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We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Puppies are so cute! Just the thought of a little pup romping around the room and playing with his many toys makes people smile. And puppy kisses are the best! But it takes a lot of planning and work to have a successful relationship with the new addition. Remaining with them until then helps him learn how to appropriately play and interact with others. It also teaches him bite inhibition, so that he learns not to bite down too hard on our skin. So what exactly should we expect from our 8 week old puppy? Puppy Proof Your House Puppies are curious about everything. Choose the room your puppy will be in the most and make sure that electrical cords, hazardous chemicals, medications, and small items that can be ingested are out of his reach. When you get him, try to obtain a blanket or toy with the scent of his mother and littermates if possible. That will help him feel more at ease in a new environment. The breeder of my Lhasa apso Ralphie gave us a toy with those scents to help him make the transition, as he had a familiar scent with him which I placed in his pen at home. She was born in rescue but was the last of a litter of nine to be adopted when I saw her. But she made the transition fine. These include the following: Crates and exercise pens. But make sure you buy one with a divider included so that you can adjust the size of the crate as he grows. Collar and leash. Some breeders and rescues provide these. You may also want a harness to walk him. Clean-up tools. Chew deterrent. They make chew deterrents for various surfaces, such as for cloth or for wood such as furniture or baseboards. Toys and chew items. There are so many toys on the market today. Purchase a variety of safe types—some squeak, others rattle. And safe chews like Kong toys and Nylabones are important, because the puppy will explore the world with his mouth. Food and treats. You may want to change the puppy to a food you prefer. Many breeders and rescues will provide you with starter food. Then, if you change it, do so over at least a week or two. Other Preparations In addition to puppy-proofing your home and getting the above-listed items, there are other appointments you should have lined up prior to getting your pup, if possible. Have a veterinarian appointment set for your new puppy to be checked within the first few days after you get him. So, if you can, book the appointment in advance. When you meet with the vet, ask about what vaccinations your puppy will need. Puppies who are eight-weeks old generally have already had their distemper, adenovirus II, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines. Discuss with your vet the appropriate heartworm preventative and flea and tick products for your puppy. Also ask about your puppy being microchipped. A microchip is really important should your puppy get lost. If you have the time, also look into puppy kindergarten and socialization classes. Make sure that the trainer is a positive reinforcement trainer who has experience in training puppies. And the facility should be clean and well-run. All puppies admitted to any classes should also be required to have age-appropriate vaccinations. Post Arrival After your new furry bundle of joy has arrived, the fun starts! And play with him and train him. Some breeders and rescues may have already started to house train him. Scheduling Puppies need consistency. So have a schedule for his feeding, pottying, training, exercise, and socialization. At eight weeks old, he may be getting three to four feedings per day. So feed him each meal at the same time each day. And have a basic schedule for his other needs. You may need other people to help out with some of his needs, such as house training. Socialization Socialization means exposing your new puppy, in a positive manner, to all the things that he will have to face in the real world. So he should be trained to walk over various surfaces, hear everyday noises, and meet friendly people and pets. But you can still have friends and family members over to meet him. And give them tidbits of treats to give the puppy to make any encounter such as petting a positive one. Of course, first give your new puppy a few days to settle in at your home before you expose him to even more new experiences. At home, too, get him used to the sounds of water running, the dishwasher and other appliances running, and the vacuum. You get the idea. Make each a positive experience, giving him a piece of kibble or a small treat. And do this slowly not to overwhelm him. And get him used to car rides. A very young puppy will have to go to the bathroom after he eats, sleeps, and has any excitement including play. He has very little bladder control at eight weeks old. A young puppy can hold his urine about one hour more than his age. So he can hold it about three hours at two months old. You may want to have an exercise pen set up as a safe area. You can place a potty pad at one end and a bed or towel as his bed at the other end. And place a few safe toys, including a puppy Kong. I just make sure to take the puppy out at the right times. Handling Your puppy has to get used to handling and grooming. You can have him chew a safe chew or lick moist food or Kong stuffing out of a Kong to occupy his mouth and make the training exercise positive. Get him used to gently massaging his whole body, including feet and touching his nails. Get him used to gently opening his mouth. Calmly praise any calm behavior. Keep the sessions very short—a few minutes at most. You should do only a part of his body during each session or it will probably be too much for him. If he struggles, calmly wait until he settles before releasing him. Obedience Training Your new puppy is basically a blank slate. He has to learn all the commands to live with us successfully. Training also helps the puppy bond with you. Of course, give him a day or two to settle in for most commands. But you can still help him learn his identity. So, first, teach him his name. You can show him a piece of his kibble or a tiny treat and hold it near your face when you say his name. Do this a few times. Then try to just say his name, not holding the food near your face. When he looks at you, again praise and reward. Remember to never use his name in a negative manner, such as for a correction. Always start any training session without any distractions. Your puppy has to be able to focus on you to learn. One of the first commands we teach our puppies is to sit. You can hold a treat just above his nose and slowly move it back towards his forehead. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Another command I teach puppies in the first week is to come to me. I make it a lot of fun. Some puppies adapt easily, whereas others buck against the leash. Other Normal Puppy Behaviors Puppies explore the world with their mouths. So the little land sharks will try to chew on you and whatever they can reach. This is where your safe toys and chews come in. Always redirect him to the safe items and praise when he chews them. Puppy zoomies are normal. All of a sudden, your puppy may run around the room bouncing off the furniture. This is normal. Final Thoughts New puppies are so much fun! Do you have a puppy or have you had one? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Commencing Marker Training your chocolate labrador pup Start Marker Training at 8 weeks of age When you take your 8 week old labrador pup to their new home, you should commence their obedience training immediately. Just repetitively say yes and give your pup a treat immediately. Then familiarise your labrador pup with a leash. Clip the leash to their collar and allow the pup to roam a little. This way they will adjust to its weight and the sensation around their neck. If you try to walk your pup straight away, they will simply resist. Don't pull and command, but rather cultivate a positive experience with a leash. Secondly, I recommend that you feed your new labrador pup with a leash attached until they learn to sit. This will establish you as the master and immediately teach the pup restraint. Do not give the food bowl to your dog without firstly bringing him under your control. Even with my mature dogs, I will not let them feed except on command. Feeding should never be random. Hold the leash close to the labrador pup's neck and push their rear end down to the seated position. When they are sitting, enthusiastically praise your pup and, only then, reward their obedience with food. Remember, food should always represent a reward for good behaviour. They hear tones and frequencies. When we train them, we are conditioning them to associate a particular sound with a response so that it means something to them. Labrador puppies like all dogs learn contextually and by consistent repetition. In this way, a labrador pup learns to associate sounds with responses and rewards. This is why you should reward your pup immediately when they have performed a command correctly, even if they did not intend to do so. In the early stages, I prefer to teach a dog to 'sit,' then move on to 'staying' before teaching them to 'come'. This is especially so while they are still a puppy. Remember that a 12 month old dog is still a pup. They are regularly hyperactive and overstimulated. The goal is to get your labrador puppy into a calm and submissive state as often as you can. Ensure you are demonstrating a calm and composed, yet assertive demeanor. When you are in charge, your labrador pup will willingly sit and look to you for direction. Exercise patience and be repetitive but don't overdo it. Remember that the time you put in now will help you bond with your young dog, even if they do not appear to be advancing quickly. It will be a very worthwhile investment in a long term relationship for years to come. Of these three basic commands, the 'stay' command will take more time to teach. When this is mastered and entrenched in your dog's obedience, it can save your dog from danger. You are teaching them associations, not English words. Sit Teaching your new labrador pup to sit should begin immediately when you take it home. Begin by feeding them on a leash. Hold the leash close to the pup's neck. Give the pup the 'sit' command, but don't reward them with food until they are sitting. In this way you have begun to condition the pup to the 'sit' command. This requires patience at meal time. Remember that a labrador pup requires 4 feeds a day for the first phase of their life. This gives you ample opportunity for repetition and reward. When the dog sits, reward them with a treat and a lot of enthusiastic praise. Each time they repeat the behaviour, reward them with a treat again. You can train your labrador pup for short intervals at any time. Carry a few small pieces of food. Call your pup, then reward them with lots of affirmation and a piece of food when they comply. Teach them to sit by offering a small treat. Say 'sit', then let them smell the food as you move your hand over their head. A labrador pup will automatically lift the nose in the air to follow the food. As the head moves up and back, the pup will tend to sit. Give lots of praise and gradually increase repetition as they associate the word 'sit' with the food. Stay Your Labrador pup will need to understand the 'sit' command before you advance to 'stay'. Before you give the 'stay' command, make sure that the dog is seated. To keep the dog in the sitting position, you will use your hand with the fingers pointing up and the palm in front of their face. To begin with, position yourself about half a metre away from your pup's face. Direct the 'stay' command calmly, with your hand up. Slowly take half a step back and remain there for 3 seconds to begin with. Then step back towards to the dog. Wait for another 3 sec and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this 5 times. Reward them at the end of each 'stay' routine by praising them enthusiastically and giving them a treat. Don't praise or reward the dog until they have remained seated in front of you for a minimum of 3 seconds when you return. Your puppy should not move a millimetre until you give the reward. If your dog breaks early, you have gone too far. Simply return to your dog, reset them in the seated position and begin the routine again. Come It is important to make sure your Labrador understands the 'stay' command before you begin the recall or 'come' command. Make sure you pup is seated before you give the 'come' command. As your walk away from your pup, maintain eye contact. Don't back away too far too soon. If the pup breaks early, give the 'come' command to establish association. When you call your dog to 'come', do not let them jump up on you. If the dog wants to stand on its back legs and reach up, place the palm of your hand on their head and hold it away from you. I suggest that you don't say 'no! The down command should be used as a more constructive training command. If your pup jumps up, make your disapproval known by using a 'dog' sound; 'Ahhh! If you find yourself becoming frustrated, then put the pup away and start again tomorrow. Don't take it personally and don't blame the dog. Corrections are necessary, but not out of frustration or anger. If it's not working, then look at your consistency and your communication. If the training is a positive experience then you will strengthen the bonding and learning process. Develop consistent communication and trust with your dog in the process of the training. Labrador pups love to please and they will be very proud of themselves when they accomplish the command and gain your approval. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Check Price on Amazon 6. Make Commands Only Once When it comes to training, what you give is what you get. This is known as command nagging. Teach your pup to heed a command at its first mention. If an order is not executed the first time, show your Lab what you want them to do and make the command again. Repeat that until they learn to obey the first time the command is made. Discipline at the Precise Moment of the Unwanted Behavior Timing is crucial when disciplining your 8-week-old Labrador pup. Dogs will typically forget an experience in 2 minutes. However, they can recall your training commands through associative memory. Once your pup has corrected his unwanted behavior with the desired behavior, reward him with a tasty treat and lots of praise. To learn more about how to discipline your dog, check out my top article, How to Discipline a Labrador: What Not to Do! It can also cause aggression in dogs , as found in this year-long study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania. Using physical punishment such as hitting, kicking, or grabbing the jowls and shaking, is simply animal abuse. Other unacceptable methods are physically forcing the dog down onto its side or back, growling at your dog, withdrawing food, using a shock collar, or tying it for hours. Wean Your Puppy off Training Treats Your Labrador needs to learn that skills and commands are not learned or obeyed for the sole motive of a treat. For this reason, it is important to wean your puppy off treats when he has repeatedly performed the behavior and completely mastered it in different locations and with various distractions. Nonetheless, your Labrador puppy is still a dog in training, and you still need to tell him that he has done the right thing. The rule of thumb is that they are trained young when it comes to dog training. You should train Labrador puppies as soon as you bring them home, typically around 8 weeks of age. The American Kennel Club AKC indicates that the first key milestone when training a Lab pup is 8 weeks, as soon as they have left their mother. It is a crucial time to lay the foundation for your Labrador puppy to integrate into the family. When you bring your Labrador Retriever puppy home at two months, it has most likely interacted with a few situations and is eager enough to learn and follow the rules of a new home. A recent study scientifically proved that 8-week-old puppies are quite capable of learning at this young age as they quickly learned to open a puzzle box baited with food and remembered the skill an hour later. Interestingly, these puppies learned the skill better from a human rather than their mother. Other studies have also proven that it is effective for future behavior to teach puppies socialization and other skills rather than adults. In this study, puppies who attended a command and socialization training class for one hour a day for six months responded better to strangers than adult dogs who attended the same classes. Are Lab Puppies Easy to Train? Lab puppies are easy to train. They are a working breed that enjoys physical and mental stimulation and have many positive traits. They are intelligent, devoted, friendly, highly social, and love to please. They are often used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, or search and rescue due to their easy trainability. Apart from the age factor, other breed-specific reasons make training a Labrador puppy easy. Here are three examples: Labradors are among the most intelligent dog breeds. In his book, The Intelligence of Dogs, canine psychologist Stanley Coren lists Labradors in the top tier of the smartest dogs. So, even at just two months, your puppy has it in his blood to learn and carry out commands. To perform their original working job of retrieving fish that came off the trawl, Labradors had to be watchful and enthusiastic. These are essential learning characteristics. As game and waterfowl retrievers for hunters, Labradors have to be obedient. Another core training requirement makes your Lab puppy easy to train. With these ten principles on exactly how to train an 8-week-old Labrador, you can now apply them to the key areas your young puppy needs to be trained in. Labrador Puppy Training: Key Areas There are five critical areas in which you must appropriately train your 8-week-old Lab puppy. In the next section, I will tell you what the training entails. How to Socialize a Labrador They say humans are social beings, but that is also true about dogs. Socialization begins with the breeder and continues with you. To socialize a Labrador, expose him to many different places and situations. Include sounds, smells, other adults, children, animals, cars, objects, etc. Dogs who are well socialized in the first 12 weeks will be set up for life. Socializing and training your puppy young plays a significant role in the development of adult dogs, as evidenced in this important study. Here are two key findings: Dogs that are well socialized as pups will behave more positively with humans and are less likely to display unwanted behavioral problems such as fear and aggression. Socialized dogs are more likely to engage in positive social behaviors with humans. They also learn better how to play games with humans, helping them establish a true bond with their owners. As a puppy, you can teach your Labrador social skills and confidence through intentional training moments in the family. Once he has completed his vaccinations, take him to public places such as parks or puppy socialization classes. Put him outside hourly and learn to anticipate when he needs to go. Reward and praise him when he does go outside. Usually, puppies will need to relieve themselves early in the morning and after meals. Use their natural rhythm for daily pee or poop walks. Dogs hate messing in the area they sleep in and usually hold it. Nonetheless, very young puppies might be unable to do so. Walk your Labrador after his morning meal and hang around for 15 minutes or so to allow him to do his thing. Repeat the same in the evening. Puppies will need to be allowed to relieve themselves every hour, and for vaccinated dogs, a short walk every hours is an ideal routine to prevent them from peeing around the house. If you crate your puppy because you need to go out, get someone to help you stick to the routine. Repeating this routine for the first few days will give your new furry friend a good idea of his expectations. Check out my guide to Labrador potty training here. To crate train an 8-week-old Labrador puppy, start as soon as you bring him home. Slowly introduce him to the crate by throwing a treat inside and let him explore the crate voluntarily. When you first leave him with the door closed, make sure he is tired as he will sleep and not be afraid. Check out my Best Dog Crates for Labradors and Playpens recommendations, including soft crates, travel crates, and furniture styles. Here are six key things you should practice when crate-training your Labrador: Keep your puppy in the crate at night. Initiate crate training from the very first day you bring your puppy home. It will be harder to succeed in crate training if your puppy gets used to other sleeping arrangements. My puppy cried during the first night, but she was just fine after that. Lab puppies can be left alone in a crate for 1 hour for each month of age for up to 4 hours. Keep your dog in the crate when you are out of the house. This is also for his safety, such as when you are cooking. Do not let your Lab out of the cage when barking or giving you those puppy eyes. Instead, reward good behavior in the crate, i. He will quickly learn that being quiet leads to nice things. He will quickly learn that this special place is just for him. Various toys and bedding will offer some comfort for your Labrador. When purchasing a crate for your puppy, the best ones will give your Lab enough room to stand, sit, turn, and lie down comfortably on his side with paws outstretched. Instead, buy a crate with an adjustable divider that allows him to grow into and choose a standard metal model with either a single or double door. Travel kennels like this Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel , also from Amazon, are also hardy when you are on the move with your dog. This one is even airline adaptable and meets most airline cargo specifications. Older dogs may refrain from biting because they have been trained not to hurt as they have learned their bite inhibition. This simply means that the dog has learned to control the strength of his bite. This sends the message that the bite hurts. Persist by leaving your hand in his mouth until he lets go, then use lots of praise. All puppies need to master this technique that they initially learned from their mother and littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Training your Lab puppy to soft bite must be done in puppyhood as an adolescent dog will not know how to adjust the force of his jaws when he has adult teeth and adult jaw muscles. This can be devastating for you both, should your Labrador go on to bite someone! Have realistic expectations — as it can take your puppy weeks to learn his soft bite. How to Train a Labrador Puppy to Walk on a Leash Walking on a leash is not a natural skill in dogs — they need to learn it! Teach a leash cue, then introduce the pup to very short walks. If the dog pulls, stand fast and wait for him to return to you before continuing. Do this by letting him wear them for short periods inside the house and yard. I find the best no-pull harness to be those that are not rear-attached, such as the Walk Your Dog With Love harness. They give you more control and are ideal for medium-large breeds. Give a treat when the command is obeyed. Introduce your Lab to short walks outside on a leash. When it appears he is about to lunge toward another dog or object, quickly distract him with a treat. Timing is crucial. Reward him every time commands are obeyed and gradually reduce the rewards as the art of leash walking is perfected. You can start steps 1 and 2 when the puppy is young, but you can only commence step 3 once the dog has been vaccinated. Final Thoughts Eight weeks old is the perfect time to train a Labrador puppy in key areas such as socialization, crate training, potty training, not biting, and leash training. To successfully train your Lab puppy in these areas, you must follow good training principles such as using reward-based training, being consistent in your commands, and disciplining at the precise moment of poor behavior. Begin with basic commands before introducing more complex or trick commands. Related Posts You May Like:. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. Crate training , potty training , and learning to settle at night and will all begin in earnest at 8 weeks. Is your 8 week old puppy driving you crazy? Puppies, like babies, can be hard work. Not to mention annoying, and frustrating! But hang on in there. Chances are, you are sleep deprived, and your life has been turned upside down too. Many of the problems that arise with a new baby puppy, are easily resolved with just a little help. And looking after your puppy with diarrhea is no fun. Which he will, because Labrador puppies are always hungry! You have to ration out his food for him. You need to know how much your puppy needs to eat in a 24 hour period, and then divide that amount between at least 4 meals. First night with puppy Your 8 week old puppy should not sleep in or on your bed. Bed sharing with new puppies is too dangerous. He might fall off, and is likely to leave little puddles on your mattress and carpet. Later on you can bed share with your dog if you want to, but not right now, at least not unless you puppy proof the room and sleep on the floor. Your 8 week old puppy should not be free to roam the house at night. There is so much potential for harm. Even if you only sleep for six hours or so, there is a great deal of mischief your puppy can get up to in that time. So, the three main options that work well for 8 week old puppies are described next First night options for an 8 week old puppy Here are those three alternative sleeping arrangement for the first few nights Safe sleeping area Sturdy box or crate next to your bed 1 The puppy safe sleeping area Just before you go to bed and after taking your outside to empty himself, you can put the puppy to bed in a puppy proof room with a washable floor. Or you can put his bed inside a large puppy playpen. Put plenty of newspaper or puppy pads down to cover most of the floor. On the other hand you WILL have to get up in the night. Which option is best? It may also result in vomiting and diarrhea for your pup, and a lot of clearing up for you. It might seem irrational to you, but there are good reasons for your puppy to be scared. If asked to sleep alone on the first night in their new home, they usually cry. For a surprisingly long time. Unless you live in a mansion, you will be able to hear him. And so will your neighbors. The best way around this, is to have the puppy sleep next to you for the first few nights as described in Option 3 above. New puppies learn very quickly. Whilst initial crying is the result of fear or loneliness, puppies they soon discover that crying gets them attention. How much do puppies sleep? Your 8 week old puppy will spend around 18 to 20 hours asleep out of every .But dogs continue to sleep for long periods throughout their lives. Sleeping often and deeply is normal for an 8 week old puppy. This is nothing to worry about if your puppy is energetic and playful when awake, eating and growing well, and seems healthy in every other respect Potty training your 8 week old puppy. Potty training your 8 week old Labrador puppy can start on the very first day. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee. But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks. If you opt to leave your puppy at night with puppy pads or newspaper, expect it to take a little longer than this before you come down to a nice clean floor each morning. Getting up earlier for a while is a given with an 8 week old puppy. Puppies pee much more frequently often the day. Some new puppies can last an hour or so between wees, but again, many cannot. If you are going back to work, or want to leave your puppy for three to four hours before he is five or six months old, and you want to crate train, you need to arrange for someone else to take care of him during the day. Even for this short period of time. An 8 week old puppy should not be left in a crate for hours at a time during the day. The secret to success in crate training a new puppy lies in getting good habits established from the start. And this means getting that puppy outside to his toilet area, whenever his little bladder is getting full. Your puppy will quickly become comfortable with you disappearing for a few minutes if you reliably return. But too much isolation is a common cause of noisy or destructive behavior. Puppies need company. Older puppies may cope happily with being left for up to four hours, but even an adult Labrador may become distressed or destructive if left alone for a full working day on a regular basis. Labradors are very sociable dogs and they need to have people around them. No matter how many walks he gets at the weekend. Puppies biting Most people know that puppies nip when teething. Despite learning early bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, puppies continue this spikey behavior when you bring them home. Destructive puppy behavior Your 8 week old puppy will chew, gnaw and dig around the home. It can be quite a shock to discover just how destructive a Labrador can be, both indoors and out, especially if left unsupervised for long periods of time. Expect your puppy to destroy anything he can get in his mouth. Indoors and out. Some even chew the skirting boards, rip plaster from the walls, and tear up carpets in their homes. Supervision, playpens and puppy crates will help keep your home in tact during the destructive phase. Puppies running off 8 week old puppies need time off leash. Tiny puppies have an automatic response with means that they follow people around. This response disappears by the time the puppy is around four or five months old. Labradors are retrieving dogs. They love to hunt and follow scent trails. Expect that an older puppy will want to explore away from you and get that off lead recall established well before he is six months old. Expect that an older puppy will stray further and further away on walks if you are too predictable and just traipse along behind him. Teach him to follow you and not the other way around. What we expect from an 8 week old puppy We expect an awful lot from our tiny puppies. Both when they are still very small, and then as they grow bigger. Some of our expectations are simply not in line with the way puppies think and behave. Cuddles We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. Sometimes they do, mostly they are just being polite. TIP: Wait for your puppy to stop wriggling before you place him on the floor or he will wriggle harder next time! A fun friend for children We expect that our children will be able to play with a new puppy, but small puppies often bite and wriggle too much for little ones to enjoy them. Those pleasures tend to come later TIP: Use baby gates to give toddlers and puppies space apart from one another Success and quick results We expect that the efforts we put in to housetraining will be rewarded, that the puppy will listen to what we say. But potty training and obedience training take time. Your 8 week old puppy will have accidents in the house to begin with and needs your help to understand what you want him to do next. As he grows, we expect our puppy to return our love and affection, to respect us, be loyal, and obedient. And he will be, in time. Nor had we anticipated just how depressing it would be to clear up puppy pee and poop every time we get up in the morning, or return home from a quick shopping trip. But they are common reasons for people to become disenchanted with their furry companion. One of our aims here on The Labrador Site is to help close this gap between expectations and reality. So that puppies go into their new homes, and stay there for the rest of their lives. And most of the problems described above can be avoided or passed through without too much pain, if you have the right information! And a little preparation. You can do this if you are ready. Much puppy naughtiness is linked to over-excitement. Focus on being calm around your puppy, and read up on how to train your puppy effectively. The considered and appropriate use of a crate and baby gates, is a great way to prevent conflict between puppies and their families. Confinement is not a substitute for companionship and training though, and of course it is very important to be sure you have enough time in your life for a Labrador, before going ahead and getting that lovely puppy. Do check out our article: are you ready for a Labrador , before you take the plunge.

