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Comfortable for dogs with sensitive skin Cons: Can be more expensive than other collar types Not the best option for puppies prone to chewing May require regular maintenance to keep the leather in good condition Martingale Collars: Secure and Adjustable Martingale collars , also known as limited-slip collars, are designed with a unique loop that tightens when the dog pulls on the leash. This feature provides more control for the owner and prevents the dog from slipping out of the collar. Martingale collars can be made from various materials, including nylon and leather, and are suitable for both adult and puppy golden retrievers. Pros: Provides more control and prevents dogs from slipping out of the collar Adjustable for a perfect fit Suitable for adult and puppy golden retrievers Available in different materials, such as nylon and leather Cons: May not be suitable for dogs with respiratory issues Not ideal for off-leash play or swimming, as the collar may tighten unintentionally Choosing the Right Accessories and Customizations for Your Dog When selecting accessories and customizations for your dog's collar, it's essential to keep their comfort and safety in mind. Avoid anything that may be too heavy or cumbersome, as this can cause discomfort or even injury to your dog. Additionally, ensure that any personalized information, such as ID tags or nameplates, is clear and easy to read. By exploring the various collar accessories and customization options available, you can create a collar that is not only functional and comfortable for your dog but also a true reflection of their personality. Take the time to consider which options would best suit your dog's needs and style, and enjoy the process of creating a unique collar that your furry friend will love. Maintaining and Caring for Your Dog's Collar Now that you have chosen the perfect collar with accessories and customization options for your dog, it's essential to maintain and care for it properly to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips on keeping your dog's collar in top shape: Regular Cleaning Depending on the material of your dog's collar, it may require periodic cleaning to keep it looking fresh and free of dirt and grime. For fabric or nylon collars, you can often hand-wash them with mild soap and water or even toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. For leather collars, use a specialized leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain the material's suppleness and prevent cracking. Inspecting for Wear and Tear Regularly inspect your dog's collar for signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, broken stitching, or damaged hardware. If you notice any issues, it's important to address them promptly to ensure your dog's collar remains safe and secure. Replacing Collars as Needed Even with proper care and maintenance, dog collars will eventually need to be replaced. Keep an eye on the overall condition of your dog's collar, and be prepared to replace it when necessary. This is especially important for growing puppies or dogs that are particularly active or rough on their collars. Storing Collars Properly When not in use, store your dog's collar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This will help preserve the material and prevent any damage that could occur due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions. The Importance of Collar Maintenance and Care Proper collar maintenance and care are essential to ensure your dog's safety and comfort. By regularly cleaning, inspecting, and replacing your dog's collar as needed, you can keep your furry friend secure and stylish while enjoying your walks and adventures together. Selecting the right collar for your dog, along with suitable accessories and customization options, is crucial for their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. By taking the time to measure your dog's neck size, explore various collar styles and features, and maintain the collar properly, you can provide your furry companion with the perfect accessory that meets their needs and showcases their unique personality. Teaching Your Dog to Wear a Collar and Leash Once you've chosen the perfect collar and accessories for your dog, it's important to teach them to wear the collar and leash comfortably. This will ensure a positive experience for both you and your dog during walks and other outdoor activities. Here are some tips to help your dog become accustomed to wearing a collar and leash: Start with the Collar Before introducing the leash, allow your dog to become comfortable wearing the collar. Put the collar on your dog for short periods, gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more accustomed to the sensation. Remember to use positive reinforcement by offering praise, treats, and affection when your dog is wearing the collar. Introduce the Leash Once your dog is comfortable wearing the collar, it's time to introduce the leash. Attach the leash to the collar and allow your dog to explore their environment while dragging the leash behind them. Supervise your dog closely during this process to ensure they don't become tangled or injured. Practice Walking Together As your dog becomes comfortable wearing the collar and dragging the leash, practice walking together. Start in a quiet, familiar environment, such as your backyard or a quiet park. Hold the leash and encourage your dog to walk by your side, using praise and treats as positive reinforcement. Gradually Increase the Challenge As your dog becomes more confident walking on the leash, gradually increase the challenge by introducing new environments, distractions, and longer walks. Remember to be patient and consistent, offering plenty of praise and rewards as your dog progresses. Address Leash Pulling If your dog tends to pull on the leash, consider using a no-pull harness or headcollar to help manage this behavior. Training techniques such as "red light, green light" or "turning in the opposite direction" can also be effective in teaching your dog not to pull on the leash. You can even start with teaching your dog to heel. Final Thoughts Understanding your golden retriever's neck size is crucial for ensuring their comfort and safety. By measuring your dog's neck and choosing the appropriate collar size, you can avoid discomfort, injury, or even choking hazards. Additionally, it's essential to monitor your dog's weight and adjust their collar size accordingly. As with any pet-related matter, consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your golden retriever's neck size. With proper care and attention, you can help your furry friend live a healthy, happy life. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. This is appropriate if you intend to replace a worn-out or damaged collar and are certain that the replacement will be the same size. Measure from the center of the buckle to the current sizing hole for the most accurate results. If your dog has had not any collars before, use measurement tape. If you lack a loose tape measure, you can use any available string, yarn, or ribbon. Now, let go and mark the location on the string where your finger met the end of the string. Then, use a tape measure to determine the length of your string measurement. Not only will a puppy require time to adjust to their new collar, but you will likely need to replace it multiple times to accommodate its growth. You want your dog to develop a bond with their collar and view it as a normal, comfortable part of their life, so take care to select the proper size to facilitate this. Choose The Right Materials Of The Collar Collars for dogs are constructed from a variety of materials that prioritize comfort, aesthetics, and longevity. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs who put their collars through the wringer, so durability should be a top priority. The widest variety of designs, colors, and widths can be found in nylon and polyester, the most popular materials. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible and relatively simple to clean fabrics. Cotton Fabric Cotton is highly durable, insulating, and capable of controlling moisture. In addition, they are simple to clean, cost-effective, and simple to maintain. Numerous collars are made of cotton in a variety of patterns and hues. Some collars have an inner fabric sleeve wrapped around a nylon band to increase their durability. Bio Thane Some dog collars are made of the waterproof material Bio thane. Bio thane is composed of polyester and polyurethane and polyvinyl layers. Its waterproof qualities make it ideal for Golden Retrievers, who are likely water-loving canines. Leather Leather is an organic material that is both durable and versatile. They are an excellent option for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities, despite being more expensive. In contrast to collars made of synthetic materials, it is easy to clean and can be used for years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based material that has a wide range of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to odors or mildew growth. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are extremely sturdy and long-lasting, able to last for years. Polyester Or Nylon Due to their popularity, nylon or polyester collars typically have the greatest variety of styles, colors, and sizes. Polyester and nylon are highly flexible synthetic fabrics that are also easy to clean. Different types of collars are necessary for thick and thin furs. The collar size and style are influenced by factors such as hairstyle. These are some tips for selecting the appropriate collar for your puppy. Little Fields Farm is the place to go if you want to find additional dog collar options. This list is not exhaustive, but it does contain some examples. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and durable without irritating the skin. Flat-Front Dog Collars: These are the most common collars that are used daily. They consist of a flat, fabric-based collar with a plastic or metal buckle. Safety Considerations When it comes to choosing a collar for your pet, safety should be a top priority. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind: Choose a secure buckle or clasp: The collar should have a buckle or clasp that is secure and will not come undone easily. This will help prevent your pet from escaping and getting lost or injured. Avoid choke chains and prong collars: These types of collars can cause pain and injury to your pet, especially if they are not used correctly. Check for proper fit: A collar that is too loose or too tight can be dangerous for your pet. Make sure the collar fits snugly but not too tightly, and can be adjusted if needed. Consider breakaway collars: If your pet spends time outdoors or unsupervised, a breakaway collar can be a good option. These collars are designed to come apart if they get caught on something, reducing the risk of injury or strangulation. Choose a collar made of safe materials: Some materials can be harmful to pets, such as those that contain toxic chemicals or are easily chewed or swallowed. Choose a collar made of safe materials, such as nylon or leather, and avoid those made of cheap or unsafe materials. Your dog should wear a flat collar at the base of its neck. Golden Retriever puppies will grow quickly, so get a collar that can be adjusted, is easy to put on and take off, and, ideally, has a place for a nametag. It would be enough to have a flat collar with a buckle made of soft, long-lasting materials. No matter whatever option you go with, your four-legged companion needs plenty of exercise and opportunities to run around and play in order to remain healthy and content. The idea of a lost puppy is terrifying, but an ID tag will help them return home. Although this silicone ID tag is more expensive than standard tags, I love that it is silent and attaches right to the collar. Crate and or containment gate Puppies are curious creatures that often need boundaries. You can accomplish this with a crate and containment gates. Crate training can be a lifesaver, and most dogs fall in love with having their own space. I recommend a crate with an adjustable divider so you can give your puppy more room as they grow. Another option is to use a Cumbor containment gate to limit access to certain areas of your home. Food and water bowls There are endless options of food and water bowls. If your dog eats fast, I recommend adding slow feeder attachment. These aids in proper digestion and reduce overeating behaviors. Food and treats Your vet is probably your best source of information for selecting the right food. They create personalized plans for your dog and deliver the food right to your door. I shared my journey of picking the right food in this blog and video. Toys and chews All dogs have slightly different preferences in toys, so I would start with a variety of items to see what interests your puppy most. Ellie still has her first toy, Dino, from 5 years ago! The safest way to deliver bully sticks is to use a Bow Wow Buddy safety device so they cannot swallow or choke on the last end. Check out this blog for all things grooming. Bonus Recommendation! Online Access to Dog Training We recognized the need for convenient and effective dog training solutions, which is why we created The Hapco. Within our app, you'll discover a wealth of resources, including: video tutorials. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Small to Medium 1. Dog collars are made from a variety of materials that are built for comfort, aesthetics, and durability. Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs that can put their collar through the wringer, so durability should be one of the top things on your list! Nylon or polyester are the most popular materials and offer the greatest range of designs, colors, and widths. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. Cotton Fabric Cotton offers great durability, insulation, and the ability to control moisture. Many collars are made of cotton in a number of different designs and colors. Some contain a cloth sleeve on the inside around a nylon band to increase the longevity of the collar. Biothane Some dog collars are made of Biothane , which is a waterproof substance. Biothane is made of polyester and layered with polyurethane and polyvinyl. Its waterproof properties make them ideal for Golden Retrievers that are more than likely, water-loving dogs. Leather Leather is a durable, organic material with plenty of styles. Although they are more costly, they are an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers with allergies or sensitivities. Unlike collars made of synthetic materials, it is simple to clean and may be used for several years without fading. Neoprene Neoprene is a rubber-based substance that is used for a variety of applications. It has exceptional water resistance and does not retain moisture, which can lead to the development of odors or mildew. Neoprene dog collars combined with nylon or polyester are incredibly strong and durable and able to last several years. Polyester or Nylon Nylon or polyester collars often have the greatest range of designs, colors, and sizes due to their popularity. Nylon and polyester are highly flexible, synthetic fabrics that are also relatively easy to clean. However, unlike slip or choke collars, you can set the limit to which the collar can close. Rope Collars: Rope collars are both comfortable and long-lasting, without being abrasive on the skin. Flat Front Dog Collars: These are your everyday collars that are the most commonly found. They are a flat, fabric-type collar that fastens with a plastic or metal buckle. Training or Aversive Collars This group of collars includes: Shock collars Prong collars Slip collars or choke chains They are designed to give a firm correction in the form of discomfort or pain when an undesirable behavior is displayed. A shock collar delivers an electric shock, or vibration which is controlled remotely. This is a form of correction to a specific behavior, and while their use is justified in some adult dogs that have aggression, they are not suitable for use on puppies that need positive reinforcement. And the most common training collar is the slip collar or choke chain. It does exactly that if used incorrectly, choke the dog. When it comes to puppies, there are a lot of things that people get wrong. These collars are not meant for beginners and should be used with care by experienced trainers only. You should avoid using them on young pups and only use this as a last resort when all other training methods have failed. If your pup is exhibiting behavior severe enough to warrant a stern correction, it might be better for you to seek help from a professional.

