french bulldog puppies for sale south dakota
For the complete list please see our Breeder Listings page. The price of the pup will depend on the breeder from which you are buying it from as well as its bloodline and color. Even though the price is usually more expensive, you can be sure that this type of registration comes with benefits as well as recommendations from other breeders and owners who have dealt with them before. A great place to start looking for reputable breeders in your area is on the internet via Google or Facebook where you can see what kind of dogs they have produced in the past and what clients have said about their services. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Minnesota Responsible Boxer breeders should be able to provide you with many things such as health records, registration forms and even a written sales contract. Responsible breeders will also require an application from anyone who wishes to purchase a pup from them so they can choose whether or not you have what it takes to provide a great home. This is done in order to avoid impulse buying and possible backyard breeding which has been known to happen more often than most people realize. A good breeder should be clean, organized and have a large number of healthy pups roaming around the place freely which is a clear sign that they are loved and cared for properly. There should also be a range of sizes from tiny to extra-large since this breed comes with many different personalities as well as body types. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to meet and play with the puppies which is important because it gives you the opportunity to see their personalities as well as what they are like around other dogs, people and kids. Be sure not to pick up any pups unless given permission by the breeder because this shows them that you care about their space and boundaries. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Minnesota You can normally tell a great breeder by the kind of people he or she hangs around with. Any responsible breeder would also have no problem giving you references from other clients so be sure to ask them for these without sounding too pushy and keep track of anyone that they mention. The cost of your puppy is not what should be important here but rather the kind of person you are getting it from since a good breeder will always put your needs before their own when it comes to selling a pup. Since pups spend practically every second with their mothers before being taken home, past customers can easily give an honest answer on how well raised and socialized they are with other animals as well as people so pay attention. Ask for Photos of Their Parents Many breeders claim that their parents are great family dogs with no behavior issues whatsoever which is what makes them seem perfect for every owner. A good breeder should be more than happy to give you the name and number of their veterinarian so that you can set up a check-up for your pup before signing any contracts. Since pups spend most of their lives inside, they need constant supervision which can be hard with children unless planned properly. All good breeders will be more than happy to give advice or pass you on to someone who can teach you how to get started too. However, the problem usually lies in preventing any of these issues from occurring instead of dealing with them after the fact so just focus on finding a good breeder who will help prevent your pup from being put through unnecessary pain. If you notice anything unusual during potty training then make sure you report it straight away since it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue that needs professional help as soon as possible. Training Your Boxer Puppy to Accept Your Commands Some breeds are very good at picking up commands while others can take longer so be sure to check if your Minnesota puppy has any difficulties. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Let's talk about our sweet boy Henry.Let's keep this momentum going!!! If you don't know Henry's story, Let's talk about him. He's a 4yo male boxer who was hit by a car in Ohio and left for dead. The shelter picked him up, and he waited alone for five long days for his family to come get him. They never came. A complete stranger saw the shelter's story about Henry online and wanted to help. This good Samaritan, despite knowing they couldn't keep Henry long-term, picked him up from the shelter and took him home and began to arrange medical care, while at the same time starting a search for others who could help find Henry a forever home. That's where MNBR comes in. One of our members saw Henry's story and connected us, and we stepped in to help secure a foster and ongoing medical attention for this good boy. Henry's original prognosis was that his injuries were catastrophic. He would need to have one of his legs amputated, plus additional surgeries to address what appeared to be major spine damage as well as damage to two of his other legs and hips. The situation seemed dire. But as it turns out, our boy Henry is a fighter!!! Despite his situation, he was in good spirits and started to show improvements in his legs, so the team decided to move forward with finding a treatment path for him. An MRI and assessment revealed that Henry's injuries, while extensive, were operable, and the orthopedic surgeon believed that they could save all Henry's limbs! Since then, Henry has had several therapies, including new water therapy, and he is healing! Henry is a sweet boy who is the definition of a champ! Henry arrived in Minnesota finally in January, since then he has been being seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary medical clinic. But we are not getting too excited his care is not over quite yet. And he will also need follow up appointments from the surgery he just endured, bandage changes, etc. Donations are tax deductible. Click HERE to donate now. Highlighted Dogs.
Type And Materials The material used to make dog toys affects their safety and durability. It makes it long-lasting enough even for rough play. Always check labels on stuffed toys to ensure they meet safety standards and do not contain dangerous fillings. It provides a gentle chewing experience promoting dental health without choking. Safety And Durability Labs are powerful chewers. Find toys made from high-quality materials like durable nylon bones or sturdy rubber. The best dog toys will stand up to their strong jaws without breaking into small pieces. Teething chew toys should be gentle on their developing gums but tough enough to endure the constant gnawing. Avoid thin rubber squeaky-type toys because they can easily break apart or get swallowed. Quality And Price As a devoted dog owner, you might be tempted to buy the most affordable dog toys. However, balance quality and price when choosing toys for your labrador retriever. Investing in top-notch Lab puppy toys ensures you get long-lasting products. Choose toys with different textures and shapes, as the same toy can become boring. Pick toys that are easy to clean and avoid toys with small parts. Puppies have different chew strengths than adult dogs. Therefore, teething toys will work well for puppies. Durable rope or tug toys are also appropriate for young adult dogs. Soft durable rubber balls or puzzle treat dispensers cater to mental and physical stimulation. They keep the puppy entertained in safe ways. Invest in rope and woven toys with knotted ends perfect for tug-of-war games. They offer interesting textures to chew on and keep the pet busy. Besides, textures like ribbed rubber or bumpy surfaces can stimulate their senses. Opt for machine-washable toys that can easily be wiped down with soap and water. An easy-to-clean toy is the Kong Classic Dog Toy. Made of durable rubber, it can be hand washed or placed in the dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning. Another option is rope toys. They can be thrown into the washing machine and dried afterward. Lab pups are instinctive to chew on things, so choose appropriate toys. It had a small hole in the surface. The toy got stuck in his throat, and thankfully, they could remove it before any serious harm. Interactive And Mental Stimulation Toys For Lab Puppies Labrador puppies need interactive and mental stimulation toys to keep them entertained and engaged. But the best part? It is made from durable materials and is a safe puppy toy. Not only will your growing puppy be entertained, but also improve their cognitive abilities! My own Lab puppy loves this toy — it has become his go-to whenever he wants some fun playtime. The Sensory Ball Toy is a popular toy used for sensory stimulation. This interactive toy keeps your puppy interested with different textures, colors, scents and tastes. This ball promotes physical activity while improving mental health. Its chew-resistant design and high-quality materials can withstand even aggressive dog chews. Hol-ee Roller can also be used as a treat dispenser puzzle ball. It provides extra entertainment and mental fitness for your pup. This dog treats dispensing ball provides mental stimulation and rewards during playtime. This innovative toy is included in the 29 best interactive dog toys list. While providing a mix of mental stimulation and rewards, note that this may not be suitable for all puppies. The squeaky feature will keep your dog entertained and engaged as they figure out how to access it. Kong is world-renowned for its best dog toys, providing natural enrichment and play. One popular option among pet parents is filling Kong toys with peanut butter as a happy distraction for their dogs. This ball is made from a tough and flexible material, making it perfect for a game of dog soccer. Since balls are versatile, they also provide opportunities for fetching, gnawing, bouncing, pawing, and chasing fun! We have curated a list of the best puppy toys for Lab at weeks old, months old, and months old. Puppies at this age explore the world through their mouths and chew on anything they can access. Providing them with specific puppy toys that cater to their chewing instincts soothes their gums and provides mental stimulation. Safety is key during this stage, so avoid small parts or loose threads that may pose choking hazards. Encourage socialization through interactive ball play or gentle tug-of-war games with a teething toy. They may also start teething heavily during this time. Puzzle treat toys keeps them occupied and mentally stimulated while promoting healthy teeth growth. Sensory balls like the Chuckit! Ultra Ball or Hol-ee Roller can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. They add different shapes and textures to playtime. They may have a higher play drive and require many toys that can withstand rougher play sessions. Ropes are a great option. Interactive puzzle games will be highly beneficial as your Lab becomes more intelligent. During the month-old stage, continue supervising chew toy usage as adult teeth start replacing puppy ones between months old. FAQ on best puppy toys for labs What can 8-week-old puppies chew on? At 8 weeks old, puppies are teething and need safe chew toys to relieve discomfort. Soft rubber, nylon, and rope toys are good options for your chewing puppy. Avoid giving them anything that can break into small pieces and pose a choking hazard. What do Labradors like the most? Labradors are known for their love of food and play. They enjoy activities like retrieving, swimming, and playing fetch. They also love spending time with their humans and receiving attention and affection. At what age do Labrador puppies calm down? Labrador puppies can be high-energy and excitable, but they typically start to calm down around years. However, every dog is different; some may remain energetic well into their senior years. What toy should I give to my puppy? Choose something safe and durable that they can chew on and play with. Soft rubber puppy toys, chew bones, and puzzle and interactive dog toys are good options. What should I get my puppy to chew on? Puppies need safe and durable chew toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew. Look for soft rubber or nylon toys, specifically for teething puppies. How do you stimulate a Labrador puppy? Labrador puppies are intelligent and energetic. