from the excellent Chaparral Farm bloodline! Good healthy genetics since .Helpful Tips: Meet this little cutie! Husky x German Shepherd x Puppies. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. Male and female puppies available ready to go They will have their first shots, deworming, first month of flea tick and. Join us on; Home; Puppies. Male and female puppies available ready to go They will have their first shots, deworming, first month of flea tick and heartworm prevention, they will come with a collar, leash, food, treats, and some toys. GSD rescues specialize in saving as many lost, You have found the perfect playmate for the entire family. Most Popular Mixed Breed Dogs in .German Shepherd Rescue New Mexico. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Nellore - Andhra Pradesh - India. German shepherd husky mix blue eyes for sale When buying any dog category, it is best to discover a valid breeder with an excellent record. These bubbly, playful, loving Doberman Husky Shepherd mix are family raised and receive lots of love. Both my mom and dad are part of our family and reside here with me in our house along with two cats. Mixed Breed Dogs for Sale. My name is Stella, and I'm an adorable, cuddly, extremely friendly, and sweet female Shepsky. This mixed breed requires plenty of exercise and games to avoid boredom—otherwise, they'll tend to find their own mental stimulation in the form of naughty behaviour! An obedient yet independent dog, the. She gets along with everybody. However, you can get one as a family pet and not necessarily through a shelter. A Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix varies significantly in coat color. Looking for forever homes for these beautiful German Shepard Husky puppies. We are offering you world class German shepherd puppy. German Shepherd Puppy. Skip to main content. Male s and Female s , 10 Weeks Old. Nereis and Bane will produce blue, agouti and black puppies! He would do better with older kids and can be selective in his canine playmates. Dogs for Sale in Knoxville. The sire is a full blooded white German shepherd and the mother is a half shepherd half husky mix. Get notified when they become available. This is highly intelligent, loyal, and extremely energetic. German Shepherds for Sale in Lexington. Feel free to browse classifieds placed by German Shepherd dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Stunning puppies looking for their loving forever homes. So here is some information on how to buy them from a reputable breeder. Harley is a spunky dog who loves to play and would love an active owner. AustraliaListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! They weigh from 35 to 90lbs and standing at just twenty 26 inches tall, this is an average-sized dog that needs lots of exercises and regular grooming. German Shepherds for Sale in Omaha. Very playful and just a big baby. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale near me. German Shepherd Husky Mix breed information.
english bulldog newborn puppy feeding schedule - Even though this mix is more current, its parents have been around for thousands of years. They have an incredible sense of smell. During the 11th century, William the Conqueror brought the beagle to England, and in , General Richard Rowett brought the breed to America where it became popular with hunters and families. Humans only have 5 million if that gives you any idea! Besides their love to hunt, their loyalty, family companionship, as well as friendliness makes them an excellent breed. So much so, that The American Kennel Club named them 6 on their most popular dog breed list of , and we named them 8 of the 50 Most Popular Dog Breeds in the World. The Boxer Boxers have an unusually shaped head— but it served them a purpose back in their hunting days. Along with superiorly strong teeth and jaws, their snouts are supposed to be half the length of their skull, making it easy for them to catch prey in their mouth, hold onto it until their owner arrived, and breathe through their nose the entire time. The boxer is thought to have been around for even longer than the Beagle, dating back to around B. E as war dogs in the Assyrian Empire. However the modern versions we know today were first noticed in Munich in .As direct descendants of the extinct German Bullenbeissers, a Tibetan line of mastiffs, they arrived in the U. They were primarily used for hunting large dangerous animals, like bears. But eventually, they were bred for family life and used as guard dogs. Their name comes from their signature paw movement whenever they play or fight. Overall you can expect your bogle to be between inches in height and pounds in weight. .Most often though, they range from pounds and are between inches tall— perfectly resembling a medium-sized dog. They Have a Good Lifespan Bogle mixes can live up to years, which directly correlates with their medium size and fewer health problems as a mixed breed. At the end of the day, these dogs are great for families with older children, but may not be well suited for those with young children as they can get easily annoyed with young, jumpy kids. However, if you raise your boggle puppy and young children together, they will respond much better. You might also find it a good idea to train your dog to fetch, as his beagle nose makes him a natural at tracking. But if properly cared for, these dogs should reach maximum life expectancy. They should be brushed once every 1 or 2 weeks and bathed with sensitive shampoo every few months as to not disrupt the natural oils of their coat. To avoid ear infections, keep their ears dry after baths and try to clean weekly. As you can see, boxers have very short, fine hair. They can shed quite a bit sometimes, and their darker fur makes it even more noticeable. Be prepared to brush your