June 8, Affiliate Disclaimer As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties. This mix is a versatile dog that is known for being loyal, protective, and intelligent. The Akita German Shepherd Mix is also called Akita Shepherds or Shepkitas and has a beautiful coat that makes this mixed breed dog stand out. Akita German Shepherd Mix breed characteristics They can build a strong bond with their owners and make great family pets but may be too much for small children. Akita German Shepherds need plenty of exercise and can be quite active. They are also known to be independent and stubborn at times. Some Akita Shepherd owners believe that male akita shepherds are also more likely to bark and howl than female akita shepherds. General Breed Attributes The breed is a blend of the best qualities of both the German Shepherd and Akita, so they come in an array of colors — from light tan coat color, to pitch black, and everything in between. The Akita Shepherd is a great dog with high energy. Learning more about the breed characteristics will help determine if it is right for you and your family. Background and origin The Akita was originally bred in Japan to hunt bears and other large game. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world. They are known for being loyal, intelligent, and protective. Max von Stephanitz is the founder of the German Shepherd breed. He is considered to be the father of the breed. They were used in the German military and were working dogs and were used for herding sheep and guarding property. There are two different types of Akitas — American and Japanese. The Akita Inu is a smaller dog and has a smooth coat. The American Akita is a large sized dog and has a thicker coat. Common traits of both breeds Akita Shepherds are a mix of two very different breeds but they share some common traits. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent. Akita Shepherds or Shepkitas need plenty of exercise and can be quite active. The male Japanese Akita weighs between pounds and stand up to 28 inches. Temperament When given proper training and conditioning, the Akita Shepherd breed can be a great family companion. This mixed breed dog is also very social, loveable, loyal and playful. While they do love to please their owners, Akita Shepherd mixes tend to be headstrong. They can also be very stubborn and intentionally obstinate. Part of it is due to their playful nature and the other part is a behavioral issue. But, with the right care this will be minor. However, behavioral issues will be difficult to quell. Unfortunately, females tend to be worse than males in this regard. The independent nature of Akitas combined with the bold autonomy of German Shepherds equate to an a dog that may need to be reigned in. Family and children Akita Shepherds make great family pets but maybe too much for small children. Akita Shepherds make great guard dogs and are protective pets when it comes to their family. Along with adequate and consistent training, the dog will be more than amenable and affectionate toward the child. Still, never leave an Akita Shepherd alone with other pets or children without supervision. This breed will enjoy everything from playing fetch in the back yard to taking an hour long walk. As with any dog, you want to start training regularly and early socialization are important. Grooming requirements and Shedding Because both Akitas and German Shepherds are dogs with fairly thick coats, your Akita Shepherd probably will too. This means you have to do daily maintenance brushing along with a weekly thorough brushing. Use a slicker brush and pin brush for grooming in between sessions. The dog will also probably need the fur cut down on its coat. This is ideal during summer, to help the dog tolerate heat better. After your precious pooch has been outside, you have to check its ears and coat for pests and fleas. Health The life expectancy of an Akita Shepherd breed is around 10 to 13 years old. While these are robust, strong and healthy dogs, they do experience some health problems. The most important of these health problems will be things like: hip dysplasia. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Akita Shepherd Highlights The Akita Shepherd is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Akita or German Shepherd Dog parents. The main colors of Akita Shepherds are brindle, white, silver, red, gray, brown, sable, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. Regular weekly brushing—and daily brushing when their coat blows—should do the trick. Akita Shepherds have medium energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. With proper introduction, an Akita Shepherd can be an incredible, calm companion for kids. Always supervise play between kids and dogs. If introduced properly, Akita Shepherds can become friendly with other dogs. They may have a prey drive with smaller animals like cats. They are also incredibly eager to please and thrive with consistent training. Breeders wanted to combine the stoic, protective nature of the Akita with the loyalty of the German Shepherd. Both are intelligent breeds, making for a smart, loyal, protective hybrid. They continued to create Akita Shepherds as demand for the breed continued to rise. Akita Shepherds are still most commonly found in the United States. Even though the Akita Shepherd breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Akita Shepherd rescues, or check with breed specific German Shepherd or Akita rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Akita Shepherd Size As the Akita Shepherd is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Akita and German Shepherd parents, you can expect Shepkitas to be on the larger side. Most weigh in at 75 to pounds and range in height from 24 to 28 inches from the shoulder. The female Akita Shepherd tends to be slightly smaller than the male Akita Shepherd. Some dogs may be smaller or larger than average. Akita Shepherd Personality Many Akita Shepherd enthusiasts describe their Shepkitas as serious with a streak of silly. In order to curb any unwanted habits or guarding behaviors, be sure to start training your Akita Shepherd as early as possible. Akita Shepherds are highly alert dogs, and they may try to protect you from whatever threat they perceive. This mixed breed is incredibly loyal and loving to their humans, and they want to make sure you are safe! While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Akita Shepherds suffer from include : Bloat. Lifespan Sociability Akita Shepherd puppies are super daring and alert dogs. Bred from two outstanding working breeds, these dogs thrive when they have a job to do. Some experts state that this breed is prone to behavioral issues, such as aggression, due to poor quality breeding. The Akita Shepherd is also known as the Shepkita. Their stout and muscular build only add to their brawny reputation. Despite their aggressive appearance, Akita Shepherds are actually extremely affectionate and loving dogs. While quiet, they are constantly on the alert and always prepared to protect their pack. If properly trained while they are still puppies, Akita Shepherds can be extremely obedient. Very intelligent, this high-strung hybrid needs firm and consistent training or he may overpower you. It is also crucial to socialize these dogs starting at a young age in order for them to be well adjusted. Since they are working dogs, Akita Shepherds are also very active and playful and would do best in an active household. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They can become aggressive if they feel threatened or are unsure about themselves. For this reason, Akita Shepherds do best in families with older children. They are also great for couples and individuals. They can effortlessly spend an hour or more running in cold climates. Since they are an adventurous breed, Akita Shepherds are much more suitable for suburban or rural locations because they get a lot more exposure and stimulation from the large expanses of land to explore and run. For the first four months or so, puppy food should be fed for them along with natural food. Always avoid feeding them foods that contain preservatives. The best source of protein for Akita Shepherds is meat. However, veggies can also be included in their diet to ensure they are getting vital nutrients. An adult Akita Shepherd should be fed five to six cups of high-quality dry dog food that can be broken up into two meals per day. However, they can enjoy a long nap and a cuddle on the couch after playtime is over. Allow your Akita Shepherd to accompany you on long walks or jogs a couple of times a day. You can also keep him happy by tossing a ball in the backyard or challenging him to a game of tugs-of-war inside of the house. A minimum exercise time of 60 minutes per day will do. Additionally, these smart dogs also need mental stimulation. If he already understands basic commands, check out the Internet or books for more advanced tricks. Give him a job to do: Akita Shepherds are herding dogs. Help him fulfill these duties by rounding up your slippers and bringing them to you. They work best with firm yet positive training methods. If your pooch has more German Shepherd genes, the faster they will pick up on new tricks. These dogs can be stubborn at times. As his trainer, you must act strong and take the lead to establish your dominance. You should also bear in mind that Akita Shepherds will shed a lot during the spring and summer months, so grooming during this period is essential. Other grooming necessities include trimming their nails and cleaning their ears once a week. Here are some of the minor and major health conditions your dog could experience over his lifespan: Minor Conditions. They would always look forward to pleasing their owners with expectations of a little attention. These dogs are incredibly daring and alert, with a strong defensive instinct, and thus make good guardian dogs. They are excellent working dogs as their parents, provided they have been trained to be so since puppy-days. However, some experts argue that these dogs might be prone to developing behavioral issues or characteristics of aggressive demeanor due to poor breeding. They are said to be such dogs that would find the weak areas of their owners, and when they decide to leave, they can easily skip away. Hence, it is advisable to build barriers around the boundary where your Akita shepherds would live, as also to keep an eye on its day to day activities. Care Exercise Being the offspring of two large working breeds, the Akita Shepherd needs a lot of activities and exercise every day. They love jumping and running. Take them out for a couple of long walks and jogs every day. You can also take your Shepkita to a dog park where they would be able to mingle comfortably with other dogs, devoid of any territorial aggressions. If you have a yard, take it out of leashes only if your yard is enclosed. This should ensure all-around safety. These activities are especially necessary if your dog lives in an apartment. Your dog enjoys challenges. Enthuse it to take part in vigorous playing sessions, including tug of war, Frisbee, and different other retrieving games that demand physical exertion. Grooming Use a slicker brush and comb them daily. A shedding rake also helps remove loose hair. But you do not need to bath it often. It is enough if you would do so only once or twice a year. Avoid shaving or trimming the coat too often since it serves as insulation against intense heat and cold. During the rainy season, it even helps to repel most of the water that accumulates. Health Problems The Shepkita might be prone to hip dysplasia, which they often inherit from its Akita parent. It primarily happens when breeders would choose a dog for breeding, which is suffering from hip dysplasia. Other health issues that this breed might inherit from their ancestors are epilepsy, elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, tumors on the spleen, keratitis, and chronic eczema. Training The Akita Shepherd needs a firm-handed, robust trainer, who can tactfully control the dog. Leadership quality is a quality that is a must for the trainer. Begin teaching and training them from the time of adoption. Allow them to socialize more and more each day, and help them mix with other pets and guests. Teach them to know you as the leader with an authoritative persona, power of command, and confidence. Always let your dog follow your footsteps, especially when you take it outdoors. Remember, successful and complete training is the key to success in making your Akita Shepherd a homely, well-behaved dog. Otherwise, the quantity of food and the diet chart should be the same as the other large dogs of its type and energy very much like its parents. They are said to be allergic to corn, thus refrain from giving it to them. Interesting Facts Some Shepkitas might develop dry eyes that might be caused by eyelids that do not completely close when asleep. Her father was an Akita and her mother a German Shepherd. She has a great temperament! She lives with a 3 pound Yorkie that she loves! She is not small animal aggressive. She is somewhat independent, aloof, and weary of strangers. She needs time to accept strangers and we joke that she acts like a cat! However, she also has some of the German Shepherd traits. She is always obedient, very smart, eager to please, and very trainable. She has those traits from the German Shepherd breed. She also "herds" us around the house sometimes. She is not all a "relentless barker" like some Shepherds are. And she rarely wines or growls. What I like about her is that we seem to have gotten the best of both breeds! She is affectionate when she wants to be and she can also be independent when left alone which gets rid of the " separation anxiety " that Shepherds often have. I am completely happy with her. She protects me with her life when my husband is not home. Almost like she knows that I am alone and needs to be looked after. I love her! The one bad thing about her is that she has a typical dominant personality that Akitas have which means she needs a "Pack Leader" that always is her leader otherwise, she can take over and become very relentless. He was the easiest dog to train in any of my experience, and his temperament is extraordinary. Also I have always admired a brindle coat and this pooch wears it quite well. They were first bred to hunt large and medium-sized game, such as elk, boars and small bears, as well as fowl. They were also used as guard dogs to protect the Japanese royalty. They are seen as a national treasure in Japan, and they symbolize protection, health, happiness, and longevity. They were first brought into the United States by the American author, political activist, and lecturer Helen Keller , who became infatuated with the breed during her visit and was given a puppy as a gift to take home. The population of these dogs steadily began to increase in the US when servicemen brought their own dogs back with them after World War II. They are fairly large dogs, with a distinct and powerful appearance. They have a big head and small triangular eyes and a robust stance. Their coats usually come in black, white, or chocolate, a combination of color and white, or brindle. These dogs also shed quite a bit of their hair, so weekly brushing is advised to keep their plush coat healthy. Akitas usually stand at around inches high cm and weigh in at between lbs kg. They usually live to become 10 to 15 years old. In terms of their personality, Akitas are a bold and willful dog and extremely loyal to their owner s. They are wary of strangers, alert, intelligent, and have a lot of courage. They are also an active breed and require a lot of exercise to keep them from becoming bored, and in turn, destructive. However, they are very playful and affectionate with their owners. They enjoy companionship and, with proper training and socialization, can become amicable around other people and animals. However, they are still best suited to a one-dog home and are stubborn, so they require a little more patience when being trained. Quiet Intelligence Many Akita Shepherd owners say that this breed of dog is a quiet one. These are highly alert dogs who are always on the lookout for any perceivable threat. They always want to make sure you are safe and will let you know if something is up without being yappy about it. They are also not very likely to bark a lot only when they deem it absolutely necessary , which is great because no one likes a neighbor with a noisy dog! Extreme Loyalty These mixed-breed dogs are extremely loyal to their human friends, as both of their parents are also very loyal companions. They are likely to develop a strong bond with their owner and can be overprotective at times. It is advised that you focus on teaching your Akita Shepherd to be obedient rather than doing any sort of guard dog training. They are only trying to protect you because they care about your safety. High-Maintenance Grooming Akita Shepherds have a double-coated fur of medium length hair, and thus they shed quite a lot. Taking proper care of their coats can be high-maintenance and requires a lot of time and energy to keep it looking at its best. This means that they may not be the best dog for someone with allergies. Their coats are quite manageable if you groom them regularly enough. A slicker brush, like this Miracle Coat Slicker , is essential, as well as an undercoat deshedder, like this PetNeat Professional Deshedding Tool , for when they start to blow their coats. Health Concerns Akita Shepherds are an appealing dog for many reasons, but they also have the tendency to inherit several health problems from their parents. While the Akita Inu and German Shepherd are two very different dogs, they do have some health issues in common. Canine Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition in which the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit or develop properly, and it causes them to rub and grind against each other instead of sliding smoothly. This causes the hip joint to deteriorate over time, eventually leading to a complete loss of function. This is relatively common in large dogs and is a health issue when it comes to Akita Shepherds. Bloat Bloat is also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus complex GDV and is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. This makes the blood pool at the back end of the body and will eventually send your dog into shock. It is caused by a deficiency in the amount of a protein in the body needed to make platelets stick together to form a clot when a blood vessel is damaged, or the skin is cut. This clot would seal the opening and prevent the body from losing too much blood. The deficient protein is called the Von Willebrand factor. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease that is more common in older dogs. It is a progressive disease of the spinal cord, which can lead to a loss of coordination, dragging, or knuckled-over feet. Eventually, the limbs become weak, and the dog can no longer walk. It is caused by the degeneration of transmission fibers in the spinal cord demyelination , which strips away the insulation between the nerve fibers, and axonal loss, which is a loss of the actual nerve fibers. This interferes with the communication between the brain and limbs and leads to the eventual loss of use of the limbs. Hypothyroidism is a common manifestation of this disease, but autoimmune thyroiditis can also be a symptom of something else, like lupus erythematosus or pan endocrinopathy. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptor cells in the retina. The retina is a layer of cells at the back of the eye that converts light entering the eye into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain to be processed and interpreted. This disease causes these photoreceptor cells to deteriorate or atrophy over time and will lead the affected dog to become blind eventually. There are some other health issues to watch out for that we have listed below: Elbow Dysplasia.