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Activities like playing fetch, walking, and learning new tricks keep them engaged and stimulated. How do you entertain a lab puppy? Labrador puppies need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay entertained. Activities like playing fetch, walking, and learning new tricks can help keep them engaged and stimulated. Are Labs clingy dogs? Labradors are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They often form strong bonds with their humans. While they may enjoy spending time with their dog owners, they are generally not considered clingy dogs. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. Durability and material quality are crucial factors. Look for ones made from durable rubber or hard nylon materials. They must have been tested against aggressive chewers like our beloved Labs. Kong Toy uses natural rubber, which offers toughness while gentle on sensitive teething gums. Another popular option is rope toys made from fibrous material with multiple knots. Durable toys help clean puppy teeth and provide a satisfying chewing experience. It is the best thing for a teething puppy. Very young puppies under six months old benefit from small or medium-sized toys. Later you can upgrade to a bigger, appropriate toy for adult teeth. The best chew toy texture should provide comfort. Soft materials like plush toys can offer relief for sore gums. Harder rubber or nylon-based items such as Kong Puppy Toys and Nylabone chews work great for large breeds. Keep in mind how determined young puppies can be! It minimizes the possible ingestion of harmful materials. Even hard chew toys need supervision. Discard damaged items immediately. Select toys that can withstand their powerful bites. What is the best teething dog toy for a 6-month-old puppy? The soft Kong Toy is made explicitly for puppies. You can also fill it with treats for additional fun. What can I give my week-old puppy to chew? At what age do Lab puppies stop chewing on everything? The intense chewing phase usually ends by the sixth month in Lab puppies. Puppies also go through a stage like humans. They lose their old teeth and experience pain when the new teeth arrive. What is the best chew toy for a dog? These are the very best teething toys for dogs. What is a good daily chew for dogs? It is designed for active dogs and is good for a daily chew. What are safe chew toys for puppies? They are non-toxic and provide the highest quality safety standards. What do vets recommend for puppy toys for teething? They are produced using quality materials and promote healthy development. What are the best chew toys for puppies? Hard nylon toys from brands like Nylabone and Kong are some of the best ones. They come in several shapes and sizes. They are fun and easy to carry around and chewing. What are the best things for a teething puppy to chew on? Edible things like bully sticks, pig ears, pigskin rolls, rawhide bones, etc. However, dogs can choke if they bite off these edible chews. Rubber chew toys are best for Labradors and most dogs. It is the safest option. Choose toys that can stand firm against the aggressive Labrador chewing. What are some good teething toys for puppies like labs? Chewing keeps the jaws solid and puppy teeth clean. Labradors love to chew sticks, bones, and anything else available. Dog chew toys are excellent for fun, physical and mental stimulation and anxiety. What dogs teething toy is best for 8-week-old puppies? Softer toys are ideal for young puppies. They are yet to chew at their full potential and destroy the toy. Soft Chews like Kong Toys are perfect for puppies of about 8 weeks. Even softer rubber puppy version toys work great What is best for teething puppies to chew on? Should Lab puppies chew sticks? Long-term chewing can cause further wear and tear and pain. It is because they are not designed for chewing. Labradors are s heavy chewers. Even for adult dogs, ensure they have ample toys for entertainment for their adult teeth needs exercise. Look for durable rubber toys, as Labs can be aggressive. Are Labradors strong chewers? Labs are vigorous power chewers. They can destroy the average toy in minutes. Labrador puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 4 months old and the process is usually complete by 7 months old. The first baby teeth to fall out are usually incisors, the canines, and the premolars. The molars are the last to fall out. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. This toy is not only indestructible, but it can keep your puppy busy for hours. You can stuff yummy treats, soft food, beef jerky, peanut butter or Kong stuffing into the Kong toy and freeze it. You can fill the Kong toy every evening, and give the frozen toy to your puppy before you leave for work. Because the stuffing is frozen, it makes the yummy treats more difficult to get out and in turn keeps your puppy interested for much longer. There is also the extra benefit of soothing their itchy gums while going through the teething phase. The Kong toy is also a lot of fun to play fetch with, as it bounces into unpredictable directions. Balls — Fetching and Treat releasing You could also buy your Labrador balls of different variations. Tennis balls are an old favorite. However, some Labradors show more interest in balls that make noises. For instance, a ball that has a few bells in it or one that squeaks can be far more exciting for your dog, as they tend to get bored quickly. Because Labradors are natural retrievers, a ball or something to chase down will always be a good choice. There are also treat balls available, which you can fill with small training treats and your puppy can roll the ball around to release the treats inside. Automatic Ball Throwers Not there to throw a ball all day? No problem. You can invest in an automatic tennis ball launcher which works wonders to keep your puppy entertained and out of trouble. The introduction to an automatic ball thrower should be done in the most positive way possible. Get your puppy super excited about the machine and reward it for retrieving the ball. Rope Toys Rope toys are also a favorite for most Labradors because they usually love playing tug. My Labrador is sadly the only dog in my household that loves this game, which means he never gets any of the other dogs to participate in tugging, and I keep drawing the short straw there. Stuffed or Soft Toys Some Labradors adore their stuffed toys! Stuffed toys can be anything from a teddy bear to a soft bone with a squeaky whistle in them. If your Labrador is a heavy chewer, make sure to watch that it does not destroy the soft toy. They usually enjoy ripping open the toy and taking out all the stuffing, leaving quite a mess behind. Chews Another great helper to curb destructive chewing is the old faithful cow hoof. Rawhide chews are also a popular choice to keep your puppy happily chewing, however, make sure that your vet is in agreement with this, as some vets advise against using these chews. Keeping Toys Interesting During my dog training studies, I have also learned that rotating toys are very important. I always made sure to leave at least 3 toys of different variations at a time, for instance, a soft toy, a rope, and a ball. You can keep toys interesting by using scents on them. Although Labradors are not as scent orientated as some of the scent hounds would be, they still have fantastic noses and appreciate scented toys. These scents can range from Lavender, Lemongrass or Citrus to blood scents and deer urine. The scent can make an otherwise unwanted toy seem like the best thing on earth to your dog. Many of these scents have shown to be therapeutic in reducing stress or giving comfort to your dog. Before you think that giving your Labrador so many variations of toys are spoiling them, we can assure you that it is not so much spoiling than it is preventative measures to keep your sprinkler system, plants, furniture and car bumper yes, that happens in tact. Every dog has a preference for toys, so make sure you buy the toys your dog enjoys playing with. For a Labrador puppy, most toys are exciting and fun, so you cannot go wrong with any of the toys mentioned above. Your 8 to 12 week old puppy is still growing rapidly and needs lots of rest. But she is also going to be understandably anxious at her sudden change in living situation. The best interactive toy puppy options for this stage are going to be simple toys to keep your puppy busy without letting her get close enough to you or other family members to sink in a good sharp puppy bite! For obvious reasons, rawhide chews, strong rope toys, fetch toys , leash training toys and other puppy toys that keep those small but sharp puppy canines away from your hands and face are also ideal at this stage. She is also growing bigger and stronger physically. And she wants to play all the time, which for a puppy typically means rough housing, growling and oh yay biting. Also, during this period your little pup will be teething mightily as her baby teeth fall out and her adult teeth start to push their way up through the gums to grow in. So she will not only want but will need to bite just about anything that looks bite-able to alleviate the soreness and pain she feels in her teeth and gums. You will also want to identify the best puppy toys for teething and get a few — pronto! The best puppy toys for teething will be responsive enough so that your puppy can experience some relief from her growing mouth tenderness. But also durable enough not to come apart in her mouth, where there is a risk she would swallow them and have intestinal blockages or worse. They will also, ideally, be freezer-friendly, since the cold can provide its own form of soothing pain relief. She will have survived a change of household, loss of her baby teeth, emergence of her adult teeth and much more. This is a great time period to introduce more complex interactive puppy toys for boredom, treat finding, slow feeding, and puzzle solving. As she grows, her playtime and toy needs may change again, and you may even discover she falls in love with a puppy toy you never thought she would like. Happily, there are plenty of great puppy toys to choose from. This Kong classic for adult dogs now comes in a size perfect for your puppy as well. The rubber is safe for dogs and especially designed for the teething needs of large breed puppies. You can fill the interior with a variety of soft and tasty treats. Kong Wubba Kong Puppy Wubba. The Wubba has two balls and four long tails for self-play and interactive play. The Kong Company also recommends plush Kong toys for young puppies due to the high comfort factor. These must be used under supervision, but many puppies enjoy cuddling and snuggling with their plush Kongs. As your puppy grows up, he will become more eager to play and run and romp. This puppy flyer toy will encourage his natural retrieving instincts during interactive play while keeping your hands and his sharp puppy teeth far apart. This wonderful Kong toy is especially designed to ease the mouth aches that your little dog will be feeling during some months in this period of his life. These toys also make fabulous freezable puppy teething toys. Kong designed this toy to help your puppy through his teething months and emerge with the healthiest possible gums and teeth. These tennis balls are perfect for games