boxel and be aware that their coat can get quite oily at times. Beagles can be prone to obesity, so make sure to regularly watch food intake and weight. You can also put them in sports like agility, flyball, hiking, and dock jumping to get any extra energy out. Boggles also need adequate amounts of brain stimulation through games like treasure hunts and find the treat in the kong. It caters to their natural tracking abilities and love of chasing! Between playing fetch, running up and down our hill, and bounding down the stairs, her energy levels will probably never fade. You can expect your boggle to be similar. So before you go looking from a breeder, check your local shelter. You may just find one! Their playful and energetic personality means lots of laughs and fun for everyone. If anything, these funny compilation videos of their parents say something! This also means they can get adequate amounts of exercise without you having to put in huge amounts of effort. Our boxers absolutely NEED a large backyard to enjoy life. They just have so much energy. Be kind to your boggles! Their shape will vary greatly as well. Boxers are more muscular whereas beagles are leaner, so your boggle could look more or less like each depending on the traits he receives. But usually, you can find them with broad chests, short and muscular legs, a long tail, and long, droopy ears. At the end of the day, the beagle-boxer mix is perfect for outdoorsy and active families. Social media has increased its popularity, as we can often see mixed breed puppies on Instagram and praise their beauty and cuteness. One such dog is the Boxer Beagle mix. You might not even think this dog is actually possible and available. But this hybrid dog has been quite popular among families with children in the past several years. The offspring of a Boxer parent and a Beagle parent is energetic, cheerful, and lively. In any case, it is a perfect combination of a fun-loving, loyal, and athletic puppy. These dogs are great family pets. Temperament can vary, depending on which parent breed is more dominant in the genes. Yet, it is a guarantee you will get an energetic, affectionate, and playful puppy in your home. They are great for families with children, preferably older children. Yes, they will play with the family, but they might get annoyed by the young and jumpy kids. Meet the parents Boxer When it comes to the Boxer dog breed, we all know some of the main personality traits. Those are loyalty, affection, intelligence, and good looks. They are among the most athletic dogs in the canine world. Their beautiful looks and stature are well-documented. Standing at 25 inches, Boxers are a large dog breed that is athletic and beautiful. And then you have that wrinkled forehead that gives them an alert and curious look. Here are some common personality traits: Intelligent and high-energy dogs They are playful dogs that want to stay busy Loyal to the bone, they love to be in the company of their owners They will guard their family, but they are friendly around strangers They will rarely bark, usually when they bark, there is a good reason for that Beagle Beagle is the second parent breed in this combination. And it is another loyal, playful, and energetic breed. This dog is known as the happy-go-lucky canine. Bred for hunting purposes, Beagles still retain their excellent sniffing ability, but they are more family pets nowadays than hunting companions. Because they were bred to hunt in packs, they remain easygoing and enjoy the company of others. Here are some common personality traits of the Beagle parent: Amazing sniffing ability Friendly around other animals, even cats Loyal, they stay close to their human companion Because they are needy, they might develop separation anxiety Easygoing and funny Appearance Now we get to talk about the Boxer Beagle mix and its appearance. Generally speaking, this medium-sized dog grows between 23 and 25 inches. It is a bit smaller than its Boxer parent, which is a large dog breed. They weigh between 45 and 60 lbs. Yet, there is no standard set by the American Kennel Club. They will have wide and big-sized heads and long tails. As athletic dogs, they have broad chest and well-balanced posture. They have a short coat since both parents have such a coat. As for their coat color options, they can be quite fun and amazing. You can find this puppy in tan, black, brown, and white colors, as well as a mixture of these colors. Temperament When it comes to your Bogle puppy, it can inherit the personality traits of both purebred dog parents. And given that Boxers and Beagles have a similar temperaments, you can expect a playful, cheerful, alert, social, and loyal puppy. They are also funny and clownish. You can expect hours of amusement and entertainment. Given that their Beagle parent is known for its nose and natural sniffing instincts, Bogles are also good at it. This canine is also protective of their humans, and while they do not bark often, they can bark at strangers. You also have to remember that because of the Beagle lineage, they can howl like other hounds. While these dogs are weary of those they do not know, they are quick to warm up. Your Bogle puppy is easy to train and is unlikely to develop behavioral issues. But if they are not trained and socialized early on, they can get aggressive, especially toward strangers. The good news is that the Beagle Boxer mix will take little effort to train. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your hybrid dog. Get some dog food, and you can go a long way. Make sure to use sniffing and scent to your advantage. Beagles love to sniff, and you can play games with dog food at home and outside. Start with obedience training as soon as possible. One thing to note, do not ever try to scold them when they do something wrong. This might make your family dog grow to resent you and it makes dog training sessions harder and more challenging. Exercise Needs Boxers and Beagles are not high on the smartest dog breeds list , but they are quite intelligent. It is just a different type of intelligence. These dogs are not as eager to please as a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever, for example. You have to use their instincts to your advantage. And by that, we mean using sniffing. Remember, these are agile and athletic dog breeds that need quite a lot of exercise. Generally speaking, your Bogle puppy needs between 30 and 60 minutes of physical exercise and mental stimulation per day. Because they are athletic, they make a great companion for hiking, jogging, or similar outdoorsy activities. Health One of the reasons why designer dog breeds have been popular lately is their lifespan. On average, your Beagle Boxer mix will live between 12 and 15 years. This medium-sized dog has fewer health problems than its purebred parents. Yes, the Boxer parent is prone to health issues like epilepsy, intervertebral disk disease, cardiomyopathy, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, and so on. But with a mixed breed , these risks are of lower percentage. Grooming Some of the big selling points of the Boxer Beagle mix are beauty and affection. They have short coats, which means low shedding. Brush your puppy once per week to remove dead hair. They will shed more during the winter. As for bathing, we do not recommend frequent baths, since your dog is prone to skin issues and allergies. Bathing will make matters worse. Two times per year is more than enough. This breed is prone to mental health issues like neurosis, which can require quite a lot of maintenance. Yes, the Boxer breed is low maintenance dog , but this mixed breed might be prone to neurosis There is a lot of unpredictability, particularly in terms of physical characteristics Because of its varying size, it might be challenging for most households Top 3 reasons to get Boxer Beagle Mix You get an active dog that will make a great companion to a family with an active lifestyle Easy to live with, this loving and caring family dog is easy to train Amazing beauty, your Beagle Boxer mix is athletic and gorgeous Facebook. He is known as a designer dog, which are the offspring of two purebreds. Beagle and Boxer mixes are mostly first-generation crossbreeds. The idea behind crossbreeding stemmed from a desire to take the most appealing characteristics from each purebred parent and produce an ideal pup from the combination. This crossbreed combines the muscular body of the Boxer and the good familial instinct and the unique, strong sense of smell of the Beagle. The Beagle We can trace the origin of the Beagle to 5th-century Greece, where it was used for hunting small game. The small hound later came to America with the help of General Richard Rowett in and became popular among game hunters as well as families. Beagles remain well-loved pets even today. These charming canines got their name because of the way they use their paws whenever they jump, play, or fight. They were first seen in Munich in and came to the US in the early s. Is the Boxer-Beagle crossbreed officially recognized? This crossbreed is one of the most sought-after and popular dogs to date, so it has been recognized by different dog clubs. What does a Beagle Boxer mix look like? The Beagle Box has physical features that hint at both its Beagle and Boxer ancestries. They are an energetic, athletic breed with a muscular, medium-sized built. They may have a square-shaped, wide head and a shorter muzzle like the Beagle or a thinner and longer face like the Boxer. Get a better look at this crossbreed through this video: How big does this crossbreed get? A full grown Boxer Beagle mix stands between 13 to 30 inches 33 to 76 cm in height and weighs around 20 to 80 pounds 9 to 36 kg on average. These are well-built dogs, with a consistent muscular formation. They are perfect companions for people looking for a reliable and active pet. Does the Beagle and Boxer mix have a thick coat? Neither the Boxer nor the Beagle has a thick coat, so the Bogel is unlikely to have this feature. His coat tends to be sleek, short, and smooth, with a dense texture. What behavior should I expect from the Bogle? When it comes to its temperament, this crossbreed has a good mix of the personalities of the Beagle and the Boxer. The Beagle Box has a high sense of loyalty towards their family, so expect him to stick to your side whenever possible. He has a friendly, gentle demeanor and enjoys being around a lot of people. You may discover that your Bogle likes to jump on people as a greeting, but, with the right training, this habit can be nipped in the bud. Every breed possesses both good and bad traits, so it is essential to train your Beagle-Boxer hybrid at a young age. Proper training will help it become a well-mannered member of the family. At a young age, these dogs should be included in socialization opportunities to foster good relationships with all members of the family and to temper his restlessness and distrust of strangers. Boxer-Beagle hybrids tend to get along better with older children. For safety, younger kids need to be supervised when interacting with these dogs. These sweet crossbreeds should never be bothered when they are eating or sleeping. Boxer-Beagles are also not tolerant of cats and will not hesitate to show it. Is the Beagle Boxer mix a barker? Boggles can be protective when it comes to his owner or family. These dogs tend to be wary of strangers, making him an excellent watchdog. However, this dog will easily warm up to them the minute he knows that the stranger is a friend. How much grooming does a Boxer Beagle mix need? The Boxel dog is quite convenient to care for since