Breeds The link has been copied! Get ready to be blown away by the blue hue beauty of the Blue German Shepherd, a rare and captivating canine breed that's bound to steal your heart! Imagine the iconic strength and intelligence of a traditional German Shepherd, but with a mesmerizing twist: a shimmering, silvery-blue coat that makes them stand out like a sapphire gem in a sea of pebbles. But wait, there's more to this extraordinary pup than meets the eye! These blue bombshells are fiercely loyal, intelligent, and hardworking, just like their classic counterparts. So, if you're eager to learn more about this wondrous woofer, buckle up and join us on a fun and enthralling journey as we explore the magical world of Blue German Shepherds. Trust us, you'll be howling with excitement before you know it! This unique variation of the beloved German Shepherd breed boasts a distinctive silvery-blue coat, which is the result of a recessive gene. Their striking appearance still maintains the classic features of a standard German Shepherd, including their athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears. Though they share the same breed lineage, the Blue German Shepherd's fur color sets them apart from their traditional counterparts. However, it's important to note that their temperament, intelligence, and working abilities remain on par with those of their more commonly recognized relatives. In fact, these blue beauties are just as capable of excelling in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and service dog positions. Decoding the Genetics of the Blue German Shepherd's Coat To truly appreciate the Blue German Shepherd, one must delve into the fascinating world of canine coat color genetics. The blue hue in these dogs results from a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment, causing it to appear silvery-blue. Both parents must carry this recessive gene for their offspring to inherit the blue coat. In German Shepherds, two pigments determine the coat color: eumelanin black and phaeomelanin red. Various genes control the distribution and intensity of these pigments, which ultimately defines the final coat color. In the case of Blue German Shepherds, a dilution gene d impacts the eumelanin, creating their signature blue sheen. It's essential to note that although blue is a non-standard color for the breed, it doesn't negatively affect the dog's health, temperament, or abilities. Since the blue coat is a result of a recessive gene, it is much less common than the standard coat colors typically seen, such as the black and tan, sable, or solid black German Shepherd. The infrequency of blue coat inheritance means that breeders who specialize in this color variation often have fewer puppies available, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts. Despite their scarcity, it's important to remember that these striking dogs still require the same training, socialization, and care as any other German Shepherd. Their rarity should never be a reason to overlook their fundamental needs as intelligent, active, and loyal companions. Exploring Blue Color Variations While the Blue German Shepherd is already a rare and captivating variation, it's important to note that their blue hue can manifest in different shades and patterns. Some Blue German Shepherds may have a lighter, almost silver-blue coat, while others may exhibit a darker, steel-blue shade. This breathtaking array of blue tones is part of what makes this breed so enchanting. Additionally, the blue color may appear in various patterns, including blue and tan, solid blue, or even blue sable. Each of these patterns further highlights the uniqueness and diversity of the Blue German Shepherd, making them truly remarkable in the world of canine coat colors. The Blue German Shepherd Temperament A Blue German Shepherd's captivating coat color doesn't change the breed's inherent temperament, which is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. These dogs are known for their versatility in performing tasks, be it as police dogs, search and rescue workers, or service animals. However, it is essential to note that this coat color does not change the breed's inherent temperament, which is what makes them such a remarkable and sought-after dog. One of the most prominent characteristics of a Blue German Shepherd is their loyalty. These dogs are incredibly devoted to their owners and will do anything to protect them. This trait makes them an ideal choice for families looking for a loyal and affectionate pet that will provide a sense of security. In addition to their loyalty, Blue German Shepherds are also highly intelligent. They are quick learners and respond well to training. This trait makes them a popular choice for police and military work, where their ability to learn and follow commands is essential. Another defining trait of this breed is their strong work ethic. Blue German Shepherds are known for their versatility in performing various tasks, such as search and rescue, service animals, and police work. They are incredibly diligent and take their work seriously, making them a dependable and valuable asset in any working environment. When it comes to raising a Blue German Shepherd, socialization and training from a young age are crucial. Proper socialization helps to ensure that your dog is comfortable in various situations and environments. This, combined with consistent training, will help your Blue German Shepherd develop into a well-rounded, confident, and friendly dog that is eager to please and protect its loved ones. Exercise and Training for Blue German Shepherds As with any German Shepherd, the blue variation requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. These dogs are highly active and need daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to keep them physically fit and mentally sharp. Activities such as hiking, fetch, and agility training, or a flirt pole can be excellent ways to engage your Blue German Shepherd and channel their energy. Training should begin early and be consistent, as these intelligent dogs thrive on structure and guidance. Positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and toys, are most effective for training a Blue German Shepherd. Keep in mind that this breed is known for its high intelligence, so challenging them with new commands or advanced training is an excellent way to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Remember, a well-exercised and well-trained Blue German Shepherd is a happy and content companion that will bond closely with their family, showcasing their loyalty and affection. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is essential to support their overall well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and monitor your dog's weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health issues. Blue German Shepherds are susceptible to the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, including hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can all help minimize the risk of these conditions and ensure your dog enjoys a long, happy life. Balanced Diet A balanced diet is essential to ensure your Blue German Shepherd gets all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is recommended to support their specific needs. Avoid giving them table scraps or human food, which can be harmful to their health. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, as some dogs may require a special diet due to health conditions or allergies. Weight Management Obesity is a common issue among dogs and can lead to various health problems, including joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Monitor your Blue German Shepherd's weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly to prevent obesity. Follow the recommended portion sizes on the dog food label, and avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats. Regular Veterinary Check-ups Blue German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to detect any health issues early and get prompt treatment. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental cleanings. These dogs have a double coat, which consists of a dense, insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat. Regular brushing, at least two to three times per week, is necessary to remove loose hair and minimize shedding. During shedding seasons , daily brushing may be needed to keep your home hair-free and your dog comfortable. In addition to brushing, routine grooming should include regular teeth cleaning, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to prevent infections and maintain overall hygiene. By establishing a consistent grooming routine, you can keep your Blue German Shepherd looking and feeling their best. To groom a Blue German Shepherd, follow these simple steps: Brush their coat two to three times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Clean their teeth two to three times per week with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene. Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and joint problems. Clean their ears with a cotton ball or soft cloth and a dog ear cleaning solution to prevent infections. The Impact of Blue Color on Health The blue coat color in German Shepherds is a result of a recessive gene, and it does not inherently affect the dog's overall health. Blue German Shepherds are just as healthy and capable as their traditionally colored counterparts when it comes to their physical abilities and temperament. However, it's essential to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs over coat color. Reputable breeders will ensure that their breeding dogs undergo necessary health tests and screenings to minimize the risk of genetic health issues in their puppies. As long as you choose a responsible breeder, the blue color should not impact the health or well-being of your Blue German Shepherd. Interpreting the Significance of Blue in Various Dog Breeds The blue coat color is not exclusive to German Shepherds; several other dog breeds also exhibit this captivating hue. In most cases, the blue color results from the same genetic factors: a dilution of the black pigment eumelanin. Some dog breeds where blue coats can be seen include: Australian Cattle Dogs. The blue coloration in Blue German Shepherds refers to a faded gray color. This gene is also responsible for other breeds like the Blue Frenchie and Pittie. The dilution gene is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must carry the gene for it to show in their offspring. It is important to note that while the blue coloration is unique and eye-catching, health must take priority during breeding. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Blue German Shepherds are a large dog breed, and they can grow quite tall. Males typically stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are usually between 22 and 24 inches tall. In terms of weight, they typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. Coat and Color The coat of a Blue German Shepherd is typically thick and dense, with a medium length. The fur is usually straight and lies close to the body, which helps to protect the dog from the elements. The color of a Blue German Shepherd is, as the name suggests, blue faded gray. This is actually a dilution of the traditional black coloration of a German Shepherd. There are several Blue GSD varieties, including: Blue and tan GSDs — They have a blue-gray coat with tan markings; Blue merle — These blue dogs have dark gray spots on a lighter background; Blue brindle, combining blue and brindle patterns; Blue fawn — They have a light gray shade on the face and a lighter, fawn-like hue on the body; Long-haired Blue GSDs; and Blue pied — They have a white base with patches of blue-gray. While the blue-gray coat color sets them apart, Blue German Shepherds have the same physical characteristics as traditional German Shepherds, including their distinctive pointed ears, muscular build, and intelligent expression. They have a strong, well-muscled, and balanced build. Their body is neither too heavy nor too light, designed for agility and endurance. German Shepherds have a deep chest that provides space for their strong lungs. Their body is moderately long and well-proportioned. They have a wedge-shaped head and a long, proportional muzzle. Their ears are erect, and the eyes can vary in color, but they are usually light blue or gray. German Shepherds are known for their efficient and smooth gait, allowing them to cover ground gracefully. Temperament and Behavior Blue German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They are confident dogs who are eager to please their owners. They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions. Their intelligent but obedient nature is what makes GSDs the superior police dog. Blue German Shepherds are typically calm and composed when it comes to behavior. They are not known to be aggressive unless they feel threatened or their family is in danger. They are excellent guard dogs and will protect their family and home at all costs. Blue German Shepherds are also very social animals. They enjoy being around people and other dogs. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. They are also very adaptable and can adjust to different living situations, whether a large house or a small apartment. Suitability for Families and Other Pets Blue German Shepherds are great with children and other pets when socialized properly from a young age. However, adults must always supervise interactions between dogs and small kids to prevent accidents. Socializing guardian breeds like German Shepherds means teaching them to be neutral toward other dogs and strangers by plenty of exposure and obedience training. When it comes to other pets, Blue German Shepherds can coexist if introduced and socialized early on. Overall, Blue German Shepherds can make great family pets and are well-suited for households with children and other pets as long as they receive proper socialization. They are said to be as bright as a 3-year-old, and that is based on our definition of human intelligence. They are also calmer than intelligent dogs like Malinois and Border Collies, making them ideal pets and working dogs. Obedience, socialization, and crate training are essential for a Blue German Shepherd. Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and toys to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key, so make sure everyone in the family uses the same commands and rewards. This means that GSDs are often badly bred, or bred to extremes such as overly sloping backs and angulated hind legs, leading to many health issues. A study of German Shepherds in the UK showed that the leading causes of death were musculoskeletal disorder .This condition is caused by a recessive gene that affects the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and skin irritation. CDA is more common in blue-coated dogs than in other colors. The symptoms of CDA usually appear between 6 months to 3 years of age and can include patchy hair loss, dry and flaky skin, and a dull coat. It is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints, causing pain, inflammation, and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe, leading to arthritis and other joint problems. Eye Conditions Blue German Shepherds are also prone to certain eye conditions, including cataracts, Pink eye, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , and glaucoma. These conditions can cause vision loss and discomfort for the dog. Stomach Issues Blue German Shepherds have very sensitive tummies and are known to suffer from bouts of diarrhea. Their deep chests also increase their susceptibility to GDV or bloat, which is the twisting of the stomach. Issues that contribute to these GI problems include Pancreatic acinar atrophy pancreatic cell death , Megaesophagus enlarged esophagus , inflammatory bowel disease IBD , and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency causing indigestion and yellow poop. Other Health Issues Spinal issues like canine degenerative myelopathy causes progressive disease of the spinal cord. Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism. Neurological issues like epilepsy. Mild to moderate issues like skin infections, obesity, allergies, and dental issues. It is essential to avoid overfeeding, as Blue German Shepherds are prone to obesity. German Shepherds are highly susceptible to bloat , so break down their food into smaller portions. Exercise Requirements Blue German Shepherds are an active breed and require plenty of exercise. They should exercise at least 60 minutes per day, including walks, runs, and playtime in a fenced yard. It is important to note that Blue German Shepherds are prone to joint problems, so it is important to avoid activities that put excessive strain on their joints, such as jumping or running on hard surfaces. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise that can help keep them active and healthy. Grooming Needs Blue German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular grooming. Brush their coats twice a week. They shed heavily twice a year, so brushing them daily during these periods is essential to prevent matting and tangling. It is also essential to clean their ears biweekly with canine wipes to prevent infections and dental problems. Brush their teeth at least twice a week and give them dental chews and rinses in between. Clip their nails every month with a canine clipper. Wash them monthly with a gentle dog shampoo. Finding a Blue German Shepherd Breeder When looking for a Blue German Shepherd breeder, it is essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Here are a few tips to help you find a responsible breeder: Research online Research for Blue German Shepherd breeders in your area. Check out their websites and social media pages to get an idea of their breeding practices, the quality of their dogs, and their overall reputation. Attend dog shows and events Attend dog shows and events in your area to meet breeders in person and see their dogs up close. This can give you a better idea of the temperament and physical characteristics of the breed. Ask for referrals Ask for referrals from other Blue German Shepherd owners or breeders. They can recommend a reputable breeder with whom they have had a positive experience. Check for health certifications Ensure the breeder you choose has health certifications for their dogs, such as hip and elbow dysplasia clearances and eye certifications. This can help ensure the puppies are healthy and free from genetic health issues. Visit the breeder Before buying, visit the breeder in person to see their facility and meet their dogs. This can give you a better idea of their breeding practices and the care they provide for their dogs. Remember, a responsible breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over profit. Take your time and research to find a breeder dedicated to producing healthy, well-tempered Blue German Shepherds. The price range for Blue German Shepherds can vary greatly depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree. Where can I find Blue German Shepherd puppies for sale? You can find Blue German Shepherd puppies for sale through reputable breeders, online marketplaces, and pet stores. It is vital to do research and only purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure the health and well-being of the puppy. What are some health problems that Blue German Shepherds may face? Blue German Shepherds may face health problems like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and skin allergies. It is essential to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian and to purchase from a breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs. What is the rarity of Blue German Shepherds? Blue German Shepherds are considered a rare color variation of the traditional black and tan German Shepherd. While they are not as common, the American Kennel Club still recognizes them, and you can find them through reputable breeders. Blue German Shepherds have a blue or gray coat, while White Blue German Shepherds have a white coat with blue or gray markings. They are similar to the Panda GSD. Are there any reputable Blue German Shepherd breeders? Yes, there are reputable Blue German Shepherd breeders who conduct health screenings on their breeding dogs and prioritize the well-being of their puppies. It is essential to do research and only purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure the health and temperament of the puppy. They are known for their beautiful blue coat that sets them apart from the traditional black and tan coloration of other German Shepherds. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Depending on the intensity of dilution, they may appear to be steel blue, powder blue, or dark gray when under the sun. Blue German Shepherd dogs are quite uncommon. Their coloration is a result of genetic modification that washes or fades out the usual black coat color. Aside from a solid color, blue German Shepherds can also exhibit blue and tan, blue and sable, and blue bicolor coats. Unfortunately, blue German Shepherd dogs are frowned upon on show rings because the breed standard prefers intense, rich colors. In fact, the blue color is considered a severe fault in dog competitions, even though blue is a standard color for the German Shepherds. Hence, these blue Shepherds are often sold only as companion pets. In terms of personality, blue German Shepherds are not different from their other siblings. They remain loyal, courageous, obedient, and confident pooches. Thus, they are perfect for guarding duties. Are Blue German Shepherds Rare? A blue German Shepherd dog is difficult to find and is considered rare. It is mainly because of its coat genetics. The gene responsible for blue pigmentation is recessive. On another note, some breeders are discouraged from breeding blue GSDs since it is considered a severe fault in conformation shows. This dramatically affects the production of these blue puppers. Photo by floydthedeutsche IG Except for coat color, the blue German Shepherds share the same characteristics and physical traits as their other siblings. They are medium to large-size dogs with muscular and well-balanced figures. Their overall appearances display nobility, intelligence, and composure. A male blue German Shepherd dog usually stands between 24 and 26 inches tall and weighs around 65 to 90 pounds. Meanwhile, its female counterpart can reach 22 to 24 inches in height and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. What most people consider appealing about blue German Shepherds are their blue eyes, thanks to the dilution gene. However, some may also have yellow or amber eyes. The head of a male blue German Shepherd dog should look masculine, while a female blue GSD should be distinctly feminine. They also have slightly pointed ears and long muzzles. Blue German Shepherds have medium-length double coats. Their outer hairs should be dense, straight, harsh, and lying flat close to their bodies. The tones of the blue pigmentation vary depending on the intensity of dilution. Some may exhibit rich blue color, while others may sport a grayish-blue hue. Dilute German Shepherds Aside from a solid blue color, blue German shepherds can also sport bicolor coats: blue bicolor, blue and tan, and blue and sable. However, the coat of a blue and tan German Shepherd has larger tan areas than the blue bicolor GSD coat. Dogs have two primary pigments in the body called eumelanin black and pheomelanin red. Through gene modification, other pigments such as blue, gray, and yellow are produced out of the two primary colors. The gene responsible for the blue coloring of blue German Shepherds is known as the dilution gene. This particular gene lightens up or washes out the rich and dark base colors, turning black into blue or gray and red into yellow or cream. So technically, blue German Shepherds are black dogs whose colors are washed out or lightened up by the dilution gene. The dilution gene is recessive. Meaning, a German Shepherd puppy must inherit two copies of it to exhibit a blue coat. This is one of the reasons why blue shepherd dogs are rare sights. The color of a puppy, in general, is predetermined by genetics. You cannot expect a puppy with black color genes to grow up having a yellow coat. That is not how it works. Some blue GSD puppies may be born with seemingly black or darker coats, but they gradually lighten up and turn blue as they grow. The intensity of the pigmentation in the coat may change until they reach the age of two. Meanwhile, the tan points of bicolor GSDs might show up months after they are born. Blue is a standard color of the German Shepherd breed acknowledged by the AKC, along with black , gray, liver , sable , and white. However, blue German Shepherds are considered undesirable for conformation shows since the standard favors GSDs with strong and rich colors. In fact, washed-out hues such as blue and liver are marked as serious faults even though they are standard coat variations. But then again, your blue German Shepherd can still join herding and sporting events without any problem sponsored by major kennel clubs! Photo by floydthedeutsche IG Coat colors do not affect the temperament and behavior of dogs. This is true for all pooches regardless of breed and color. It is considered a loyal, courageous, obedient, and very intelligent dog that is perfect for guarding duties. They are also known to be calm, patient, gentle, and loving towards children. They will unhesitantly protect any of their family members if they sense any danger. With Other Dogs and Pets: Blue GSDs get along pretty well with other pets and dogs, especially if they have been with them for a long time. If they are given early socialization and training, they will behave well around other pets and dogs. With Strangers: Generally, blue German Shepherds can be quite suspicious of strangers. A well-trained blue GSD will remain calm and patient around unfamiliar people but will always be vigilant. They are always ready to protect their families from possible threats. The individual temperament of each dog is influenced by the training it receives. If you want your blue German Shepherd puppy to have a befitting personality, make sure to provide training and socialization at a young age. Be aware that GSDs are active working dogs. They require regular exercises and tasks for physical and mental stimulation. Their lifespans range between 9 and 13 years. Some believe that blue German Shepherds are unhealthy dogs. Their health conditions are exactly the same as their GSD siblings. Likewise, blue GSDs are also susceptible to the common health issues experienced by other German Shepherd variants. Like human beings, they might develop various health problems throughout their lifetime even though they are usually healthy dogs. Here are some of the common health issues of blue German Shepherds that you should be aware of: Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a joint-related disease that mainly affects large dogs. The deterioration of the joints in the hips results in severe pain, which could debilitate a dog. A blue German Shepherd suffering from this condition will show signs of lameness, decrease in motion, and reluctance to move. Degenerative Myelopathy: This condition affects the spinal cord, which results in the slow progression of hind limbs, weakness, and paralysis. The exact cause of this disease is still unknown. At later stages, this condition could lead to immobility. Hemophilia: Characterized by prolonged bleeding, hemophilia is a common severe ailment for blue German Shepherds. It is an inherited condition that results from the deficiency of clotting activity in the blood. Aortic Stenosis: This heart disease occurs when the aortic valve of the heart narrows down. When this happens, blood circulation in the heart is affected, which could lead to other complications. In terms of coloration, there is no substantial evidence that links the blue coloration in German Shepherd dogs to specific pigment-related ailments. Although the dilution gene is known to cause alopecia or hair loss in other dog breeds with blue coats, blue German Shepherds do not seem to be affected by this condition. Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses in owning a blue German Shepherd puppy: Type of Expense. In fact, the German Shepherd comes in quite a few different colors, but one of the rarest in the Blue German Shepherd. With the same temperament and characteristics of the standard German Shepherd, this breed is a relatively new addition to the GSD family. History Of The Blue German Shepherd The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding dog, but over the years they have shown themselves to be wonderful working dogs and have taken on roles such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, watchdogs, guard dogs, police and military dogs and even just companion dogs! There are a number of different color variations of the German Shepherd. The Blue German Shepherd is one of the rarest variations and it is difficult to know when they first appeared. This is also the same for the liver colored German Shepherd. However, others say that the blue is caused by a gene mutation and it should have been bred out over time. They were first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .Therefore, these dogs carry the same characteristics and temperament. However, they are much more rare and are therefore a lot more expensive. You should always make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Blue German Shepherd puppies are normally born in litter sizes of between 1 and 15 puppies. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a breeder as many breeders choose to breed the more standard and more popular black and tan GSD. These dogs have a domed shape head with a long, square muzzle. They have erect ears and long necks, which sit low when running or prowling. They are a very strong breed and often are said to resemble their wolf ancestors. Coat German Shepherds will have one of two coats — a medium coat or long coat. They are both double coats, having a more dense guard layer with a softer undercoat which helps to keep them warm when they are out as working dogs. These dogs are known to shed so they may not be the pup for those with allergies. However, a proper grooming routine, which we will go into more detail about below, will help to reduce the amount that these dogs shed. That being said, the appearance of these coats actually makes them look more gray or black than blue. Remember, the coat color of the GSD does not change their temperament or personality, which we will look at next. Temperament The German Shepherd is extremely loyal and very family orientated. Because they are a working dog, they will believe that their job is to protect you as a family and are known for being alert and watchful, sometimes barking if they feel like they are in danger. Although socialization is important for a dog at any age, proper socialization for a German Shepherd will ensure they can interact with the family properly. Socialization is also important around young people. These dogs are very playful and active and love to be outside getting physical exercise. They also need a lot of mental stimulation as they are very intelligent and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for long periods of time they can become bored and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors as a result from separation anxiety. Therefore, they are not the dog for you if you are out for hours everyday! Lifespan The average life expectancy of a Blue German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. Many of the problems they are more likely to develop are the same problems that other breeds of German Shepherd deal with. The most common health concern for the German Shepherd dog breed is elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition that is seen in many large dogs and is a disease of a malformation of the joints. The joints can become very painful and may worsen over time causing lameness. Blue German Shepherds can also be prone to other health problems, due to the fact they are bred from a single bloodline and there may have been genetic mutations along the way. These health concerns are degenerative myelopathy, a slow, non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus. The best way to ensure your pup is less prone to any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and to ensure you get health clearances from both parents. You should also check your dog often for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups. Insurance is always available for your dog, too. This is often a good idea as the German Shepherd breed can be known to develop health issues regularly. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits of the Blue German Shepherd, it is time to take a look at what every day life with of these dogs is like. Like all German Shepherds, these dogs make an excellent companion to many but they do have somewhat high care needs thanks to their size, build and athletic nature. Below we will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. Experts recommend that this dog should be eating 20 calories per lb of body weight a day, which may come to around calories. This is around 3 cups of food. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your pup based on their weight. As a puppy, they should be fed three to four times a day. This is particularly important in the larger breeds as they are most predisposed to bloat, where the stomach becomes bloated and twisted and is usually fatal. These three to four meals can then be decreased to two meals a day as an adult. However, if you have a busy lifestyle then this can just be one meal a day. Their food should be healthy and nutritious. It should cover all the nutrients that a dog of this size needs, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a great option, although some dog owners opt to feed their pup raw food. If you do go for a kibble, it is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds. Take a look at the food we recommend below. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can be of different colors — tan, red, sable, liver, black, white, gray, or a mix of them. This article is devoted to one more very interesting and rare variety of this breed — a blue German Shepherd dog. You will learn about the origins of this color in dogs caused by genetics, their appearance and behavior, popular myth and misconceptions related to them, and the possible differences of these animals from other Shepherd dogs. If you are interested in getting a loyal friend of magnificently unusual color and look, this information will be very helpful for you. The dogs are not really blue. It is a diluted black color that looks quite specific. Despite many myths and wrong beliefs, there are not any sufficient differences in the overall look and behavior of such doggies. Moreover, it is not a separate breed as some people may believe. That is why the history of a blue GSD started simultaneously with the history of a German Shepherd as a breed. Sometime in the middle of the 19th century, a retired German Cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz by name, decided to breed the most perfect canines for his sheep farms. It took him about forty years to complete the process and obtain a working dog that could deal with herding and guarding. Of course, a blue coat German Shepherd is not navy-blue or sky-blue. It looks like its immediate predecessor — a wolf — but only a bit darker. Such a color is also called diluted black. Though, the latter combination can sometimes result in this if both parents do have it. Geneticists argue that it stands for blue or diluted black. This gene can completely block black, resulting in an ultimate blue. They are medium-to-large canines with a lifespan of years. These animals look beautiful and quite aesthetic. They are not allowed for shows, though, in the USA because the American Kennel Club considers the diluted color a big fault. Apart from such an unusual color, they have a different pigmentation of noses, eye rims, and paw-pads. There are some minor variations of this shading, such as bicolor, sable , saddle, or solid blue. You can also come across dark-steel blue or light-powder blue, and other variants. These colors look magnificent, indeed. So, if you are a German Shepherd enthusiast, this dog is right for you. Not all blue Shepherds have blue eyes. Even if a puppy was born with this eye color, it may change to light brown or amber over time. The coat can be either long or medium. It is doubled with a dense protective upper layer and a soft undercoat that helps withstand weather conditions. The blue GSD can shed a lot , so it needs frequent brushing and grooming all the time. Males grow to inches or cm tall, and their weight varies between pounds or kg. Females are smaller and more gracious. They are inches or cm tall and pounds or kg heavy. The color cannot determine the size of the dog, either. A blue coat German Shepherd does not make a good apartment dog because it is too big and needs a lot of activity and exercise. However, if you can provide your pet with enough room and regular movement, you can enjoy it as your house dog. A lot of energy requires good amounts of exercise. These dogs are intelligent, brave, faithful, and protective. They are quite independent and aloof to strangers if trained properly. That said, private homes and landed properties are the best space if you consider acquiring this animal. These dogs need a lot of socializing and dedicated training. If they do not receive that, they may express aggressiveness and separation anxiety. You cannot even think about chaining them up. Their temperament does not differ much, either. They are incredibly loving and owner-pleasing. That is why you should not leave them alone for a long time. They say that the diluted genes can cause color dilution alopecia. However, this characteristic is true for Dobermans but not Shepherds. They include elbow and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition when the joints are formed in the wrong way, so they become painful over time. It may even result in lameness. This condition is a characteristic of all big dogs, not only German Shepherds, and it does not relate to their color. Like all other dogs bred from a single bloodline, Shepherds can suffer from specific genetic mutations. They include degradation of the spinal cord which is called degenerative myelopathy. It is a slowly developing and non-painful condition that becomes more obvious when the animal gets older. They are also prone to congenital heart defects, for example, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, and aortic stenosis. Receiving health certificates from the breeder , including X-ray test certificates, will spare you from the need to spend a lot of money on veterinary care. It is highly appreciated by dog lovers for its stunning color, though breeders are not interested in raising these dogs because such animals cannot participate in shows and competitions. All these factors cause higher prices of such animals. The champion pedigree dogs will cost much more. Those Shepherds who have the show line or protection traits may even cost more. Such dogs do not look intimidating or scary. It goes without saying that their unusual color does not add much to their overall look as an aggressive and dangerous beast. True enthusiasts of this color know well that such animals look very attractive, and their magnificent wolf-like look adds a lot to the overall appreciation and love. Blue Shepherds are not useless just because they are not allowed for shows in America. They can still participate in IPO, nose work, and agility events. Moreover, they can be effective family protectors and companions because they are very loyal and intelligent. This is not a separate breed but just a color variation of a German Shepherd caused by a specific gene combination. The gene affects eumelanin the dark pigment , so no signs of black can be preserved. The diluting gene does not influence the temperament of such dogs. They are not more aggressive or disobedient than any other color of German Shepherds if raised and trained properly. The color of the coat caused by this specific gene combination does not influence health. A blue German Shepherd dog can suffer from the same health issues as other Shepherds of different colors, but there are no additional gene-related health issues. No, it is not. This is just a variation of a GSD caused by a specific combination of genes. The black color is diluted, resulting in a blue-and-gray tint. All the other characteristic features of the breed are the same as for all the rest colors of German Shepherds. Is a blue GSD a rare dog? Yes, it is. Moreover, most breeders are not interested in raising blue-coated dogs because they are not allowed for shows. What color variations can a blue German Shepherd dog have? However, they can have such pattern variations as solid blue, blue and tan, blue bicolor with minor tan spots , and blue sable. Are blue Shepherds purebred? Yes, they are pedigree dogs, but not a mixed breed. They appear in purebred litters among other puppies due to the gene combination but they are as genetically pure as all others. A recessive gene that causes this unusual color has been already recognized by the American Kennel Club as pure, though they are still forbidden or disqualified from shows and appearance competitions. Are there any specific health issues in blue Shepherds? The blue color of the coat does not result in any specific health issues. These dogs are as healthy, strong, and energetic as their counterparts of another color. They may be prone to the same hip and elbow dysplasia and heart and joint problems as other dogs if bred or cared for improperly. Final Thoughts When you want to acquire a blue GSD, you should understand the overall needs and requirements of German Shepherds but not only of those whose coat is blue. You should know how to manage, take care of , and control it. Consider whether you have enough time and patience for everyday reinforcement, training, and exercise. These dogs need a lot of living space because they are full of energy. Keeping them in a small apartment is not the best idea. You should also keep in mind that a blue coat German Shepherd is a heavy shedder, so it has quite specific grooming requirements. Remember that adopting such an animal is not just a fashion statement but a serious responsibility. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Blue German Shepherds are not sky-blue or even navy blue. They are just diluted black German Shepherds with entirely inactive D genes. When this gene is active, it introduces full black color. Geneticists express an active gene with a capital letter and an inactive one with lower case. However, genes exist in pairs, and even a single D in the pair introduces the dominant all-black color. Here are the gene pairs a dark GSD can have. DD — Full black coat. In other words, if we treat blue GSDs as a breed, we must look specifically at all-black German Shepherds , which are often working lines. Technically all GSDs should have been working line dogs. Working line dogs can be born blue, making them look quite important. And they are acquired with the same motivation as a show line dog: to have a dog that the owner finds visually aesthetic. However, one can make the case that blue GSDs are bought with even purer intentions. Watch This NOW! This means such a dog is bought out of pure love and a genuine, deeply personal appreciation of his looks. They can, however, participate in other events such as agility, scent work, and IPO. Blue German Shepherds are even more popular amongst enthusiasts because of their seemingly magical fur with a bluish-grey tinge, making them a sight to behold. Although they are working line dogs in every other aspect, their stunning coloration sets them apart and is the primary reason behind their popularity. But ultimately, they are liked for their exceptional temperament, obedience, and intelligence when trained right. The average GSD and the blue German Shepherd do not exhibit any stark differences except their coat color. They are the same breed with the same characteristics. The most common coat colors for average German Shepherds are black and tan, but black and cream, black and red, black and silver, and bi-color combinations are also present. Blue German Shepherds Are Rare Although the blue German Shepherd carries the same characteristics and temperament as the standard German Shepherd, they are much rarer because of the odds of two recessive dd genes pairing up. Both parents must be carriers of the recessive gene for a blue GSD puppy to be born. Moreover, because blue is not allowed in the show ring and is still considered a fault, even though the AKC has recently recognized this coloration, most breeders do not intentionally breed this color. Although the blue coat appears like a washed-out black or shade of grey, it can have different variations, including solid blue, saddle, bicolor, or sable. Light powder blue or dark steel blue are some other color variations. The color does not seem intimidating or scary but rather quite magnificent. The coat color of a German Shepherd Dog is a variation determined by genetics. There are two types of genes in action; the first indicates the color of the fur, and the other decides the presence or absence of markings and their distribution on the dog. The inheritance of the double recessive gene creates a blue German Shepherd, which also contains a dilution gene working as a modifier at its center. This dilution gene affects eumelanin the very dark pigment in black coats , and thus the blue color can have four pattern variations; Solid blue, blue bicolor with minute tan points , blue and tan, and blue sable. Common misconceptions about this breed include that they can come in a blue and black pattern, which is impossible genetically. The dilution genes that cause blue coloration will affect all-black coloring, not just certain areas. Some blue German Shepherds have blue eyes , but not all of them. Even if a puppy is born with blue eyes, the trait may or may not be permanent. Since the dog possesses a recessive gene that decides his eye color, he may grow to have the usual dark eyes. Many will have light or amber eyes. They have a medium or a long double coat with a dense guard layer and a softer undercoat to keep them warm. They have a dome-shaped head with a long, square muzzle and erect ears with solid necks. Many of their characteristics are often said to resemble their wolf ancestors. A standard-sized male blue German Shepherd grows 24 to 26 inches or 60 to 66 cm tall and weighs around 65 to 90 lbs or 29 to 40 kg. Females grow to be 22 to 24 inches or 55 to 60 cm tall and weigh about 50 to 70 lbs or 22 to 31 kg. Since color is not a factor in determining the size of a German Shepherd, you can expect all breeds to be around this size. German Shepherds are medium to large dogs and hardly ever make good apartment pets as they require considerable space. Blue German Shepherds Are Expensive Although breeders should charge different prices for different colors, they charge higher for blue German Shepherds because of their rarity and unusually striking color. Since tan and black are more common and celebrated in German Shepherds, most breeders opt for this popular variation instead of breeding for the unique blue color. The rarity of this variation adds to its price. One of these is whether they are pedigree or mixed breed. Blue German Shepherds are purebred. They can appear in a litter of purebred pups and are as genetically pure as the others. They are identical to other GSDs except for their blue coats caused by a recessive gene and are recognized by the American Kennel Club but disqualified from the show ring. Still, some breed purists believe they should never be bred because their blue color is merely a gene mutation. Others believe that despite their unusual color, they should still be allowed to enter the show ring. Since their blue color is only a variation of coat color, it does not indicate the inclusion of any other breeds in the line. Although some intentional breeders may be available, they would be pretty rare. The only way to guarantee a blue GSD is to mate two blue parents with two recessive dd genes. Solid black dogs possess DD or Dd genes , which are not suitable for breeding blue puppies. Send a quick sample and determine if your pup is mixed or if his color is a purebred genetic rarity. Some people assume that if a dog has two recessive gene units, he might have undergone severe inbreeding. Some suspect the blue GSD has specific genetic defects, which is untrue. The color holds just one meaning; that the gene that caused it was recessive. This variation possesses characteristics and traits similar to other types of German Shepherds. In all observable settings: blue German Shepherds are no different from standard black GSDs in anything but color. And all black GSDs are no different in temperament from any other type. Among the myths about blue GSDs is that they get angry quite quickly. However, they do not have anger issues and are incredibly loving dogs. However, they have strong, possessive traits, and their owner-pleasing quality can make them anxious and even destructive if left alone for long periods. But these, again, are working-line GSD traits, albeit under biased scrutiny. Since they were the guardian of their flock in their herding days, their possessive nature is not uncalled for. Although this can be an undesirable quality sometimes, you can manage it with socialization and positive reinforcement from a young age. Blue GSDs are very family-oriented dogs and make excellent pets. They are known for being alert and watchful and consider protection their duty. They are also highly trainable and loyal, making them the perfect family dog, good watchdogs, and working dogs. They tend to be aloof with strangers, but you can rectify that with extensive socialization and proper training. They also have separation anxiety , but there are many preventive steps that you can take to ensure their well-being when left alone. Remember, blue German Shepherds are medium to high-energy dogs like other variations of German Shepherds and require at least 90 minutes of exercise a day filled with highly interactive games or high-intensity activities. They also need mental stimulation during the day because of their high intelligence. No substantial evidence indicates any health issues or problematic personality traits that come with this coloration. Although the diluted genes can cause color dilution alopecia in Dobermans and some other breeds, blue German Shepherds do not suffer from this issue. Therefore, their color is a mere overall variation as their health and temperament match other GSD variations. Although it may indicate certain traits in the health of other breeds, it is not the case with blue GSDs. Even though considered a healthy breed, they suffer from specific health problems like all German Shepherds. Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are the most common health concerns. Dysplasia is a disease of a malformation of the joints seen in many large dogs and causes joints to become painful and worsen over time, resulting in lameness. Since blue GSDs are bred from a single bloodline, they face other genetic mutations. These concerns include degenerative myelopathy, a slow non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, and patent ductus arteriosus. Even mini-German Shepherds exhibit the same energy level and need as much activity as a standard GSD. Blue GSDs may live in apartments if you provide them with the required stimulation and space to explore. Still, landed properties and homes with more space are better options. Dedicated training and socializing are unavoidable for these dogs as they are prone to separation anxiety and aggressiveness if chained up. They are significant responsibilities, and you should only take them in if you can be assertive and naturally like large dogs. The rarest color of a German Shepherd is Isabella. They are also known as lilac German Shepherds. Their color is due to the recessive combination of blue and liver from their parents. The liver gene prevents all black pigment giving the dog a diluted coat color. Isabellas typically have hazel or light blue eyes. Can a full-blooded German Shepherd have blue eyes? Full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, but it is extremely rare. The blue eye color is due to a recessive gene that needs to be inherited from both parents, and it is considered a genetic mutation. While many dog owners find the trait attractive, most breeders consider it a fault. Can you show a blue German Shepherd? A blue German Shepherd cannot participate in conformation shows, as they do not adhere to the German Shepherd breed standard of the AKC. However, blue German Shepherds can still compete in other types of dog shows, such as obedience and agility competitions. You must be able to handle and control them, possess the patience for consistent training and reinforcement, have free time for daily exercise, and own an ample enough living space. Although blue German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, loyal, magnificent-looking, devoted, and protective dogs, they are heavy shedders with extensive training and care requirements. Therefore, you should not take them in for merely aesthetic purposes as they are not just a fashion statement and come with significant responsibilities. Related Posts You May Like:.