of fetch and make a wonderfully motivating squeaking sound when they are retrieved. Kong Wubba Kong Wubba for Dogs. The Kong Wubba for adult dogs is more durable and also larger than the same toy made for puppies. Also, there is a great deal of variety in this toy line, including wet and dry Wubbas and different configurations for different types of interactive play. This toy is also made especially to promote good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums. You can fill it with soft treats or kibble. Puppy Teething Toys Just for a moment, think back to the last time you had a dental checkup. You probably had your teeth cleaned, right? And the well-meaning but extra-thorough hygienist likely used that horrid little metal hook to clean out all the plaque along your gum line. What did your teeth and gums feel like later? Were they super-sore and very uncomfortable? This is an approximation of the discomfort your puppy might be feeling during his teething months. Teething is just not going to show you the best side of your little dog. Part of what he needs from you is compassion and understanding. But mostly, he needs the right puppy toys for teething that can help to ease his discomfort until the teething process ends. Many puppy teething toys include freezer-friendly options to provide extra pain relief, just like a icy cold pack can temporarily ease and numb sore areas for you. The Nylabone Company specializes in making toys for chewing and teething. You can opt for their traditional teething rings or make a more ferocious choice, like the Nylabone T-Rex chew toy. These toys are suitable in size for a puppy and come highly praised by dog owners. There are three different toy sets you can choose from. The material is very durable percent cotton and there are no small parts that your dog could tear off and swallow. You can also pop these in the freezer for extra teething relief. This bone-shaped teething toy is a great shape for your still-growing lab puppy to grip it in his jaws and chew with gusto — especially if you freeze the bone for him first! The toy is made of durable, safe canvas to withstand vigorous teething-related chewing. So long as your dog remains 70 lbs. This toy comes in a set of a ball and a bone together. This adorable rope giraffe is so cute you might not want to let your dog chew it! Luckily, the rope is really durable and features knots to help massage away teething pain and tooth plaque all in one. This toy is also offered in other styles, including a horse, a lion and several more standard-looking rope-like configurations. One of the main benefits this toy offers is durability. These rope toys come in a set of four different styles. They are best for your puppy when he is younger under six months due to size, not durability. They come with a carry bag as well. This cheery and colorful toy takes a different approach to chewing, especially for teething-related chewing. The whole toy is encased in a freezable outer layer that actually crunches as your dog chews on it. The Nylabone Company has another hit toy on their hands with this wishbone chew toy. In a fun twist, the bristles in this nylon toy remain hidden until your dog starts a chew session. Then they raise up to help clean his teeth and massage his gums. If there is one toy that simply seems tailor-made for Labrador retrievers, it is this hide-a-squirrel squeaking toy. Your lab will likely display a ready instinct for retrieval the moment he can keep all four legs steady beneath him. This toy introduces him to the joys of hunting and retrieving in a safe, soft, squeakable toy treasure. You can also get the hedgehog, bird, or bee versions or all four! As your puppy grows, he will be making new neural connections on a daily basis. So the more chances you can give him to exercise his developing brain as well as his growing body, the smarter and more healthy and resilient he will become as an adult dog. All these factors make this mind games puzzle toy a perfect choice. It is treat-based and has strong suction cups to hold it in place while your dog figures out how it works. This creative and unique interactive toy from Ethical Pet Company is designed to eliminate boredom. It provides mental stimulation from solving the puzzle along with physical stimulation from trying to get the treats out. Another hit toy from Ethical Pets, this amazing ball offers several levels of interactive sensory stimulation and play all in one simple ball-shaped toy. The toy itself emits a mouth-watering beef flavor and has three different sensory textures on the layers that surround the ball. You can enjoy hours of fun together and your dog can also find comfort in this toy during naps and alone time. Many times puppies will get used to being fed frequently in small portions. Then they will struggle digestively at first when transitioning to an adult dog feeding schedule. One of the biggest challenges your puppy is likely to face during this transitional stage is simply portion size. Instead of being fed in small frequent portions, a growing puppy will now be offered less frequent but larger portions. Here, a treat ball or slow feeder puzzle toy is of particular benefit. These toys are also great because they are interactive and fun! Hol-ee Roller J. This popular toy offers a two-fer for your puppy during playtime. If he is teething, the ball has a special open design to provide chewing relief. You can also insert kibble or soft treats inside the toy for emotional relief. This toy is great for both solo play and interactive play. This wildly popular treat ball holds a little less than a cup of kibble or soft treat foods. This super-cool interactive puzzle toy will likely get your dog hooked on puzzle toys. This bright orange colored treat ball is made of durable yet pliable vinyl and dotted with holes where small treats like kibble can fall out during play. It is easy to fill and clean and your puppy will get the hang of it in no time.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. I fell in love with not only their beauty, but intense loyalty and happy go-lucky attitude. After loosing my first berner to cancer at the young age of 4 and knowing the short life span of the breed, I started exploring dogs with the beauty of the berner but life span of a mix breed. That's when I came upon the Bernedoodle. Not only do they not shed or very minimally , they come in a range of sizes for those not wanting a giant breed. The are also perfect for people with allergies and have a lifespan of years. Twice the length of the berner! Since bernedoodles are a hybrid, they are only likely to inherit a health problem common to both the poodle and bernese. Genetic testing greatly reduces the risk of many diseases. This is why all of our dogs are health tested and do not join our breeding program if they have not been. We hope you enjoy our website and look forward to providing you with your new family member! We are a small Bernedoodle breeder located in Southwest Ohio. We strive to produce healthy, happy, long-living puppies with fantastic temperaments. Our dogs are health tested and make wonderful family pets. We are more than happy to answer your questions and concerns. Our family has always shared the love of dogs. We have had Yorkies, Labs and many mixed breed rescues and we even have a Chinese Crested that lives alongside our doodle family. Only breeding privately for family and close friends we decided it was time we share our love for high quality Mini Goldendoodles and Mini Bernedoodles with everyone. All of our dogs are our pets and a large part of our family and everyday life. They all live in our home where they are spoiled with so much love and affection. We would not have it any other way. They also have that cute cuddly Teddy Bear look and soft feel everyone loves. We love our puppies so much and we want to make sure the transition from our home to yours is enjoyable and easy. We prefer using the Puppy Culture method to help each puppy get a jump-start on their neurological development and help shape their little personalities all to ensure happy and socially successful behaviors. We pride ourselves in understand canine genetics and pairing our breeding parents accordingly for the best possible outcome in health, structure, personality traits and of course to get that super cute Teddy Bear look and feel. We want to help you find the perfect puppy for your loving arms and heart, the perfectly matched fur baby for your perfect growing family, your new best friend. Come meet our family and all our sweet fur babies too… We would love to meet you!!! Breeding best friends for life…. Answered More info Puppy contracted rare and life threatening Parvo Virus at breeding facility prior to delivery. Arranged with breeder, Buckeye Bernedoodles to purchase a Bernedoodle puppy. Collected the puppy on March 26th from breeder's premises and transported the dog from the breeder premises in Ohio to my home in NJ, in a car that had never carried any animal before. Dog was only allowed out for feeding and to relieve itself in isolated areas along the highway between Ohio and NJ, away from people and animals. Dog was brought to a home that had not had any animals present for at least 3 years. Parvo virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Parvo has a minimum 3 days incubation before symptoms. Our puppy began presenting Parvo virus symptoms early hours March 29th. We are advised by numerous professionals including multiple independent vets and ASPCA coordinators that it's inconceivable the puppy would have contracted the virus in our home or in isolated areas beside a roadway. Thus, leaving the breeding facility as the only reasonable source of the dog's virus, given that at the facility, our puppy would have been surrounded by other dogs, leashes, bowls and sleeping areas, as well as people constantly in contact with animals and facilities with high exposure to potential carrier animals. The breeder, Buckeye Bernedoodles, supplied us a virus infected puppy but continues to suggest they are not responsible for the puppy's Parvo virus when any reasonable assessment would conclude that they are. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Buckeye Arizona and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!