His pedigree is here Pedigree. Contessa's pedigree is here. We put a lot of energy into raising puppies. We are involved with them from birth. They are loved all day long. They are exposed to children, adults, older dogs, loud noises, household items, scented to wings, duck calls, a early start with obedience and potty training. Our lab puppies are well on their way to being potty trained before they're placed in their forever homes, as we've incorporated the misty method. Labrador retriever puppies will have a complete puppy packet including information on shots, worming schedule and medication that has been given, that you will need to share with your vet. A written guarantee, and the basic schedule of sleeping and feeding that the puppy has been raised on will also be some of the information in your puppy packet. AKC Northern California labrador puppy Breeder All of our labrador puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club with limited registration , micro-chipped and ready to be enrolled in the AKC ReUnite program before they go into a new family home. This service is included in the purchase price of your puppy. Our labrador puppies are also sent home with a supply of their current food and feeding schedule. We feed large breed puppy food to insure they grow up healthy and avoid any problems with dysplasia as recommended by the AKC. We also send them home with a receiving blanket that has been with them for some time. It has the scent of their litter-mates and their mother to ease the transition to their new home. Contessa Rose Da Serra. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Fort Collins. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

However, these numbers are not set in stone, as some pups do grow faster, and some a bit slower. From there on, their growth will slow down significantly. Around the time they are 18 to 24 months old, Boxers finish growing. Naturally, larger Boxers will reach their adult size later than Boxers on the lower end of the scale. However, all Boxers will continue to gain girth and fill up their chest cavities well over their first birthdays. If their paws look disproportionately big compared to the rest of their body, they still have some growing to do! Boxer is a medium to large sized breed with a boxy chest and muscular body. Full-grown female Boxers usually weigh around 50 to 65 pounds, and stand around .Male full-grown Boxers usually weigh more than females with an average of 65 to 80 pound body weight. They usually stand around 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Full-grown Boxers can weigh anywhere between 50 to 80 pounds, and stand around .We hope you found this Boxer size guide helpful in understanding the sizes and growth patterns of Boxers. After all, knowing the estimated adult size of your Boxer puppy will provide you a better understanding of what type of living conditions you can provide them. After all, what every dog owner wants is for their furry little companion to thrive and live the best life possible! What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Your Boxer will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, your Boxer will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight. Then your Boxer will slowly stop adding more weight. The above discussion is general, and it applies to both male and female Boxers. However, male dogs usually grow at a different rate compared to female dogs A male Boxer will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, a male Boxer will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 44 weeks. A male Boxer will then slowly stop adding more weight. Similarly, a female Boxer will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, a female Boxer will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 44 weeks. A female Boxer will then slowly stop adding more weight. See the growth graph of a Boxer below. As you can see in the Boxer growth curve below, the Boxer grows really fast in its early weeks, and then its growth levels off till it reaches percent of the adult weight. Growth Curve of a Boxer Boxer Growth Calculator Use the calculator below to estimate how big your Boxer will get based on its current weight. This Boxer growth calculator is based on the typical weight curve of a Boxer shown above. The calculator assumes that your Boxer is growing normally, and not on its way to become overweight or underweight. How Much Should a Boxer Weigh? Weight of the Boxer. Weight in the dark green region is typical, though weight in the light green region is also possible Adult Boxers typically weigh between 60 to 70 pounds. Above is a graph that shows how much a Boxer should weigh at different ages. Check where the weight of your Boxer falls in the graph for its age. It is totally fine if the weight of your Boxer falls in either the dark green or light green region of the graph. However, weight in the dark green region is more typical for Boxers. If the weight of your Boxer falls outside both the dark and light green region for its age, then you should consult a vet. Also, you can use the Boxer weight calculator below to find the typical weight and the normal weight range of Boxers, male or female, of any age between 12 weeks and weeks. The calculator will also tell you if your Boxer is within the normal weight range for the Boxer. This Boxer weight calculator uses information from belpatt. What is the Height of the Boxer? The adult Boxer is 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder. This is the average adult height of the Boxer. This is How to Tell Puppy growth predictors, growth charts, and growth calculators like the ones above are approximate methods for predicting growth in dogs. However, these tools have limited capabilities. Doing this with your Boxer will give you a clearer picture of how your Boxer is growing. Our tool will also let you know if your Boxer is growing normally. You can use this growth trajectory to accurately predict how big your Boxer will get. The growth trajectory will also let you know very early if your Boxer will become overweight or underweight. And these days, pets gain weight very easily because their owners spoil them with lots of treats and food. Below is what a normal growth pattern and what abnormal growth patterns look like in Boxers. You can compare your Boxer growth trajectory against these references to see if your Boxer is growing normally or you can use our automatic tool. The first method, which is the better and more accurate method to weigh your Boxer, is to use a dog weighing scale. Having a scale for weighing your Boxer will make it easy for you to weigh your Boxer regularly without any trouble. The scale that we recommend for weighing the Boxer is this high durability and affordable W. Click here to check out this scale on Amazon. Then use the same scale to weigh yourself without your Boxer. Then calculate your weight when holding your dog minus your weight when not holding your Boxer. This method is illustrated in the picture below. However, note that this method of holding your dog on a scale is not very accurate, and it may be difficult for you to use this method to weigh your Boxer if your Boxer is very heavy or if your Boxer is the type that would not stay still while being held. Boxer Growth Rate Starting from 3 months of age, Boxers grow at a rate of 2. Starting at 4 months, your Boxer will gain 1. At 5 months of age, your Boxer will grow at a rate of 1. Then at 6 months, your Boxer will gain 1. See the growth rate chart of the Boxer below Age Months. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds. You will notice that there is a range in both height and weight. Use the lighter weights for female Boxers and the heavier weights for male Boxers. This principle also applies to the variations in heights. Females tend to weigh less and be smaller in size than males. Between 6 — 12 months of age, Boxers are no longer considered puppies since they start to reach sexual maturity. Boxers are considered adolescents between 6 months to 24 months, and at 2 years old Boxers reach adulthood. They will continue to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. How long does it take for a Boxer to be fully grown? As a medium-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to reach their full size and weight than smaller dog breeds. On average, Boxers will grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. At 2 years old, Boxers are full-grown, reaching their full height and weight. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the breed standards. If your Boxer is less than two years old, he or she is likely still growing. Insider Tip: To estimate how big and heavy your Boxer will get, you can contact the breeder. Puppies rarely exceed their parents weight and height. Boxers above this average may be classed over-weight. Check with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis since more athletic dogs will have bigger muscles and will weigh more. It is important to recognize if your Boxer adds extra weight so that you can adjust his or her lifestyle. After, you just need to deduct your weight to find out how the weight of your Boxer. However, the bigger they get, the trickier it gets for them to stand still on such a small scale. Measure at the withers shoulder whilst standing. Try it out below:.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. All dogs are spayed or neutered. Read each bio very carefully, as not every rescue Frenchie is suited to every home. Our adoption fees offset only a portion of the veterinary expenses for the dogs in FBRN. As these costs rise we have had to increase the adoption fees as one measure to try to keep up with expenses. Our Available Dogs page is updated weekly, so check back often! We are currently reviewing the applications that the dog has already received. Please do not attempt to apply for a dog with a Pending Adoption banner. Your application will not be processed without the fee. If you experience any problems completing the application or you do not receive an auto confirmation for your application, please contact FBRN at [email protected] Thank you. Fees have recently risen. You may see some dogs of the same age have different fees. We elected not to raise the fees on dogs that were posted before the increase. Our fees can be found on the Adoption Info page. Any communication will come through email. Please never share any personal information with anyone who indicates they are a volunteer unless it is coming through the correct channels. If you have received a FB messenger message, please send it to [email protected] so we are aware. In the meantime, check out our Foster Page to see if we might be a good match! Learn More Now What People Say All of our volunteers have full time jobs, families and other commitments, but we continue to make room in our hearts and homes for unwanted and neglected bulldogs in need of rescue. They're a compassionate group of volunteers helping connect loving bulldogs with loving families. My bulldog's foster mom, Casey, helped select the perfect furbaby for me. In my experience, IBR puts a lot of care and concern into matching potential parents to their new family member. Long after the adoption, IBR continues offering post-adoption support for our family. Thanks to IBR, my family is now complete with the addition of a very handsome bulldog. Thank you, IBR! When the time was right, Jeff and I were given the honor to be rescued by Mr. Humphries and Maggie. One month later, I met him and agreed to our first date, persuaded by the fact that I'd get to hang out with a really cute bulldog even if the date flopped! I met Cleo on our second date at the park, and two years later, she was the star of our engagement photos. She's a major diva, and we wouldn't haven't any other way! As Mike often tells Cleo, "Pops has a type! We found the process was appropriately diligent and thorough -- being a bulldog parent isn't a cakewalk after all. The additional "gift with purchase" was the IBR community and following the antics of fellow adoptive families and following the antics of our girl's foster family this organization gets everything right in our book. Indiana Bulldog Rescue was amazing to work with. Thank you IBR for extending our family! Even after the adoption they were there helping me understand the breed! They were a great support system for me and my bulldog! Christa West Deserree Simonson They do amazing work to unite bulldogs with loving forever home. We were blessed to find our baby Fiona through IBR. IBR is the quintessential rescue organization. An experience with IBR is a reflection of love and hope. Susy Murphy Amanda Jacob Very easy to work with! Perfect way to get the bully breed you love and still supporting adoption?

Key Takeaways Pro Tip: In rare cases, hiccups can be an indication of a serious underlying condition, and the longer you wait to see the vet, the more damage that can occur. With pet insurance, owners may feel empowered to get the fast answers they need for peace of mind about their pet's health, with protection against the financial risk of incurred vet costs. Can dogs get hiccups? Yes, dogs can get hiccups. In fact, they're quite common, and in most cases, nothing to worry about. Dog hiccups are very similar to human hiccups. They occur when the diaphragm the muscle between the abdomen and the chest cavity contracts involuntarily. When your canine companion gets the hiccups, their inhaling breathe is followed by abrupt stops, which might shake their belly and chest, causing them to make a "hic" sound. As a dog ages, the frequency of hiccup bouts usually decreases. Why do dogs get hiccups? Dogs get hiccups when their diaphragm is irritated, causing it to contract then relax in involuntary spasms. The most common cause of dog hiccups is eating or drinking too quickly because it forces them to swallow air along with the food or water. Food intolerance is another possible cause of hiccups in dogs. The stomach is close to the diaphragm, which can potentially cause spasms if their tummy is uncomfortable. Other explanations for why dogs get hiccups include stress, excitement, and energetic play. In some cases, the cause of dog hiccups may be due to an upset stomach or gas. Do puppies get hiccups? Puppies of all ages — from newborns to 6-month-olds — can get hiccups. Hiccups are far more common in small puppies than in grown-up dogs, with almost all puppies exhibiting hiccups at some point during their development. In fact, puppies experience hiccups even before they're born, while they're still in their mother's womb. Fun Fact: This also occurs in humans and other mammals, and although the reason is still unknown, the theory is that hiccups are a result of the body testing the muscles associated with breathing. Why do puppies get hiccups? There are several reasons why puppies get hiccups far more often than older dogs, including: Puppies tend to be more excitable and more energetic than adult dogs. Rapid bursts of energy can easily impact their breathing causing hiccups. Puppies are also more likely to eat or drink too fast. Puppies have weaker organs, and their digestive system is less mature than those of adult dogs. Being too tired or cold can also trigger puppy hiccups. That's why sleeping pups are much more prone to bouts of hiccups than awake ones. How to get rid of dog hiccups If your dog has hiccups, there are several methods you can try to get rid of them. Many of the same cures used by humans also work well for dogs. A sip of water might help, just make sure they drink it slowly. Otherwise, they might gulp down air and end up with another bout of hiccups. You can try to give them something sweet preferably in a liquid form , such as water mixed with a little bit of sugar. The sweetness might help distract them and hopefully relax their breathing pattern. These can coat the throat to soothe the irritation and slow down the breathing process. Just be sure that anything you give your pet doesn't contain Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is used in many human products, but it is toxic to dogs. Light exercise, like a mellow walk, may also do the trick by changing your pet's breathing patterns Keep in mind, the chest contractions can be somewhat violent, so avoid giving your pet foods that require a lot of chewing, as this might present a choking hazard. Prevention is always better than reaction. If your furry friend is prone to hiccups, try to figure out what causes them. If your dog is very eager to gobble up his food or water, consider getting them a slow dog feeder. Another option is to feed your pup several smaller portions throughout the day instead of two large meals. You should also consider the size of their water bowl. There are bowls with different heights or levels that can help the water go down slower and with less air intake. When should you be concerned about your dog's hiccups? Occasional hiccups are a perfectly normal occurrence in dogs and should not be a cause for concern. However, if your pup's hiccups occur very often, if they last for longer than a couple of hours at a time, or they begin to interfere with their daily activities, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. Here are a few potentially serious causes of dog hiccups: Respiratory issues. If hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose, or wheezing, it could be a sign of respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Heatstroke in dogs can also trigger hiccups. Any dog can experience this life-threatening condition, but brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are especially susceptible due to their restricted airways and short muzzles. The list of potentially serious causes of dog hiccups also includes pericarditis inflammation of the heart sac, the pericardium, which causes fluid to accumulate between the layers and hypothermia extreme lowering of the body temperature resulting from exposure to frigid temperatures for too long. Gastric issues. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools on top of prolonged hiccups, it might be an indication of a gastrointestinal GI problem. The same symptoms, along with overall lethargy and exercise intolerance, can be a sign of a parasitic infection. Parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can also attack your pet's respiratory system. If your dog is still a puppy, make sure to have them on a de-worming schedule. They should be de-wormed at two, four, six, eight, and weeks as a puppy, and then every three months. When you take your pup to the vet, the vet will likely start with a physical exam, bloodwork, and urinalysis. Depending on the initial results and the clinical signs your furry friend is showing, an abdominal ultrasound, chest X-rays, CT scan, and an MRI might be recommended in order to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal hiccups. Key Takeaways Dog hiccups occur when the diaphragm involuntarily contracts and might result from eating or drinking too fast, over-excitement, or stress. Puppy hiccups are quite common, and these hiccups typically become less frequent as your pet gets older. Feeding smaller meals and slow-feeding dog bowls can help prevent hiccups in dogs. Occasional hiccups in dogs are normal and are nothing to worry about. However, if hiccups last more than a couple of hours, if they're accompanied by other symptoms, or if they start affecting your pet's life, it is best to speak to your vet. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Updated: Feb 1, 23 Though dog hiccups can be cute and even comical at times, for many pet owners they can also be cause for concern. After all, are hiccups normal in dogs? How long should they last? Can they be a sign of something more serious? This article aims to answer all of your frequently asked questions about hiccups in dogs, including what to do if your dog and when to seek veterinary attention. Table of Contents Do dogs get hiccups? Just like us humans, all mammals, including dogs, get the hiccups! Hiccups are caused by a spasm or contraction of the diaphragm, the large dome-shaped sheet of muscle between the chest and the abdomen. Dogs that eat and drink too quickly tend to be more prone to hiccups, as they swallow air while inhaling their meal. Why does my dog hiccup? No one knows for sure why dogs, humans, or any animal hiccups, though there are multiple theories. Hiccups have been linked to brain development in babies and may play a role in regulating their breathing. And just like human babies, puppies also experience hiccups much more frequently than adult dogs. Another theory is that hiccups help to remove air from the stomach , especially when newborn mammals suckle milk. Dogs that eat and drink too quickly also tend to be more prone to hiccups, as they swallow air while inhaling their meal. Stress, overexcitement, and vigorous play have also been suggested as causes for hiccups in dogs, possibly due to changes in breathing patterns, leading to an increased amount of air in the stomach. This also fits with why hiccups may be seen in dogs with breathing problems, as well as tummy upsets and other gastrointestinal issues. How to relieve hiccups in dogs? If your dog is a little too enthusiastic at mealtimes and inhales their food instead of chewing it, you might want to make some changes to help prevent hiccups. Slow-feeder bowls or interactive food puzzle toys are great ways to slow your pup down and are also a fantastic source of mental stimulation. You can also try feeding multiple small meals a day rather than one or two large meals. Most cases of hiccups last only a few minutes but up to minutes can be normal. Medical problems that may cause hiccups in dogs include respiratory diseases, like pneumonia or bronchitis, or gastrointestinal problems, like an upset tummy. So if your dog is showing other signs of illness like coughing , wheezing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. If your dog is showing other signs of illness like coughing, wheezing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Conclusion In most cases, hiccups are considered normal in dogs and will resolve on their own within minutes or less. Puppies, in particular, will experience hiccups more frequently than adult dogs — similar to human babies! Signs that your dog needs to see a vet include prolonged hiccups that last for over an hour or hiccups accompanied by other signs of illness such as difficulty breathing, coughing or vomiting. FAQ Are hiccups in dogs bad? In most cases no. Just like in humans, most cases of hiccups are considered normal in dogs and will resolve on their own within minutes. However, if your dog is experiencing a prolonged period of hiccups over 1 hour or showing other signs of illness they should be seen by a vet. While dog or puppy hiccups can be endearing to us, they can be annoying for your dog. What Are Dog and Puppy Hiccups? Hiccups in dogs and puppies are caused by rapid contraction of the diaphragm. When a dog breathes in, their diaphragm contracts and moves downward, making space in the chest cavity for their lungs to expand. When a dog breathes out, their diaphragm relaxes and moves up into their chest cavity as their lungs contract. Diaphragm movements are usually smooth and regular, but when the diaphragm suddenly spasms, the result is a hiccup. Hiccups are involuntary, and once triggered, this reflex causes a contraction of the diaphragm followed quickly by closure of the vocal cords specifically the glottis , which results in the "hic" sound. This contraction or myoclonic jerk of the diaphragm may repeat several times per minute. Do Hiccups Hurt Dogs? They can be annoying when they last for long periods, but dogs tend to remain calm during these contractions, with no signs of stress, anxiety , or pain. Hiccups can last for only a few seconds to hours in rare instances, but they normally do not require any treatment. Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups? One theory is that hiccups are leftover mechanisms from when we were developing in the uterus. Fetal hiccups have been documented in many species. Some scientists believe that hiccuping in the womb could be a passive test of breathing muscles. Dog hiccups are thought to be caused when a dog swallows too much air. Why Do Puppies Get Hiccups? Puppies are much more prone to hiccups than adult dogs. This is because they tend to ingest more air due to their higher levels of exertion and excitement. Puppies can also start hiccuping when they are tired, cold , or excited. Sometimes the swallowing reflex can interrupt the hiccups. If your dog likes tummy rubs, you can place them on their back and give a loving belly rub to try to stop the hiccups. Do not offer your dog food or water when they are lying on their back, as this can lead to aspiration of unwanted material into the lungs. Do not give your dog large meals or solid meals during violent hiccups, as this can lead to choking and aspiration pneumonia. Offer small amounts of water in frequent sessions. Also, offer small amounts of food and then wait a couple of minutes before offering more food so they swallow less air while eating. You can also try one of the many slow feeder options that are designed to slow down fast eaters. Dog hiccups usually go away on their own. In rare cases, they can be a sign of a more serious medical problem such as:. Search for: Search Button We're an affiliate We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through the links on our site. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It can be adorable but if you are a first time German Shepherd owner, it may be somewhat alarming. The question you may have is, Why does my German Shepherd get hiccups? The common causes why a German Shepherd gets hiccups include fast drinking or eating which results in swallowing of too much air, stress, excitement, inhalation of an irritant, and during energetic play where there is rapid breathing. Hiccups are a result of sudden spasms of the diaphragm muscle which is located under the lungs of the dog and usually go away on their own after a short while. In this article, we will get to know if hiccups are normal, how they look like in dogs, whether they hurt your dog if they are a sign of something serious, and what you can do about them. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest area from the stomach of a dog. Its movements are normally regular which contracts and relaxes as a dog breathes in and out. This is what is referred to as hiccups. The hiccups go away on their own when the spasms of the diaphragm stop. Are Dog Hiccups Normal? Dog hiccups are perfectly normal and do not cause any alarm to a dog. The spasm of the diaphragm muscle is natural. Hiccups are more common in puppies than adult dogs because puppies are more energetic and have high excitement than adult dogs and will tend to eat or drink too fast and have an energetic playtime which also affects their breathing. Recommended Reading : Can German Shepherd puppies eat blueberries? Do Hiccups Hurt Dogs? Dog hiccups are sudden spasms of the diaphragm muscle and in most cases, there is nothing to worry about because it lasts for a few minutes without causing harm to your dog. However, in rare cases, they can be a sign of an underlying respiratory health problem. If your dog shows additional signs such as colored discharge, frequent coughing, loss of appetite, fever, or lethargy, have them examined by a veterinarian. Also, have them checked if the hiccups last for more than a few hours. Although hiccups in dogs are a normal occurrence and resolve in a short time, in rare cases they can be a sign of something serious. It can be a sign of an underlying health problem such as pneumonia, respiratory defects, pericarditis, asthma, or heat stroke. When the hiccups last longer than a few hours, talk to your vet. However, there are steps that you can do to help your dog during this time. Have your dog sit in a comfortable place and massage him or her until they calm down. It is best for both wet and dry food and also holds water as well as being easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. Provide Them With A Sweetener Giving your dog something sweet like honey, syrup, or sugar in their water has been shown to help distract them and relax their breathing patterns which help in stopping the hiccups. Also when the hiccups change to wheezing, irregular breathing, or accompanied with signs of respiratory disease such as constant coughing, lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite, immediately seek medical advice. Contact your vet to have your German shepherd examined. Top Tip: Massage your German Shepherd's chest to help stop the hiccups by relaxing the diaphragm. Conclusion A German Shepherd getting hiccups is a normal and common occurrence that lasts a few moments. However, it is important to check for any other symptoms that come in addition to the hiccups or if they last more than a few hours to immediately have your dog checked by a vet for any underlying health problem. I hope this article helped you know why your German Shepherd gets hiccups and what to do about it. If you liked this article you may also like to learn more from the below resources on German Shepherds. The information is not meant to substitute formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian. If you're concerned about the health of your dog, seek medical advice from a vet. Related Posts.