he only needs a minimal amount of grooming. When it comes to shedding, he has a coat that sheds moderately to low amounts of fur. Winter is when he sheds the most. Make sure to use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. It is important to keep his ears dry and clean after baths. Their ears need to be cleaned weekly to avoid ear infections. Nails should be trimmed monthly. You can either do the trimming yourself or have a pet groomer do it for you. How much activity does the Boxer Beagle mix need? Given the hunting background of their Beagle parents, Boggle dogs are known to be active crossbreeds, and their boundless energy might leave you breathless. This crossbreed enjoys playtime and is a great outdoors enthusiast. Boxels need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, whether in the form of walks, jogs, or visits to the dog park. Canine sports like agility , flyball, and dock jumping help them burn off their energy. Games like fetch and treasure hunts are other good ways to keep him active and healthy. Given his great jumping abilities, he would be safest in a fenced yard. Most Boggles are diggers, too, due to their Beagle parentage. Your best bet to keeping your puppy safely contained is to use a wireless fence for your yard. How to train Beagle Boxer mix puppies The Bogel is an intelligent dog, thanks to his equally smart parents. He is easily trained, and, as long as you are calm and consistent, he will be receptive to your commands. You can start your training with fetch since he loves to run and chase after things and he is a natural when it comes to tracking. Training is a vital part of the life of such an active dog, and we cannot overemphasize the importance of teaching good behavior during their puppy stage. Bogles respond well when their interest is stimulated and kept high at all times. You should employ a variety of training methods and combine them with rewards and praise. Positive reinforcement will produce better results, as the Boggle loves to please his owner. He does not respond well to harsh treatment. The firm but gentle correction will let your pup know that you mean business. Exposing him to new environments makes him more adaptable. Common health problems for the Boxer Beagle mix The Boggle is likely to inherit a few health concerns from the Boxer and the Beagle. These health conditions include: Intervertebral disk disease. Conclusion Appearance Boggles are muscular with long bodies and drooping ears. Their coat is smooth and dense with moderate to low shedding. Considered a medium-sized dog, as mentioned above they are usually lbs and inches in height. Their coloring may be black, white, tan, brown or any combo of these. Boggles can inherit any of the traits belonging to their purebred parents. They are known to be playful, cheerful, alert, social and loyal. They can also be quite funny and clownish in their antics, and therefore will provide you with hours of amusement. Due to their Beagle ancestry, Beagle Boxers have sharp noses and natural instincts when it comes to tracking and hounding. This makes them great police dogs due to their ability to detect narcotics. The Boxer lineage in the Boggle makes him prone to having an aggressive personality. This is why socialization with children, people, and other animals at a young age is imperative. Jumping on people can be an issue with this breed, but through proper and consistent training, this tendency can be stopped. Boggles are very protective of their humans, and although they do not bark often, they will bark if a stranger approaches the home. How should Beagle Boxers be cared for? Boxer Beagles are energetic dogs and need an outlet for all of their natural energy. Daily minute walks are recommended. They will also benefit from having a fenced in yard where they can run around freely. Boggles require weekly cleaning of their ears because they are prone to ear infections. They also need to be brushed every other day and should be bathed only when necessary using a sensitive dog shampoo. Due to their activity level, it is important that they are fed adequately to keep them energized throughout the day. Their daily food requirement is cups of high-quality dog food. What is the best way to train your boggle? The Beagle Boxer mix is a smart dog, and he will quickly understand commands and behaviors if given consistent training. This breed does not respond well to being treated harshly, so patience is required throughout training. As with most breeds, it is important to begin training as soon as you bring your Boggle home. Establish the rules, keep it simple and remain constant. Your new companion will become confused if you do not provide consistency in training. Simple and direct commands are a good starting place. Due to the Beagle heritage, fetch is a good training technique to do initially. Their natural tracking abilities, and fondness for chasing will help them learn quickly; therefore, they will understand further commands quicker. During training, it is important to be firm and show that you are the leader, but positive reinforcement, such as treats for good behavior, and encouragement will garner better results than anger or punishment. Boggles do have a stubborn side and will try to challenge you, but it is essential that you remain calm and steady in your training. Check out this adorable video of a Boggle playing, relaxing and riding in the car. Health Concerns As with temperament, Boggles could inherit the health concerns common to either of their parent breeds. These concerns include the following: Eye problems. Boggles can be slightly food aggressive and distrustful toward strangers. You can limit or even completely avoid these behaviors if you begin proper training early on. However, introducing this breed to children later on in their lives can