French Bulldogs are loving, loyal, and caring by nature which makes them ideal family pets or companion dogs for older owners. French Bulldogs come in a range of colors that include white, fawn, brindle as well as combinations of the above. They have flattened faces and a cute demeanor which partly accounts for their soaring popularity amongst pet owners. French bulldog tails are very short with a thick root and a thin tip that hangs quite low compared to other breeds. French Bulldog tails are stumpy and are either straight, screwed, or sometimes have curves in them. However, this is not the case because in reality they are born with their characteristically small tails! Hemivertebrae This is a condition that can actually occur in any breed but is more likely to inflict dogs with screwed tails, including French Bulldogs as well as Boston Terriers and Pugs. The clearest sign that your dog has hemivertebrae is that instead of a vertebra in their back looking like a spool it takes on a more triangular shape. This can be painful for your dog and may, in some cases, require surgery to relieve the compression in its back. In the first instance, if you suspect your French Bulldog has hemivertebrae, you should visit your vet who will probably prescribe anti-inflammatories and several weeks of rest. Only if this fails to work will surgery be considered. A tail pocket infection is when the wrinkle pocket near the tail gets infected, swollen, and red. This can cause their tail pocket to smell extremely bad and make the skin painful and irritated for your pet. All-Purpose Grooming Wipes. All French Bulldogs DO have a tail. They will universally be short and stumpy. The tail length varies depending on which of the two types of tail your Frenchie has. People wonder all the time whether French Bulldogs are born with tails that are then cut off docked for cosmetic reasons. Fortunately, the answer is no — Frenchie tails are not docked or cut off. Frenchies are simply born with a short stumpy tail. There are two shapes of French Bulldog tails commonly, screw-shaped bends not curls or straight. How the shape is referred to depends on the thick base with a fine taper. Straight Tail vs Screw Tail Frenchies. When the tails are so short — it can be tricky to know the difference. So Are French Bulldogs born with tails? Yes, all French Bulldogs are born with tails. Some of them have very small tails that make it appear as though they have been docked when in fact it is due to breeding. Decades of breeding have resulted in French Bulldogs having very short tails. There are two main shapes of French Bulldog tails. Straight, and screw. Both should have a thick root with a fine tip. All tail types are very short tails. A long time ago, French Bulldogs did have longer tails. However, due to breeding over the years, their tails have become much shorter. This is not a bad thing, as French Bulldogs still look just as adorable with their short tails! Oddly enough — it was not just aesthetic breeding that led to a stumpy tail. The tails were short when a version of the Frenchie was used as a fighting dog. Luckily, this practice has been outlawed in most of the world for decades. This Frenchie on a park bench has a super short tail. The tail may be straight or screwed but NOT curly. Therefore you would never expect a pure French Bulldog to have a curly tail like a Boston Terrier , or a Pug. The breed standard expects a tail that is long enough to cover their butt, but cannot raise above horizontal. Their tails will point to the ground. This is not true — French Bulldogs can and do Wag their tails! Their tails are just so short that sometimes they struggle to do it. So a wagging Frenchie might not look quite as obvious as other happy dogs. When my Labradoodle Max wags his tail — the whole world knows as the fluffy tail makes quite the scene. The super-short tails of Frenchies are less obvious when wagging. Instead, look for a wagging BUTT of the dog. Many Frenchies will wag their entire rear end when they are excited or happy. A straight tail Frenchie can usually wag better than a screw tail Frenchie. A tail pocket is the skin fold or wrinkles just beneath the tail. Not all Frenchies will have a tail pocket — but many will. Frenchies can develop a tail pocket even up to six-seven months of age. Why do tail pockets matter for Frenchies? A tail pocket is a skin fold that does not get cleaned often. This fold can attract bacteria. If not cleaned or looked after — this pocket can get infected. This can be either a stinky problem for the Frenchie owner, or an uncomfortable or even painful issue for the dog. As a Frenchie owner, you will need to embrace your role of checking and occasionally cleaning the tail pocket if your dog has one. You do not want a bacterial infection. If there is a pronounced tail pocket you need to clean it frequently with neutral wipes and dry it with a soft, clean cloth. What fun! Hemivertebrae deformity is a spine problem that comes from selective breeding for a shorter tail. It results in compression of some fairly important nerves and anatomy. It can be both disabling and painful. Learn more in this somewhat upsetting study As an owner of a French Bulldog, you need to factor in regular Vet checks to identify this kind of serious issue early. If present it will require monitoring and sometimes surgical intervention. If you suspect such a condition — you need Vet advice. Full stop. A Vet can diagnose using either physical examination or more likely X-ray or CT or even MRI The treatment ranges from monitoring to symptomatic anti-inflammatories, and even surgery. Call Vic Kasser or Email! The dog's tail ranges from several inches in length and there may be dogs who do not have tail. The French Bulldog tail should be either straight or kinked but not curly , short, hung V low, thick root and fine tip; carried low in repose. The screw-tail shape is due to abnormal shape of tail bones, but this abnormality can also affect other parts of the spine with serious consequences. An understanding of the importance of the tail and the conditions to which a lack of tail can predispose is gained by reviewing the anatomy and the physiology of the normal length tail and the pelvic region. The normal canine tail consists of approximately 20 highly mobile vertebrae largely enclosed by very versatile muscles making the various segments, especially the tip capable of finely graded movements. French Bulldogs have an average of 6 or les vertebraes often deformed in their tails which are incapable of fine movement. Locomotion The tail is important as a means of counter-balance when the dog is carrying out complicated movements such as leaping, walking along narrow structures, or climbing. Tail muscles are also important in stabilising the vertebral column and supporting the action of the extensor muscles of the back as well as those of the croup and buttocks. Defecation and pelvic diaphragm integrity During defecation the dog assumes a squatting position with elevation of the tail an subsequent relaxation of muscles. The movement of the tail during the act of defecation has a direct influence in evacuating the faecal bolus. If the tail is removed from an inmature puppy the muscles of the tail and pelvis may fail to develop to their full potential. Removal of the tail in the mature dog may lead to atrophy and degeneration of these muscles. An absence of adequate function of these muscles may result in rectal dilatation, rectal sacculation and faecal incontinence. Any process resulting in fascial weakening, muscle atrophy, or muscle degeneration may predispose to this wekness in the pelvic diaphragm. Burrows and Ellison recorded a predisposition to perineal hernia in those brachycephalic breeds, which have naturally docked tails. Communication and canine behaviour The position of the tail and the way it is moved can signal pleasure, fear, friendliness, dominance, playfulness, defensiveness. Thus a very short tail can affect the interaction of dog with other animals and man. Some behaviourists believe the absence of a tail may predispose a dog to show unwarranted aggression to other dogs and man, or that they may be the victim of attacks by other dogs due to their failure to communicate. The tail is not merely an inconsequential appendage. It is an anatomically and physiologically significant structure which has many biological functions that should not he underestimated. February 7, No comments There are many benefits of living with French Bulldogs — their portable size, their endearing expressions, and their quirky personalities have made them one of the most popular dog breeds in America. However, before you bring a Frenchie home, potential owners need to be aware of the problems with their tails and tail pockets. Does the French Bulldog Have a Tail? Yes, French Bulldogs sport tails. One of the most endearing qualities about French Bulldogs are their rumps, capped off with a short tail. A short tail seems like it would be easier to keep clean and healthy than a long tail, but this is not the case. Frenchies are not all born with the same tail length. Some tails will be longer than others. This practice is now frowned upon, but some breeders still partially dock tails. You may see French Bulldogs in rescues or shelters with these altered tails. Frenchies often have health problems with their tails and tail pockets — the little dip right below the tail and above their rectums. However, not all Frenchies have tail pockets and puppies sometimes do not get a tail pocket until they are six months old. A tail pocket is like a facial wrinkle right under the tail. Because of this quirk, the pocket cannot get cleaned as easily as other skin can. If left unchecked, this pocket can get infected. The tails themselves are often prone to genetic problems and sunburn, especially if the tails are white. Just like people, dogs love the sun but sometimes stay out too long and get burned. Frenchies with screw tails are often prone to a genetic condition called hemi-vertebrae. In order to create that cute short tail, the vertebrae of the spine are pressed together more closely than in dogs with normal tails. Hemi-vertebrae can cause problems walking, limb paralysis and incontinence — most commonly at an older age. Hemi-vertebrae is a condition that only a veterinarian can treat. Often surgery is the only way to make any lasting help for the most serious conditions. Rest and anti-inflammatory painkillers can help in less severe cases. It can only be prevented by not breeding dogs known to have the condition. Treating an infected tail pocket also requires the help of a vet. Symptoms of an infected tail pocket include swelling, oozing a pus-like material and sometimes a bad smell. The skin gets very itchy, so your Frenchie may be scooting or scratching his rear end more often than usual. The infection is caused by dirt, droppings, and bacteria that have not been cleaned out from the tail pocket. This can be a painful and life-threatening condition, so get your Frenchie to the vet right away for a thorough removal of the infection and a course of antibiotics. In extreme cases, surgery is necessary. The bad news is that hemi-vertebrae is not preventable. The good news is that both sunburn and tail pocket infections are. Sunburn is the easier of the two to prevent. Sunscreen containing zinc oxide also can help. If you are unsure about what sunscreen to use on your Frenchie, please contact your vet before putting any cream on your dog. Tail pockets need cleaning and drying to keep the skin clean, dry and infection-free. Use the mildest baby wipes you can find to clean the pocket and then use a clean cloth to dry. At first, you may need your vet to show you what to do. Wrapping up The small Frenchie tail can cause big problems. Those with corkscrew-shaped tails are prone to hemi-vertebrae, a painful condition which can cause paralysis. Tails of white Frenchies are particularly prone to sunburn but this can be easily prevented through sunscreen and keeping your Frenchie indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Most, but not all, Frenchies over the age of six months have tail pockets, which is like a facial wrinkle under the tail. Because of the wrinkle, bacteria can get trapped and can cause a sore, itchy and potentially life-threatening infection. This can be prevented by cleaning the tail pocket every day with baby wipes and drying it with a soft, clean cloth. This may seem like a lot of work, but soon you and your dog will get into the routine of using sunscreen and getting the tail pocket cleaned. Frenchies are worth the extra effort! Are they docked? These are very common questions. According to the breed standards , French Bulldogs have a short tail that is thick at its root and fine at the tip. Their tails hang low, i. French Bulldogs tail type can be either straight or screwed, but not curly like Pugs or Boston Terriers. More on types below. Are French Bulldogs Born with Tails? French Bulldog puppies are naturally born with very short tails. This feature is a part of the breed characteristics. One of their gene mutations causes the tail to grow unusually short. So, the next question that you might be thinking is about docking practices. French Bulldog tails are not cut off or docked. Frenchies are born with short and stumpy tails due to their genes, not because they have been docked i. Not only is it a painful