Yet underneath that strong and active exterior is a lot of labor and commitment to protecting their loved ones. When it comes to maintaining their health, you need to understand how much to feed a Boxer puppy. We have included a Boxer puppy feeding chart to help you take care of this breed. The daily food intake for a Boxer may range from one cup to four cups. Meal sizes for Boxers depend not just on weight but also on the sort of food they eat. Due to their medium size, boxer puppies need three daily meals and around four cups of food every day. Keep in mind that RER is only a rough estimate of how many calories your dog requires per day; other variables, including their age and activity level, will need to be included in as well. Keeping the puppy clean and warm is essential during this time, as is giving it enough milk or formula to help it thrive. Choose a premium puppy food that has been developed with their unique nutritional requirements in mind. Provide modest, regular meals three to four times a day. At the beginning, feed the puppy just a quarter to a half cup every day, and gradually increase the quantity as it grows. Always have clean water available, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. To keep them healthy, give them high-quality puppy food in many little meals throughout the day. Exercise, socializing, and the introduction of obedience training should all be high priorities. Keep a close eye on their eating habits and weight gain, and alter their food intake accordingly. This is a pivotal time for training and socializing, so be sure you provide lots of both. It is important to keep feeding them three times a day, and to stick with a high-quality puppy food. Provide around 2 and a half cups of food daily, split between three meals. Starting now is a great opportunity to introduce more advanced training methods like obedience or agility programs. Throughout a day, give them around 2 and a half cups of food. This is a pivotal time for further education and integration into society. Feed them around two and a half to three cups each day. Throughout this phase, they are still learning new skills and interacting with others, making it an essential part of their development. Provide two meals daily, adjusting the quantity of food based on their weight. Maintain a program of regular exercise and training, and watch out for any signs of age-related health decline. Boxer pups need a high-protein, moderate-fat diet for optimal growth and energy. Bone health may be supported by making sure the meal has enough calcium and phosphorus. Depending on its age and degree of activity, the calorie requirements of a Boxer puppy may range from around to 1, per day. A Boxer puppy requires between — calories per day when they are 8 weeks old, and — calories per day when they are 6 months old. Authentic meats and seafood, whole grains, and produce should all be included as ingredients on the label. Puppies of different ages have different dietary needs and feeding schedules. A Boxer puppy of 6 weeks old has to be fed times a day, with each meal consisting of only a few bites. Puppies need to be fed three times a day until they are three months old, then twice a day until they are 12 months old. Training and housebreaking are aided by establishing a consistent eating pattern. Yet, the two are not identical. Dry kibble offers the advantages of being portable, simple to store, and lasting for a long time. Crunchy kibble is good for your teeth because it encourages chewing, which may reduce plaque. Yet, some pups may prefer wet food because to its increased moisture content and inherent tastiness. In addition, it may help you stay hydrated, which is crucial to your health. The preference and dietary requirements of each puppy are unique, thus the choice between kibble and wet food must be made carefully. An animal hospital is the best place to get advice on what to feed a Boxer adult dog. Many factors might be at play if a Boxer puppy suddenly stops eating. Illness, stress, dental issues, and even just a change in habit may all cause lack of appetite in Boxer pups. Sometimes getting a puppy to eat may be as simple as presenting a more appetizing food, feeding it by hand, or making mealtime less of a stressful experience. Leaving food available for a puppy to graze on all day is considered free feeding, which is not advised for Boxer pups. Since free-feeding might induce overeating and weight gain, it is not recommended for Boxer pups. High-quality protein from genuine chicken initially supports muscular growth. This natural dog food has all the nutrition your puppy needs with whole grains, garden vegetables, and fruit. Pros Real chicken first ingredient for protein Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function Wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy 2. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this tasty, nutritious puppy chow, delivering protein for strong muscles and a healthy heart. It also has a SmartBlend of high-quality, readily digested omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for a lustrous coat and healthy skin. Four antioxidant sources for strong immune system High-quality, easily digestible ingredients. Delicious crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels. Cons Contains some corn and wheat 3. This high-quality kibble for pups under 1 year old has actual chicken as the first ingredient and no chicken by-product meal, maize, wheat, or soy. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA help brain and ocular development and deliver protein. Pros High-quality protein for muscle development and growth No GMO, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. Brain and eye growth from omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. This formula contains high-quality protein from lamb and omegarich fish oil to create lean muscles and enhance brain and eyesight development. Pros Protein-rich lamb is the first component. Omega-3 fish oil DHA for puppy brain and visual development. Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals for bones and teeth, Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat Cons Lamb, may not suit all pups 5. Pros Flaxseed and salmon oil contain omega-3 fatty acids Grain-free Created by vets with protein, fat, and minerals Cons Not for ingredient-allergic pets. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy is a contentious issue with no clear consensus on whether or not it is healthy for the dog. Yet, some owners and vets are worried about the potential for bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances in a raw diet, despite the fact that others feel it might give advantages including better digestion and coat health. Also, choose a reliable raw food supplier. The typical growth rate for a Boxer puppy is pounds per week for the first several months of life. A Boxer puppy, depending on its size and gender, may gain pounds by the time it is 6 months old. To make sure your Boxer puppy is developing normally, keep an eye on his or her size and weight. A constant supply of cool, fresh water is essential for the health of a Boxer puppy. Puppy development necessitates that they consume more water than an adult dog would. Puppies need half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. A Boxer puppy weighing 20 pounds, for instance, should need 10 to 20 ounces of water each day. Puppy water consumption should be closely monitored to prevent dehydration. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Your dog may suffer from indigestion if they are fed too late at night. A Boxer may struggle to acquire weight at times. Having three meals each day, including snacks, can help during this time. Adult Boxers should be fed in the morning, noon, and evening. Scheduled feeding times should be established early on to prevent weight-related diseases. Adult Boxers on a two-meal diet should eat in the morning and evening. Never let your dog exercise vigorously after a large meal, especially if they eat rapidly. This prevents bloating , intestinal obstruction, and other serious digestive problems. Introduce fewer carbs and consider nourishing their intestines and giving them micronutrients that help fight off disease-causing microorganisms. The following is a top-notch selection of Boxer food: Dry Food: Your best bet is to feed your Boxer dog grain-free kibble or dry kibble. Some even advocate dog food with human-grade ingredients. High-quality kibble containing animal protein formulated specifically for the growth and development of lean muscle mass in Boxers. Wet Food: Wet food is another commercial dog food option. If you want raw feeding for your Boxer, be sure to consult a veterinarian first, as raw diets can be tricky to prepare. Home-Cooked Diet: Aside from raw food, you can feed your Boxer home-cooked food as well. Always get your meat and other ingredients from reputable butchers and merchants to avoid potential problems. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these dog food options mentioned above. But, for the most part, these are the best food options for the Boxer. If you are in doubt, seek the advice of an animal nutritionist or veterinarian. However, Boxers are susceptible to skin allergies caused by these products. To have a grain-free diet for your dog, you should look out for ingredients like brown rice, wheat, corn, and barley. Chocolate: While chocolate is a delicious treat for us humans, it can be harmful to your Boxer. The stimulants in chocolates, known as methylxanthines , make them toxic for dogs. It could be fatal if your dog has consumed cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or cooking chocolate. Fatty Meals: Pancreatitis outbreaks in dogs can be blamed on fatty meals. A veterinarian should always be consulted before feeding a dog a new diet. Call a veterinarian immediately if you believe that your Boxer dog has consumed something hazardous. Some dogs may have stomach upset and even appetite loss if you suddenly switch to a new high-quality food or diet. This shift should occur within a five- to seven-day time window. American Kennel Club AKC advocates starting with 25 percent of the new food for your Boxer and gradually increasing it until all of the old food has been replaced with fresh food, based on the same ratio. Below is a table showing what the AKC recommends as a standard diet transition plan for most dog breeds, including Boxers: Day. And, I'll go out on a limb to say I bet those early Boxers ate dog food with less additives and fillers than found in today's formulas. That is of course, unless you're armed with information on sourcing the best possible modern foods for feeding Boxer dogs! Adult Boxer dogs require 1, to 2, calories of good quality dog food per day depending on age and activity, with an averagely active adult dog somewhere midrange. Being a muscular breed that is highly active, Boxers require quality protein in food at a slightly higher level than many less active breeds. Credence should be given to invest in a quality kibble dog food with high protein and caloric value or go with a Raw Dog Diet , especially for active Boxers. Bloat Concerns This breed is prone to bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus , so grain free kibble and raw diets are a great option for feeding Boxer dogs. Carbohydrate and fat levels are less a concern when feeding Boxer dogs, yet Boxers are know to put on extra weight rather easily. Low carbohydrate diets should be fed to overweight dogs and the breed ideally should be slim, stocky and muscular. To learn how we choose quality kibble formulas, or for help selecting your own, visit our Feeding Dry Dog Food section. For a great alternative to kibble and food we highly recommend for Boxer dogs, visit our Raw Feeding Dogs section. Supplements As with any medium to large breed dog, providing a food that includes supplements adds additional insurance towards good health. To maintain your Boxer's joint health, foods containing chondroitin and glucosamine are awesome. If your kibble doesn't include these compounds, they can be supplemented separately with a product such a Cosequin. For a shiny coat and to promote skin health, foods with Omega-6 fatty acids are wonderful. For control of inflammation or arthritis pain in older Boxer dogs, support the heart, kidneys and stabilize overall mood, Omega-3 fatty acids are great to see on an ingredients panel. Just like Cosequin however, Omegas can be fed separately and as needed by simply squeezing a gel capsule over your Boxer's meal. In summary, feeding Boxer dogs about 2. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dog's size, weight, age and overall daily activity. Feeding Boxer Dog Puppies Quality formulated all life stages food and several small meals a day for a Boxer dog puppy. Your Boxer puppy will grow rapidly through the first six to eight months. Similar to any medium or large breed puppy that is susceptible to bone growth issues like hip dysplasia, feeding a quality all life stages, large breed puppy formula, or Raw Dog Food diet will help regulate growth. Boxer puppies can eat! Two to three regulated servings per day is recommended, do not free freed. There's an unwritten rule in among Boxer enthusiasts to feed at least twice as much food daily that your puppy would eat as an adult, In multiple regulated servings. Begin by following feeding guidelines per the label provided on your chosen Kibble Dog Food Formula. Increase or decrease the amount fed by assessing your Boxer's body weight and energy as he or she grows. From age 6 to 8 months on, the rapid growth phase should cease and while still technically a puppy, your Boxer can be transitioned to an adult diet. This includes higher protein foods yet many who were already feeing an all life stages formula can continue with the same. As always with both puppies and adult Boxers, keep an eye on your dog's weight. You should always see a trace of the last rib with this breed and they should appear slim, yet muscular. Adjust amount fed per serving accordingly to maintain that perfect Boxer appearance. And lastly, with all dog breeds that are prone to bloat, feeding Boxer dogs several small meals a day is a safer bet than free feeding, or one HUGE serving! Don't forget to check out our Feeding Dry Dog Food articles which focus on selecting a quality kibble for your Boxer dog. And, if there's another mid-size dog in your pack, Feeding Medium Size Dogs provides access to a library of breed specific feeding guides. For help choosing kibble dog food for your Boxer Dog plus additional info about raw feeding, visit our Homepage for quick banner access to the major sections of our website! Your vet can run the necessary tests and examine your puppy to determine the cause. Male Adult male Boxers are slightly larger than females. Males weigh an average of 60 to 70 pounds, requiring 3 to 5 cups of food. This weight range requires 2 to 4 cups of food per day. On top of a caloric increase, an active Boxer will also need a protein-rich diet to feed their muscles. A protein-friendly, calorie-dense dry kibble should be offered, and you should follow the instructions based on their weight. Image Credit: boxerdogmadness, Pixabay Sedentary Boxers tend to become overweight quickly if you overfeed them—blame their voracious appetites and love for snacking. This food offers a low-calorie alternative without skipping out on necessary nutrition. However, what really happens is that it decreases their metabolism rate, slowing their energy. This slowing process can cause weight gain if you continue to feed them the same amount of food. The puppies always get the nutrients first. So, if you have a food that is lacking in certain areas, the mother will suffer. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Boxer Feeding Guide for Seniors Just like puppyhood has special dietary requirements when dogs reach a certain age, so does old age. Seniors need to eat foods that cater to their life stage to keep them capable, happy, and healthy for their remaining years. A Boxer transitions into the senior category, usually around 6—9 years of age. If you have your dog on dog food for all life stages, it might be appropriate to continue this diet. A lower-calorie food will also help to prevent your dog from becoming overweight. If your senior has specific health issues, it might be best to feed them a specific diet that helps with their condition. As time goes on, you can work with your vet to accommodate their special dietary needs. It is formulated specifically for later years. Some dogs have voracious appetites that are never satisfied. It seems like you barely get it into the bowl before they suck it up like a vacuum cleaner. Free-Feeding—this practice involves making food available to your dog at all times. The danger with this method is that large dogs like Boxers are susceptible to bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus GDV. Bloat happens when the dog eats too quickly, causing gas to fill the abdomen. It can be fatal. This method can also make overeating seem like the norm, which causes bad manners. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals is a better alternative to free-feeding. Slow-Feeder Bowls—a great way to slow your pooch down, allowing them to digest their food properly, is to give them food in a slow feeder. It gives your Boxer unique designs to eat around, stimulating their mental curiosity while slowing them down. What Foods Are Bad for Boxers? Some things to look out for are: Corn. Male boxer puppies would be around 17 inches or more during their 6th month while females will be slightly smaller at around 16 inches. Birth to 3 weeks old When your boxer pup is still very young, they should be with their mom and be nursed properly. Keep in mind that your boxer should get equal amounts of milk, especially if they belong to a large litter. Observe the litter for any signs of bullying or some puppies being overpowered. This is also the case if the mother is too thin to supply milk to all of her pups. When your puppy reaches 3 weeks of age, you might start to notice rapid growth. That is normal for boxer puppies since the breed tends to grow faster than most dogs. Boxer pups of this age still need to be nursed. To do this mix 1 part puppy food with 3 parts water in a bowl and offer it to them. It also helps to train your pups to only eat when they are hungry. A good rule of thumb in terms of scheduling for the water and puppy food mixture would be 3 to 4 times a day. You want the process to be a pleasant one for your boxer pup. This is when the weaning process becomes slightly visible. The mother dog will slightly let go of her little ones for them to be independent. Keep them away from dangerous objects and supervise them as much as possible. Ensure that their food is easy to chew to avoid eating problems. If your vet allows for it, you can add some veggies or other food ingredients that are deemed safe for pups as advised. Your puppy will need more nutrition by this time so they need to learn to eat solid puppy food. After all, 6 weeks old is a time for exploration, playtime, and energy bursts whether indoors or outdoors. You may also want to feed them more if they spend a lot more time playing or running around. Once your puppy reaches 7 weeks old, they should already know how to eat their solid food. Give them the serving somewhere between 3 and 4 times a day depending on your available time and their hunger pangs. Your boxer pups will also get nursed less often during this time, as the mother will likely just stand up while giving milk reluctantly to her little ones. She might even run away from them at some point, allowing them to become more independent. Keep their meals served at 3 to 4 times a day, with at least 2 or more cups per day, divided equally. You can also follow the chart that we mentioned above, especially if your boxer pup is quite the active fellow. Having more cups a day is important for puppies that have far less weight than others. You can also ask your vet about how many calories they need depending on their energy levels. Know the activity levels of your puppy and adjust accordingly. If your boxer pup is always on the go, they might need more calories than usual. Moreover, a 9-week-old boxer pup might also roam around and pick various objects to ensure that their surroundings are kept puppy-proofed. Bloating comes from excessively gobbling food so make sure they only get equal portions for their daily meal schedules. While we did say that boxer pups during this period are likely to eat twice as much as a regular adult boxer, always observe if your puppy is getting overweight by checking their waist. Talk to your vet if you suspect your pup might be gaining too many pounds. Always keep in mind to avoid bloating problems with your pup by ensuring the schedule gets followed. Continue with the usual puppy food or as instructed by your vet. Recommended Food Now that your boxer puppy has a set schedule, what should you feed them? Here are some suggestions: 1. Quality Kibble Like most active breeds, dry kibble is the way to go if you want affordable and easy-to-store food for your boxer puppy. Worry not — there are grain-free options in the market. Wet or canned food If you want added calories for an active boxer puppy, consider wet food. After all, canned puppy food is tasty to most dogs, especially during their puppy years, since the smell is enough to get them eating. Omega fatty acid foods Boxers are prone to cardiomyopathy, which can be lessened if they take foods and supplements rich in omega fatty acids, such as fish. Talk to your vet for a diet plan that will help lessen the likelihood of such eye problems. Glucosamine foods Hip dysplasia is common in boxers so we recommend foods that are rich in glucosamine, such as chicken feet and seafood. Consider looking for either kibble or canned puppy food that has glucosamine to help prevent hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Look for primarily meat-based puppy food rather than cheap commercial brands. Commercial brands out there may have more corn and wheat than protein from meat. Instead, look for slightly pricier yet more quality brands of puppy food for your boxer. And, as usual, you should also stay away from human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and the like. FAQs on Feeding a Boxer Puppy Boxer pups need extra care when it comes to their diet — here are some frequently asked questions with regards to feeding them properly: When do I switch to adult food for my Boxer puppy? By this time, you can slowly transition your puppy to adult food in portions. Should I give my Boxer puppy supplements? As a workaholic dog breed, boxer pups need protein and other nutrients, which are fortunately already in most quality dog food brands. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy A raw diet is okay for boxer puppies provided that you get expert advice from your vet about it. Raw feeding is no walk in the park since you need to do the math on calories and nutrients as compared to commercial food. Also, take note of food handling to avoid bacterial infection, especially if you live in areas where humidity is high. If you need help, talk to a breeder or someone you know tried raw feeding before — especially for puppies. Conclusion A healthy and energetic boxer puppy will be a satisfied life companion if you feed them properly. All you need to know is that boxers are typically workaholics so they need to have a balanced diet with sufficient calories based on their activities. We hope this helped you figure out how much to feed your boxer puppy! Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important. How much food to feed a boxer puppy How much food to feed a boxer puppy May 15, Let Everyone know For decades the Boxer dogs have been loved and cherished all over the world. Their imposing build along with their gentle and playful personalities captured the hearts of many dog lovers. This broad and muscular breed burns a massive amount of energy in their day-to-day life course, and thereby their diet and feeding formulas are subject to additional requirements. So the food to feed a boxer puppy must be taken in to consideration. To provide the boxer with quality and meaningful life, it is rather important to know how much food they should be fed, what and how often they should be fed. Concerns when feeding a Boxer puppy Boxers are a medium to large dog breed of German descent. Bred to bait bulls in the 19th century, they were fed a lot healthier than they are today, and their dietary habits were managed better. They are, by nature, lovely and enthusiastic, not to mention, far more involved when they are puppies. Their dietary requirements are a little different from other dog races due to certain anatomical variations. What food to Feed a Boxer Puppy Although it is undoubtedly not a fact that boxers are picky eaters, they may have special nutrition requirements when it comes to their feeding. Puppies typically need a nutritious feeding formula with a minimum of .Also, calcium and phosphorus are needed to maximize bone growth for your boxing puppy with ratios of at least or even .However, more is not always better. This will keep your Boxer pup from developing joint problems like osteochondritis or hip dysplasia. Boxers are also vulnerable to food-related allergies that can occur as food intolerances such as itching and inflammation. So choosing the right feed for your Boxer Pup might necessitate some experimentation. And indefinitely the feeding rate varies with the growth of your boxer. Boxer puppies, however, demand about 55 calories of food per pound of body weight, from a general viewpoint. A Boxer puppy is likely to become a medium to large muscle and a lean dog between 50 and 70 pounds if it feeds the correct food type and amounts. Since they are a highly active muscle species, they need high-quality protein foods to feed their energy slightly more than other less active breeds. Many dog food brands have just 25 percent protein formulas, which could prove to be inadequate for a Boxer puppy. It is therefore critical that you do your research and invests in a feeding formula of good quality. There is a common misconception that Boxer puppies should be fed twice as much food as they can consume as adults. It is still a good idea, however, to weigh your puppy every week or every two weeks and change the food intake accordingly. Some puppies may be susceptible to elevated protein, in which case food with moderate protein and fat content is recommended. Besides, Boxers will require a Calcium-to-Phosphorous ratio as near as possible to .In the first 6 to 8 months, your puppy can develop steadily in size and maturity. When your puppy grows older, you should decrease food consumption progressively as it can go longer without food. Kibble specifically intended for Boxer puppies is what is widely recommended as a choice of food as it helps preserve both intestinal and oral health and is nutritious. Some Boxer puppies tend to be a bit sensitive to food, in which case you may have to try a few options before you settle on your favorite puppy. Food with Omega-6 fatty acids is great for a sparkling coat and to support skin health. During their development, Boxer puppies need the recommended quantities of high-quality food and feeding formulas in different ranges. They can be fed up to 4 times a day between 2 and 4 months. Individual pups can still be eaten 3 times daily between 4 and 6 months. The frequency is reduced 2 to 3 times daily over 6 months. It is also possible to maintain this level of food in adulthood. This is the stage where you can teach your pup some food or sleep or exercise discipline and whatnot. In these cases, three meals a day can be considered. However, 2 meals per day are the preferred feeding schedule for your dog to train. You can feel some pressure from its ribcage or spine as you place your hands on the chest or back of your puppy. And you can encounter several problems by over-feeding your puppy. Bloating Bloating is a problem that is particularly common among boxer puppies. It can happen if you feed your puppy too much or too little. Constant bloating may contribute to other more severe gastrointestinal problems that could prove fatal to your dog. For this reason, boxer puppies are often recommended eating kibble-free foods and raw diets as they use more plant-based protein and carbohydrate formulas. Other food sources containing items such as grain, wheat, rice, and oats are frequently discouraged and may trigger excess gas in boxer puppies, which in turn causes bloating problems. Obesity As previously described, boxers are ideally supposed to have a slim, muscular build. They are not specifically susceptible to gaining too much weight, which is why the level of carbohydrates and fats in their food formulations is less of concern. However, boxer puppies or any dog are considered to be opportunistic when it comes to feeding. They will also continue to eat as long as they have food at their mercy. Boxer puppies may end up overeating for these reasons, which could cause them to become obese and overweight. This, in essence, will make their joints weak and cause arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney problems. There may be a variety of reasons why your puppy does not eat enough. Very frequently, loss of appetite is also one of the first symptoms of a more severe illness. This can also occur due to various reasons, such as; Anorexia Anorexia is indeed a problem for dogs, just as it is for human beings. Symptoms of anorexia include fever, pain, shortness of breath, and tiredness. In certain cases, it can also induce changes in the size of the organ and the weak lungs. If left untreated, it can end up being fatal to your dog. Lack of exercise may also be a source of anorexia, which is why exercise has become so crucial to your puppy. They will likely burn calories at the same amount of consumption to maintain balance. Short Life Span If you consistently underfed your Boxer puppy during its stage of growth, it will most likely grow into an undernourished and extremely unhealthy boxer, with far less engagement and energy than most other boxers. This could also affect his life span. Since Boxers are muscular dogs with a reasonable level of activity, they do need a constant supply of nutrients as described above, otherwise, they will not accompany you for a long time. Recap Boxer puppies need great care and consideration when it comes to their diet since they have some particular and unique dietary needs compared to other dogs with the same level of activity. What to Avoid when feeding your Boxer Puppy? There are no grains at all. Until ultimate research has been completed, play it safe and offer kibble with some level of healthy grain unless otherwise recommended by the veterinarian Boxer Pup must be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Another one is synthetic preservatives, which could certainly be toxic. Artificial Coloring Ingredients, Blue 02, Yellow 05, and 06 are the most common types of dyes that we can find in feeding formulas that cause behavioral problems in puppies. Additional taste enhancers like MSG, which is one of the worst taste enhancers, are linked to anxiety, stress, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory problems. Fillers are inexpensive additives that are mixed into dog food to pump it up but have little or no nutrient properties. A dog could eat a massive amount of food and yet still be hungry again shortly after. Because of that fast metabolism function, this has become one of the major causes of Coprophagies eating feces. By-products — There are animal parts such as some intestines that are not suitable even for a boxer. Consumption and feeding formulas that involve such food might cause troubles with spinal tissue, lung failure, spleen removal, issues in hooves and tails and undeveloped ovum, etc.