be problematic. This is an important thing to keep in mind if your family is still growing. Some of Their Ancestors Are Extinct You know the Boggle is a mix between a Boxer and a Beagle, but what you may now know is that the Boxer is a descendant of a now-extinct breed called the Bullenbeiser. Hopefully, these breeds are here to stay! They Have Very Extensive Ancestry Although the Boggle was first popularized in the early s, the Beagle parent breed dates back to the 5th century! About 1, years ago Beagles were prominent in Ancient Greece and were being used as hunting dogs. However, they would be wrong! Like all other traits, the Boggle inherits its likelihood to bark and howl from both parents, but they tend to resemble their Boxer parents more in this regard who bark only as a means of protecting their family and home. You can expect your Boggle to bark if people approach your home or knock on the door, but they are otherwise fairly quiet dogs. This breed may be medium-sized, but their love of roughhousing is more representative of a larger dog. Are These Dogs Good for Families? If socialized early you should have no problems with children, but this breed will always prefer to be around grown-ups. As far as their relationship with adults goes, your pup will fit right in! Boggles love being around familiar people, so the bigger your family, the happier your pooch will be. This breed is also high energy, so multiple people living in the same household with them is often ideal, especially if it means someone will always be at home with them. Because this breed gets its moderate-to-high prey drive from their hunting ancestors, you may want to avoid this breed if you have cats or other small pets, and especially rodents. You should expect to feed your Boggle two to three cups of food every day, and this quantity can be split up into two or three meals. Because this breed can vary quite a bit in size, you should speak with your vet about your individual dog to avoid under- or over-feeding. While these dogs have no specific diet requirements, you should choose a quality, high-protein commercial dog food formulated for medium dogs with high energy levels. These dogs will need about thirty to forty minutes of exercise every single day. To maintain proper health and to dissuade destructive behavior, you should plan on a vigorous walk or run each day in addition to their regular play and backyard frolicking. Given their activity levels, many people who enjoy the outdoors will opt to take their Boggles on hikes or nature walks. This breed tends to be wary of strangers, so early socialization is a must. Teaching this breed that strangers are friends too is critical. You should plan to brush your Boggle with a wire brush once a week or so, and this is mainly to keep their coat clean and to cut down on shedding. This breed does shed but not nearly as much as many other dogs. However, being aware of the issues that your dog can have is important to help catch them early and treat them as needed. Minor Conditions. In one of these shelters, there is a possibility that one of them is a Boxer crossed with Beagle looking for a new lovely home. Here are some reliable shelters and rescue groups you can contact. You can try www. This is why owners of this dog breed are expected to know the basics of maintaining its well-defined features to a certain degree of elegance while keeping in mind the charm of the dog. However, what sets this crossbreed as different from other designer dogs is that it is medium to low maintenance. The Beagle combined with Boxer is a medium to low shedder, and winter is when it sheds the most. While they maintain lowkey shedding, their hair and coat need weekly brushing to remove dead hair. As regards to bathing and shampooing, they only will be done at least two times a week so as not to remove the natural and essential oils that the skin of the pup produces. Frequent baths will render the hair brittle and dry. The ears must also be a focal point of the cleaning, and must be regularly checked for signs of nasty infection and nails should be trimmed frequently. Note, when trimming their nails need, one needs extra care and precision so as not to cause bleeding and prevent bacterial infection. You should also start introducing your Beagle combined with Boxer to proper grooming at a young age such that you will not have any problems to keep the dog clean and neat as he or she grows up. Boxer combined with Beagle Health Problems All dog owners must note that all crossbreeds are prone to an array of health issues from their purebred parents. Nevertheless, it is also possible that the offspring not be vulnerable to these diseases. While the Beagle is generally healthy overall compared with other active dogs, the known ailments to plague this purebred are glaucoma, patellar luxation, central progressive retinal atrophy CPRA , epilepsy, hypothyroidism, chondrodysplasia, cherry eye, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca KCS. The Boxer, on the one hand, is a dog that is known to procure ailments when it reaches adulthood such as heart disease like aortic stenosis , hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal issues, hip dysplasia, neurological diseases, and eye diseases. Depending on its genetically favored parent, the Boxer mixed with Beagle would be prone to these diseases: Gastrointestinal issues: A particular focus on the diet of your Beagle mixed with Boxer should be observed to help prevent a lot of internal gastric problems that the crossbreed would potentially encounter in its latter adult years. Avoid constantly changing dog food and observe him in his travel outdoors since he might ingest something he is not supposed to eat for example, stray squirrels, dead birds, etc. Consult a veterinarian for a healthy diet and never stray