procedure for your pooch, especially if not done at birth, but it also causes severe spine problems in the future. Also, tail docking disqualifies a dog from registration. According to the breed standards, French Bulldog can have 2 types of tails: 1 — A Straight Tail The shape of the tail is straight and its longer than screw-shaped type. The tail is set low on their rear, i. However, screw-shaped tails are not curly, i. Can French Bulldogs Wag their Tails? French Bulldogs cannot wag their tails because they are short, they wiggle their bottom instead, as a sign that they are happy. Still, some Frenchies will manage to wag or shake their tail for a bit. Insider Tip: French Bulldogs with straight and longer tails will tend to wag their tails more. Both English and French Bulldogs are known to have a tail pocket. But not all Frenchies have a tail pocket. However, French Bulldogs with a screw tail get a fold between their coat and where their tail sits, creating a fold, pocket or wrinkle. The French Bulldog tail pocket refers to the area under their tail. For some French Bulldogs, the tail pocket is more pronounced than for others. When French Bulldogs have a screw tail, they are predisposed to tail infections, also known as tail pocket infections. The skin folds or pocket in the base of the tail collects dirt and other substances and over time causes irritation. As a result of this, the tail can get infected. Tail Infection Symptoms The usual symptoms of tail infection are: Itching and redness in the area. Bad odour due to the pus and dead skin. Treatment for Tail Infection Asses the severity and if you are unsure, check with your vet. However, you can start by cleaning the area: Wash the area with warm water and antiseptic soap first to remove any dirt. Then, you can use an antiseptic spray or wipes. After that, use a clean gauze to dry the area. You can also apply a soothing cream or coconut oil to help with the healing and reduce skin irritation. Note: If you feel at any moment that the infection is getting worse, get in touch with your vet. Trim the hair around the tail regularly. Wash the tail wrinkles and pocket using dog grooming wipes easy and effective. Apply coconut oil to prevent skin irritation, itchiness and dryness. Hemivertebrae refers to the bones in the spine that are abnormally shaped. This condition often leads to the tail being incorrectly aligned. Screw tails are often the main cause of tail deformities and spinal issues due to the bones being twirled and crushing the spinal column and nerves. As a result, French Bulldogs with screw tails can suffer from spinal deformities, also known as hemivertebrae condition. Hemivertebrae Symptoms Hemivertebrae in French bulldogs can be discovered by performing an X-ray and physical examination. Symptoms include: Wobbliness and loss of hind leg function. In extreme cases, they can lose control of their bladder and bowels. Treatment for Tail Deformities Hemivertebrae In not so severe cases, treatment will usually consist of anti-inflammatory drugs. But, more severe cases will require a surgical procedure called Hemilaminectomy in order to relieve the bones pressing on the spinal cord. This is an unexpected expense and is one of many scenarios where dog insurance comes in handy. With Petplan pet insurance , all hereditary and chronic conditions are covered as standard. Preventing Tail Deformities Unfortunately, the only way that hemivertebrae can be prevented is through responsible breeding. When breeding dogs that have genetic malformities, we are putting another litter out there with a genetic predisposition to having these same problems. Not only do the soft membrane of their ears makes them vulnerable, but also their tails! Sunburns can be extremely uncomfortable, and harmful — your dog is vulnerable to skin cancer. Sunburn Symptoms Sunburn is also fairly easy to notice in your dog. Common sunburn signs include: Red spots or pinkier colouring. Sore skin, i. Peeling skin. If you notice that your Frenchie is severely sunburnt or blistered, call your vet. Treatment for Sunburn Your vet will examine your French Bulldog tail and skin to determine coat type and skin pigmentation. Knowing how long your dog has been under the sun will also determine if your dog is sunburnt. To treat a severe sunburn, heat exhaustion and dehydration, your dog will be provided with fluids. This helps to stabilize your Frenchie. Preventing Sunburn Here are some simple tips to prevent sunburn: Avoid sunbathing, especially if your dog loves roasting under the sun very unlikely. Avoid strong sun rays by keeping your dog indoors during peak hours of the day midday. Only allow your Frenchie time in the sun early in the morning and during the late afternoon and evening. Discuss safe sun-screen options with your vet. The ASPCA says that ingesting certain sunscreens can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets. Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment. They are born without long tails, instead having small, stumpy tails. Some of are screw shaped, some with little curves, and others very short and straight. The stumpy tail is a by-product of the early days of breeding. Do French bulldogs have tails at all? Yes, they do, but they have been bred to produce cute, short, and stumpy little tails, which most of the time means their butt is on show. There tends to be three different types of Frenchie tail: Straight down and stumpy Screwed and stumpy never curly though Thick root with a very fine tip Here is a photo of the Frenchie rear end, where you can see very clearly what a classic tail looks like in the modern day. Are French bulldogs born with tails? Or are French bulldogs born without tails? They are born with tails, albeit not a long tail like most breeds of dog have. Here is a photo of a newborn little of Frenchie puppies where you can see what their tails look like just after birth. As you can see from these feeding puppies, they have very short and stumpy tails. Does their tail cause health problems? Unfortunately, it can. I was only aware of this whilst researching for this article. In some cases, it can mean deformity and instability in the spinal column, and that could lead to spinal and nerve damage — and pain! This genetic condition will occur in some Frenchies and is a direct consequence of breeders trying to make the screw type tail the preferred look. French Bulldog straight tail initiative Interestingly, and I think this is a great move, in a scheme was launched in the UK by the national Kennel Club to move away from the screw, cork-screw or tight tail to a straighter tail. Because the breeding that has led to this appearance is actually an in-bred spinal defect. Without them dogs can suffer with ailments such as dilation of the rectum, incontinence, and hernias. It will take time, but it would lead to obvious benefits. Their aim is to get the breed back to having the short-drop tail which is originally had, as you can see in this image of a French bulldog taken in .This image is from , and you can clearly see a more pronounced longer tail. Never curling over back nor carried gaily. Why do French bulldogs have short tails? Great question, and as you saw from that historical photo higher up the page, Frenchies used to have longer tails than the ones we see today. So why did they become shorter, looking like that had been docked or cut off? By selective breeding, it would have been possible to get shorter tails over time which could have offered: Given them increased speed watch the video where we tracked how fast our Frenchie was with radar and GPS! Helped to prevent rat bites to the tail Over time, as French bulldogs have moved away from being working dogs, it has become part of their cosmetic appeal, and thus, selective breeding has let them to be shorter and shorter tails. Interestingly, our dog Claude still has a lot of this rat catching DNA in him. Our personal experience with Claude We have first-hand experience of the docked tail misconception ourselves. My wife and I were horrified to think that someone believed we had paid for our beloved dog to have his tail removed. We then explained to them that French bulldogs are born with tails, but very short and stumpy ones. This is due to the way in which they have been bred down the years with other short-tailed dogs such as pugs and terriers. Are French bulldogs tails cut off at all? Weird I know. If the last tail bone is not pointy, this is a strong indication that part of the tail has been cut off and removed. Can French bulldogs wag their tails? French Bulldogs cannot wag their tails. Some will manage to move their stumpy tail a little, but in the main, a wagging bottom is a sign that a Frenchie is happy as their tails are too short to actually wag. Our personal experience If you know anything about dogs, you will know that a wagging tail is a sign that the dog is happy. So how do we know if Claude is happy or not? Well our little man is a complete clown and he has lots of other ways in which to show us how he is feeling. Sometimes that will be by his eyes, but most of the time just the way in which he is jumping around, cuddling into us, and being his happy little character. What he lacks for in a tail he more than makes up for in his behaviour. Apparently, shepherds used to do to prevent rabies. I have no idea how that would prevent rabies, so if anyone can tell me I would love to hear it! Later in history, there was a trend to remove the tail tips from hunting dogs on order to prevent them from being injured. You would assume that the less tail the dog has, the less inclined they would be to pick up an injury. It still seems a barbaric practice though. Docking the tail is either done in a homemade fashion where the owner wraps a rubber band around it to cut off the flow of blood. The tail will then drop off after a few days. It can also be done by a vet, which you would think would be way safer, and would lead to less chance of infection. However, as far as I can gather, neither procedures use anaesthetic or stitches. Does it hurt a dog to have its tail cut off? Evidence indicates that puppies have similar sensitivity to pain as adult dogs. Puppies give repeated intense shrieking vocalisations the moment the tail is cut off and during stitching of the wound, indicating that they experience substantial pain. Inflammation and damage to the tissues also cause ongoing pain while the wound heals. There is also the risk of infection or other complications associated with this unnecessary surgery. For example, when a chronic neuroma forms at the amputation site. Neuromas are often very painful. I also looked up the law in the United States to see what the regulations were, and I am happy to say that tail docking is also prohibited for cosmetic purposes. Below you can see a graphic that I found on Wikipedia that the legal status of dog tail docking by country. Having researched for this article, I also now know that the shorter tails they are being bred in modern times, are in fact a spinal deformity, and can lead to health issues — you can see the most common French Bulldog health problems in this list. We love our dog, and thankfully he is very healthy with no concerns and we hope he continues to be so. But I am fully behind the new initiatives to bring the longer tail back, as for the future generations of the breed, it has to be done. It should also help you to counter any accusations of docking as we had when we took our dog for a walk that time. Do French Bulldogs Have Tails? French Bulldogs have naturally short tails which may be straight, or corkscrewed. The anatomy of their tail makes them prone to a range of health problems, which potential owners ought to be aware of. And the answer is yes, they are. French Bulldogs are born with naturally short tails. Most dogs have 18 to 23 tail bones, which are