About Us When Tom and I were dating, I owned a miniature poodle, who always managed a way to squeeze between us wherever we were sitting. I took one and, yes, Tom took the other. They went everywhere with us, and we grew to love the poodle breed. Tom and I have been married now for over 40 years and have three wonderful children and nine grandchildren. We are both retired school teachers. Tom taught high school art and retired to producing art full time, and I taught special education for 35 years. A few years after our children had graduated from high school and were almost out of college, we purchased our first standard poodle, and she brought great joy into our lives. Jazz was a beautiful apricot color with hints of red. She loved people, loved the outdoors, loved to swim, and loved to go wherever we went, especially hiking and kayaking. I also took her through two classes of agility for fun, and she did very well. Her intelligence made her very easy to train, and she was the perfect companion for us. Full of spring and a fun loving spirit, Jazz lived her life here in our home on seven acres outside of Middle Point, Ohio. She was free to run around the grounds and play in the pond as much as she wanted, and she was the perfect mother of many fabulous puppies bringing love and joy to many families today. In February of , we purchased our own sire, Max. He was a beautiful, and very affectionate, dark red boy who kept that dark red color his whole life. We also kept a red female out of Jazz's first litter, not sired by Max , and named her Cedar, and then in we added a red female, Gracie, to our breeding program. From Jazz's last litter, we kept a little clone of her and named her Sophie. Jesse came to our family in to be an additional sire and perfect match for Ellie Mae, and we kept one of their offspring, Reba. We also kept Zala out of Sophia and Max. Our last update is the addition of River, who came to us through Minaretts. Our beloved Jazz , Max and Gracie have since passed away, and we miss them so very much. Jazz was the start of our breeding program and Max was our main sire. Cedar, Sophia and Ellie are all reitred from breeding and live with us still. The others are all actively involved in our breeding program, bringing beautiful red and apricot RW puppies into the world for seekers to enjoy. We believe in testing and matching our males with our females according to strengths and weaknesses in order to continue improving confirmation, color , points and personality. We do not mix breed, and all of our puppies are AKC registerable. Our poodles and puppies get the best of care and attention in order to provide healthy, socialized puppies to loving forever homes. The day we purchased Jazz! My beloved Jazz and me! Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Although they are occasionally characterized as a finicky breed, miniature poodles are actually wonderful family dogs thanks to their smarts, their eager-to-please attitude, and their gentle demeanor with kids and other pets. They're an easy breed to train , low-allergen, and low-odor, so they fit in well with most homes and families. Though their low-shedding curly coats have the benefit of being nearly hypoallergenic , they do require lots of care and grooming. If you have the time and resources to dedicate to these peaceful pups, they make loving and loyal companions. Miniatures fall into the middle of the pack; standard poodles are the largest and toy poodles are the smallest. Some breed enthusiasts argue that there are actually five poodle classes, though the Klein or medium poodle and the teacup poodle have yet to be recognized by the AKC. Like their standard and toy-size cousins, miniature poodles have athletic, muscly bodies thanks to their origins as water retrieval dogs for duck hunters. Like their breed siblings, mini poodles have curly coats, lively faces, and dark eyes. While the elaborate continental hairdo, with its curling pom-poms carefully shaped and clipped around the joints and chest, is popular with show poodles, most miniature poodle owners prefer the low-key sporting clip, a short, one-length cut that looks a bit less like a topiary. No problem. The miniature poodle comes in an array of hues, including black, white, apricot, grey, silver, and brown. The breed tends to shed only minimally, so you won't need to stock up on lint rollers with a mini poodle around. And, while no dog is truly hypoallergenic , poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for people with allergies. Temperament When compared to their breed siblings, miniature poodles fall in the middle of the pack in terms of temperament, too. Tiny toy poodles tend to be a little more hyper, while the standard is the calmest of the three. All poodle types can be anxious and timid at times and do best in a peaceful living arrangement with lots of attention and care. Miniature poodles are smart, active, and playful. They love to romp and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. Their activity levels do change with maturity, but you can expect your miniature poodle to stay pretty active even as an adult dog. When they meet someone new, their reactions can range from friendly and polite to shy and timid. Their sensitive nature sometimes results in hypersensitivity and anxiety; help your mini out by socializing them early and providing them a stable, conflict-free living arrangement. That can actually be a reflection of a number of things, but the most prominent variable is socialization, either the implementation of it or lack thereof," Silverman says. Living Needs These little athletes love space to run and burn off their extra energy, so a big fenced-in yard or frequent trips to the dog park is a plus. Their small size means they can live well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise needs met, says Chyrle Bonk, DVM at Pet Keen. Miniature poodles are peaceful dogs who know how to play nice with children, Bonk says. And, with proper socialization, poodles can be friendly with other pets. But because they can be anxious, a poodle might not thrive if you have a revolving door of visitors or a noisy, chaotic living situation. Early socialization will keep your miniature poodle from being overly watchful and timid. Spending time with their owners is important to minis—they can become lonely or experience separation anxiety if left alone too often. As Bonk says, poodles "require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to fill their hours. They aren't going to like being left alone without something to do. But lack of shedding doesn't mean it's a no-maintenance coat. Bonk says your mini needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Even when they're given a simple one-length-all-over sporting clip, miniature poodles require regular grooming appointments—or an owner who is seriously skilled with clippers. Miniature poodles are active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and long daily strolls. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Miniature poodles love to swim , and swimming can be an excellent workout for these curly cuties. Minis also love playing fetch and can burn off some of their abundant energy chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. These tiny athletes also excel in obedience training and agility. Because of this, I would recommend starting by teaching them to jump up on something elevated, like a low chair, couch or bed," Silverman says. Bonk recommends keeping training upbeat, fun, and not repetitive. Encouraging your pup with lots of praise and consistency will get your eager-to-please mini in his zone. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, miniature poodles are typically easy to potty train. Just make sure they have a healthy diet of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh, clean water available. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a food with the right nutrients for your dog's age and nutritional needs. Health Miniature poodles usually live long lives of 10—18 years and are generally healthy dogs. Reputable poodle breeders routinely test their dogs for health conditions miniature poodles are prone to, including hip dysplasia , eye problems , and orthopedic issues such as luxating patella. Miniature poodles are also prone to dental disease. Tartar build up can lead to more serious issues including infection, tooth loss, and organ damage, so regular teeth cleanings —either at home or through your veterinarian —are a must. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your individual miniature poodle's health and well-being. History Poodles originated in Germany as duck-hunting dogs—the name poodle coming from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, the AKC says. Their intelligence, swimming abilities, and protective coat made them ideal workers for water retrieval. While standard poodles were historically the dominant breed size used for hunting, many sporting clubs now use their smaller kin to assist with flushing fowl from brush. The intricate continental clip most people associate the poodle with is for more than just a style choice. The distinctive cut was originally designed to keep dogs being used for water retrieval comfortable and buoyant in icy waters. By cutting the hair short on the limbs, they gave the dogs the freedom of movement they needed to swim while protecting their organs and joints by leaving the hair longer in those areas, according to the AKC. The poodle's natural elegance and trainability made poodles of all sizes the stars of many European circus acts. It's believed that the standard poodle was the first of the breed and that miniature and toy varieties were developed later. The French are largely believed to have evolved the original continental cut into the style it is today, making the remaining hair more round and adding the distinctive tail pom. Miniature poodles appear in many movies including Jaws, Bingo! Poodle Exercise Requirements Overview Exercise plays a crucial role in a dog's overall health and can even extend a dog's life span. Offering proper exercise goes way beyond taking a Poodle out for a walk now and again. This section will make sure that you know how to find the right balance of activity for a Poodle of each variety Toy, Miniature and Standard and of any age. We will go over: How your Poodle will benefit from scheduled activity What type of exercise is best for this breed, for each size variety Exercise requirements for all stages of a Poodle's life How to overcome the most common reasons for not exercising your dog Alternative activities you can do with your puppy or dog 6 Top Exercise Tips Why Exercise is So Important When a Poodle receives enough proper exercise, the benefits are enormous. Can help slow the development of arthritis Can increase life span, as diet, exercise, dental care and living conditions are the top 4 elements that affect how long a dog lives. In many cases, just sticking to a walking schedule can combat some of the most difficult behavioral problems. For each of these elements, it is simply a matter of allowing a Poodle to release built-up energy and frustration in a healthy way. If exercise is done randomly and without structure, you won't see much improvement. Destructive behavior - Without regular release of energy via healthy, purposeful activity, a Poodle of any age may instead focus his energy on chewing, digging, scratching or other destructive behaviors. Barking - One of the main causes of excessive barking is frustration and exercise can help eliminate this element. Attention seeking behavior - Dogs that miss out on regular one-on-one time with their owners can end up constantly seeking attention. However, when this need is met, the dog can relax at home, knowing that another session is due to happen soon. It can also lead improvements in: Sleep - Dogs that routinely exercise sleep better at night, both in how long they sleep and how much REM deep sleep they receive. Just a slight case of sleep deprivation that snowballs as the days and weeks pass by can cause all sorts of behavioral issues. This can be resolved with proper exercise. Overall mood - With tension and frustration released in a healthy way, half the battle is done. The other part is mental stimulation.Dogs are happier when they routinely can 'be dogs'; they are happiest when they can smell scents and see sights other than what is inside the house. This creates more of a calm, relaxed mood when indoors. Social Health - An often overlooked yet important part of a Poodle having the right amount of exercise is how it will improve his ability to be well-socialized. When done correctly, regular exercise will: Teach socialization- One of the most crucial aspects of raising a dog to be tolerable of other animals, people and situations is to expose him to the outside world on a regular basis. Many owners of Poodles that act hyper toward cars, dogs and people will avoid taking the Poodle out for a walk; yet this is the very thing that will lead to the Poodle learning to behave more ahead. In time, regular outdoor activity will allow a dog to gain the experience needed to have self-confidence while out and about. This is particularly true when you use this time to work on Heeling techniques. Regular walks with you gives your Poodle a 'job' and taking this on as a team each day can greatly improve the relationship between owner and dog. Just as you make sure that your Poodle eats super healthy foods, you puppy proof the house to keep him safe, you brush his teeth to prevent tooth decay and you work hard to keep him well-groomed… exercise should be a non-negotiable element of caring for your Poodle. The Best Exercise for a Poodle While quick bouts of energy filled activity like playing fetch does have its place, for daily exercise, walking your Poodle is the way to go. This holds true for tiny toy Poodles, medium sized Minis and large Standards. It is the best type of exercise for this breed for several reasons: 1 It is low impact. When your Poodle will be performing an action daily and essentially forever, you want that activity to offer all of the benefits without putting undue stress on the body. Repeated strenuous exercise puts stress on the joints, overtaxes muscles and can cause injury. Once you fall into a routine of walking your Poodle often enough and for long enough periods of time more ahead , his cardiovascular health, stamina and muscle strength will gradually improve… as this happens, walking speed can be incrementally increased so that your Poodle receives the same amount of body conditioning. The only things that you will need is a leash and harness more ahead and some patience if your Poodle needs some practice to keep his behavior in line more ahead. Also, with few exceptions, you can walk a dog during any season we will discuss winter, rain, heat, etc. In other words, while you may be walking very slowly, if your toy Poodle is trotting along beside you at a moderate pace, your dog will be receiving moderately challenging exercise in comparison to your stroll. Scarlett, 2 years old Photo courtesy of Dorothy How Much Exercise a Poodle Needs Puppies - For toys and miniatures under 1 year old and standards under 18 months old, owners must carefully schedule exercise times. Offering quick bouts of outdoor walking is a great way to for the puppy to discharge their abundant energy. That being said, greatly exceeding exercise limits for puppies can be detrimental to their growth. During the first year for toys and miniature Poodles and until about 18 months old for standard Poodles , the bones are still forming and growing. At the end of all major bones are growth plates; these are soft areas that contain rapidly dividing cells that are instrumental in allowing the bones to develop and grow longer as the Poodle pup matures from puppy to adult. Once a Poodle is done with puberty and is officially an adult dog that is done growing, the plates harden and calcify. Until that time, over-exercise can cause injury to this soft bone tissue and interfere with normal bone growth. So, you'll want to find a balance of enough walks, for the proper duration, to allow the pup to release energy and start becoming socialized to the world, yet be careful to not exercise your Poodle puppy to such an extent that it could possibly harm those growth plates. Do keep in mind that normal play in the house, etc. Over-exercise relates to repetitive actions such as running, walking briskly, etc. You just never want to push a young puppy into activity that puts stress on the body and raises the heartbeat if he is not up to it. In looking at these guidelines, we must remember that the duration is the same, no matter the size of the dog. This is because it is the pace at which the dog moves that equates a state of exercise. Toys will trot and standard Poodles will trot, and it is the owner that will need to adjust the pace at which they walk to keep the dog going briskly. A good rule of thumb is: 5 minutes per day, for each month of age. Toys and minis will at this point, move ahead to adult exercise requirements. You'll want to go at a moderate pace that is not overwhelming. Young puppies are only starting to learn about how to walk on leash and it can take some time for them to focus on proper heeling. Ahead, we'll dive into tips to making walking a more pleasant experience coming up. Adults - An adult Poodle in his prime, 1 year old toys or 2 years old standards to 7 years old, should have 60 minutes of exercise per day. Do keep in mind that no matter how active a dog appears while inside the home, this does not decrease the amount of time that the dog should be walked. There will be days that your schedule simply does not allow this or days when weather is so severe that you'll need to offer alternatives; however those should be the exceptions. Most Poodles do best with those 60 minutes split up into two 30 minute or three 20 minute sessions. We recommend: Morning - If you will be leaving for the day, it's a good idea to exercise your Poodle before you leave. Early evening - When you arrive back home, the two most important things to do will be to bring your Poodle to the bathroom area outside and then take him for a walk to release the built up tension that developed while the dog was home alone. Two hours later - Once dinner has been served, some household chores have been done and you are thinking about possibly relaxing for the night, this can be a great time to go for the 3rd and last walk of the day, should you decide to do 3 walks per day instead of 2. While you won't want to exercise your Poodle right before bedtime, heading out for a quick jaunt about 2 hours before the expected sleep time can help your dog calm down and relax as the family settles in for the night. Scotland, 10 months old Photo courtesy of Marlyn Seniors - Do not make the mistake of assuming that an older dog doesn't need exercise. Unless a senior Poodle has health conditions that prohibit him from exercising, you'll want to continue with daily walks. Some owners feel that a senior Poodle is more than content resting around the house. And while seniors are often complacent…they've seen it all and have done it all… and not much may excite them… Being out in the fresh air and stretching their legs can put a little pep in another wise ho-hum step. Regular light exercise can relieve joint discomfort that is common with older dogs, helps the senior dog maintain muscle mass and offers all of the benefits that it does with a senior dog's younger counterparts. Osteoarthritis is not uncommon for senior Poodle; though light exercise can often help alleviate symptoms and this will be something that you'll want to speak with the vet about. You'll want to monitor the older dog to see how he deals with duration, cutting back as needed or slowing down the pace. Health Exceptions - There are some health conditions , of course, that will necessitate a cease in exercise and others that require certain exercise as part of the treatment program. A good example of this is luxating patella slipped kneecap. During recovery, strict bed rest is often prescribed along with medications to reduce swelling and help with pain. However, afterward many vets will suggest strengthening exercises, most notably walking the dog uphill, to help build muscles that surround the knees. Always check with your Poodle's vet during and after any health issue for exercise restrictions and instructions. Pregnancy - In general, healthy pregnant Poodles should be taken for walks and exercised as normal up until the last week of pregnancy. Easy yet consistent exercise during pregnancy helps a female dog stay well-toned which is believed to help with labor and delivery. In most cases, exercise can gradually resume 2 to 3 weeks after giving birth. Depending on the age and size of your Poodle, this may simply be a casual stroll for you. With toy Poodles, do not expect to get in your cardio while walking the dog however, the fresh air, sunshine and movement will be beneficial to you as well… studies show that time NOT spent sitting is as important as exercising and that walking slow is much better than being sedentary. Take note of how your dog's legs are moving… He should be at a trot, with a short stride. Overcoming Reasons for Not Walking Your Poodle There are quite a few reasons why owners may be reluctant to take their Poodle out for regular exercise. Here we will discuss some of these concerns and how to deal with them. However, avoiding walks will not help resolve the issue. Many dogs will bark madly at anything that's within their line of sight… people, other dogs, cars, birds, squirrels, etc. The key to all of this is that a dog reacts that way when the element is intriguing or if it gives the dog concern. And both of those attitudes will fade more and more as the dog is exposed to the elements. If you've ever seen a dog barking like mad when being walked, if you could fast forward 6 months and the owner consistently kept taking the dog out along the same route that whole time , you'd see a very different dog. That dog would be socialized to every aspect of the outside world and those perceived threats would no longer cause alarm. The best thing to do is to ignore the barking and your neighbors that are giving you funny looks and with your Poodle safely on a harness not a collar and the leash kept short, keep walking at the set pace. Walk with determination and without pause, no matter how hyper your dog acts.Any time that the barking stops for even just a count of 5 if it is severe , give enthusiastic praise while simultaneously reaching into your pocket to dispense a small treat as you continue on the path. Exercising in hot, humid weather is certainly a concern for this breed and for all dogs. However, with some planning, you can continue to make sure that your Poodle stays active enough during the summertime. Here are some tips: Protect the paws from hot pavement. Far too many dogs have their paws scalded by hot pavement and this can easily be fixed by either using a super high quality paw wax that will create a layer of protection or by placing comfortable doggie shoes on your Poodle. Protect the nose from sunburn this can happen within 20 minutes with direct sun which can lead to peeling. Use a quality nose balm. Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day. Even on exceedingly hot days, early morning and then again right before sunset, the temperature can often be in the 70's or low 80's which is tolerable. Not to mention, the sun's rays will not be as strong. Bring along water and plan one break. At just about the halfway point, take a break preferably in the shade. During the break, offer a good amount of cool water to your Poodle a canine travel water container works well… the cover works as a bowl and you can place a couple of ice cubes in the insulated thermos to keep the water cold. Do always use caution; if you feel it is just too hot out to safely walk your Poodle, look to alternative activities more ahead. While there are exceptions, walks during the winter can be doable if you plan ahead. For 'normal' winter days, here are some tips: Protect the paws from winter elements. Use a quality paw wax or slip on no-skid canine booties. Dress appropriately. This is important advice for both you and your Poodle. When an owner is freezing and miserable, they will be much more likely to rush the walk, take a short cut or skip it all together by rushing back inside after the dog goes to the bathroom. If you bundle up we're talking hat, scarf, thick winter coat, gloves and durable water-proof boots , you'll be much more apt to stick with your Poodle's exercise program. Likewise, particular for toy Poodles, owners often need to take steps to help the dog stay warm. A thick lined vest, hoodie, coat or sweater will help your toy Poodle keep his core body temperature warm and toasty. Sophie, 9 months old Photo courtesy of June Nelligan Protect the nose - Cold air and whipping chilly winds can quickly cause a chapped nose. Be pro-active in protecting your Poodle's nose before chapping happens. Use a dab of quality nose butter. Depending on the weather, and the safety of the road conditions, you may need to take a shorter route or limit the time spent outdoors. Of course, during blizzards or a severe weather event, staying inside is the safe option. While some dogs are super active in the house, most do need to have scheduled walks. When veterinarians suggest exercise guidelines, this is taking into account that a dog is going to be moving about the house. By heading outside, you will accomplish many things: You'll know that your dog is meeting the requirements of up to an hour of exercise per day. It is also an opportunity to socialize your dog, work on heeling and spend quality time together. Alternative Activities Maybe it is pouring cats and dogs outside, a blizzard is blowing in, or it's degrees out… no matter what may be the case, you may be looking for ways to keep your Poodle active if a walk is out of the question. Here are some tips: 1 Summer Tips: If it is the summer heat that is getting in the way, setting up a kiddie pool in a shaded area of the yard can be just the trick to get a dog moving. As with most activities, your enthusiasm will play a role in how much fun your Poodle has. Another great option is to set up a sprinkler. Most dogs love the thrill of chasing after osculating water and this can be a great way to offer a bit of cardio in the summer. Lastly, swimming is a great exercise that puts very limited stress on the body… However, do keep in mind that not all Poodles automatically know how to swim well. While the Poodle was bred to be a water dog, retrieving fowl from lakes and ponds, that was quite a while ago and today's modern Poodle may need practice to feel comfortable in water. Stay super close to your dog … and using a canine life vest is always a good idea. After swimming, be sure to shampoo and rinse the coat well, as any chlorine residue can cause excessive dryness as well as discoloration of the coat. Make it more challenging as your Poodle catches on, following him about the house to keep him on track and keep him moving. For fetch, all you need is a long hallway and a ball. As we mentioned above, your attitude and level of eagerness will play a huge role in how receptive your Poodle is and how much energy the dog puts into playing. Top 6 Exercise Tips 1 Make a schedule. Life can be exceedingly busy and there will be times that you come home exhausted and see your Poodle is perfectly content cuddling on the sofa with you while you watch TV. However, when you have times blocked off for taking your Poodle out for walks, it's easier to stick with the program. Maybe your Poodle behaves just fine no pent-up energy and is more than happy to hang around the house… so why bother? Exercise is important for 'now' and for 'later'. Every session works toward building a stronger, healthier dog. These short bouts of activity can be training times as well. Whether it is to get your Poodle so used to other dogs that he learns to calm down… or you want to gradually get him to no longer fear traffic… or you want to teach the "Heel' command until your Poodle marches like a little trooper by your side… Make each walk have more meaning by working toward a goal together. Teaka, 4 years old Photo courtesy of Rolande and Dan 4 Assess and adjust. Throughout your Poodle's life, his exercise requirements will change. As he builds endurance, you may need to pick up the pace. If the weather is hotter than you expected, you may need to cut the walk short and schedule it for later in the day. As a senior, he may need 3 shorter walks as opposed to two longer ones. Always be mindful of how your dog is handling the activity and make adjustments as needed. It cannot be overstated how vital it is to have your Poodle wearing a harness any time that he is on leash. If a leash is connected to the collar, this places stress on the neck which can cause injury, including collapsed trachea. This is especially true for toy Poodles, though it does apply for miniatures and standards as well. Not only do you have the weight of the leash, there is the element that if the puppy or dog jumps to the side, runs ahead, gets wounded up in the leash, etc. You will also find that it is much easier to control a Poodle when he is wearing a harness, which makes walking a more pleasant experience. Particularly relevant when house training , it's never a good idea to let a Poodle pee and poo along the way when you could have had the dog use the designated bathroom area first. When you return home, allow your Poodle another opportunity to pee and poo in the bathroom area before being brought back into the house. A: As long as you bring your Poodle for regular walks and are making sure that he meets the exercise requirements for this breed, there is nothing wrong at all with having your dog in a stroller. Just like a car seat or a bicycle basket, strollers or slings are another form of safety and in this case, you are the mode of transportation. Q: I really wanted to start teaching my Poodle puppy how to navigate obstacles and weave poles, but I've heard that puppies shouldn't be exercised too much. Would this be harmful? A: It is true that too much exercise is not good for puppies; however this has gotten really exaggerated by some sources. Puppies are naturally very active and this is a good thing! Being sedentary is not advantageous for any dog, of any age. The only type of over-exercise that interferes with growth plates is severe exertion that would cause the puppy to pant and really struggle to keep up…. Exercise that taxes the body and puts strain on the dog. And this would have to occur on a regular basis to cause a problem. Normally playing and running about the house is expected and helps a puppy grow up healthy. Just do not push the pup to do more than he shows enthusiasm for, taking breaks or calling 'time' after 20 minutes or so. By the way, teaching weave pole obstacles is a great idea and can be super fun for both of you. What do you think about canine treadmills for exercise? A: These are, mostly, used for physical therapy and some large breed dogs may do well with treadmills, especially if they are overweight and need some vet-directed additional exercise. However, these can be very expensive and are not a good substitute for one-on-one play with your Poodle. And if you must stay indoors on many days, playing fetch or other games that offers your dog interaction with you will be much better for his mood than walking on the machine. As a final note, if this were to be used, we'd suggest extreme close supervision as injury would be a top concern. Q: What, exactly, should my reaction and my action be when my Poodle barks like a madman at other dogs when we're out for a walk? A: The first thing to keep in mind is why a dog does this. Imagine that you spent your days surrounded with only dogs… no humans at all, just canines. Then as a brief respite, each day for 20 minutes, you are let out into the world to exercise and during that time you actually get to see other people. BUT, you are not allowed to interact with them. You are instructed to keep walking and ignore them. Would you go a bit nuts after a while? So, the point of this that many owners need to remember, is that a dog will bark at other dogs out of frustration. Many times, this is not an aggressive maneuver at all and it does not mean that the barking dog is misbehaving. It can often be resolved by just allowing your dog to meet the other dog. If your Poodle did nip, that would then be another topic. But you'll never know how he does with other dogs, unless you give him chances with a variety of dogs and allow him to learn to socialize while out for his daily walk. We'd suggest calling out to the other owner with a friendly, "Hi, do you mind if my dog says hello to your dog? At that point, allow the dogs to be dogs. Without interference, they should be allowed to sniff each other. Yes, it will be the rear ends. That is where their scent glands are located and this relays information back and forth regarding: health status, mood and gender. In some cases, the dogs will then back away, which is your cue to thank that owner and continue on your way…. As long as the other person doesn't mind, a short bout of playing is just fine and will allow your Poodle an opportunity to learn canine socializing. Do always keep a close eye on your dog, with the leash in hand, ready to pull him toward you should the other dog get too rough another reason why a harness is the better choice over a collar when on leash. You will also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about - we always look to Member suggestions. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Feb 18, Feb 18, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Now you may be wondering how big do toy poodles get when full grown? A toy poodle may be a maximum of 10 inches in height at the shoulder to be considered a toy poodle and not a miniature poodle. Whether they stand at 10, 15, or 20 inches in height, the poodle is an intelligent dog that needs time everyday to exercise and stretch its legs. Toy poodles were bred to be the clever companions of city dwellers with condos in the s. Although they look demure, they have the heart of a hunting dog that is always raring to go. However, the toy poodle is not the ideal dog for everyone, as they can be fairly demanding in terms of how much time and money you need to spend on their needs every day. Read on to find out if your home is the right one for a toy poodle to take over! Poodles were originally bred in France starting in the s. Early standard poodles in the s and s would accompany hunters on their hunts for waterfowl and retrieve the birds from the icy cold bodies of water. The standard poodle was highly intelligent, athletic, and well-loved. A smaller version was sought after by truffle hunters and circus owners. As a result, the miniature poodle was developed for its agility and slightly smaller size. By the s, the even-smaller toy poodle we know today was developed. According to the breed standard, an adult poodle is considered a toy if it is a maximum of 10 inches in height at the shoulder. Miniature poodles stand at a maximum of 15 inches in height, and the standard poodle stands anywhere over 15 inches in height. The height restrictions are enforced strictly, especially if the dog is being entered into competitions. Whether they are standard, miniature, or toy, the poodle is well-loved and ranks as the seventh most popular dog breed by the American Kennel Club. Toy Poodles At Birth At birth, toy poodles are miniscule and typically weigh in at under a pound! Toy poodle puppies are very fragile during this time. Toy Poodles At 3 Months At three months old, most toy poodles will have grown to a little over two pounds and will be tottering around on the tiniest of paws. They will begin putting on weight more quickly following this growth stage. Toy Poodles At 6 Months At six months old, most toy poodles will have gained a fair amount of weight and will be nearing the height they will end up being as an adult. By this time, they will be very active and giving you a good run for your money! Toy Poodles At 9 Months At nine months old, your toy poodle will likely be nearly fully grown. Some toy poodles may bulk up slightly and put on an additional half of a pound or so by the month mark. While the toy poodle is an adorable fluff ball, it is not the ideal dog for everyone or for every home. It takes a special kind of person to care for a toy poodle so the dog can live a full, healthy, and happy life. Here are the big questions to think about if you are considering a toy poodle based on their size and breed. Toy poodles are insanely intelligent. They require as much mental stimulation as a standard poodle twice or three times their size. This means they need to be trained properly to follow a variety of commands as well as receive daily mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is key to preventing your toy poodle from becoming bored and destroying anything in its reach or from becoming sad and moody. You can mentally stimulate your toy poodle by giving it puzzles , lick mats , and snuffle blankets. Even though toy poodles are tiny compared to standard poodles, they need the same amount of exercise time. One to two hours of daily physical exercise will help keep your toy poodle active, healthy, and sufficiently worn out. A toy poodle that is brimming with energy from being cooped up in an apartment or condo all day will suffer from anxiety issues, behavioral problems, and start to take their frustration out on their surroundings by chewing on your valuables and yapping the day away. Daily hikes, walks, obstacle courses, or runs around town will keep your poodle happy and healthy. Toy poodles are a fraction of the size of standard poodles. However, they require the same amount of grooming. Poodles do not shed their hair as frequently as many other dog breeds, which has led many people to incorrectly calling them hypoallergenic. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, as all dogs shed their hair and dead skin cells. Still, poodles are as close as you could come to having a hypoallergenic dog. That being said, they need to have their coats brushed once a day—not to remove loose hair, but to prevent knots from forming in their thick curly coats. Every six to eight months, your toy poodle will also need to go for a haircut to prevent their coat from getting too long and matting. Finally, poodles are excellent swimmers, and the toy poodle is no different. However, if their coat gets wet, they need to be dried and brushed immediately to prevent their coat from cording. Toy poodles are not large enough dogs to withstand the attention of small children. Toy poodles fare best in homes with no children or older children who are responsible enough to handle such a small dog with care. Yes, the size of your poodle will actually affect its lifespan. The smaller your poodle is such as the toy , the longer their lifespan will be. Standard poodles live for 10 to 12 years on average, miniature poodles live for 12 to 15 years on average, and the toy poodle lives for 15 to 18 years on average. Is there a difference between the size of male and female toy poodles? Male toy poodles are slightly larger than female toy poodles as is common in almost all dog breeds. However, because the breed is so small, the difference comes down to just a few pounds. Males typically weigh 7 to 10 pounds, whereas female toy poodles weigh 6 to 9 pounds. Is there a difference between toy and teacup poodles? Toy poodles are a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club separate from the standard and miniature poodles, whereas the teacup poodle is not. A teacup poodle is considered to be just a very small toy poodle. Can you get toy varieties of poodle crossbreeds? If a breed is successfully crossed with a standard poodle, it can be crossed with a toy poodle to get a smaller variety. Obviously, logistics and safety must play a role as a giant breed, such as the Great Dane, will produce a puppy that would be too large for a toy poodle to carry or safely give birth to. There are many varieties of poodle crosses that can produce adorable toy versions such as the corgipoo , the Aussiedoodle , goldendoodle , and the Whoodle. A toy poodle can be a maximum of 10 inches at the shoulder to be considered a toy poodle and not a miniature poodle. Toy poodles are every bit as intelligent, agile, and needy as their larger counterparts. 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. Jazz and Max watch as we pass some ducks. Lou, and his best friend, Nellie! Cedar loved this boat ride; a great way to end this exciting day! No, this is not a poodle! Cute little Sukie might have been out-numbered, but she could hide in or get through places that those big poodles could not! This year, Ruben was the perfect host again, taking his guests on a ride in his motorcycle and side car. Cooling off on this hot August day! The poodles swim to the rafts, where they can rest for a few minutes. Gracie Lou's Nellie spent lots of time retrieving. She is so good at it and fast as well! Time for Lisa's delicious liver brownies! A deck full of wet poodles! Nellie doing her "walk like a bear" trick! Good girl, Nellie! Time for a ride on the pontoon. Again a relaxing end to a fun filled day! She so loves the water, that is for sure! What a great way to end another great day at the Friedman's! Thank you so much for your hospitality! Scot really knows how to grill hamburgers! Thanks, Scot! Lou and his amazing Nellie! Max enjoys the ride stretched out on the back seat. Poodles and their families started arriving around .Leo and Ruben getting to know each other again. Charlie's first time at the party at 8 months of age. Nellie jumps to retrieve her frisbee! She is so good at retrieving in the water! Treat time! Jan and Lisa both had hand made doggie treats for the poodles to reward them for such a good job swimming and getting along! Everyone brought delicious dishes to share and Lisa and Scot grilled their juicy, all grass-fed beef hamburgers. After dinner, most were able to stay for the boat ride. The dogs love this part of the day, and so do we! Katie, Ruskin, and Dave Jazz watches a boat go by and tries to jump after it! Cedar enjoys riding on the back and feeling the wind in her face. Tom thought Ruben was thirsty, but Lisa informed him that he just wants to play with the bottle! Plastic bottles make fun and noisy toys! Max, Lisa and Cedar Tom and Ruben seem to be watching the same thing. It was a fun day! Thanks again to Scot and Lisa for sharing their lake property with us all! Max is a good swimmer, although he would rather not. My girls and me! Pippa is swimming to Phil! Lou forgot Nellie's water toys this year, so she is retrieving his shoe! Cedar is an excellent swimming companion! Amos is a fabulous water retriever as well! Hoosier and Toews after swimming waiting for a treat, "Did we do well? Handsome Ruskin probably looking for Mazie who I don't seem to have a picture of. Leo is the tallest poodle we have produced, standing 29 inches at the shoulder and looking just like his mama, Jazz, who was dearly missed this year. .Hoosier and Gus.