away from the orders of the doctor Hip Dysplasia: A lot of crossbreeds with a Beagle parent suffer from this, and the Beagle crossed with Boxer is no exception. A focus on exercise and diet high in meat and glucosamine is recommended to prevent Hip Dysplasia complications. Ear infections: When you bathe your Boxer combined with Beagle, make sure to clean its ears thoroughly. Since it has long droopy ears, it would be best to cover all areas especially the back. Bacteria is easy to cultivate around this area so make sure to check it as often as you can. Observe the odor of the ears: it should not smell as bad, because if it does, there might be some bacteria. You should carefully pick the Boxer and Beagle parents from the local breeder. Boxer mixed with Beagle Food Requirements To keep this dog fit, the right amount of food must be administered each day. Because of their active lifestyle, the Boxer beagle mix needs a high-protein diet. Dry dog food containing meat, fish, and chicken is highly recommended. If you have a pup, best puppy food brands will provide your pooch with everything they need to reach their full growth potential. If your dog is an elderly citizen, vitamins and minerals in best senior dry dog food will help to keep their coat sleek and their bones less brittle. Make sure to also introduced complex and healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and brown rice to his diet to keep his energy levels up. If you give your pooch treats, make sure they are healthy. Administering of treats and scheduled feeding patterns must be intertwined with free-feeding at least once per week. This is done to make sure that your Beagle combined with Boxer does not overeat and lead to obesity. The focus of your feeding pattern must be to make sure you do not overfeed your crossbreed, and this is why the free-feeding must be inserted. The veterinarian will be able to carefully indicate the nutritional and dietary needs of your Beagle combined with Boxer according to their weight and size. The right amount of vitamins and minerals for your dog must be determined in consultations with the veterinarian, but you can choose the right kibble yourself by browsing these handy dry dog food for small dogs and best large breed dry dog food guides. Owners should focus on purchasing dry dog food rich in glucosamine or chondroitin. Here are some examples of the dog food available in the market: Dog For Dog Food : This notable dry dog food rich in glucosamine. The multiple protein sources from this dry dog food provide a healthy balance of amino acids, supporting muscle development and maintenance. Plus, it would be a flavorful change of palette for your dog with the natural flavors it possesses. Lastly, it has high levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for diet control along with a hint of Vitamin E to help maintain a shiny and healthy skin and coat. It is made a good choice for average dogs for stocking them up with muscle fibers. This works well with regards the joint health because without strong muscles the bone would remain to be susceptible to problems. Its main ingredients, among other things, are salmon meat high in glucosamine , real beef, and chicken, perfect for a Boxer Beagle mix to enjoy. Wellness Core Dog Food : This dog food consists of blueberries, apples, chicken, spinach, and carrots. This is perfect for your Boxer crossed with Beagle because of the nutrients it provides for your crossbreed. SmartBlend One: One of the essential benefits from this Purina One product is its ability to provide a rich and delicious diet for your pup. It also keeps at part with scientifically advanced food safety protocols to make sure it does not cause many problems to your dog. As such, lean and robust muscles would be gifted to your dog with its high-protein enrichment. The ingredients from this dog are made from sustainable and trustworthy sources made with no grain, corn, wheat, filler, or any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Boxer combined with Beagle Exercise Requirements The Beagle mixed with Boxer is a good option for owners wanting a medium to a large sized dog that needs hours of daily activity. You need to at least take your crossbreed to a walk a couple of times a day with around 30 to 60 minutes of outdoor time. If you have more time at your disposal, you can enroll your dog in canine sports programs like flyball, agility, and doc jumping to help them burn off their energy. However, a simple game of fetch or treasure hunts is recommended to those with limited time and only have about an hour per week. If you are not the type to have time to join him for activities, you can introduce him to interactive dog toys like Animal Sounds Babble Ball, Hide-A-Squirrel, or Trixie Flip Board all available on Amazon. Its temperament would not be much of an issue to any dog owner, much less those with families to tend to. You would also not face any problems having this dog out of its cage or out in the yard during family gatherings or parties. Not only is it pretty to look at, but others might also find this dog a sweet and caring one to play with.