an extension of the vertebrae in their spine. But French Bulldogs have as few as nine, so their tail is very short. Straight tails start thick at the base and taper towards the tip. Screw tails have a series of tight bends in them, so that they sit like a cinnamon roll below the root. When Frenchie puppies with screw tails are born, their tails are supple enough to be gently unrolled. But as they mature, they set in place in a tight bun. French Bulldogs do not usually have their tails docked. Tail docking started out as a way of protecting working dogs from tail injuries, but Frenchies have no working history. When taxes were introduced on pet dogs, docking some pet breeds in order to pass them off as working dogs became popular too. French Bulldogs do not traditionally have their tails docked, but some do end up requiring surgical tail amputation for medical reasons. Frenchie dogs without tails The anatomy of the Frenchie tail means that their tail sits flush against the skin on their butt, creating a pocket underneath. This makes them vulnerable to a condition called intertrigo. Intertrigo is when two skin surfaces rub together, causing irritation and inflammation. The damaged skin becomes an entry point for bacteria, causing a tail pocket infection. Some French Bulldog tail pocket infections can be treated with antibiotics, but severe or recurring infections can only be resolved by removing the tail altogether. No Bulldogs have tails as long as, say, a Labrador or a Golden Retriever. But, Some French Bulldogs have straight tails, which naturally appear longer than a tail with a series of tight kinks in it. The frequency of the two French Bulldog tail types depends partly on your region. In the UK, not only should their tails be straight as previously mentioned, but the breed standard also says it ought to be long enough to cover the anus. Health Concerns of Frenchie Dogs With Short Tails Unfortunately, there are numerous complications associated with screw tails, the most notable of which are hemivertebrae and spina bifida. Hemivertebrae are misshapen bones in the tail and the base of the spine. Hemivertebrae are widespread among French Bulldogs, and highly heritable. Which means the puppies of affected dogs are likely to be affected too. Which is why removing screwtail Frenchies from breeding programmes and making straight tailed dogs the most acceptable and desirable option is the surest way to securing the future health of the breed. Like hemivertebrae, spina bifida can result in lameness and incontinence. Both conditions are expensive and difficult to treat, and cause a whole lot of heart ache. You can read more the health problems associated with screw tails in this article. Health Problem Associated With Flat Faces Even though we have mostly focussed on the Frenchie butt in this article, it would be wrong not to also mention the problems many Frenchies experience at the other end of their body. In fact, the two are actually linked, because screw tails and hemivertebrae are closely associated with flat faced dog breeds including Frenchies, English Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers. Heat stroke caused by the difficulty breathing. Dental problems. Damage to the surface of the eyes because the sockets are shallow and the eyeballs protrude from them. Infections in the wrinkled skin over their nose and brow. Elsewhere in their bodies, brachycephalic dogs like Frenchies also have higher than average frequencies of gastrointestinal problems, skin diseases, and difficulties giving birth. For all these reasons, unfortunately we do not recommend flat faced dogs including French Bulldogs as pets. Frenchie Tail Summary French Bulldogs are in fact born with tails, but they are short and inconspicuous. The two Frenchie tail types are straight and corkscrew. Owing to the health problems associated with corkscrew tails, some breeders and breed clubs are making a conscious decision to move away from them and focus on breeding lines with straight tails. What do you think? Would you prefer to see more Frenchies with longer, straighter tails? Let us know in the comments box down below! Alternative Dogs With Short Tails Unfortunately the best known dogs with short tails, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, share many of the same health problems as the unlucky Frenchie. The handsome Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a well known alternative with a naturally short tail and a normal length muzzle. Here are three other less well known breeds, which can all be born with naturally short tails. French Bulldogs are often best described as having a stumpy tail. While there are several other tail types, including a knot, screw-shaped or tapered, all Frenchie tails are still short. While breeders of unsavory roots back in the day used to deliberately change the shape of Frenchie tails while they were still newborns, this practice has long since been banned. Talk about a need-to-know fact when it comes to parental satisfaction. Because there is not enough of a tail there to wag! To show their happiness, Frenchies often wag their whole scrunchie butts instead! Except for a few that have a bit of a longer tail more on that in a moment. What do French Bulldogs tails look like? The three main kinds are below. French Bulldog screw tail A common one to find on the websites of dog breeds or online, if you do a wider search, is a Frenchie Bulldog screw tail. This tail waves from left to right and back, or, more commonly right to left and then back to right again. These tails are popular with breeders and, therefore, in Frenchies. However, screw tails are considered to be painful for Frenchies. Whether the screw is tight or a bit looser for a gentle curve, a screw tail brings pain for Frenchies due to the health problems that it usually brings along with it more on that in a moment. This tail is often thick at its root and then thin at its end. To our human eyes, it looks like the Frenchie has his tail swooped into a bun. The knob size itself can vary from pup to pup. What is a French Bulldog tail pocket? Not all French Bulldogs have tail pockets, but it is a common characteristic to Frenchies. Some have simple, almost invisible little indentations under their tail. Others have rather deep pouches that can be tricky to keep clean keep reading for help with this. This varies from litter to litter and from pup to pup! French Bulldog tail problems French Bulldogs can be prone to health problems that are thought to be connected to either their tail form or their tail pocket. The most common issue is tail pocket infections. Hemivertebrae This condition is most commonly associated with a French Bulldog screw tail, which is one of the reasons why a lot of the professionals out there frown upon this tail type. While hemivertebrae can be an issue with Frenchies that have straight tails, the likelihood genetics aside is thought to be lower. This is a scary word for a scary condition, unfortunately. A Frenchie gets his characteristic tail due to the vertebrae in the spine being compressed together. In some cases, this compression is unequal, and it can lead to a crooked and physically stressed spine that is called hemivertebrae. This is a serious condition as it can lead to issues with mobility or even limb paralysis, incontinence in seniors , and more. If your Frenchie is diagnosed with hemivertebrae, treatment often revolves around therapeutic details such as massage therapy or even physiotherapy. Hemivertebrae is a painful condition, and these kinds of strengthening and relaxing treatments can help ease the discomfort for your pooch. French Bulldog tail pocket infections can come from all sorts of causes. Popular ones include droppings that find their way in there, bits of grass, pollen or dirt, and even a moisture build-up that leads to an infection on its own. Symptoms of an infection include swelling and redness around the tail and its pocket. The area may also be itchy and dry, compelling your pooch to do some scooting across the floor. While it may seem mild to us, an infection can be excruciating and even life-threatening. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to catch something before it even has a chance to start and cause discomfort to your Frenchie. Clean it regularly As you may already know, Frenchies have sensitive skin and this is included in their tail pocket. If you notice a serious amount of build-up, you can also try hydrogen peroxide. This is stronger than a wipe or a regular cleaner, of course, but it can kill bacteria and mold growth effectively. Proper inspection and handling of his pocket are going to be as integral to his health as proper grooming, nail clipping, and teeth cleaning. Limit their sun exposure French Bulldogs are prone to sunburns because their fur is thin and fine. Limit his direct exposure to sunshine and also really make sure that you slather on the doggie-friendly sunscreen, paying particular attention to his tail and pocket. This will keep the skin moisturized, strong and a lot easier to take care of as far as cleaning and keeping healthy. But, what it all comes back to is remembering that they are natural, undocked tails and that proper assessment, cleaning, and protection of tail and tail pocket will help keep you and your pooch happy and healthy for a long time to come.
Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. English Bulldogs are up there with Dalmatians and Golden Retrievers for being one of the most easily recognizable dogs around. They have a distinctive look to them, with their most prominent characteristic being their short snouts and chubby faces. English Bulldogs are short - only about a foot tall - and extremely stout. They're tough little guys and were originally bred to fight bulls. These days, they've lost all of their fight and have turned into super lovable dogs. They're very friendly, don't require much exercise, and have a lot to offer for new families. However, they do have a tendency to develop health issues later in life and require some extra attention in certain areas. In this medieval sport, Bulldogs would attack and taunt tethered bulls, eventually pinning the bull down to be executed. Bullbaiting was outlawed in , however, which seemed like the end for the little fighting machines. They were notoriously aggressive, and only bred for a singular purpose - so why keep them as pets? Well, over time, passionate breeders were able to turn these little fighters into the chubby cuddlers we know them as today. They're now one of the more revered breeds of dogs, and often can be found on display at dog shows around the world. Their heads are large and round, with a flat muzzle. They have large, broadly set jaws, and have droopy jowls and skin all around their face. They have a short and thick body, with broad shoulders and stocky legs. They come in a variety of color patterns, though the most well known is white and brown. Despite their fierce appearance and history, they are some of the gentlest dogs around. The English Bulldog personality portrays to be very sociable, especially with people, so you don't have to worry about introducing them to new animals and friends. That said, they are still loyal and brave, making them great watchdogs. They don't scare easy and will do more than just bark if they sense an intruder. The most obvious is its coat color. Blue English Bulldogs have a grey and white coat mix, as opposed to a brown and white coat. The second difference, and the characteristic most people seeking out Blue English Bulldogs are interested in them, is their blue eyes. Blue eyes are rare on just about any dog, but especially when it comes to English Bulldogs, who traditionally have dark brown and black eyes. While this may not seem like a big deal to most, this one change can be very difficult to breed for. And