And, along with all the joys, you may have a few new puppy jitters too. I get it! In other words, I am over the moon for Doodle dogs. Now what? Choose your veterinarian and make a new puppy appointment. As your Goldendoodle becomes a senior, your vet may suggest twice yearly well check visits. Your veterinarian is an essential part of helping your puppy live the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible. But how do you choose a veterinarian? For a veterinary clinic to become AAHA accredited, they are assessed on standards for veterinary care. Also, you can ask friends, family, and other dog parents for recommendations on vets, check out veterinary websites, and visit the veterinary offices. Schedule a new puppy vet visit. When we called our veterinary office, the care team asked for some basic information about the puppy so they could get her records set up. This way we could rest assured that our puppy was in good physical health, on track for vaccinations, and had the proper testing for parasites and worms. For example, our new puppy had hiccups. Finally, we could ask our vet about the proper nutrition for our puppy, how much to feed each day, and get expert answers on puppyhood — everything from tips on potty training to puppy socialization. The list of veterinary specialty services sounds much like the specialty services that we receive as humans. Why do I bring this up? With so many advanced veterinary resources available—much like humans use insurance to cover the healthcare costs—you may want to investigate pet insurance. Since there are so many insurance options to research, doing your homework ahead of time makes sense. Also, from my research, the younger your puppy is when you enroll, the lower your monthly payment will be. Alternatively, if you are unsure about insurance, you may want to consider putting money aside each month to cover unexpected emergencies or life-saving procedures that may be down the road. Start planning your new schedule. What will your schedule look like when your new puppy comes home? Who will be available to care for your puppy? Every family has different daily routines, so arranging a schedule looks different for everyone. If there is more than one family member in the household, perhaps you can flex your schedules. Prepare your home and start new habits. Dropping backpacks by the door or leaving socks on the floor is real life. Yes, many Goldendoodles—and other Doodle dogs—are notorious sock thieves. Scratch grapes and raisins off the shopping list because they are a hazard for dogs. Clear the coffee table a. Buy the lidded trash cans for the bathroom that are dog-proof. Make sure your kitchen trash cans are not where puppies can get them. In addition to preparing your home, you may want to puppy proof your car too. I know a lot of people put packs of sugarless gum in their car console. Order your new puppy supplies. Crates and puppy toys and water bowls and leashes and collars. The list of puppy supplies is long. For a complete list of new puppy supplies, please check out my new puppy check list. You can also visit our Goldendoodle Supplies store. Here you will find puppy supplies that we have used and recommend. Determine you puppy space—a designated puppy area. This one was big for us. When our new puppy first came home, we thought we had a puppy space the family room with puppy gates to block off the other rooms determined. So we MacGyvered a solution by sectioning off a smaller area of the family room using our new three-panel wooden dog gates and our L-shaped couch to make a play area. For example, we could easily observe when our puppy started to wander away from us, lost interest in toys, or started sniffing. These were all her signs that she was just about to go potty! Set up your puppy supplies. For example, if you bought a new crate, assembling it now will be easier than when you have a curious puppy helping you. Rest up! New puppies have tiny puppy bladders and need to go out at night to go potty. Choose a designated area outside for puppy potty training. Determine where your puppy will sleep. More than likely, your puppy is used to sleeping next to puppy siblings, listening to puppy sounds, and feeling the warmth of her mom and puppy brothers and sisters. Since dogs are so social, for our puppy, we wanted to provide reassurance that we were nearby. We decided that our new furry family member would be safest in a crate. But the crate would be placed next to the bed so that our puppy could feel close to us—her new pack. Plus, we could comfort her with the sound of our voices or a gentle touch. Also, we placed a Snuggle Puppy in the crate. I thought our puppy might see the Snuggle Puppy as a play toy rather than a calming toy, but no! Our puppy loved it! This is a day for heaps of love and time and attention. Here are some tips to help the day go smoothly. Before going into your home, allow your puppy the opportunity to go potty. Before you walk through the door with your new puppy in your arms, allow her a little time to explore her new puppy potty spot in your yard or green space. Even as a puppy, our week-old Goldendoodle was a little speedster, so we knew we had to keep her on leash. Start small. As mentioned earlier, rather than giving our puppy the ability to roam our home immediately, we started small. So on her first day home, we created an even smaller area using our couch and our dog gates. This allowed us to be able to sit with our new Goldendoodle puppy and also let her explore and sniff within a small space. Also, we could watch her like a hawk as well as enjoy spending time with her. We had a couple of puppy toys for her to play with and a small dog bowl of water in her improvised play area. Bond with your fur baby! Give your dog heaps of your love, attention, and time. If you take away just one tip from this article, this is the one! In fact, multiple research studies have shown that when you bond with your dog, your dog releases oxytocin—the love hormone. Our puppers are counting on us to protect them from canine diseases like parvovirus.Expect your puppy to need you. Your puppy is going to need you, want to be with you, and count on you. Puppies have years of biology telling them that being part of a pack is security. They want you. Before that big day, you can plan ahead by puppy-proofing your home, getting the puppy supplies bought, and more. I hope that even one or two of these tips will help make your day even happier. And, by being prepared, I hope any new puppy jitters quickly become new puppy joys. I blogged about my bout with the puppy blues. I shared on YouTube and Instagram how hard it was to have a puppy in the house. And wow do I have loads to share about the experience of being a Goldendoodle owner. First things first. People choose to adopt or shop for a whole host of different reasons — many of which are highly personal. We had been wanting to add a dog to the family for years, but landed on a Goldendoodle puppy intentionally and thoughtfully. This decision was taken seriously and we contemplated a lot of options. Ultimately we wanted the experience of raising a puppy. Point being — I made the choice I made and I stand by it. We adopted our cat from a shelter and have mad respect for that experience. For us, sourcing a puppy from a reputable breeder was the right choice at the time and honestly, given the competition at shelters, the only real choice. But I digress. Who this post is for. I was in the market for a Goldendoodle puppy and was after all the info on the breed I could get. What exactly is a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles are produced when a Golden Retriever is mixed with a Poodle. There are many different types and generations of Goldendoodles. You can also find Medium and Mini Goldendoodle options — all of which are determined by the size of the Poodle. The parent breeds of the puppy ultimately determine the generation of the puppy — and different generations are known for different traits such as coat type, temperament, body size and shape, etc. Goldendoodle generations. Like I said, Goldendoodle dogs come in a whole host of generations. This breeding variety can offer a lot of trait blends you might find in a Poodle Golden Retriever mix, from coat type to body shape and more. This is the first generation of Goldendoodle. Our dog, Lemon, is an F2 Goldendoodle. The brutal truth about owning a Goldendoodle. People will likely get upset that you chose to shop and not adopt. Yep — please refer to the above. Ironically — neither does team purebred! Folks who run in the purebred dog circuit sometimes have strong opinions about the lineage and breeding standards of a dog. Honestly, I do understand where the criticism about the Goldendoodle breed comes from. The result? A lot of really nasty, unsavory backyard breeding tactics. Many Goldendoodle breeders are unscrupulous and hard to verify. Unlike an AKC recognized breed where you can search for reputable and verified breeders, no such official list exists for Goldendoodles. This means most of us shopping for a Goldendoodle are just hitting up Google, praying to see good reviews, and maybe hopefully getting a good word of mouth recommendation from another doodle owner. There are plenty of ethical, legitimate Goldendoodle breeders out there. Kindly ask the owner where they got their dog from and if they liked the experience. Extra points if you can learn about the health of the dog. I also highly recommend only buying from a breeder that performs various health screenings on the parent dogs. Good breeders should be testing for the Goldendoodle health issues seen most commonly. There are no health testing requirements when it comes to breeding doodles, so all health tests are at the expense and discretion of the breeder. Good breeders DO test! Goldendoodle sizes vary widely — and breeders cannot guarantee them. Breeders often price their Goldendoodle puppies by size. Standard size Goldendoodles tend to cost less than Mini Goldendoodles because the Miniature Goldendoodle size is considered more popular. Goldendoodles are a mixed breed group at the end of the day — so weight fluctuates wildly. Best estimations can absolutely be made based on the weight of the parents, but ultimately no breeder can accurately promise or guarantee the end size of your dog. Sizing as advertised by a breeder is a ballpark range, not an absolute promise. Another Goldendoodle trait often promised by breeders is coat type. Goldendoodle colors and coats do change as your dog grows. Puppy coats also may be curlier or straighter than their adult coats. Unfortunately the dark curly coat you fall in love with when bringing your puppy home might in fact shed away to a much lighter or straighter coat. Also — hot take — the Goldendoodle hypoallergenic and non-shedding promise pumped out into the world by breeders is a bit of a myth. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles with more Golden Retriever in them have a higher likelihood of shedding than generations with more Poodle or potentially more mixed. Goldendoodle coats require a lot of maintenance. For the most part, Goldendoodle coats do require a fair bit of maintenance. This is especially true if you like your doodles hair to be long and shaggy. Goldendoodle puppy fur is fine and both tangles and mats easily. The shorter cut is so much easier to maintain than that beautiful, long look. Goldendoodles are known for having gut issues. From allergies to just general bubble gut, doodles can tend to have finicky tummies. It also means you might need to put up with random bouts of diarrhea. Goldendoodles are known for having allergies — both food related and seasonal. Lemon wakes up every single morning with eye boogers thanks to her seasonal allergies. But in all seriousness, allergies are actually a fairly well known fact of doodles in general. Doodles are also susceptible to seasonal allergies and allergies to specific plants, grass, etc. We just give her some supplements, watch her diet, and try to discourage rolling around in freshly cut grass. Goldendoodles are expensive. Goldendoodles are wildly expensive. End of story. To purchase a Goldendoodle in , the average puppy would ring in at multiple thousands of dollars. Even in more rural areas, breeders were still able to charge a pretty penny. Many people actually fly puppies into wherever they live from rural breeders just to save money! Lemon had stomach issues from the moment we brought her home, resulting in expensive vet visits, tests, medicines, and food. For the record, I highly recommend getting pet insurance for your dood. Goldendoodles have endless amounts of energy. Somewhere along the way I feel like Goldendoodles got the reputation for being amazing for beginner dog owners and as family dogs. Goldendoodles are like Energizer bunnies. Man, do they have a lot of energy! Goldendoodles constantly need to be engaged or have something to do. But for the most part, this breed is not a lap dog nor are they a true couch potato. Goldendoodles will require a minimum of one healthy walk per day, often more. Goldendoodles can survive on less exercise, but the result is often behavioral problems that may lead them to ultimately be surrendered. Goldendoodles are smart AF. One of the most frequently asked questions about doods that I get over on Instagram is about trainability of this breed. Goldendoodles make for amazing training class dogs. These doods are sharp as a tack and genuinely love to be challenged and work with their humans. Goldendoodles are re-homed at high rates because not enough people do their research into the facts of this designer dog breed. For as expensive as these designer dogs are — they do actually end up surrendered. They just saw a cute puppy and fell in love. Some owners purchase their Goldendoodle puppy imagining a sweet, mellow, curly, non-shedding, hypoallergenic pup only to find out their puppy is, well…a Goldendoodle. Loads of energy. May or may not shed. But yes, still very sweet. I knew my pup would come home with energy, but even I was surprised by just how much energy she had to burn each day! Lemon typically gets walked twice per day. We also absolutely love taking Lemon to training classic, sport classes, and doggy daycare — all of which really wear her out. Sport classes like nosework or agility are also great energy releases! Doggy daycare is an amazing way for dogs to socialize together in a safe, supervised environment. Goldendoodles are an amazing mixed breed. Out of all the dog breeds out there — I honestly still see each and every day why my husband and I chose to go with a dood. Lemon is funny, quirky, and goofy — and so are all her siblings. Lemon is insanely smart and incredibly loving. Even after all the late night bouts of diarrhea, the endless vet visits, the tangled fur, the training woes, and the morning eye boogers — we love our dog. We love our Goldendoodle. We love Lemon. Thinking of adding a dood to the family? Feel free to drop questions into the comments below! Photo outfit ideas, wedding planning tips and more. All my best advice. I spent hours reading about the best treats, toys, gear for puppies so that we had everything for our little guy before he arrived. As we are gearing up for my sister-in-law and aunt to bring home their new goldendoodle puppies, I thought a little blog post about my favorite things would be helpful to all the puppy parents and the soon-to-be puppy parents out there. Here is my must-have list for your goldendoodle puppy! We kept Clifton in here at night and when we would leave the house. This one fits perfectly with the crate. We used these to create a safe little area for Clifton once we stopped crate training him to be in. This clips right into the seat belt and on to any harness. This spray helps prevent your dog from chewing on things like your furniture, shoes, etc. You will be using this spray every time there is an accident in the house those first few weeks. We still use this spray 5 years later. Harness : We recently purchased this harness , and we LOVE this one and would recommend this to anyone with a pup as this harness is a little trickier to wiggle out of. Clifton has a medium he weighs about 30 pounds. Collar : We have a bunch of different collars that we switch between, but I love this cognac leather collar for every day. We have this one , and as soon as we switched to this, Clifton walked so much better and stopped pulling. Some of my current favorites are this modern set which is great because it includes a stand. Did You Feed the Dog? I love the smell of it. John Paul Pet Lavender Mint Detangling Spray : Doodles get matted super easily, so we add this detangling spray into our grooming routine to help with the matting. Andis Pet Steel Comb : If you can keep your furbaby mat-free this comb is great for combing him or her out. Safari Dematting Comb : You are going to need a de-matting comb to helpwith matting especially as your puppy gets older. It is the best thing we have bought, and we use it all the time. Start doing this when they are little. We love this little set that includes the toothpaste, brush and finger brush. Towel : We keep two of these pet towels in the bathroom where we give Clifton a bath. They are great at absorbing the water after a bath. We also pack these when we take him to the dog beach or Florida. Mushers Secret Paw Wax : If your pup lives in a cold climate, this is perfect for their dry, cracked paws that will come in winter. Shopping for toys was one of my favorite parts when I first started shopping for Clifton. My advice is not to buy too many toys at first like I did. Your puppy is going to destroy those cute, stuffed animals quickly. Grab a few because they make for some cute photos and toys around the house, but also stock up on things that will help when they need to chew. One thing to keep in mind when getting toys is to avoid any rope toys. Pups can eat the strings and have them wrap around their intestines — which is NOT good. So just skip them altogether. It is supposed to help transition them because it has a battery heartbeat and a pouch to make it warm. If you can, ask the breeder to rub it on his mom or the other puppies so it smells like them. Goldendoodles are one of the dog breeds with the most excess energy. As smart, active dogs, goldendoodles require lots of exercise, mental stimulation and positive reinforcement. Continue reading to learn more about how to identify and calm down a hyper goldendoodle. They love nothing more than snuggling up with you after a long day and will always be over the moon to see you. However, doodles are naturally energetic dogs with boundless enthusiasm and zest for life. Your pet might whine and bark as a way of letting you know it needs attention and exercise. Add more exercise and playtime to its routine to prevent this from happening. As you can tell, the main reason for a hyper doodle is a mixture of natural temperament and lack of exercise. That said, all goldendoodle owners should expect the first three years to be jam-packed with playtime and high-energy behavior. Even after your doodle loses its puppy teeth at around six to eight months old, puppy-like behavior is likely to continue. Generally speaking, doodles are most hyper during the early stage of life, then become a little more docile at three years old and calm down a lot by the time they reach .Want a Calm Dog? Dogs are very sensitive animals and naturally match your energy levels to please you and fit into your environment. Stress, anxiety and anger are very distressing for dogs and might cause them to act out. Regularly getting into a frenzy of love and fuss can also be detrimental. If you get super-excited every time you come home and see your pet, you teach it that overexcitement is acceptable. Likewise, if you speak loudly and get very animated, you teach it that this behavior is normal. The answer is a resounding yes! However, proper training and a health-promoting daily routine are essential for bringing out the best in your pet. Below are the key components for evening out the energy levels of a hyper doodle. Early Training Methods Prevent Too Much Energy in a Goldendoodle Puppy Issues such as play biting, excessive licking, chewing, mouthing, tugging and wrestling are common among goldendoodle puppies. Regular Exercise For a goldendoodle, exercise is paramount. What constitutes enough exercise? For most doodles, daily exercise split into two walks around your local area or a dog park is ideal. Dog parks are great because they provide opportunities for socialization and training, which can help your dog learn how to maintain a calm demeanor. Keep in mind that the above timeframes are for outdoor walks — time in the backyard or indoors playing should be separate. Scent Training Scent training is one of the most effective ways to occupy a goldendoodle and keep it happy. Playing fetch offers physical stimulation, and providing toys offers mental stimulation, but nose work combines both. Reward your dog every time it finds a hidden treat. Increase the difficulty of the hiding places gradually over time. They help your dog relax, unwind and de-stress. Some ideas for toys include: Squeaky toys. Welcome to my first puppy blog! His expected weight as an adult is between 40 and 50 pounds. Before bringing Henry home I did months of research on puppies. I wanted to make sure I knew as much as possible. I grew-up with a shih-tzu and now my parents have a havenese. My parents used potty pads with both dogs and they were difficult to house train. I researched different breeds, breeders and also considered adoption. However, most of my research was focused on crate and house training. I am not a dog expert and have no education as a dog trainer, but I thought it would be helpful to share what has worked well for us. In our home we created a designated puppy room. For about his first two weeks home he rarely left this room. He has a tiny, weak bladder and is easily confused in his new home. You can create a puppy room or space anywhere in your home, I think it just helps to do-so close by to an exterior door. It is key that this area is very close to the puppy room. Fortunately, he went potty right away on that first day. We gave him lots of verbal praise then took him inside. Each time he comes inside we wipe his paws with a wipe because he does not have all of his vaccine boosters. I have spoke with a few veterinarians on this topic and suggest everyone do the same. Taking Henry outside to go potty was the right choice for us. When Henry entered his room his crate was setup with the door open. Inside we had a crate pad and the towel he sat on in the car during his ride home. I was a bit nervous about the crate situation because neither of my family dogs took a liking to their crate. We let him explore his new room for a bit and before we knew it, he walked into his crate on his own to lay down. From that moment on, he loved his crate! I originally planned to move his crate into our bedroom next to my side of the bed. Since Henry easily went in and out of his crate on his first day home we decided not to move his crate. I totally understand that this is not the case for every pup! When we took Henry home he was about 9lbs and he started with a 24 inch crate. As most sites suggest, he had enough room to turn around, but not enough room to play. Too much extra space in the crate may cause puppies to go potty on one side and sleep on the other. The crate should only be big enough for relaxing — not relaxing AND potty. Tip 4 Stick to a schedule. Day and night. We brought Henry home on a Sunday afternoon and I was able to stay home the following two days. Starting on the first night we set alarms to wake up every two hours to take Henry outside. I know that some sites suggest not waking your puppy up, but this is the method that we chose and it worked very well for Henry. We chose this method because we wanted him to understand that night time is for sleeping and going potty — not playing. By waking him up we felt were inconveniencing him, not the other way around. For the most part, he was always sleeping when we took him out until he woke up for good around 5am. We followed the 2 hour approach for about five days then increased to 3 hours. After about another five days we increased to 4 hours. He has never had an accident in his crate and can hold it for hours at night. Henry eventually started sleeping later util about 6 and am. For the first two weeks, we also wrote down every time Henry ate, drank and went potty. During the first two days, we peed 14 times before dinner. Patience is not my strongest venture. My husband on the other hand, has the patience of a saint. Brining home a puppy is without a doubt stressful and exhausting. The first few weeks are especially tough, but hang in there! I promise it gets better. Your little guy was taken from his mama and siblings then placed in whole new world. It is going to take some time for him to learn, but he will learn. During the first two weeks Henry went nuts for food and water. Here we are 5 weeks out and he plops his little butt down when we bring his food over. The calmer you are, the calmer he will be too. Our next goal is to tackle puppy biting — check back soon! Share this:.