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english bulldog newborn puppy feeding schedule - They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognized by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! 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. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. 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. 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. 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. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their 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. Theyalso 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. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. Thrives on exercise and athletic activities Steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Peaceful with other animals Very responsive to training The Bad Needs a goodly amount of exercise, not just a couple of short walks around the block High energy and exuberant jumping, especially when young Sheds a lot Risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. Chocolate Labrador. Developed as hunting dogs to fetch and carry birds back to the hunter, Labs love to carry toys around. How big are Labrador Retrievers? Usually they're inches at the shoulder, with males typically in the higher half of that range, and females in the lower half. Weight can be as low as 55 pounds, but is usually pounds. Unfortunately, the trend seems to be for heavier and heavier Labs, with a lot of individuals topping 90 pounds. I say unfortunately because heavier weight isn't good for their joints. This breed was supposed to be a medium-sized hunting retriever who could fit comfortably in a bird blind or a small boat. Show type Labrador Retriever. Much stockier than field type Labs. Are there different "types" of Labrador Retrievers? Not officially. There's only the one breed. They come in several colors, yet they're all Labrador Retrievers. For hunting and field trials, though, black Labs are by far the most common color. In my obedience classes, yellow Labs are often the calmest and most mild-mannered. In contrast, the chocolate Labs I've worked with have all been very energetic. Of course, it might just be coincidence! But apart from color, you'll definitely see Labs who look quite different from other Labs. Different builds, different body shapes. In particular, Labrador Retrievers used primarily for hunting and field trials look very different from Labs you see at dog shows that emphasize conformation. They have a narrower head, longer muzzle, lankier body, and a sleeker coat. Labs from show lines are heavier-boned and stockier, with a large blocky head and dense coat. To me, those dogs don't really look like the classic Labrador Retriever. But they do tend to be very sweet dogs with mellow temperaments that fit well into many families. How much exercise do Labrador Retrievers need? Many owners don't give this breed the exercise it deserves. These athletic, bouncy dogs need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become bored, which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. Labs also need mental stimulation, which means interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated: For example, a challenging dog sport agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, frisbee, field trials ; interactive dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; fetch games and tricks. Black Labrador Retriever. Black is the most common color. Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train? Yes, training most Labrador Retrievers is easy. They housebreak quickly and are usually willing to please. But this breed is strong and energetic, especially adolescents. Many Labradors between one and three years old are dropped off at animal shelters or rescue groups because of dog behavior problems such as pulling vigorously on the leash and jumping on people. Focus on teaching loose-leash walking, indoor calmness, and no jumping. All of these are taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies. Are they friendly with strangers? Yes, most Labs are happy to see everyone. They'll bark when someone comes to the door, but they're not protective. This is a friendly, trusting breed. Are Labrador Retrievers good with children? Most Labs are among the best possible dogs for children. However, remember my cautions about exuberance and jumping. Young Labs up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. That means things can go flying — including people. If your Lab has been allowed to jump on people, you should stop this behavior immediately. Jumping can injure people, and even when it doesn't, it puts a dog in a heightened state of arousal that isn't good for him. If you don't yet have your dog and your home includes toddlers or infirm adults, you might consider skipping the challenging puppy and adolescent stages. Look into adopting an adult Labrador Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a more settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Are Labrador Retrievers good with other pets? Most Labs are fine with other dogs and cats, fine with livestock, and even fine with very small pets such as rabbits and ferrets. Of course introductions should be made properly. Don't just plunk a baby bunny onto the floor and let your full-grown Lab loose in the room. Even a friendly dog can make mincemeat of a small fragile creature simply by jumping on it. Labrador Retriever puppies hardly shed at all.Grooming: Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think — on the high side of average at least. The bulk of their shedding occurs twice a year, for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches to a cooler summer coat, and three weeks in the fall as their summer coat switches over to a winter coat. But they also shed some all through the year. Labs need more brushing than some other shorthaired breeds because of the high shedding. If you don't diligently pull out the dead undercoat during regular grooming sessions, it will all fall out on your floors and furniture. On the plus side, obviously Labs need no trimming! Yellow Labrador. How long do Labrador Retrievers live? Are they a healthy breed? Labrador Retrievers typically live years. Many Labs do live to 12 or 13, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis. Unfortunately, an increasing number of beloved Labs are lost in middle age to inherited forms of cancer or heart disease. Common orthopedic diseases in Labradors