as a result, these dogs are much, much more expensive than traditional English Bulldogs. British bulldog British Bulldogs are the standard English Bulldogs that you think of or see the majority of the time. They have a brown and white coat with dark brown eyes and are the least expensive of the English Bulldog variations. Mini bulldog The Mini Bulldog - sometimes called the Toy Bulldog - is a variation of English Bulldogs that is the same in just about every way, except that they are much smaller. They also tend to have less wrinkly and chubby physiques, which may appeal to certain owners. Unlike other toy breeds, though, the Mini Bulldog is not as small as you might expect. It's somewhere in between the standard English Bulldog and a Chihuahua. So think of them as a slightly smaller Bulldog rather than a tiny one. Mini Bulldogs have been bred since the s, though they didn't really find their footing until the s and s. While the breed became popular, the reduction in health issues has mostly been negligible. They can eat any dog food and be ok, though high-quality dog food is generally recommended. Just make sure that whatever dog food you are feeding them is relevant to their needs puppy, adult, senior, indoor, outdoor, etc. The one thing to keep in mind about English Bulldogs when it comes to their diet is that they can be particularly prone to becoming overweight. This is because they don't exercise as much as other dogs. So, make sure that you aren't ever overfeeding your English Bulldog. Treats are ok to give them during training, although it's easy to overfeed them on treats if you aren't careful. Grooming English Bulldogs are prone to shedding more than most dogs, so you'll need to make an active effort to keep their coats in check. This can be done by giving them a thorough brushing two to three times each week. When shedding is heavier, you may find that a rubber curry brush works best. The wrinkles around your bulldogs face will need to be cleaned periodically, as food, dirt, and moisture can all become trapped there. A cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide is helpful for cleaning their wrinkles. For drying their wrinkles after cleaning, applying cornstarch to moist areas works best. Just be sure that cornstarch is not applied near their eyes. Their nails should be trimmed every two weeks or so as well. Exercise English Bulldogs are not very athletic dogs, so laidback owners will have a nice time relaxing with their Bulldog. That said, like any dog, moderate exercise from time to time is still recommended. Casual walks or an hour or so in the backyard is usually enough exercise for these little guys. It's important to keep in mind, though, that English Bulldogs do not do well in heat. So during the summer, it's best that they stay inside, near an air conditioner if it's particularly hot. English Bulldogs will have a hard time going up and down stairs, so if you have stairs in your home, it might be good to build some kind of ramp or carry them up the stairs yourself. They should also be kept away from pools and bodies of water unless supervised closely since they are not strong swimmers. Training Like most dogs, English Bulldogs are eager to please their owners, so they are reasonably trainable so long as they are started at an early enough age, and checking out our Puppy Growth Chart may help you determine the best age for puppy training. They should also be socialized while they are young as well, or they may have a hard time interacting with new people and pets. Bulldogs love to chew, so they'll need lots of chew toys all throughout their life. However, it is also important to train them to release what they are chewing on command, as they may end up chewing something important to you or harmful for them. English Bulldogs can be very protective of their food, which can cause them to be aggressive as they get older. In order to curb this behavior, train them to get used to people and other animals taking food from their bowl at a young age. Health The primary health concern that most English Bulldog owners will face on a regular basis is overheating. English Bulldogs, due to their size and the way they breathe, are not good at keeping themselves cool. This means that it's your responsibility to keep an eye on them on hot days and keep them indoors during the summertime. If you live in an area of the US that is particularly hot year-round - like the southwest - it might be advisable to consider adopting another breed. English Bulldogs typically weigh around 40 to 50 pounds and live to be between eight to twelve years of age. They should stay indoors most of the time, and only go out for occasional exercise and playtime. They do not do well as outdoor pets because of their sensitivity to heat. While any well air-conditioned home will be suitable for an English Bulldog, they are very prone to overheating. So if you live in a particularly hot or desert-like climate, your Bulldog will end up spending the majority of its time indoors. They do extremely well with families, and in fact, love all of the extra attention and social interaction that comes along with kids. They can be territorial when it comes to other animals, though, as they prefer to have the attention on themselves. Health Issues In English Bulldogs Dry eyes English Bulldogs are notorious for their health issues, with some of the most common being related to their eyes. They often have inadequate tear production to keep their eyes as moist as they should be. This can lead to them developing a blue haze on their eyes, which can damage their vision and cause significant pain. Fortunately, there is a medication that your vet can prescribe to combat this issue. Another issue that Bulldogs are prone to get in their eyes is cherry eye. This is when one of the glands in their eyes starts to protrude, resembling a cherry in the corner of their eye. This will sometimes need to be surgically removed by a vet. Sneezing Sneezing may not sound like a serious health issue - in fact, most of the time it's a normal part of how your dog's body functions. In the case of English Bulldogs, though, they can have challenges related to sneezing and their health. Reverse sneezing, also known as inverted sneezing, is when nasal fluids drip into your Bulldog's soft palate, causing it close. This can be scary for them and cause them to cough and choke. It's generally not serious, however, so the best thing you can do is comfort your dog during a reverse sneezing fit. Brachycephalic Syndrome Brachycephalic syndrome is pretty common among dog breeds with short snouts like the English Bulldog. While the name is a little medical for most of us, the condition itself is pretty straightforward. There can be a few different causes, but the general issue with this syndrome is that your pet's airway is obstructed. This can be due to issues with their nostrils or palate. In mild cases, this just means your English Bulldog will have labored breathing and is likely to snort. In severe cases, though, your dog may have trouble breathing at all. This can require surgery and regular oxygen treatment to resolve. Head shakes Head shaking in English Bulldogs is exactly as the name sounds. Your dog will start to shake their head up and down or side to side over and over again for no apparent reason. While your dog may appear conscious of the movement, it is usually involuntary. This is usually caused by stress as well as low blood sugar. Most breeders recommend giving your dog a spoonful of honey if you notice their head shakes seem uncontrollable. If this doesn't work and you aren't able to come up with a reasonable explanation for your dog's head shakes, there could be a more serious health issue just below the surface. In these cases, take your dog to the vet to figure out what is causing their head shakes. Hip Dysplasia You've likely heard of hip dysplasia in dogs before, as it is relatively common in dogs of all breeds. Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition, so Bulldogs whose parents have hip dysplasia are likely to have hip dysplasia as well. This condition is when your dog's thigh bone doesn't fit snugly into their hip joint, causing it to move improperly. Most English Bulldogs will appear to have hip dysplasia just based on their natural build, which can make an accurate diagnosis difficult. If your bulldog is diagnosed with hip dysplasia , be sure to get a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis. While hip dysplasia is usually an inherited condition, it can also be caused by rapid growth, a sudden change in weight, or long term obesity in your pet. Reasons To Adopt An English Bulldog English Bulldogs are great pets to adopt if you have an easy-going family looking for an extra member. Aside from their health issues, they're pretty low-maintenance and don't require much exercise. English Bulldogs are also quiet for the most part, so you won't have to deal with loud barking in the middle of the night. They're also very loyal as well, making them decent guard dogs for your family. All in all, English Bulldogs are very laidback pets who love to socialize and chill with their owners. If that sounds like you, then an English Bulldog will more than likely make a great addition to your home. The biggest drawback to owning an English Bulldog is the health problems all throughout their life. You'll need to be prepared for this, as well as be an extra vigilant owner who isn't afraid to visit your local vet. While English Bulldogs are able to be kept around other pets, they tend to be pretty possessive of their owners' attention, as well as their food. So bringing an older Bulldog into a family that already has pets or introducing new pets into an older Bulldog's life can sometimes go awry. English Bulldogs are also one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world, making them on the more expensive side of pet ownership. This upfront cost - coupled with the long-term costs due to their health issues - means you'll need to be willing and able to invest in them over their lifespan. Tips For New Bulldog Owners First and foremost, like any new dog, socialization is extremely important. If your new English Bulldog is a puppy, make sure they spend plenty of time around people and other animals. It also helps to get your puppy used to other people and animals messing with its food early on, as this can prevent them from being territorial and aggressive down the road. And lastly, make sure that you are on top of your Bulldog's health needs. This includes watching for common signs of health issues, visiting your vet regularly, and keeping them clean and healthy. Contact Us Buying A Bulldog The Definitive Guide English bulldogs are the mascots of choice for many colleges, organizations, and even military branches. Bulldogs are mostly docile and well-behaved, choosing sleep over other popular canine activities. For those looking to purchase a bulldog, there are several considerations that must be made beforehand. Below are some tips on how to shop and buy a Bulldog puppy, what to look for in a breeder, and what to consider when purchasing a dog. What should I expect to pay for a puppy and how do I choose a reputable breeder? Many are surprised to find out that bulldogs are an expensive breed. In fact, quality puppies will set you back anywhere from two to four thousand dollars. But, there is a reason for this. Bulldogs are the result of specific and selective breeding process especially when it comes to champion dogs and bulldogs that represent the breed well. There are huge expenses for the breeder as well such as progesterone testing, stud fees, c-sections, milk formula, vaccinations, de-wormings, puppy checkups, special diets, whelping gear, etc. Choosing a dog because of a smaller price tag could cost you more in the long-run. You should