This aggression can stem from fear or insecurities. These behavioral issues can sometimes make our French bulldogs cease to be sources of amusement and begin to look like an issue that needs resolving. It is not unusual for your French bulldog to find a couple of things valuable. And it can be anything, from food to a spot on the couch, to your favorite hoodie. But it starts to become an issue when your Frenchie begins to growl, lunge, stiffen or bite whenever you go near these things of apparently high value. It can be annoying and frustrating, but you would have to do away with the frustration to handle the situation effectively. Here are some tips on how to discover and discourage this behavioral issue. What Is Resource Guarding? Resource guarding is when a dog tries to defend and protect any valuable resource like food or a toy. In mild cases, your Frenchie may only stiffen up at your approach, give you a look or simply turn his head, but in severe cases, your French bulldog might give you whale eyes, lift his lips, bare his teeth, growl or even bite. This can be very chilling and honestly quite alarming. Resource guarding can also happen if there are other pets around. Sometimes, your dog may resource guard you against the other pets. Resource guarding can also be called "possessive aggression," and the "cuteness" wanes very fast. Until a dog starts exhibiting signs of resource guarding, one may never know for sure if they are capable of it. Resource guarding is not confined to any particular breed of dog, neither is it limited to any sequence of occurrences. It all depends on the individual dog. Resource guarding poses such a problem because most dogs who behave in this manner do not differentiate between who is coming to take their valuables and those merely walking by. To them, the only thing that matters is what they think might be a threat. Many owners have often wondered why their dog seems to eat faster or guides his toy when they approach. It can be a wonder, but any dog resource guiding isn't mainly focused. They are just responding to the trigger and not the actual action. If you have kids, you especially cannot overlook or ignore this behavior. Resource guarding plays a considerable part in the statistics of reasons why dogs bite children. Your Frenchie may feel very sorry and remorseful, but the harm has already been done. It helps them to survive on the limited means they have to hunt for. For a domesticated dog, however, it is not a great instinct. Resource guarding often starts long before we begin to see these visible signs. To prevent accidents from occurring, you should keenly observe your dog for anything that may seem amiss. This would help you to nip it in the bud before it progresses to the apparent signs of growling, lunging, biting, and being generally terrifying. You should lookout for some of the more subtle signs if your dog freezes when you approach "my precious," if he moves the item farther, if he braces himself over the thing, if he generally seems to watch you intently. You should pick up on it and begin to discourage it. Sometimes, we need to reassure our Frenchies that there are more than enough resources available to them. We need to institute an understanding that removing an item will most often result in giving him something equal or better than what he had. Anytime your Frenchie gives up something willingly, or in obedience, it needs to be rewarded so that resource guarding does not become an issue. When our canines begin to resource guard, the first human instinct might be to punish the attitude out of them. This only results in more resource guarding. That is why it would be better to speak to a professional trainer and get their thoughts on the next step. But below are some helpful tips. How To Handle Resource Guarding? What Not To Do There are some knee-jerk reactions to resource guarding that just do not help. And while it is understandably frightening and embarrassing, the goal is to discourage such behavior, not make it worse. If your Frenchie realizes that his growls of discomfort at your approach will only result in some sort of punishment and the loss of his valuable item, the next time you approach, he is more likely to skip the growl and go straight to biting. It is pretty similar to our reactions as humans. If you keep reaching for my stuff and you ignore my warnings, you've got a smack coming your way, buddy. The point is, you shouldn't take away the vital signs your dog uses in communication with you. Your Frenchie can't explain to you that this is your last warning; growling is all they have, don't take it away. Some might not mind, but others mind the disturbances very much. Sometimes, you might want to form a habit of taking away your Frenchie's food or chews to show them that you are their lord and savior. This may work on some French bulldogs, but it generally breeds resource guarding. This is because constantly taking away their stuff will only annoy your dog and teach them that you are here to take away when they see you. This is not the impression to form in your Frenchie. There are other ways to be firm and put your feet down; you should habitually do it with their food and toys. This tip, however, will only work for mild cases of resource guarding. What To Do The best thing is to start training and socialization early to prevent resource guarding against developing. But if you rescued an adult dog from a shelter or inherited one from a family member, this point is moot. You can handle resource guarding in your Frenchie by desensitizing him to your presence. This usually takes time, involves a lot of steps, and requires a lot of patience. Suppose you cannot afford to take much time; you should speak to a dog behaviorist about your options. If your Frenchie suddenly develops resource guarding, you should visit the vet. A change in behavior or sudden aggressive behavior may be signs of an underlying health condition. You must handle the situation in the right way, don't ignore it. Face it heads on along with your vet and animal behaviorist. Reach Out To Us To get more information on caring for your canine buddy, reach out to us today. Sign up for our Frenchie Blog. Leave a comment. Proper socialization and early exposure of French bulldog puppies to various people, animals, and experiences is essential to avoid unwanted behaviors like aggression in the future. However, when it comes to character and temperament, not every two Frenchies are the same. This brings us to an important point: Every French bulldog is an individual. Like any other dog breed, French bulldogs can be territorial and become aggressive to other dogs unless the dog owner nips the unwanted behaviors in the bud. He may enjoy rough play, which can provoke fights with other dogs. A fearful French bulldog can also bark and attack stranger dogs of the same sex, especially those larger than themselves, because he will feel threatened. He can lunge at other dogs when they come near his toys or if you give the other dog more attention. Why is my French bulldog so aggressive to other dogs? Dogs communicate with each other — and with us — in a thousand ways. They use body language and also sounds — barking, growling, squeaking. Sometimes a game between two dogs looks as if they are aggressive towards each other, but they are just playing. Sometimes it might feel like your French bulldog gets aggressive to exert dominance over other dogs or you. Your French Bulldog might get unusually aggressive to other dogs because it is simply afraid of them. Interestingly, dog owners can also induce fear of other dogs in their pets, for example, by always picking up your Frenchie whenever another pet approaches. Or jerking the collar when your French bulldog even looked in the direction of another dog. What did they teach this way? That other dogs are dangerous and best avoided. And if that other dog approaches, and there is no way to escape, your dog must scare away the intruder by attacking. Pain Sudden aggression can often be linked to pain or disease. Your French bulldog might be hurting, or he can feel irritated due to chronic illness. Aggression due to pain or illness often comes out of nowhere. If your friendly Frenchie has suddenly displayed a drastic change in temperament and turned aggressive to his fur friends, it warrants a visit to a vet. Defense Defensive aggression relates to guarding resources such as toys or food or protecting the property. French Bulldogs, in particular, are pretty alert pets, and they often assume the role of family guardian and a watchdog. An adult dog will react to a door opening or a noise in the stairwell. They can also throw themselves at the window when they see another dog passing by. Observe your Frenchie closely to identify what triggers a fear or self-defense response. Try to avoid exposing him to those triggers. The sooner we begin to teach a French Bulldog correct reaction, the greater the chance of getting rid of aggressiveness in the future. Step 1: Visit a vet Before jumping into dog obedience training , rule out any potential health problems your French bulldog might be dealing with. If your French bulldog feels uncomfortable when other dogs approach him on the street, lead him the other way. If your bulldog gets aggressive when he sees other dogs outside the window, decrease his vision by using curtains. Step 3: Control your emotions You should stay calm when teaching your Frenchie proper manners toward other dogs. Never strain his leash, or show signs of irritation or nervousness. Also, ensure you are always prepared to reward your French bulldog with a favorite treat. Every French bulldog is an individual. Like any other dog breed, French bulldogs can become aggressive to other dogs unless the dog owner nips the unwanted behaviors in the bud. Your goal is to focus all his attention on yourself. Your dog should look directly into your eyes. You can teach this behavior by using a treat held directly in front of your eyes or a clicker. Initially, work on the command at home and then in increasingly distracting places: in the yard, park, and street. In case of a positive response from your French bulldog, you can gradually reduce the distance between dogs. In this stage, your goal is to teach your Frenchie to completely ignore other dogs upon your command. The dogs we want to introduce your French bulldog to must be well-socialized and fully indifferent to barking, growling, and any form of aggression from other animals. This is absolutely crucial — otherwise, you can lose all the work done. The contact with another pup must occur in a neutral, calm area without any stimuli. Make your Frenchie feel as comfortable as possible, so you should not under any circumstances tighten the leash, get nervous, shout or show negative emotions. Keep the first few meetings short — just enough time so the dogs could sniff each other. If your French bulldog behaves well, reward and praise him generously to associate the contact with another pet with something positive. If the encounter gets tense, never pull on a leash and shout. Instead, diver your French bulldog with a treat, favorite toy, or a learned command. Training your French bulldog to unlearn aggressive behaviors toward other dogs requires a lot of patience and consistency. Nevertheless, it is definitely possible. Young French bulldogs can display an excessive amount of energy and hyperactivity. This can result in all sorts of unwanted behavior: chewing on furniture, jumping on strangers, or baring teeth at the sight of other dogs. The hyperactive stage in French bulldogs can last up to the age of 4 or even longer. However, with proper socialization with people and other animals, as well as with dedicated training and sufficient exercise, your French will eventually calm down. Summary French bulldogs are gentle and playful animals that usually get along well with other dogs. A French bulldog who has been poorly socialized or given leeway when displaying territorialism or other unwanted behaviors in the early years can become aggressive to other dogs. A sudden outburst of aggression towards dogs or other animals can also be connected to pain or chronic disease. Sometimes, the process may even take several months. Post Views: 3, YouTube 8 Easy Ways to Control a French Bulldog's Aggressive Behavior If you find that your dog is constantly growling, snapping, or trying to bite at other people or other dogs, it is evident that your dog has a pretty serious behavior problem. When dogs become aggressive, it is one of the biggest reasons why dog owners consult professionals for help. Most of the time, they consult a dog trainer or some type of dog behaviorist. Most of the time, it's not just for dogs that are larger in size either. Dogs that are more of a dangerous breed are more likely to express aggressive behavior as well. However, any dog of any size and breed is capable of being aggressive. It can be a pretty difficult experience to handle, especially if you have a dog that is usually very mellow and kind and suddenly starts to bark or growl or display very aggressive behavior. It might even bite someone that it has known for a while even though it wouldn't normally do such a thing. It can be pretty hard to know what to do when your dog starts to show this type of behavior, especially since there is a chance that things will get out of hand. Even though your dog's aggressive behavior cannot be easily swept away overnight, there are lots of things that you can do to control this type of behavior and help your dog behave better. If you are concerned about your french bulldog acting aggressive, here in this article we will go over the steps that you can take to control it. Here are some ways that you can fix it. Usually, when your french bulldog is acting aggressive it means that the dog is either preparing for an attack or trying to defend itself against a potential attack. Behavior like this usually involves the dog becoming very stiff and uptight. It will also start to growl, snarl, show its fangs and might even start to lunge or bite at the thing that is trying to attack it. When you see this behavior, the first thing you should try to do is figure out what it is that is causing your dog to be so alarmed in the first place. If someone is trying to approach your dog while it is eating on a bone or chewing on something it likes, it will probably growl at them. Most dogs will also act aggressively towards people that they don't know and children as well. Sometimes when the dog is acting aggressive, it is not always toward a person. Most dogs will actually become hostile towards other dogs and other types of animals. Some of them only act this way towards only certain types of animals. Perhaps it only acts hostile or aggressive towards cats, certain types of birds, or even certain objects like cars or broomsticks and sports balls. What you need to remember is that until you know the reason why the dog is being aggressive, you won't be able to come up with a proper plan to dispel the hostility. There are many types of aggression that a dog can have. Here are some examples: 1- Territorial Aggressive Behavior This means that the dog is being aggressive because it is trying to defend either you, the home or something it possesses from a possible threat or intruder. This is especially evident in mother dogs. They will be very protective of their pups and even act aggressively towards anyone or anything that approaches them. For example, food, dog toys, any type of bone or anything other things that it is interested in. But it will proceed to attack if it is being cornered. The dog will attack something that is causing the fear in order to defend itself, before attempting to get out of the situation. Dogs that do this will usually give off signs that they really want to avoid drama before they actually attack, such as looking the other way or moving backward. If your french bulldog has not been trained properly around other animals it is more likely to act aggressively towards other beings in social situations. When it is being restricted this way, it will show its frustration. Sometimes the dog might also become overly excited when it is going on a walk or doing something else and will bite. This can also happen if the dog isn't able to get to the animal that it wants to attack so it will become aggressive towards other animals that are nearby. According to this article , it is true that aggression is dangerous for both the dog and other beings in the environment. According to Science Direct , this is most common with intact animals, but this situation can be taken care of if the dogs get spayed and neutered. Usually, when it is chasing an animal it will become aggressive because it sees the animal as a threat. This is important to keep in mind because it can happen with children as well. Dogs that often show predatory aggression may end up biting the kid even if it is an innocent game. How to Stop Your French Bulldog's Aggression When your french bulldog is being aggressive, try to keep a record of everything that led up to it being hostile. This will be very helpful for you when you are trying to figure out the next step. You won't be able to come up with an effective resolution is you find out the reasoning or cause for this behavior. According to Science Direct , you can also try to get a behavioral test done in order to get more information about the dog's aggressive behavior. This behavior is just one piece of the whole problem. There are many ways that you can take control of this and help your french bulldog react in a more positive manner. However, remember that this is going to take time and dedication. You might also have to consult a professional after a while as well. To get more information on how you can take action against aggressive behavior, check out this video for more. Here you can learn steps to take control of the environment. Some of the health problems in dogs such as brain problems, hypothyroidism, and very painful wounds can result in this type of behavior. Try getting in touch with your veterinarian to see what could be the problem. You may be introduced to a variety of medications or treatments but this is what will improve the situation. This is a serious problem that your dog is facing and is most likely something that owners cannot fix on their own. A professional will get things straightened out and help you find out what is causing this problem and how you can prevent it in the future. You can probably get referrals from your veterinarian. This article suggests that behavior rehabilitation might also be something that you can go over with a professional in order to help the dog behave. Most of the time, you can try to carry out positive reinforcement in an effort to introduce the dog to a new way of behaving. For example, if your french bulldog is usually pretty uptight or hostile toward strangers, try distancing yourself from anybody that your dog is not familiar with. Make sure that are far enough away so that the dog isn't ready to start growling. Once you see that this is working, start giving the dog treats and slowly get closer and closer to the person until there is no hostility. Remember to continue to be positive to the dog and let it know that this the right thing to do. Once this happens, it will start to realize that unfamiliar people will help it get treats and it will slowly become less and less aggressive toward strangers. You can use this same method in any situation. However, this can usually backfire and make the situation much worse. If you become aggressive in an effort to eliminate the dog's aggression, it might feel like it needs to defend itself and might even attempt to attack you. Avoid hitting the dog, yelling at it, or doing anything else that triggers aggressive behavior. Doing this can also make your dog want to attack or bite other people that are around, even though they didn't do anything. For example. If your dog is growling at other people in the area it is trying to say that they are making it uncomfortable. At this point, you might need to look into getting your dog medication in order to help the problem. One of the biggest things you have to keep in mind is that if a dog is constantly under some sort of stress or fear or anxiety, it won't be able to properly learn anything that you are trying to teach it. If your french bulldog is always being hostile around children, you might have to make pretty big changes if you have kids. Or you might have to come up with a way to find a new home or a new area for the dog so that only adults are ever around it. This study confirmed that certain things in the dog's environment can contribute to its fear, aggression, stress, and many other things that can result in bad behavior. You should instead try to bring new things to the dog that it might like even more. New toys, new bones, and other things. If it is holding it, playing with it or guarding it, you can probably get the dog to drop that item and give it a new item in exchange. Once the dog has stopped guarding the items and gets the new one, you can continue using this method time and time again. Once this routine has been effective for a while, the dog might begin to realize that there is no need to be so aggressive in an effort to keep valuable items in its possession. This will prevent the dog from taking them while you're not paying attention. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Any dog may become threatening. Aggression can happen if a dog feels trapped in a place without any way of escape or if it feels that your intentions towards them are also one of aggression. Most dogs have aggressive behavior only if they feel they are in jeopardy, unable to flee, and have a feeling it needs to protect themselves. Listed below are some common fears your dog may experience. Talk to your vet about the appropriate course of action. Most likely, a rescue dog will require obedience training with a trainer specializing in training abused dogs. Little French Dog participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Illness and Injury can cause your French Bulldog to be aggressive. Several medical conditions can cause your dog to become violent. WheAg that has not shown any signs of aggression unexpectedly starts to growl, snap or bite, which would be triggered by injury or sickness. Your unexpectedly aggressive dog might have an illness or injury that causes significant discomfort and anxiety. Pain is the most frequent cause of dog aggression. Several potential causes of pain involve inflammation, bone fracture, internal injuries, multiple tumors, and puncture wounds. Brain diseases, tumors, and neurological shifts in older dogs can contribute to the development of aggression. Possessiveness can cause your French Bulldog to have aggression. Possession aggression or property protection happens if a dog possesses food , toys, bed, yard, or other items of interest. Dogs that demonstrate possession hostility may snarl if someone comes to their food bowl or gets too close when playing with their favorite toy. Aggression can differ between dogs and objects; it feels like it needs protection. It all depends on the level of value the dog has placed on its items. Your dog may not mind, for example, if you pat it while it is enjoying its toy, but it could turn and bite at you if you do the same thing while they are eating. Establishing Dominance can cause your French Bulldog to be aggressive. Dogs often show aggression to determine dominance. Usually, this applies more to other dogs, but this can happen to people also. Growing, snapping, or biting happens whenever they think their role is threatened. Regrettably, people sometimes confuse the source of dog aggressiveness as dominant behavior when there might be another cause. Be diligent not to confuse the aggression in your dog. Therefore, efforts at corrective action may potentially make the problem worse. Frustration can cause your French Bulldog to be aggressive. Aggressive behavior caused by frustration is redirected to violence or barrier anger. This agitation is also seen in dogs who spend lots of time tied up, held back on a chain or rope. A dog chained in a backyard may spend a day tugging to get to another dog living across the road or in an adjacent yard. A dog restrained all day usually barks and becomes more fiercely as agitation grows. The dog could transfer their frustration and snap at you when you approach. Genetics can cause your French Bulldog to be aggressive. Reckless breeding is yet another major cause of aggression. This characteristic is partly inherited, and if you breed two dangerous dogs, their descendants will more than likely show aggressive behavior at a particular stage. Always buy from reputable breeders who can show you the parents and their temperament. French bulldogs physically harming other pets or animals are uncommon, which can be avoided if you bring both pets at a reasonably young age, such that they develop together. French Bulldogs are not known to bite people. Do Frenchies like kids, cats or other dogs? General French Bulldog Temperament These little dogs are loyal, loving, laid back and affectionate. They will enjoy curling up on their owners lap, and will be happiest when they are together with you. Frenchies are also intelligent and eager to please. They can take well to training, especially positive, reward-based methods. But, there are times when these little dogs can show less-lovable traits. Every dog has teeth, and therefore the ability and potential to bite if they feel threatened or backed into a corner. But these behaviors in a dog that is under a year old are almost always a result of playful intensions. The best thing to do to avoid these situations is to disengage, put them somewhere safe and take a time out. If your Frenchie is biting, growling, and snarling, but they are still a very young puppy, they may just be exuberantly playing. But over 18 months old and you may have an aggressive dog on your hands. The most common cause of biting or growling in this breed is anxiety. Fearful dogs may try to hide, or run away before displaying any aggressive behaviors. However, a few Frenchies can some guarding instincts. They feel uncomfortable with visitors entering their home, and might even try to protect or defend the property and their family. Barking, raising a lip, snarling and snapping at your guests is a sign that your dog is not happy with the intrusion. Resource guarding is another potential cause of aggression in dogs, and one that owners can accidentally make an awful lot worse. We used to be advised that removing the food bowl repeatedly would teach our dogs to share their dinner, but we know better now. The right thing to do is to add more food as they eat, not snatch away something they value and were enjoying. Making them nervous that they might not get to hold onto this prize. French Bulldog Socialization Well socialized dogs are less likely to react with fear-based aggression when they are older. Make it your mission from 8 to 16 weeks old to take your dog as many places as possible. All those you will want to bring them to when they are older. Train stations, bus stops, the school gates. They all help to teach your pup that everywhere you go is normal, and everything they experience is safe. Invite lots of different visitors over to your home, of a variety of ages. Make sure everyone that arrives is given a handful of kibble to offer your puppy. Make guests something to celebrate, not to fear. Kids and French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are popular family dogs partially because they often get on well with the kids that they live with. This can lead to aggressive reactions, such as growling or biting, if your pup gets hurt. And potentially a lifetime reluctance to spending time with younger people. Do Frenchies Like Other Pets? In my experience, this is a breed that does best alone most of the time. People tend to have the best luck in this respect if they introduce new canine family members slowly, and carefully. Frenchies are likely to be okay with cats that they grow up with. However, they may not do well with cats outside the home, even if they live with one. Overall, the French bulldog temperament is calm, cool, and collected, making Frenchies good family dogs that love to be around their people and are happiest when they give and receive affection. An aggressive dog often becomes so due to a lack of dog training or less-than-ideal breeding situations, like coming from a puppy mill. Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? Are male French Bulldogs aggressive? What aggressive behavior might the Frenchie dog have? Is the French Bulldog temperament right for my family? Can dog training curb aggressive behavior in a Frenchie puppy or adult? Understanding the French Bulldog personality and signs of aggression can lead to a better understanding of this bulldog breed. As a rule, French bulldog aggression is rare, but it still can happen. French bulldogs are, by nature, a stubborn breed. Their stubbornness can sometimes lead to training difficulties, manifesting into disobedience and other undesired traits and behaviors. Frenchies can also become very anxious when separated from their loved ones, even if only for a few minutes. When a dog is overly anxious, they can become more susceptible to aggressive behaviors, even toward those they love. Here are some common signs of aggression to be on the lookout for with your Frenchie: 1. However, both female and male dogs of the breed can be very stubborn, making them seem unruly. Instead, Frenchies just like doing things their own way. As a French bulldog owner, you might find that your pup is challenging to train because of their stubborn nature. How does this relate to aggression? Aggressive tendencies often come from a lack of training or an inability to train properly. As a puppy, your Frenchie will learn basic obedience and socialization with a trainer. These tasks are crucial to raising a well-behaved and well-mannered dog that enjoys being around other animals and people. Without this fundamental training, your older dog may feel timid or aggravated around others, leading to potential aggression. The best thing you can do for your Frenchie and your family is to ensure that your dog gets proper training as a puppy. Also, work on socializing your pup frequently during the first three months of its life to help them get used to being around people and animals. Growling Growling at other pets or people in the family can be a sure sign that your dog might be on the verge of becoming aggressive. More often, it shows that your dog is scared, angry, or maybe even in pain. This is known as positive reinforcement, and it rewards your pup for positive behaviors rather than scolding it for negative behaviors. A vet visit can rule out any physical ailments that could be causing your dog pain. Professional training can help with people and animal aggression and other fears your dog might have. For example, if your Frenchie begins growling when a child interrupts it from a nap and continues to play with the dog, the next step might be to snap. Because the causes are usually the same, the steps needed to curb the behavior are similar. Giving your dog plenty of chew toys to play with and avoiding rough play may also teach better mouth habits. Common signs that your dog could lash out include: Arching its back Stiffening its tail or tucking it between its legs Baring teeth Hair sticking up on the back of the neck Tensing its body Laying ears back or standing them up tall Staring at a target If you notice any combination of these signs in your French bulldog, you should work on getting its attention and removing your pup from the situation as quickly and smoothly as possible. You need to stay calm in this situation, or your dog could pick up on your anxiety and attempt to attack its target. Remember to reward your Frenchie when its attention goes back to you and it complies with your guidance. Jealousy Does your Frenchie puppy or adult seem agitated when you give another pet or person attention first? Jealousy can run rampant in French Bulldogs, a breed that loves being the center of your attention. While this jealous streak might seem cute in puppies, it can easily give way to aggressive behaviors as your dog ages and thinks this behavior is acceptable. Instead, walk away and wait to reward your dog after it calms down. Strong Demand for Attention and Affection A significant part of the Frenchie temperament is the desire for attention. These small dogs crave affection, even though they like it at their own pace! In contrast, others might desire attention so much that they are willing to behave aggressively to get it. For example, your dog might learn to sit on a special mat or blanket when it wants to play rather than scratching at your feet for attention. Excessive Barking Barking excessively can be a sign of dog aggression, especially if a dog is territorial or has separation anxiety. These problems stem from fear, and a fearful dog can be on edge and unpredictable, so aggression is always something to watch for. Does your pup bark when it sees another dog near its yard? Does barking happen when you leave for the day and during crate training? Does your Frenchie tend to bark more to get attention? Once you figure out the cause, you can work on positive reinforcement training to reward your pup for participating in good behaviors, like sitting and waiting when someone walks by with a dog, instead of barking. Like other signs of aggression, barking can also come from pain. Desire for Dominance French bulldogs sometimes have a desire to be the dominant one in the pack. This usually happens with male dogs, but female dogs can have the personality trait too. You might not know whether your dog craves dominance until you have a new pet in the home or you send your Frenchie on a playdate with other dogs. Adequate training and socialization during puppyhood are critical in preventing a strong need for dominance that could develop into more aggressive behaviors down the road. Fear or Anxiety Anxiety, especially separation anxiety, is prevalent in the French bulldog. They might soil their crate, scratch or chew furniture, and display other negative behaviors when you leave home. However, the Royal Frenchel stands out in many ways from the French Bulldog, and their benefits may give you a different outlook on what dog breed is best for your family. Each pet owner that meets the breed falls in love with their larger-than-life personalities, even as a tiny puppy. Frenchies exhibit many of the same characteristics, but their stubbornness can often get in the way of becoming an obedient member of the family. In contrast, the Royal Frenchel can be an incredible service dog. Their intuition, combined with their trainable personalities, make them one of the best dog breeds for people looking to add a service or therapy dog to their family. The Royal Frenchel is rather laid back and happy-go-lucky. Another area where Royal Frenchels stand out is with their health. French bulldog health problems are many; allergies, ear infections, breathing problems, and spinal disorders are just a few issues that plague the breed. However, Royal Frenchels have a 10 times lower percentage of health problems as a breed than the French Bulldog. What does that mean for you? You may also spend less time and money on veterinary trips, medicines, and treatments for health problems. Improper socialization, training, and breeding can also cause Frenchie aggression. The Royal Frenchel comes from a reputable breeder devoted to giving each Royal Frenchel family the tools they need to transition their new dog into their family. That includes tips and resources for proper socialization with children, adults, and other animals to prevent fears and anxiety that cause aggressive behaviors. We want to help you succeed with your new fuzzy family member.