Some people believe that spaying and neutering helps to avoid behavioral problems. The impact has been dramatic, with an estimated 85 percent of dogs in the U. Breeders have an important role in helping puppy buyers determine at what age to neuter or spay their dog. They may require puppy buyers to neuter or spay their dog to avoid indiscriminate breeding, thus their recommendation is key in helping owners decide when to spay or neuter their German Shepherd Dog. The study reported a significant increase in cranial cruciate ligament CCL tears, or ruptures, in male and female German Shepherd Dogs neutered before 1 year of age, and it also noted a significantly higher incidence of urinary incontinence in female German Shepherd Dogs spayed before 1 year of age. The research was based on the veterinary records of 1, intact and neutered German Shepherd Dogs in the medical database at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The report examined joint disorders and cancers previously associated with neutering that occurred in dogs from Jan. The analysis involved a comparison of disease incidence in intact dogs with those neutered before 6 months of age, between 6 and 11 months of age, between 12 and 23 months of age, and from 24 months through 8 years of age. Mammary cancer in females was followed through 11 years of age. Lead investigator Benjamin L. One size does not fit all when it comes to deciding whether to neuter. Hart, a clinical animal behaviorist, researches the behavioral effects of neutering or spaying in animals. An ongoing study of the health effects associated with spay and neuter surgery will provide analyses of a total of 31 breeds for which data has been compiled. When the work is completed later this year, the information will be available on an open-access website as a resource for breeders, owners, veterinarians, and researchers. We knew we needed the research to be breed-specific rather than generalizing across breeds. Spaying female Goldens through 8 years of age increased the rate of at least one cancer by three to four times that of intact females. A German Shepherd Dog being campaigned at dog shows is not eligible for neutering or spaying because conformation involves judging dogs for their breeding potential. Dogs that compete in herding trials, obedience or rally, agility, tracking, and Schutzhund may be neutered or spayed, as these performance events are exempt from the breeding purpose that governs dog shows. However, owners may wish to avoid increasing the risk of a joint disorder such as hip dysplasia or CCL, as this could interfere with performance. People who buy German Shepherd Dogs for companions may want to neuter or spay their dog to help prevent unwanted litters, to avoid bitches coming into season, and to lessen aggression and roaming tendencies in males, though Dr. Hart says evidence shows that neutering males after 1 year is as effective in controlling aggression as neutering before 6 months of age. Neutering or spaying German Shepherd Dogs training for police or military work is optional. However, it is important that these dogs be healthy and fit to do their jobs, and neutering or spaying before 6 months of age could increase the risk of a debilitating joint disorder such as hip dysplasia or CCL. Among all German Shepherd Dogs studied, hip dysplasia, a frequent disease in the breed, is doubled in risk to 7 to 8 percent by early spaying or neutering. However, CCL occurs in less than 1 percent of intact dogs but is increased in risk to 8 to 12 percent with early spay-neuter surgeries, resulting in this disease being the main joint disorder impacted by early neutering in German Shepherd Dogs. A critical stabilizer of the stifle knee joint, the CCL functions as a rope as it stabilizes the femur thighbone to the tibia shinbone , preventing the stifle bone from shifting during activity. In intact male German Shepherd Dogs, 6. The main joint disorder reported was hip dysplasia, which results from a loose connection between the pelvis socket, or acetabulum, and the thighbone ball, or femur head, which creates laxity in the hip joint. Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, commonly accompany this disease, causing pain and disability. Male German Shepherd Dogs neutered before 6 months of age had an incidence rate of .In dogs neutered from 6 to 11 months of age, the incidence was .Although CCL rupture occurred in less than 1 percent of intact males, in dogs neutered before 6 months of age and from 6 to 11 months of age, the rate increased significantly to .Similarly, intact female German Shepherd Dogs showed an incidence rate of 5. In contrast, those spayed before 6 months of age had an incidence rate of .In those spayed between 6 to 11 months of age, the rate was almost 17 percent — three times higher than in intact females. CCL, which was diagnosed in less than 1 percent of intact females, occurred in 4. Because joint disorders can be related to body weight, the researchers also looked at whether the increased weight of neutered dogs could be responsible for CCL rupture, but they did not find a connection. Using a body condition score BCS based on a scale of 1 to 9, with 5 being ideal, they compared the body condition of neutered males with CCL ruptures to neutered males without CCL ruptures and found that the median BCS for both was 5. Hart explains. This condition is caused by growth disturbances in the elbow joint due to a misalignment of growth between the two bones in the foreleg between the radius elbow and ulna wrist. Hart says. It is mostly diagnosed in neutered large-breed dogs. As expected, the condition was not reported in intact female German Shepherd Dogs, yet 7 percent of females spayed before 1 year of age were incontinent in their elderly years. Fortunately, of the cancers followed in German Shepherd Dogs through age 8, there were few reports regardless whether a dog was intact or neutered. The research team cautioned that cancer rates could increase at later ages, though they did not study this. Mammary cancer was tracked through 11 years of age because this type of cancer characteristically occurs later in life. About 4 to 5 percent of intact females and those spayed from 2 through 8 years were diagnosed with mammary cancer in contrast to no cases diagnosed in females spayed before 6 months of age. Spaying has been attributed to helping to reduce the risk of mammary cancer, though a published study found neutering provided no apparent protection against mammary cancer. Hart notes that the protective factor could be breed specific. Regardless, in German Shepherd Dogs, the incidence of mammary cancer is fairly low. A Proactive Preventive Approach Given the results of this study showing the increased incidence of CCL rupture and urinary incontinence in German Shepherd Dogs that had early spay-neuter surgeries, breeders should consider the pros and cons before deciding the best age to recommend that puppy buyers spay or neuter their dogs. The purpose of a dog also should be considered in determining what is best for a companion dog, a working police dog, or a show or sporting competitor could be different. A German Shepherd Dog that is neutered or spayed before 1 year of age and has a CCL rupture could be out of commission for months for surgery and rehabilitation. Urinary incontinence is an inconvenient disorder for owners to deal with because it requires frequent cleaning of urine from floors and bedding. It also is attributed to dogs being relinquished to shelters. The most important finding in German Shepherd Dogs is that there is no advantage of neutering or spaying before 12 months of age. Joint disorders, a concern in German shepherd dogs, might be less likely to occur if spaying or neutering procedures are delayed until the dog is at least one year old, this study suggests. But as most handlers, breeders and veterinarians are aware, joint disorders are a big concern in these animals. A new study in the journal Veterinary Medicine and Science finds that neutering or spaying these dogs before 1 year of age triples the risk of one or more joint disorders — particularly for cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, tears. In Europe, however, neutering is generally avoided by owners and trainers and not promoted by animal health authorities, Hart said. During the past decade, some studies have indicated that spaying or neutering can have several adverse health effects for certain dog breeds. For example, a study published in PLoS ONE and also led by Hart, examined the health records of over 1, golden retrievers and found a surprising fourfold increase in one or more joint disorders associated with spay or neuter before 1 year of age. In the same paper, joint disorders in Labrador retrievers were found to be increased by just twofold in dogs spayed or neutered in the first year. For this current study, researchers examined veterinary hospital records over a .The diseases were followed through 8 years of age, with the exception of mammary cancer in females, which was followed through 11 years. The dogs were classified as intact not neutered , neutered before 6 months, neutered between 6 to 11 months, or neutered between 12 to 23 months and 2 to 8 years. Joint disorders and cancers are of particular interest because neutering removes male and female sex hormones that play key roles in important body processes such as closure of bone growth plates. Seven percent of intact males were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, compared to 21 percent of males neutered prior to a year of age. In intact females, 5 percent were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in females neutered prior to 1 year of age this measure was significantly increased to 16 percent. Mammary cancer was diagnosed in 4 percent of intact females compared with less than 1 percent in females neutered before 1 year of age. The occurrence of the other cancers followed through 8 years of age was not higher in the neutered than in the intact dogs. Urinary incontinence, not diagnosed in intact females, was diagnosed in 7 percent of females neutered before 1 year of age. New pet owners have long been urged to spay and neuter their puppies. Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California in Davis recently studied the effects of neutering in German Shepherds, and their findings may help shape new evidence-based guidelines on the best time to neuter a puppy. The American Veterinary Medical Association supports pediatric spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, a time period which is typically after the animal is eight weeks old but before they reach six months of age. In their paper published in the journal Veterinary Medicine and Science, the University of California-Davis researchers outline their study on the veterinary hospital records of German Shepherd dogs. Advertisement Citing previous studies, including their own, the researchers note that neutering dogs within the first year of life is associated with a higher incidence of debilitating joint disorders such as hip dysplasia HD , cranial cruciate ligament tear or rupture CCL and elbow dysplasia ED. Looking at multiple breeds, neutered dogs are two to three times more likely than intact dogs to develop CCL. Looking at cancers such as osteosarcoma, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, the authors note previous studies of the Veterinary Medical Database that show that male and female neutered dogs are more likely than intact dogs to die of cancer. They also cite their own studies involving the Golden Retriever, where they found that neutering at all neuter periods through 8 years of age increased the rate of at least one of the cancers by three to four times. For this study, the researchers compiled data from 1, German Shepherds. Of the males, were neutered and were intact, and of the females, were neutered and intact. They compared the occurrence of joint disorders in intact dogs and in those neutered before six months of age , from six to 11 months, at one year, and at two to eight years. For some of their analyses, they grouped all dogs neutered before 12 months and referred to them as early neutered. In their findings, the researchers noted that 6. That fell to .Hip dysplasia was the most commonly experienced joint disorder. For intact females, joint disorders occurred in 5. The authors hypothesize that neutering stems the natural gonadal hormone secretions that regulate the growth of long-bone plates, so early gonadectomy may allow the bones to grow longer than normal and thus increase the risk of joint conditions. The rates of cancers in intact versus neutered dogs showed a much less significant change. For German Shepherds, it is the timing of the neuter that is important. For this breed just waiting until the dog is well over a year of age, such as 16 to 18 months, should be sufficient to avoid increased risks of joint disorders. Related Videos. Vet visits, injections and health checks are all too often in the early stages and, following all that, the final decision you have to make is whether or not to have your German Shepherd spayed or neutered. Spayed or Neutered? The procedure usually involves cutting a small incision in the abdomen. Whilst recommendations vary, vets typically suggest that you should have your German Shepherd spayed or neutered between the ages of four and nine months. This is thought to have long-term health benefits, as well as helping to prevent behavioural traits, such as marking and aggression. Whilst some recommend spaying before first heat as young as five months , others suggest that this can increase the risk of mammary tumours. We would always recommend consulting your vet for a personalised opinion. Some studies have said that spaying and castration can prolong the life of dogs and possibly reduce future problems later on in life. Castrating a male reduces the risk of prostate and testicilar cancer. There are many reasons why you should have your German Shepherd spayed or neutered, not least of all because it will likely improve their quality of life and stop you from worrying about a litter of puppies. Spaying is proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer and uterine infections, and neutering similarly prevents testicular cancer. So, if you want to prevent these major German Shepherd killers, neutering and spaying is a sure fire way. Neutering your male German Shepherd will also ensure that he is on his best behaviour at all times. Neutering prevents aggressive and territorial behaviours, and also means that he wont be spending his entire walk hunting for a partner. So, if you want to prevent these embarrassments, get your German Shepherd neutered early on! Millions of animals are euthanised every year because there are simply not enough willing owners to cater for endless litters of puppies. Having this done will prevent unwanted litters and ultimately save the lives of millions of baby German Shepherd that would end up in shelters. Remember… No, the procedure is not painful. Female German Shepherds can reproduce as young as four months old, and male German Shepherds can as of six months. Deciding on spaying or neutering your German Shepherd is a very important part of responsible pet ownership. What is neutering? Neutering a German Shepherd involves a surgical procedure to remove its testicles, making it unable to reproduce. The scrotum will be kept intact. Health Benefits of Neutering: According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, around 6 million companion dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States alone. Apart from preventing testicular tumors and cancer, neutering your German Shepherd would also prevent prostate problems as he ages. Behavioral Benefits of Neutering For many German Shepherd owners, the decision to neuter is based mainly on behavioral changes. Unaltered adult males will regularly have the urge to mate. In fact, most male dogs will have an urge so strong that they do whatever they can to access a female in heat, the scent of which they can track from considerable distances. When they can track the scent of a female in heat, they could go to great lengths in order to escape from home. Unneutered male dogs are also more likely to adopt unwanted behavior like urine marking, mounting, and humping. These are all linked to hormonal changes, especially as they reach sexual maturity. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider before making the big decision. Lifestyle Benefits There are also lifestyle benefits to consider when deciding to neuter your German Shepherd. You need to consider whether you will need to board your dog or have them go some place where they require neutering over their lifetime. Neutering Disadvantages Reproduction The most obvious disadvantage of neutering your German Shepherd is that he will no longer be able to father a litter once the procedure is done. German Shepherd breeding is best left to the professionals. Besides, there are enough dogs in shelters that need permanent homes. Twenty-five percent of them are purebred, many of who are German Shepherds. Aggression Conventional beliefs suggest that neutering keeps German Shepherds from developing aggressive behaviors. For many decades, this popular belief has been uncontested and anecdotally supported. They were also observed to be more fearful and sensitive to handling. At the end of the day, it all comes down to genes, environment, and upbringing. Bone Development A study by researchers at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center suggests that neutered male dogs are more likely to suffer from injury of the ACL, a ligament that connects the femur and the tibia. Male dogs that are neutered before maturity are said to have longer bones. While their tall appearance is appreciated, this is believed to be the reason for their predisposition for not only ACL injuries but also elbow and hip dysplasia. Nevertheless, whether neutered or not, German Shepherds are predisposed to hip dysplasia due to their size. A good diet and proper exercise throughout their lifetime should provide ample protection from such injuries. When to Neuter a German Shepherd Male German Shepherd males can be neutered as early as eight weeks with the common practice being around 6 months old. For most, the decision to neuter at around 6 months is because this is typically the time they reach sexual maturity. However, a study by University of California-Davis researchers showed that only 8. The researchers suggest that the best time to neuter a male German Shepherd is around months, or at least 12 months old.