include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella loose knee joints , each of which causes chronic pain and lameness and can require expensive surgery. Labs are very prone to rupturing the ligaments in their hind legs — expensive surgery again. And if one hind leg ruptures, the other is likely to follow at a later time. Another surgery. It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a Lab. A number of eye diseases cause blindness in Labrador Retrievers. The breed is at higher-than-average risk for an emergency gastrointestinal syndrome called bloat, which can kill a healthy dog within hours. One example of an odd neuromuscular disease is called exercise-induced collapse. As the name suggests, affected Labradors who have been vigorously exercising suddenly begin swaying, collapse, and require a rest before they can move again. Here is a complete list of health problems in Labrador Retrievers. The three major colors of Labs are black, yellow, and chocolate. What colors do Labrador Retrievers come in? Officially, Labrador Retrievers come in black, yellow, and chocolate. They also come in silver gray , but this color is frowned on by breed purists. These are just made-up names for yellow Labs whose shade of yellow happens to be golden or reddish or whitish. Whatever the shade, it's still just a yellow Lab. Chocolate also comes in shades: from light coffee to deep chocolate brown. Now, what about silver Labrador Retrievers? The official breed clubs, and breeders who show their dog in the conformation ring, state that silver is a disqualified color for showing purposes. In fact, most Labrador breeders insist that silver dogs aren't even purebred. Their position is that the silver gene infiltrated the Labrador's gene pool by crossbreeding Labs with Weimaraners. I think they're probably right. I think that one or more Weimaraner crosses probably did introduce the silver gene at some point. However, since genetic diversity is a good thing in living creatures, I don't view cross-breeding as an evil thing. So if there are some Weimaraner genes floating around in a silver Labrador, that wouldn't bother me. On the other hand, if I wanted a dog who could be counted on to look and act like a Lab, you're more likely to get that in a Lab who isn't silver, especially if the silver breeder is still using Weimaraners in his breeding program. And based on the appearance of some silver "Labs", there are breeders who are still crossing in Weimaraners. But almost certainly silver Labrador Retrievers are here to stay. Even though they can't be shown, the AKC still accepts them for registration. However, in a funny twist, those registration papers don't say silver. Remember, the AKC says that Labs can only be black, chocolate, or yellow. So they register silver Labs as Chocolate, because they consider silver to be a dilution of the chocolate gene. In other words, according to the AKC, your silver Lab is actually a chocolate Lab also has inherited dilution gene that washes the chocolate into a silvery gray. It doesn't end there. Some silver Labs aren't silvery gray, but dark charcoal gray. Yellow, black, and chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies. I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member. Or check out my training tips to teach your Labrador Retriever puppy to be well-behaved. Also see my advice on Labrador Retriever health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a Labrador Retriever puppy, but you want one.I can help you with that, too. Labrador Retrievers are the most common breed in the United States, so they're very easy to find. The problem is finding one with the best chances of staying healthy through the years. First, you need to think about the different types of Labrador Retriever we talked about earlier. You can buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from a show breeder who breeds Labradors to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. Or you can buy one from a performance breeder who emphasizes an energetic temperament and strong working drives for hunting. But how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly. Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter. Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Labrador Retriever ends up with cataracts and crippled joints. Labrador Retrievers are often available from dog rescue groups. Labrador Retrievers may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or need more exercise than the owner was prepared to give. Or perhaps they pull on the leash or jump on people. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise and training that they are lacking. Labrador Retrievers more often, Lab crosses and mixes are frequently found in animal shelters. However, shelter personnel can be overzealous in labeling every medium- to large shorthaired black dog as a "Lab cross. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to Labrador Retrievers? The Golden Retriever is similar to a Labrador in being a great all-around family dog and a great choice for first-time owners. Compared to Labs, Goldens tend to be even more outgoing toward everyone and more eager to please. Goldens do shed more than Labs and have a greater risk of health issues. Compared to Labs and Goldens, the Flat-Coated Retriever needs more exercise and interesting activities to keep them busy. This is not a good breed for a casual or couch potato owner. Flat-Coats also suffer from serious health issues. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great dog for experienced owners. Compared to the Lab, a Chessie has a stronger temperament, needs more exercise, is more reserved with strangers, and can be bossy toward strange dogs. 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. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on.