Snow Capped Shepherd Rescueis a Denver, Colorado based, volunteer-run non-profit c 3 organization. We do not have a shelter, instead all of our rescued dogs are housed with caring foster families…a temporary stop on their way to happily-ever-after. The problem. The reason so many dogs and cats have to be rescued in the first place is that there are not enough homes. Too many dogs and cats are sadly born to die. Do your part, spay and neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same. The solution. We rescue White German Shepherds of all sizes, ages and personalities. These dogs come to us from former owners, shelters or as strays. Sadly, shelters and humane societies are over-run with homeless pets and tragically must euthanize thousands of adoptable pets every month to make room for more. Why would you need to buy a pet when so many are in need? Foster homes provide care and love for these wonderful dogs while we work to find them permanent homes. Plus, by living in a true home setting, our adoptable animals become better prepared for their new adopted families. Matching responsible guardians with our adoptable dogs takes place through our adoption process. We carefully interview potential adopters to ensure that the right match is made. We ask questions about lifestyle, desired activity level, work situation and gather other pertinent information from potential adopters. Too often pets end up unwanted because they were never a good match for their previous home in the first place. At Snow Capped Shepherd Rescue, we look for people who intend to provide a home for a lifetime and understand what that requires. Visit their website for more information on how your kids can have fun at camp too! We are always looking for new volunteers — providing temporary foster homes for these dogs is the big need, but there are many more opportunities to help. Please consider joining our efforts. We also help owners who, due to unforeseen circumstances, find themselves unable to keep their dogs. Adopting Your New Canine Family Member All of the Front Range adoptable dogs are home fostered, or in cases where no foster home is available, some may even be boarded. Approved Applicants will receive detailed info on how to meet select dogs. Our entire adoption process typically takes no more than weeks from your submitting the application until you have a dog in your home. We rely solely on volunteers to place our dogs. Our volunteers have busy lives with their own families, jobs, school, pets, etc. We DO NOT discuss individual dogs with applicants until the adoption process has been completed because there is often more than one applicant interested in a particular dog, and we do not want to promise the same dog to more than one applicant. You can take home a shelter dog the same day. The first step is to submit a completed application. Your application does not obligate you to adopt, nor does accepting an application represent approval of that application. You do not apply to adopt a particular dog. The more open you are to gender, color and age, the more likely you are to find a dog with us. Next, we call your vet and your references. We are looking for people with a history of good pet care. Ideal applicants have lots of experience working with GSDs or large breed dogs. We want homes that accept that they are rescuing a dog and are willing to work with the dog to make him a good citizen. Yes, you will have to do some work. We will schedule a home visit. Once you have been approved to adopt from us we will contact you about suitable dogs and put you in contact with the foster parents. Since the foster parents know the dog the best, they are a key part of the process in determining which home and family is best suited for their foster dog. We get dogs into rescue on a regular basis and they are placed with previously approved adopters who have been waiting for their forever dog. It is best not to focus on any specific dog until you have been approved. We welcome your interest in a dog that may steal your heart but please remember that the dogs posted on our site today will most likely go to homes of applicants that applied weeks ago. Once dogs are available, we work with our current, approved applications until we find the right family for the dog. Once you are ready to adopt, we will give you all the information we have on the dogs for which you may be a good match.

About Us Home: Services His demeanor is so sweet. I think he might be the best dog we have ever had. Thank you for sharing him with us. I just wanted to say thanks for providing them such a safe and nurturing environment for those first couple of months. They were both so healthy and well-adjusted off the bat and I couldn't be more pleased. I will definitely recommend Red Stick Kennels to others. Puppy selections are not made until puppies are approximately 6 weeks of age. Just like people have different personalities, so do puppies, and we want to make sure you are getting the perfect puppy for your home and lifestyle. That is why we wait until puppies are old enough for temperament testing prior to selection. Once temperament testing is complete, score reports and a video of the testing are then sent out to everyone on our reservation list. After review, a video call is scheduled and picks are made in the order of reservations received. Any remaining puppies would then be listed as available at that time. Vaccinations Your puppy will be dewormed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and vet-checked before going home. You will receive a report from our vet and a vaccination record to take with you to your vet. We recommend you make an appointment to see your vet within 72 hours after you pick up your puppy. Microchipped Your puppy will be microchipped before going home. All you have to do is register the puppy in your name online. Additionally, we start working on potty training after introducing solid food around weeks of age. We also begin crate training around 6 weeks. What does this mean for you? You will go home with a puppy who has been well socialized, with a headstart on potty training and is comfortable being in their crate. We want to do the best we can to make the transition for you and your new puppy as smooth as possible. Puppy Care Package Your new puppy will come home with a small bag of food, training treats, a blanket with littermates scent, toys, and more! What do you need? Your puppy will have started crate training here so you will want to have a crate large enough for them to grow into but one that comes with a divider so you can change the size as they grow. You will also need high-quality puppy food. We use and recommend Victor Professional All-life Stages food. It will be important that you have lots of chew toys for your new puppy as they will be teething. For more information on our recommendations and products that we love, visit our SHOP page before bringing home your new bundle of joy! Get in Touch Red Stick Kennels is committed to exceeding your needs. Questions, comments, or special requests? Helvetica Light is an easy-to-read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site. To maintain the health and safety of our fur family all visits are virtual at this time. Thank you for your understanding. Hours of operation. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Baton Rouge Louisiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! We have answers. What should I know about Goldendoodle puppies for sale near Baton Rouge? Goldendoodles are a cross between a golden retriever and a poodle. They are intelligent and loyal, as well as being very friendly and social. They are naturally hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies. Goldendoodles typically require daily grooming, as their fur grows quickly and tangles easily. For this reason they are often clipped a few times a year. They are generally active canines who need plenty of exercise to remain healthy and to prevent destructive behaviour. With Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Baton Rouge, what is their coat like? The Goldendoodle has a unique coat that is a combination of its two parent breeds, the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. Its coat can vary in length and texture, but it is usually soft and wavy. Most Goldendoodles have a coat that does not shed heavily, making them a great option for people with allergies. The colors of a Goldendoodle's coat vary and can include solid colors, two-tones, sable, and parti. What do Baton Rouge Goldendoodle puppies for sale eat? Goldendoodles, a hybrid breed of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, are active and energetic dogs that require a balanced diet tailored to their breed and lifestyle. The best diet for your Goldendoodle should include quality dry kibble, wholesome proteins and fats, as well as fresh, nutrient-rich vegetables and healthy fruits. The addition of supplements such as probiotics, fatty acids, and natural enzymes can help with digestion. Avoid giving your Goldendoodle table scraps or low-grade dog food that is filled with fillers and by-products. What are some essentials I should buy before getting Goldendoodle puppies in Baton Rouge? Before diving into dog ownership, a few items are necessary to ensure that your Goldendoodle has a safe and comfortable setup. Consider investing in appropriate chews and toys to keep them entertained, as well as food and water bowls to make mealtimes easier. You'll also need a collar and leash for walks and other outings, as well as a bed and furniture covers. Grooming products such as a deshedder, toothbrush, and nail clippers will keep their coat and oral health in check. Are Goldendoodles for sale in Baton Rouge considered big dogs? Goldendoodles can range in size, depending on the type of breed used for the mix. Generally, they are considered a medium or moderately-sized dog compared to other breeds. They typically stand between 16" and 25" in height at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 18 lbs. Of course, their size can vary greatly depending on sex and type of Poodle used as a parent in the breeding process. How many minutes per day should I walk Goldendoodle puppies near Baton Rouge? Walking your Goldendoodle is a great way to keep them healthy and give them some exercise. The amount of time you should walk your Goldendoodle per day depends on their age, size, and activity level, but generally speaking, an adult Goldendoodle should get between 30 and 45 minutes of moderate exercise each day. If your Goldendoodle is a pup, you should start with shorter walks of around 10 to 15 minutes. As your pup grows, gradually increase the length and intensity of the walks. Do Goldendoodles in Baton Rouge get along with kids? Goldendoodles have a strong reputation for being friendly, gentle, and affectionate dogs that make excellent family pets, especially with children. Thanks to their intelligence, Goldendoodles are highly trainable and tend to get along well with kids, making them a good choice for those with young families. Goldendoodles are also social and don't mind being around many people at once, making them ideal for children's activities that involve large groups. Furthermore, Goldendoodles typically have a calm demeanor, so they won't become overly-excited in situations involving children and other pets. Are Baton Rouge Goldendoodles for sale smart? Goldendoodles are very intelligent and intuitive dogs, known to be highly attentive and very eager to learn. They are easily trainable and can safely and quickly pick up on new commands as well as returning to the same command after some time has passed. Goldendoodles typically live to please their owners and are great family pets as a result of their loyalty and adeptness. They are amazing problem solvers and often surprise their owners with their ability to be creative and think outside of the box.

Share 0 Shares Labrador Retrievers are a superb dog breed. They are blessed with high intelligence, an outgoing nature, a gentle disposition, beautiful and kind eyes, as well as a playful charm that is simply heavenly. They are the perfect companion for your family and they also make excellent working dogs, with a lot of these beautiful dogs being therapy dogs, service dogs and even hunting dogs. If you reside in Maine, you definitely would have seen at least one of these beautiful dogs in your vicinity over the period of your stay in the pine tree state, This is because the Labrador is the number 1 most popular dog in the United States. Getting a Labrador Retriever has to be done the right way, from a reputable breeder, but what are the most reputable breeders in Maine? Well, that is what this article was written for. We highlight some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Maine. These breeders are quite reputable when it comes to producing top-quality Labrador Retriever dogs. With over 20 years of experience in breeding great quality AKC standard Labrador Retriever puppies of coat colors black, yellow, and chocolate. They produce healthy-looking Labrador Retriever puppies that are bred purely in accordance with the guidelines set by the American Kennel Club. This means that each breeding dog is extensively researched and traced to ensure that they hail from quality championed lines, with impeccable pedigrees that are quite impressive. Their breeding program prioritizes the health of both the pups and the mother, that is why each sire and dam is also health checked and tested for hereditary conditions that could be quite damaging to the health of the litter. They also undergo checks and are certified and cleared free from dysplasias hips and elbows from the OFA, Eyes from CERF, and heart from a licensed vet. They are well socialized by having regular interactions with people of varying age groups and are also exposed to a wide variety of textures and sounds, This is to ensure that each Labrador Pup is well adjusted to their new environment and family. However to get full breeding rights you have to meet a few criteria and conditions. Every pup is health checked by a licensed vet, well vaccinated, and has their deworming records updated. They are also well-fed with quality feed and have their dew claws clipped. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: 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 seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. 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 Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… S. Portland is located on the Fore River and Casco Bay, part of the Portland metropolitan area; separated from Falmouth now Portland as part of the town of Cape Elizabeth , separated from Cape Elizabeth and inc. Ships have been built there since the 17th cent. The city also produces varied light manufactures and is a wholesale and retail trade center. The area was settled c. Portland Head Light, near the fort in Cape Elizabeth, is the oldest lighthouse on the Maine coast. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

E-mail Share by e-mail Are Husky Boxer mixes good dogs? This breed mix is super active and will keep you on your toes round the clock. They are fun-loving, often mischievous, and very affectionate. If not properly engaged, they can become destructive, chewing toys or items around the home, digging in the garden, and even trying to escape to explore by themselves. Appearance With each breeding, different traits are inherited so some can look more like their husky ancestors and others more like a boxer. This breed is a mix between the Husky and Boxer dog. This means that whilst most Husky Boxer mixes will have the same traits, they often can look very different between individual dogs. This is because, with each breeding, different traits are inherited so some can look more like their husky ancestors and others more like a boxer. What is a Husky Boxer mix also called? Another name for the Husky Boxer mix is the Boxsky. How big does a Boxer Husky mix get? They can vary vastly in size, ranging from around inches to the shoulder. The boxer Husky mix can weigh anywhere from kg in weight. What is the life expectancy of a Boxer husky mix? Huskies usually live a long time, around years, and Boxers sadly have a much shorter life span of around 8 years old as they are prone to more health issues. The Boxer Husky mix has a life expectancy of around years if otherwise healthy. Exercise requirements Do not take on this breed mix if you are spending a lot of time out of the home each day with little time for walks. The Husky Boxer mix has a huge exercise requirement. A minimum of one and a half hours a day of exercise is recommended. Do not take on this breed mix if you are spending a lot of time out of the home each day with little time for walks. You should also consider their energy levels at home, and have a big yard available for them to play with toys whilst you are busy. Huskies are notorious fence jumpers so make sure your fence is at least one meter tall to prevent accidental escape. If not properly exercised, your Boxsky can turn aggressive or destructive in the home so always have plenty of time scheduled for walks, and keep them occupied at home with toys or puzzles. Training This high-energy dog will love the interaction with people but can be a little challenging to train. This is partly due to the husky traits inherited. Start your training program as early as possible, ideally as a puppy, and prioritize good socialization skills both inside and outside of the home. Joining a group training class will help them to learn to focus on you when there is lots of other activity and distractions going on around them. Only join a training class once your puppy is fully vaccinated, which is usually around 16 weeks. Grooming This breed sheds like crazy! The husky has a double coat and is a high shedding breed. This trait often gets passed on in the husky Boxer mix. Daily brushing is needed and you may still need to use professional grooming services for bathing and occasionally stripping out the coat when shedding is at its peak. Are Boxskys good family pets? We suggest the Boxsky would be perfect for families with children aged seven or older. Whilst the Boxskys are very friendly, loving, and affectionate their energy and enthusiasm for life can be a little intimidating for smaller children or toddlers. Teenagers or particularly energetic children will relish having a friend who never gets tired of playtime! Equally a Boxsky will fit well into a family with no children as long as there is someone to exercise them enough. They get on well with other dogs, as long as they have been socialized properly from a young age so multi-dog households can consider a Boxsky as an addition to the pack. Health issues Cross breeding decreases the risk of breed-specific inherited traits and conditions but does not eliminate them. The boxsky is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and obesity. Boxers are particularly prone to a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy and ARVC which can lead to sudden death. How much does a Boxsky cost? You may be lucky enough to find a Boxsky at your local rescue center in which case they will cost the adoption fee usually. You should also factor in the cost of ongoing care. They will need yearly vet checks with vaccination, flea and worming treatments, yearly blood tests, and dental hygiene care. There may be dog registration fees you need to pay with your local council. You will also need to consider grooming and training costs, as well as daycare if you are working for long hours. This all adds up pretty quickly! We strongly recommend pet insurance for when accidents arise. The Boxsky is a very high-energy dog and therefore prone to accidents. A trip to the emergency veterinary clinic can set you back a thousand dollars easily so having pet insurance will help cover these unexpected costs. Summary The Husky Boxer mix is a highly energetic, playful dog who will keep its owners on the go for hours on end. If you live a particularly active lifestyle, or spend large amounts of your day hiking or running, this dog is the perfect companion for you. If you are a first-time dog owner or have small children in the family, this may not be the breed for you. However, we can all agree, that a Boxsky is an incredibly attractive animal to behold, and its athletic prowess can see them succeed in competitive work such as agility or obedience. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. These beautiful hybrid dogs can also be called a Boxer Husky Mix. Therefore, each Boxer Husky Mix dog can be slightly different so there pros and cons can also vary. Boxers have a reputation for being great family pets due to their loving and protective nature. These high spirited dogs do well with children and will look out for their human pack mates. Siberian Huskies were a key part of the semi-nomadic Chukchi tribe so are conditioned to coexist with humans and play a role within a group. Boxer Husky Mixes tend to be loving dogs that like to receive affection and be affectionate. Siberian Huskies are adept at pulling light loads over long distances. The Chukchi people relied upon these dogs for centuries in their search for new lands before the Spitz dogs were exported to Alaska at the height of the gold rush. Boxer Husky Mix dogs need a lot of exercise to prevent them from becoming destructive within the home. Protective One of the key traits of a Boxer is their protectiveness. They will strive to look out for the family home. Goofy Both Boxers and Siberian Huskies have a reputation for being goofy breeds. Boxers are funny characters that have a tendency to act in a derpy manner. Siberian Huskies have big personalities — too. A Boxsky will usually be a fun dog to be around due to their unique approach to life. But she would be happiest if we could hike or mush all day long. Siberian Huskies have earned a reputation for being culprits when it comes to chewing furniture. A Boxsky can be no different. Due to their sheer size, they can be clumsy and cumbersome inside the home, resulting in furniture being knocked over. A Boxsky should be given the chance to learn socialization skills from a young age to help boost your chances of having a balanced and rounded dog. Require training A Boxer Husky mix will require training from a young age. They can sometimes be stubborn dogs, which makes training hard. Siberian Huskies are smart dog but are independent thinkers so can be difficult to coerce into following commands. She used to run away when I got out the training treats. Anything else to consider? Boxer Husky Mixes can suffer from a number of health problems. Owners should be aware of potential issues and their symptoms. These include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and congenital heart defect. When you contact a breeder about a Boxsky, you should ask about the health of both parents. Alternatively, you may find a Boxer Husky Mix that needs the be rehomed at your local shelter. This Boxer and Siberian Husky Mix can make wonderful dogs. Lifespan Sociability When visiting a litter of adorable pups, whatever the breed, it can be a real test of willpower to leave without a puppy. But before you do, remember that not every breed is going to suit every family. It pays to do your research first! Boxskies are gorgeous-looking dogs, thanks to their combination of smooth Boxer coats and upright Husky ears. Pups often inherit the bright blue eyes of their Siberian Husky parent, and this just adds to the cuteness factor. Despite all that cuteness, Boxskies grow up to be incredibly intelligent and active dogs. This combination may be too much for first-time dog owners. Boxskies are also a vocal breed, who will use their loud voice to warn you of perceived danger. Their popularity exploded after the Nome Serum Run of , where several teams of huskies led by their mushers, including Leonhard Seppala, managed to travel miles in just under six days. Seppala and his team, including the lead dog, Togo, completed most of the journey, making a trip of miles. Boxers served in both World Wars as guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. Your Boxsky pup may take strongly after their Boxer parent in terms of looks, but behave more like a Siberian Husky when it comes to their temperament. Boxskies do tend to guard their families and may become overly territorial if not trained at a young age. They also love the company of their humans and will want to be with their families as often as possible. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their large size and exuberant natures mean they might be too enthusiastic for small children to be around. One energetic bounce from a Boxsky, and a small child can easily get knocked over. With that said, they do make fabulous dogs for older children, especially active ones! Boxskies will always be up for playing in the backyard or going for a walk to the local park. Another thing to note is that Boxskies do usually have a high shedding coat, thanks to their Siberian Husky parent. Make sure the initial meetings between new pets are supervised and carried out somewhere safe and enclosed. A post shared by The Rover Boutique roverboutique Things to Know When Owning a Boxsky Owning a Boxsky has the potential to fill your life with joy and laughter, not to mention long walks! The information below should help you to decide if this is the perfect breed for you. The quantities can be adjusted depending on the time of year and how much exercise your dog has. Boxskies are incredibly energetic and will become frustrated if not given plenty of time to exercise. A daily walk of 2 miles, plus a training session and free time in the backyard, will make sure your Boxsky is happy and worn out. This is a great way to mentally stretch your dog, making sure their brains are as well exercised as their bodies. That can lead to an older dog who is wary of strangers. This does shed, especially as they change coats in spring and autumn. Breeds The link has been copied! Meet the Boxsky, a delightful fusion of brawn and brains that'll steal your heart faster than you can say "walkies! Imagine the boundless energy of a Husky merged with the goofy, lovable personality of a Boxer, and you've got yourself a Boxsky! With their striking good looks and irresistible charm, these pups are sure to make you the envy of the dog park. Get ready to embark on a wild adventure with this four-legged dynamo, as there's never a dull moment with a Boxsky by your side. So grab your leash, lace up your sneakers, and prepare for the pawsitively paw-some journey ahead with your very own Boxsky buddy! This exceptional mixed breed harmoniously combines the Boxer's playful spirit and the Husky's intelligence and athleticism. As the Boxsky's popularity soars among dog lovers, it's emerging as the go-to choice for active families and individuals seeking a spirited, loving companion. A life shared with a Boxsky is filled with excitement, joy, and unwavering loyalty, making them an incredible addition to any household that can keep up with their energy. These dogs are adaptable and versatile and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They can excel in various activities such as agility, obedience training, and even working roles. The Boxsky's combination of looks, temperament, and versatility make them a highly sought-after breed. A Captivating Blend: The Boxsky's Distinctive Appearance The Boxsky's appearance can vary greatly, showcasing a mix of the parent breeds' best features. In general, Boxskies have a strong, well-built body with a wide chest, muscular limbs, and a lively, expressive face. Their eyes are often enchanting, possibly inheriting the vivid blue of a Husky or the warm brown of a Boxer. Their coats are typically dense and can range from short to medium in length, with a variety of colors such as black, brown, brindle, or even white with unique markings. Grooming needs can also differ depending on the coat, but regular brushing and maintenance are essential. A Boxsky's striking appearance is sure to turn heads and make them a standout in any crowd. No one Boxsky looks the same as the parent breeds are so different from each other. The Growth Journey: Sizing Up a Boxsky Boxskies, being mixed breeds, can exhibit a range of sizes, usually falling into the medium to large category. Males typically stand between 22 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder, while females range from 20 to 23 inches. Weight also varies, with males tipping the scales at 45 to 80 pounds and females weighing between 35 and 65 pounds. The final size of a Boxsky depends on their genetic makeup, which may favor one parent breed over the other. A Boxsky's growth rate can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health. To ensure a well-proportioned, healthy dog, it is essential to provide proper nutrition and regular vet checkups throughout their growth. Expecting the Years: Boxsky Life Expectancy A Boxsky's life expectancy typically ranges from 10 to 14 years, a relatively healthy lifespan for a medium to large-sized dog. However, this breed can be prone to certain health issues inherited from their parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, heart issues, or eye problems. To ensure your Boxsky's long and happy life, it is crucial to provide a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet checkups. Additionally, proper training and socialization are essential for a well-rounded, well-behaved Boxsky. By taking a proactive approach to their health and well-being, you can expect to enjoy many wonderful years with your Boxsky companion. A healthy Boxsky should have at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day, which can include walks, hikes, play sessions, or even dog sports like agility or flyball. Their intelligence and natural athleticism make them excellent candidates for various activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Providing proper exercise is essential to prevent boredom and undesirable behaviors such as digging or excessive barking. Remember to gradually build up their exercise routine, and always consider the weather conditions, as both parent breeds can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Early socialization and training are essential to help your Boxsky become a well-behaved, well-adjusted companion. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn, but they can also inherit a stubborn streak from their Husky lineage. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and clicker training, are the most effective methods to encourage good behavior and obedience. Consistency and patience are crucial, as well as making training sessions engaging and fun to keep their interest. Enrolling in a puppy obedience class can be an excellent way to establish a strong foundation, strengthen the bond between you and your Boxsky, and provide valuable socialization opportunities. Keeping It Neat: Grooming Your Boxsky Grooming requirements for a Boxsky will depend on the inherited coat characteristics from their parent breeds. If your Boxsky has a shorter coat like a Boxer, they may require less frequent grooming, such as brushing once or twice a week. However, if their coat is more like a Husky's, expect to brush them more frequently, even daily during shedding seasons, to keep their coat healthy and reduce loose hair. In general, regular at home grooming helps to distribute natural oils, remove dirt and debris, and minimize shedding. Bathing your Boxsky should be done as needed, typically every few months or when they get dirty. Overbathing can strip their skin and coat of essential oils, causing dryness or irritation. Pay attention to their ears, cleaning them regularly to prevent infection, and trim their nails or use a scratch board every few weeks to maintain proper foot health. Additionally, practice good dental hygiene by brushing their teeth several times a week to prevent dental issues and promote fresh breath. Boxskys can make fantastic family pets for those who can match their energy and enthusiasm. They are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, making them excellent companions for children and adults alike. Their playful demeanor and gentle disposition with family members make them particularly well-suited to households with children, although supervision during playtime is always recommended. Boxskys are also typically friendly towards other pets, especially when socialized early on. Keep in mind, however, that their high energy levels and exercise needs may not be suitable for every family or living situation. An active family with a spacious yard or access to outdoor spaces for exercise will be the best match for a Boxsky. Delving Into the Lineage: The Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky , one of the Boxsky's parent breeds, is a medium-sized working dog breed originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sled-pulling and companionship. Known for their striking appearance, intelligence, and agility, Siberian Huskies are famous for their endurance and strength. These dogs have a thick, double-layered coat to protect them from harsh weather conditions and distinctive facial markings that often include a mask-like pattern. Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They can be independent and sometimes stubborn, making consistent training and early socialization essential. Despite their working origins, Siberian Huskies have found their way into many loving homes as cherished family pets. Exploring the Roots: The Boxer. As a mixed breed, it can either look like a Boxer, a Siberian Husky or something in between. They are often built and masculine dogs. When it reaches its adult age, it can weigh up to thirty-five to seventy pounds. It would also grow to about 25 to 35 inches. Keep in mind that the size of this mixed breed depends on the environment is thrives in. A home with good food, genuine care and ample of space will promote its potential. On the contrary, a bad environment will surely stunt it growth and size making it appear smaller than it is supposed to be. Depending on the dominant genes, its ears can either be erect or sloppy. With their eyes, it can inherit the signature blue-eyed glance of the Siberian Husky but most of the Boxer Husky mixed breeds are brown-eyed. The color of its short to medium-length coat tends to vary between tan, fawn, and white with black. It commonly has a waterproof coat, thanks to its Siberian Husky lineage. Coming from two interesting bloodlines, the Boxer Husky is evidently an exceptional offspring. They are playful and energetic. This breed craves for adrenaline and constant exercise though and needs its family to engage with him frequently. Their exuberant nature can sometimes make them frustrated. Ideally, they need to be with an active family that can provide them with stimulating physical activities. The breed also needs attention. They tend to experience separation anxiety. Make sure that if you are going out somewhere, there is someone that this dog trust around the corner. These mixed breeds can turn to climb up fences or dig themselves out of sturdy fences when triggered. With patience, you can use this cleverness to instill positive reinforcement and use rewards such as treats. Once trained, they can be sweet and loyal to their owners. The Husky mixed with Boxer breed is also watchful and defensive making them excellent watchdogs. They will instinctively warn their owners with bark or howl when they feel something is wrong or when strangers come along. With proper training, this can be straightened out through appropriate training and help distinguish real threats or intruders. Thus, making the mixed breed an excellent pet for your family. They can also do well with other animals or dogs in the house as long as you socialize them at an early age. This hybrid is usually good with animals they grew up with. They are a high maintenance breed. You will need the right amount of patience and firmness during the early stages of ownership. Once your dog gets the system, you will harvest the benefits of a sweet, obedient dog that can do most anything asked of them. If possible, ask him to show the purebred parents to ensure that you are adopting a healthy crossed bred puppy. You can always ask for proofs of health guarantee of the up and its parents. A good one will ask for a few questions such as your preferences, house size, and area, finances, and lifestyle to ensure that you can take care of the dog. If he hands the pup to you right away, you might want to choose another breeder. Never purchase from puppy mills or farms. These are places where dogs are inhumanely bred intensively for the sole purpose of profit. It is always good to personally talk with the breeder and meet your new fuzzy friend first. This is just to ensure that you are getting it from a responsible breeder. The best option is to get a mixed-breed pup at an animal shelter. You can check the following sites for available Husky Boxer mix pups or dogs: Adopt-a-Pet. To keep the coat from matting or tangling, it is better to use a toothed-comb. This coat usually tends to shed completely seasonally so the amount of dog hair will be extra. Just make sure to brush its teeth twice or thrice a week to keep them healthy. This can easily be avoided by keeping his ears dry after a swim or bath. Husky crossed with Boxer Health Problems A healthy Boxer Siberian Husky mix can usually live from 8 to 10 years with proper care and nutrition. While it may be shorter from the lifespan of its parents, they are relatively healthy dogs. The ball and socket of a dog with hip dysplasia do not develop properly. It results in rubbing and grinding of the joint instead of sliding smoothly. Deterioration comes over time and an eventual loss of function of the joint itself. Hypothyroidism: This results when the thyroid does not create enough of the thyroid hormone, which causes a slower metabolism and weight gain. You must give your dog thyroid hormone replacement pills for life should he be diagnosed with this disease. This disease can be inherited by the Husky Boxer mix. Surgery is required to fix this defect. Wobbler syndrome: This debilitating condition causes compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots in the neck. Nerve issues will arise preventing your dog from feeling his feet normally thus making with move wobbly. Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is characterized by malfunctioning retina that fails to reflect, absorb, and perceive light and cause blindness. Boxer crossed with Husky Food Requirements Good food will promote good health and long lifespan. The ideal dog food for your dog is food with enough vitamins and minerals. The Boxer Husky mix is a large dog. Make sure to avoid feeding your Husky Boxer mix with people food that can have a different effect on them such as: alcohol can induce vomiting and diarrhea citrus fruits that can cause indigestion grapes and raisins which are deemed toxic to canines macadamia nuts which may cause tremors and dog depression chocolates and caffeine-containing food which can cause frequent urination, seizures, and hyperactivity The following dog food brands are perfect for Husky mixed with Boxer: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula: Its core ingredients include buffalo, lamb meal and chicken meal. It is also rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. It is effective in supporting healthy skin, coat, and fur health. Its ingredients include salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. It is available in a variety of kibble and canned formulas. For the long-term happiness and well-being of your pooch, pay attention to what they eat! Nutrition can affect their health, so steer clear of the worst dry dog food which can harm your dog in the long run. Young canines should get food that suits their needs the most, so check out the best puppy food brands. The same goes for older ones who need well-balanced nutrition and the best senior dry dog food you can find on the market. Dogs can inherit a lot from their parents, especially if they are vastly different. That also refers to their taste for food which means you can also try out best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see if your hairy companion accepts it. Before switching to a different diet, consult your vet! Your dog will love play and do physical activities with you. Use this as an opportunity to bond with your pet. Here are some durable and stimulating toys that are perfect for your dog: Goughnuts — Indestructible Chew Toy MAXX: This is one of the toughest and most durable chew toys for dogs on the market. It is made of natural black rubber and intended for use only by the strongest of power chewers. Perfect for Husky Boxer mixed breeds. It safe for your dog as it contains no latex, vinyl or phthalates. Its bright color will give you and your dog spotting it around. KONG Extreme Dog Toy: From one of the most famous names in durable chew toys for dogs, their hard rubber contraptions are well-loved by all dogs. It is safe, incredibly fun and long, at a minimum of 36 inches and a maximum of .It will love to learn new things, perform commands or do the trick with you. However, it can be stubborn sometimes and may prefer to wander and to do other things. No worries as you can train him out of this behavior. Here are some useful tips to help you train your dog: Train your dog at an early age It is always great to have a good headstart. House training or crate training is necessary. Help your dog learn where is its bed, bowl of water and food or where it should poop. Once you get to teach him these things, it will be easier to proceed to more complicated commands or tricks. Expose your dog to unfamiliar objects, people, other pets and places as early as possible. Be Consistent Train your dog daily. It would be good to also do this the same time each day to condition the mind of your dog. This will let your dog blow off steam from its high-spirited energy and keep away from various distractions while training. Make sure to use lots of positive reinforcements. Giving dog treats is not recommended though. If your dog has completed a task, you can provide his a neck scratch, pat him on the head or give him his favorite toy instead. Always reward good behavior, and it will be easier for your dog to remember it. Husky Boxer mixed-breed and Families Husky Boxers are an excellent companion and guards dogs. They are naturally good with children. Early socialization will play a vital role in the friendliness of the Boxer Husky mix dogs on other pets and strangers. Just make sure to provide them the attention, training and exercise that they need, you can look forward to having an obedient, intelligent, sweet and loving dog.

Short-haired breeds typically don't require much in the way of grooming, but pugs are an exception to that rule. Regular baths and frequent brushing keep his coat clean and in good condition. Monthly Bath Sporting a short, double-layered coat doesn't mean he doesn't get dirty or relieve you of regular bath time duty. Your pug needs a monthly bath to keep clean and remove any lingering odors he may have acquired since his last wash. More frequent bathing can dry and irritate his skin, so unless he's gone frolicking in the mud or found something stinky to play with, stick with a bath schedule of every four to six weeks. A quick wipe down with a towel will remove most of the water and nature will do the rest. You can also use a hairdryer set on a cool temperature to help dry him faster. Watch the temperature, however, as letting your pug air dry in cooler temperatures may encourage a cold. Wrinkle Care The distinctive wrinkles on your pug's face may tug at your heartstrings, but they can also offer a nice, warm place for fungal infections to form. Don't give them a chance. Wipe out the wrinkles at least a few times a week, and especially after a bath, to make sure they're dry and clean. Use a baby wipe, a cotton ball or a washcloth to get inside them and remove any dirt, oils or moisture that may offer a home to wayward bacteria. A Hairy Problem You wouldn't know it to look at him, but pugs are heavy shedders, especially in the summer. Their coats are double-layered, offering a smooth, long layer on top and a fluffy, shorter layer underneath. This means you will find their tan hair everywhere. To minimize this, brush him at least a few times a week with a bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt. The more often you brush, the less hair you'll find everywhere else. More Articles. Learn more » Pet owners are always trying to find the perfect schedule to keep their pets happy and healthy. Staying on a routine when it comes to feeding, walking, and hygiene are all part of this. When it comes to bathtime, however, things can be a little hit or miss. Some dogs love bath time. Others hate it. Pugs are known for having sensitive skin and facial skin folds that need special attention. But how often should a Pug be bathed? Some dogs may need a bath more often if they roll in something unpleasant, while others can do with just a few baths per year. So, sticking to a particular schedule of bathing your Pug will be difficult, as it will greatly vary in individual dogs, depending on their lifestyle and their skin health. Daily cleaning and checking of their facial skin folds is another matter altogether. Read on below to learn how this schedule works, tips for bathing your Pug, and when to detour from your schedule. The AKC does not consider their coat double. These layers grow independently of one another and require different care. Occasional bathing and regular weekly brushing are required to keep your Pug looking and smelling their best. Frequent and unnecessary bathing will disrupt this fine skin balance and cause the skin to become irritated and dry. Brushing gently and regularly is an efficient way to remove loose hairs during shedding. However, if your Pug gets dirty, rolls in the mud, or finds their way into something stinky, tossing them into the bath may be the only solution. A Pug with skin issues may need a different approach, and we will go through this in more detail, so continue reading. Those wrinkles, alongside the ones around their tail base, require special care, however. Naturally, these warm hiding places can be the breeding ground for unwanted infections. Wanting to be a great Pug owner, regular daily inspection and cleaning of these areas when required, or a minimum of several times each week, if not daily, is crucial in picking up any signs of an infection early on and preventing skin fold dermatitis or even deep skin infection called pyoderma. Having a routine for wrinkle care can keep you on track with their skin health. Make sure you clean them thoroughly and gently, without causing any skin irritation. One of the most important things to remember about Pug wrinkle care is drying. After a bath, wrinkles need to be focused on when it comes to drying. Leaving them wet is one of the primary causes of the fungal infections you want to avoid. Dabbing them gently with a clean towel is the best way to do this. Image Credit: fongleon, Shutterstock 1. Choose a Bathing Area The first thing you should do when bathing your Pug is choosing the right area. When this is the case, since your Pug is a small dog, you can always use the kitchen sink. Either way, make sure your pup is comfortable before bath time starts. Gather Your Necessities Before you pop your Pug into the water, you should have everything you need on hand. Harsh shampoos cause dry skin and irritation. Instead, you should opt for using shampoos and conditioners designed for sensitive skin and recommended or prescribed by your vet. Another good option is to use plant-based products which are often less damaging, but make sure they have been checked by your vet first. Do not get any water in their ears, as this may irritate them and lead to an ear infection. There are appropriate ear cleaners your vet can prescribe for regular ear hygiene. Image Credit: Ihar Halavach, Shutterstock 3. By removing loose hairs, you can focus more on washing away dirt. The last thing you want to do is burn your Pug. Instead, run the bath or sink with 2 to 3 inches of lukewarm water that will be comfortable for your dog. Image Credit: Natali Kuzina, Shutterstock 5. Then you can place them in the water and thoroughly wet the skin. If you have a spray nozzle this process is much easier. If not, you can easily use a cup or bowl to help out. When your Pug is wet, apply the shampoo and massage their skin gently but thoroughly. Medicated shampoos usually need to stay on for minutes to take effect, as they are antibacterial and antifungal, but it will depend on the individual product. Your vet may recommend washing the whole dog or just certain areas of the body where the issue is, and they will instruct you on how frequently to do so. Make sure all the shampoo is rinsed away before you apply the conditioner. The conditioner needs to stay on for at least 2 minutes before being thoroughly rinsed away. Then bathtime is finished. Keeping your pet's skin and coat clean and healthy is very important, but finding a great shampoo can be harder than the actual grooming! We love our Hepper Pet Shampoos because they makes grooming so much easier. These pH-balanced formulas are made with natural ingredients like oatmeal, cucumber, and aloe. They are free of phthalates, sulfates, and soaps and very gentle on your pet's skin. Now you just need to decide which formula is best for your fur baby! This can be made worse by bathing as things like scented shampoos can act as an irritant, and frequent washes that serve to strip their skin of its natural oils. With that in mind, how often is too often when it comes to bathing your Pug? How often should you bathe a Pug? You should only bathe a Pug every 2 to 6 months in order to maintain a balance between their skin health and hygiene. So, in practical terms, if your Pug gets his coat muddy, and he starts to stink, you need to give them a bath outside of the regular bathing schedule. How to bathe your Pug in 5 simple steps Smaller Pugs can be bathed in a usual bathtub with a shower, but if you have a smaller Pug or a Pug puppy, you can bathe them in a sink with a sink sprayer. I would not bother filling up the tub. This is especially important if your Pug is young, anxious or not a very confident swimmer. This is how you can bathe a pug. Use a specialist dog shampoo Then, get a gentle, soap-free dog shampoo and use your fingers to lather and work the shampoo into the coat. As mentioned, Pugs have extra sensitive skin, which is why a soap-free shampoo is the best option. What is the best shampoo for a Pug smell? It also helps to moisturise their skin, and smells great too. Rinse the shampoo away Rinse the shampoo out and repeat the process as many times as necessary to get all of the dirt out. Give the conditioner no more than two minutes to set and then rinse again thoroughly. Dry your Pug thoroughly To avoid that nasty wet dog smell, you need to dry your Pug completely. Dry your dog with either a towel or a hairdryer on the lowest setting. This is their way to get water off their coat and out of their ears. Additional Pug bathing and washing tips Now you know how to bathe a Pug, I wanted to get into a little bit more detail about how you wash some specific parts of their body in the bath or shower. This includes the outside ear flaps and the corners of the eyes to get rid of any stubborn tear stains. I would do this instead of pouring water on their face — not many dogs like this! Specially made dog ear-cleaning solution contains ingredients that helps to break down and remove wax, as well as anti-bacterial agents that soothes inflammation and prevents infection. You should apply this solution to a damp cotton ball and gentle wipe the inside of the ear use a different cotton ball for each ear in order to prevent spreading infection and check for any injuries, infection, inflammation or scrapes. If you notice something unusual, apply antibiotic ointment and go to your vet in order to seek further advice. If you cut into the quick, this will cause bleeding and extreme pain for your dog. It will also make it incredibly difficult to cut their nails in the future. After cutting the nails, give your Pug a treat so that they have positive associations with the experience. The top layer is thick, waterproof and usually a brown colour, whilst the bottom layer is softer, more sensitive and yet also dense because it acts as an insulator. It is usually white and is more likely to shed during the winter months. Luckily, with Pugs being short-haired breeds, their coat, despite its complexities, is reasonably easy to care for. Brushing: Brush out dirt, prevent shedding and distribute natural oils throughout your Pug by brushing them at least once a week with a bristle brush, a hound grooming glove or or a finer brush if you want to remove excess dirt or hair. Brush your Pug more frequently — up to three times a week — during shedding season. You should also pay attention to any fur around the feet or on the pads of the feet that you might want to trim for tidiness. Freshening up: To keep your Pug clean between baths, doggy dry shampoo is quick and easy to use — you just need to sprinkle it on your dog and then distribute it with a brush. You can also use a spray-on dog conditioner in order to keep the coat looking shiny. Conclusion Although you should always keep in mind the allergies and skin issues that come with owning a Pug, bathing them can be a rewarding bonding experience that helps to keep them squeaky clean, happy, and free from infection! With any dog, it is important to strike that balance between not enough grooming and too-much grooming. Whilst it is important to ensure your dog is clean, tidy and healthy, over-bathing can cause its own issues, making it ultimately more counterproductive. You might also like…. This is your chance to thoroughly clean your puppy or dog to remove body oil, dirt, and debris, slather the entire body with products that will promote healthy skin and fur, and use something to control odors and keep your Pug smelling nice. There are some bathing missteps that can actually cause issues such as overly dry skin, skin reactions like itching or rash, or striped fur, and not properly drying your Pug can contribute to skin yeast infections. So, this article will cover the exact steps to successfully bathe a Pug for maximum benefits. How Often a Pug Needs a Bath Most Pugs need to be given a bath once every 3 weeks, even if they appear to be clean and smell just fine. Baths are given at this interval because the body is constantly producing oils that are excreted through the hair follicles. These serve as a natural barrier from external elements and help keep a dog's skin moisturized. But, these do not evaporate; rather, they accumulate. At about the 3-week mark, there is enough body oil on a Pug that skin pores can become blocked and a bad smell can develop if these are not washed away. A bath, done properly, will effectively wash those oils away without stripping the skin and fur, leaving your Pug with a 'clean slate' that will mark the beginning of the 3-week cycle. Another thing that happens during a bath is that loose hairs are freed. And, while the same time interval does not apply to this method of removing dead hairs from a Pug's coat as it does in regard to body oils, it can be advantageous for this to occur every 3 weeks since this can decrease the amount of work you do when brushing the coat to keep shedding under control. Note that you can give your Pug a bath more often than this if the circumstances warrant it; for example, if your Pug rolled around in a muddy puddle or otherwise got so dirty that spot-cleaning won't work or if there are skin issues that require the use of a specialty shampoo. Where to Give a Pug a Bath Young puppies, due to their size and possible fear of water, often do best when given a bath in a kitchen sink. Everything should be removed from the sink and it should be cleaned well and rinsed out. Adult Pugs can also be given baths in a sink, if it is large enough. But, many do best with baths in a bathtub. If the weather is warm enough that an outside water hose will not be too cold, baths can be given outdoors as long as you have a clean area to do so with one option being a small kiddie pool. Supplies Needed When Giving a Bath Of course, just wetting a dog down does not qualify as a bath since it won't accomplish the mission of removing body oils, dirt, and debris and applying products that are good for the skin and coat. So, you will need a few things: 1. A brush or mitt for pre-bath grooming. Since baths will loosen a whole bunch of hairs on this high-shedding breed , it's a good idea to go over the coat right before you give your Pug a bath. This will help keep the amount of hairs freed during the bathing process to a manageable level. Though you can use a slicker brush, you may find that a mitt like the Delomo Enhanced Grooming Glove makes this much easier. And, it's great to be able to accomplish this without having to hold onto anything. The goal is to use something that will cleanse away oils, not just skim over them, and be good for a Pug's skin. At the same time, steer clear of soaping agents as these can be very harsh, causing dryness; instead, opt for plant-based cleansers. Certain additives should be avoided which are known to cause irritation or allergic reactions; this includes synthetic preservatives, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, polyethylene glycol, and artificial perfumes or dyes. In addition, the pH balance should be between 6. Wash-out conditioner. When a dog is given a bath, this triggers the hair cuticles the protective outer layer to open up. This is great, since they can be properly cleansed. But, a wash-out conditioner should then be used to smooth these back down. If not, a Pug's fur will be vulnerable to outside elements that can quickly lead to overly dry fur; it will lose its shine and have an unpleasant straw-like texture. One recommended product is Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Conditioner which does a great job in smoothing down the hair cuticles and is excellent for keeping the skin and fur properly moisturized. A scrub brush. This is optional; however, particularly for adult Pugs, you may find this to be very useful. All fawn Pugs and some black Pugs have very dense double-layered coats. It can be very tiring on the hands to work shampoo all the way down through the thick layers of fur to the skin where it needs to do its job. And, a bath brush can be a great way to snag up all of the hairs that typically become loose when Pugs are given baths. This has uniquely designed rubber tips that are awesome at latching onto dead hairs while offering a pleasant massage, a slip-through hand guide so that your hand doesn't cramp up, and it's very durable. Cotton balls. Though Pugs have folded ears that somewhat help keep out external water, any water that does enter the ears can lead to ear infections. So, it is best to play it safe and loosely place cotton in the opening of the ear canals to act as a barrier. Two thin washcloths and an absorbent towel. One washcloth will be to clean your Pug's face, including around the eye area and wrinkles. The other washcloth will be used to dry your Pug's ears and in between the toes since these two areas are prone to skin yeast infections when moisture is left behind. The towel, as you may have guessed, is to dry your Pug's body. A non-slip mat optional. If you find that your Pug slips and slides around, and particularly if this startled your dog or makes giving baths difficult, place a non-slip mat into the sink or tub before you start to help your Pug keep their footing. Step-by-Step Instructions for Giving a Pug a Bath Prep: 1: Give the coat a good brushing with a slicker brush, grooming glove, or other chosen grooming tool to remove dead hairs. This includes the shampoo, conditioner, bath brush, washcloths, and towel. Bathing Instructions: 1: Fill the tub or sink with 1 to 3 inches of luke-warm water before you place your Pug in. Test the temperature with your inner wrist. You can tear away pieces from a cotton ball to do this. Do not place the cotton deep. Ideally, this is done using a spray nozzle, but if you do not have this option, you can use a small bowl or cup. At first, water may roll off the coat and body oils may prevent water from getting through the coat, so make sure that the coat is thoroughly soaked. You will want to apply this liberally since skimping on the shampoo can lead to only partial cleansing of body oils. Then, use the washcloth to scrub the underbelly and genital area. Using a nozzle works well to reach down through the coat to make sure all the shampoo is appropriately rinsed out with no residue left behind. Use a generous amount to cover all areas of the body. Massage this in for 2 to 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Remove your Pug and allow them to shake to remove excess water. Then, wrap your dog in an absorbent towel, patting and gently rubbing in the direction of the fur growth. Remove the cotton from the ears. Use a thin, clean washcloth to dry the outer ears and the inner ears as far in as you can comfortably go and in between each of the toes. Did you find this article to be helpful? You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about; we always look to Member suggestions. You may also like: Pug Dog Grooming - An overview of every grooming task that needs to be done to keep a Pug clean and well-groomed. Taking Care of a Pug's Teeth - It's very important to keep your Pug's teeth clean and free of plaque. This can usually be accomplished at home if these tasks are done on time. Pug Dog has a Bad Odor - A list of the possible reasons why a Pug may smell bad and exactly how to remedy this. Pug Wrinkle Care - The facial folds of this breed need to be kept clean and dry or yeast infections can develop. Read how to care for the wrinkles and treat possible issues. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. This square and cobby breed comes in fawn, silver fawn, apricot fawn or black, with a well-defined "mask" on his muzzle. A popular companion dog, the pug also excels in the show ring. They are comfortable in small apartments because they need minimal exercise, but the breed can adapt easily to all situations. The Pug sheds, but its short coat requires little grooming. Grooming A Pug does require regular bathing and grooming. This outgoing and loving little dog can be bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every six weeks depending on his lifestyle. With this short-coated breed, regular bathing is essential to maintain healthy skin and coat. Lightly card the coat to help accelerate shedding. Once you have selected the best products for your Pug, it is bath time! Use a grooming mitt and massage in a circular motion to stimulate the release of natural oils. This will also aide in the removal of any excess, loose hair. In order to keep the fine, smooth coat in prime condition, it is always beneficial to use a hydrating spray following the bathing and drying process. This allows the skin and coat to lock in moisture to help maintain perfect hydration. General Health Care Prep work is the foundation of all grooming. Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene. Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest. Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment. All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis. Proper nail care is also very important. Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on. Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot. Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house. It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions. Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full. Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well. Nutritional Care In order to maintain healthy skin and coat as well as overall health, it is important to provide good nutrition to your dog through a well-balanced diet, vitamins, and healthy treats. Do they require a lot of grooming? If you are not a fan of cutting hair, then you have made the right selection of choosing a Pug. This smooth, short coated, even tempered little dog requires minimal grooming. Regular baths are necessary to help keep this under control. What is a common problem in Pugs? The Pug, like other purebred dogs, has its fair share of health concerns. In general, the eyes, skin, orthopedics, and brain are the primary focal points for health concerns. Corneal Ulcers, Dry Eye, and Proptosis abnormal protrusion or displacement of an eye are more common eye problems in Pugs. They are also prone to several skin issues such as allergies, Demodectic Mange, Staph and Yeast infections, and Celestially which is also known as Walking Dandruff. Do Pugs shed or cause allergies? Pugs do shed quite a bit to their short coat. This breed is probably not the best dog to bring into your home if you suffer from allergies. However, if your heart is set on a Pug, you should spend some time around the breed to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Are Pugs good with children? Pugs and children make a great pair. However, there are a few things to be aware of when having a small child and a Pug. Pugs are susceptible to breathing problems and this is compounded in hot weather. Making sure your Pug always has plenty of fresh water and does not over exert themselves is not a natural thing for children to be aware of. And lastly, Pugs will eat anything and everything. A child will need to be taught what a dog should and should not eat. On the positive side, a Pug can be a great playmate and a great companion for a child. What if I have a show dog? Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Pug Dog Club of America, www. May we suggest.Yes, you do need to bathe your Pug. This breed has very sensitive skin meaning that some products may cause irritation. Top tip: avoid scented or perfumed products. Look for doggie-friendly soap products with only natural ingredients. Bathing is essential to keep your Pug clean. This is super important for keeping your Pug healthy and reduces the buildup of unpleasant odors. Keeping your Pug clean helps to reduce shedding, condition the skin, and prevent yeast and fungal infections of the skin. Plus, your pooch will come out smelling like roses. Opinion varies on this matter, I like to bathe Sid 4 every weeks. The general agreement is that you should not be washing your Pug too frequently so forget daily or weekly bubble baths. Pugs do not need to bathe as much as we humans. Unless there is a medical reason why they require frequent bathing e. These oils have natural moisturizing properties and protect the coat from the elements. If you bathe your Pugs too much, you can damage this natural balance, leading to unpleasant symptoms like dry skin and poor coat quality. In between baths, we recommend keeping up with a regular grooming routine. Regular brushing is great for improving coat quality and giving your pet a polished look without reaching for the shampoo. This is a very common question. In the dog world, baths are a love it or hate it ritual. If your Pug hates baths with a passion, then there are some steps you can take to make sure they get clean without any unnecessary trauma on your part or theirs. Make bathtime as pleasant and comfortable as possible with a lukewarm bath. Not too hot, not too cold. Use a soothing voice If your Pug is anxious or restless, keep them calm by using a soothing voice to talk to them. Offer plenty of affection and reassurance. If they like belly rubs, give them belly rubs. If they like being scratched behind the ears, scratch them behind the ears. Make it fun Make bathtime fun by bringing out floating dog toys. This will distract your Pug from any nerves they are feeling and will hopefully keep them entertained whilst you do the work. Reward with a treat Last but not least, have a treat ready to reward your Pug for getting through the process. We all need a little boost from time to time. Your Pug needs a bath. So, what should you do? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. However, while you can bathe your child whenever they get dirty, you will need to be more careful with your puppy. Bathtime should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your puppy, so you need to get it right from the start. Puppies have trouble self-regulating their body temperature and can easily get chilled if bathed at a very young age. Besides being easily chilled, young puppies can also accidentally get water in their lungs during the first bath. Not only will this traumatize the puppy and make them afraid of bath-times, but it can be lethal. Before your pup is eight weeks old, you can wipe them down with a warm and damp cloth for a quick clean. Moisten the cloth only with warm water and use it to gently rub your puppy in the direction their hair grows. Depending on how dirty your puppy is, you may need to wipe them down several times to get all the dirt and grime out of their coat. Wiping your puppy with a cloth will keep dirt and bad doggy odor at bay, at least until the puppy is old enough for a proper bath. Also, depending on how damp the cloth is, you may want to dry your puppy after each quick clean. The most important thing is to keep your puppy safe during the entire bathing process. Some puppies naturally love water and will enjoy being soaked and lathered. Others, however, may get anxious from the start and do everything in their power to escape. The way your puppy is going to react depends a lot on their personality, but it also comes down to their age. Generally, the younger the puppy is introduced to bathing, the quicker it will learn to enjoy the routine. Older puppies, however, are often more challenging to bathe than younger puppies and need a lot of reassurance and praise to calm them down. Brush Your Puppy First Before you attempt to give your puppy a bath, you will have to brush them first. Brushing will remove excess dirt, grime, and any loose hair. Furthermore, you will be able to take out any tangles or knots that can become matted once wet. Be gentle and brush your puppy in the same direction their hair grows. Make sure that your puppy is having an enjoyable grooming experience. In the end, the sooner you start brushing your puppy, the faster they will get accustomed to a regular grooming routine. Gather Your Supplies Gather everything you will need to bathe your puppy before you get them wet. Having all the supplies close at hand will make the entire bathing process much easier for both you and your puppy. Just imagine how stressful it would be if you had to run out of the bathroom in the middle of the bath because you forgot the shampoo. When it comes to supplies, you will need a puppy shampoo and conditioner, lots of treats, cotton balls, a rubber mat, and several towels. You should also consider wearing some old clothes, since you will most likely get wet and in need of a bath yourself later on. Depending on what you have available, you can bathe your puppy in a bathtub or in a sink. Filling the bucket beforehand can help a lot if your pup is afraid of the sound of running water. When everything is settled and you have the bathroom door firmly closed, gently pick up and place your puppy in the tub. Furthermore, make sure that your puppy is standing on a rubber mat that will ensure sure good footing and prevent slipping accidents. Start bathing your puppy with warm water using the faucet on a low setting or a pitcher. Please note, you should always bathe your puppy with lukewarm water! Keep the faucet or sprayer on a low setting the entire time and place it close to the coat to soak the entire fur evenly. Use a shampoo and conditioner that is specially made for puppies. Therefore, rinse your puppy thoroughly and then rinse a little bit longer. Use one hand to hold the sprayer and the other to gently scrub your pup until all the suds are out of their coat. Even if you think that you rinsed thoroughly enough, continue rinsing some more until the water is completely suds-free. Rinsing is one of the most important parts of the entire bathing process and you have to do it right. But be warned: puppies like to shake dry, so be prepared for water droplets flying everywhere! To avoid water stains on your walls, throw a towel over your puppy and start toweling off the excess water. Continue toweling until most of the water is out of their coat and then give them a gentle blow-dry. Bear in mind, though, that some puppies are afraid of blow dryers, so you may need to use treats and praise to get your puppy to tolerate one. How Often To Bathe A Puppy After bathing your puppy for the first time, you can continue to bathe them whenever they get smelly and dirty. Frequent baths can strip the skin of its protective layer, resulting in dry skin and a dull-looking coat. If your puppy has dry and sensitive skin, you should wait longer between baths and only use a natural puppy shampoo with moisturizing properties. On the other hand, if your puppy has skin infections or parasites you may need to bathe them more often with a medicated dog shampoo. Depending on the type of skin condition, you will probably have to bathe your puppy once a week at least, for treatment to be effective. If your puppy has a skin condition like dermatitis, you should consult your veterinarian and follow their advice. And if you have any concerns about how often and when can you give a puppy a bath, talk with your veterinarian or a professional dog groomer. They will be able to tell you how often to bathe a puppy based on their coat type, age, and potential skin problems. You can bathe your puppy for the first time when they are at least eight weeks old. If your puppy is very dirty but too young for a proper bath, you can use a damp cloth to wipe their coat for a quick clean. You can safely bathe an eight-week-old puppy, and this is the right time to get your pup familiar with bathing. If your puppy really needs a bath, be gentle and make bath-time enjoyable for both you and your puppy. Generally speaking, puppies older than two months should be bathed once a month. However, how often you should bathe your puppy depends on a lot of factors, such as their coat type, lifestyle, age, and any skin problems. On the other hand, puppies that spend a lot of time outside are bound to get dirty faster and will have to be bathed often to stay clean and fresh-smelling. You should only bathe your pup with a pH-balanced puppy shampoo. Never use human shampoo, dish soap, or baby shampoo to wash your puppy. Shampoo and conditioner can be used on puppies that have medium or long coat and will make brushing much easier. Use a towel to quickly towel dry your puppy immediately after a bath. You may need to use more than one towel, especially if your pup has a medium or long double coat. Using a towel, gently squeeze and rub their fur to get as much water out of it as possible. If your puppy is afraid of blow dryers, you can wrap them in a clean towel and leave them to dry. Another option is to leave your puppy to air dry at room temperature after toweling but only do this during warmer months to avoid chills and colds. Your pup may enjoy getting wet, or they may try to escape as fast as their legs can carry them. Whatever happens, stay positive, give your puppy lots of praise and treats, and practice until you both find bath-time enjoyable. 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.