search for a reputable English bulldog breeder. But where to start? One of these requirements is health testing. This way at least you know that you are dealing with Breeders who are conscientious about producing healthy puppies. Do not look to purchase puppies through Craigslist, Social Media Sites, Pet Stores or the Walmart parking lot yes, I have seen them for sale in parking lots! Breeders who sell thru these venues are generally profiting and are not truly dedicated to the breed. These puppies are often poorly bred which results in an unhealthy puppy. A reputable breeder will be available to you for the long haul and eager to help with any questions or concerns throughout your bulldogs life. Look for breeders who can provide you with a complete pedigree of your dog, a health guarantee, and a bill of sale. Finally, never have a bulldog shipped to you. Since they are brachycephalic flat-faced , they are less likely to survive the shipping process compared to other breeds. What should I know about Bulldog health and Cost? You should know beforehand bulldogs can have minor but common health concerns, including cherry eye and skin allergies and require excellent veterinary care so before buying a puppy make sure to have the puppy checked out by a Vet. A reputable and responsible breeder will have a clear and transparent health guarantee listed on their website and give you hours to get the pup examined at your own vet just in case there are any costly or life-threatening conditions outside the minor issues common to bulldogs that can be easily treated. Check to see if they will replace the puppy; refund you in the event something is untreatable. Caring for a female dog in heat is messy and time consuming, and male dogs with their testicles intact tend to be more headstrong and have more of a tendency to lift their legs and mount yours than neutered males. Finally, decide on appearance. White bulldogs resembling the University of Georgia mascot are very popular, but the breed standard also allows for dogs to be brindle or red. Black or blue colors however, are not part of the breed standard. The English bulldog is a great breed, but be sure to know what to look for in a breeder and in a puppy before purchasing. Finally, if a puppy is not your thing, there are many bulldog rescues throughout the country that can provide you with an adult dog. Whatever method you employ, remember to take your time, do your research, and always opt for quality over cost. For detailed information or to have a question answered by a breeder click here. Since then they have been dedicated to responsible Bulldog breeding and passionate about breeding as well as competitively showing English bulldogs. This will ensure that the puppy comes from healthy parents and has been raised properly. How would you know which is the right breeder? There are many lists of good and trusted breeders online that you can check. Alternatively, you can look at dog breeder reviews in your area. After that, once you get in contact with a breeder, you should make sure that they are upfront and honest with you. And of course — always ask for a health certificate! What about adopting a bulldog from a shelter? Still, well-run shelters and rescues often provide health certificates and adequate health info. They also take good care of their animals. It should go without saying that young pups are full of energy but a lot of new bulldog owners get surprised by that. What does that mean? In fact, bulldog puppies are a lot of fun! However, you should be mindful of that before getting your bulldog puppy. The dogs from this breed are very loyal and defensive of their family Most dog breeds are known as loyal and loving toward their families but this goes doubly for bulldogs. This makes them an incredibly dependable breed — unless you mistreat it, your bulldog will always be by your side and will always be willing to help you out. Bulldogs often need to be taught not to bark. Because they feel the need to protect you, bulldogs often have the urge to bark not just at strangers but even just at outside noises. This can be annoying not just for you but for your neighbors too. Bulldogs can be a little jumpy. This is as much out of fear as it is due to their instinct to react to anything that might threaten their family. But while it is incredibly cute, it also leads to certain problems. Breeds with such flat noses are called brachycephalic dogs. With pretty much all of them, this unique facial structure is due to the way they were bred over the years. And with all of them, it has two negative side-effects: The potential respiratory health problems we mentioned above. Lots of snoring! Sure, the latter sounds much less problematic than the former. And it is! But the extra loud snoring and snorting are still important to keep in mind Why? This breed is extremely social and requires near-constant human presence A common misconception is that all dog breeds are social. Sure, all dogs are more social than cats but there are still dog breeds that are much more individualistic than others. Bulldogs always want to be near you, they always love sleeping on you, they love getting pets and belly rubs, and they adore any type of attention and pleasant physical interaction. Is there a downside to this, however? Unfortunately, yes. This hyper-social mentality of bulldogs makes them ill-suited for people who spend lots of time out of the house. Instead, bulldogs are best-suited for people who work from home. Get your bulldog a second canine buddy. A bored dog is a dog that takes out its frustration on your couch. Fortunately, bulldogs are not one of those breeds. Instead, all they need is a bit of running, a bit of ball play, and the rest can be hugs and petting on the couch. If you make the mistake of overplaying or overworking your bulldog there may be some unfortunate health consequences such as overheating, hyperventilating, or a stroke. In short bulldogs are lazy dogs for lazy people. Or, at least adult bulldogs are that way — as we said, bulldog puppies can be quite energetic before they grow up. Be mindful of overheating your bulldog Going on from the previous point, bulldogs are really easy to accidentally overheat. And not just with excessive physical exercise either. Instead, a bulldog can get overheated due to many different reasons: Stress.
You have done your research, and are ready to take the leap. It is no surprise that many people are adding Bernedoodles to their families. This large breed puppy has a friendly temperament and a fierce loyalty. We personally got a Bernedoodle last year, and she just turned one. I remember the day we brought her home trying to figure out how much to feed a Bernedoodle puppy. As a new puppy parent, the last thing you want to do is over or under feed your new pet, so hopefully this post serves as helpful for you with your new Bernedoodle puppy. This post may contain affiliate links All about Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are adaptable, making them a wonderful choice for novice or veteran owners. They are smart and protective dogs. This makes them great for young ages. If you are just doing your beginning research, the Bernedoodle breed is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They inherit their intelligence from the Poodle parent. It is obvious that the goofy traits are those of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. These parent breeds create a perfect family dog. Their size is determined by the Poodle parent. They are broken down into size categories. Bernedoodles can be toy, mini or standard. One thing that is pretty surprising is that the different sizes do not typically affect their food choices during puppyhood. Bernedoodle puppies are known to love younger children. They are playful and gentle as a lifelong companion. Bernedoodles are smart but are also silly. This trait makes them a good choice for all ages. As a mom of four kids, this was very important to me. If you want to learn more about owning Bernedoodle — I have a whole blog post here with all the details on what is like to truly own a Bernedoodle puppy. How much to Feed a Bernedoodle Puppy As you prepare to become a bernedoodle parent, their growth and development are important to you. You are undoubtedly concerned about health issues or health problems that may arise. Did you know that there is a big difference between puppy food and adult dog food? It may be hard to know where to start, but I will break it down for you! In their full size, they are big dogs. At their full height, they are also very tall. Their looks can be deceiving. Even though they are larger dogs, they may not need more food than a typical dog. You want to be prepared with this knowledge before you decide if this dog is right for you. How do you ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pup? It is important to learn how much food is necessary in their different life stages. The Reasoning Behind the Puppy Food New dog owners have several choices to make when it comes to food. It can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind for a balanced diet. Your main goal is a healthy, happy dog! Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. Puppy food is specifically designed for growing pups. As they grow, they are burning more calories. This means that they need more calories per pound of body weight to sustain their developing bodies. Bernedoodle puppies need more fatty acids and high protein diets. These puppies complete a majority of their growth within two or three years. In these first few years, they will need higher amounts of protein calories. Veterinarians will say that it is, however, not toxic for your puppy to eat adult dog food. They may suggest that you do your best to stick to these separate kinds of dog food for optimal health. This type of food is typically referred to as adult maintenance for day-to-day living. It should be clearly labeled on the packages. Once they have reached their adult weight, they can maintain the health benefits from their simpler diet. The transition from puppy food to adult dog food should be seamless. Bernedoodle dogs are laid back and not picky! Most of the time, they will eat what is put in front of them. Now that we have covered the difference between the types of dog food, we will get right to specific amounts for Bernedoodle puppies. Our Penny had a very sensitive stomach as a puppy, and we have stuck with this puppy food and been very happy with the choice. She seems to be happy and thriving on it. Specific amounts of Food for Bernedoodle Puppies Young puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three different times a day. The daily amount of puppy food depends on weeks of age and how much they weigh. It will also depend on how much exercise they receive. I will break that down specifically. But, it is important to keep in mind that their food intake will increase as they grow. At around six months of age, Bernedoodle puppies can eat twice a day. This schedule may continue for adult Bernedoodles. They are growing very quickly. Setting your puppy up with proper nutrients will benefit growth, brain health and a long lifespan. It is helpful to stick to designated eating times for your puppy. Do not forget that It is a good choice to check the directions of the healthy dog food you purchase. On the back of each package, there should be a suggested serving size. As always, contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about how your Bernedoodle is developing. Interestingly enough, adult Bernedoodle dogs tend to only eat one serving a day. They can finish their larger amount of food in one sitting. When they reach an even older age it may be difficult for them to finish this serving in one feeding. It is helpful to spread these servings out for older dogs while it gets harder to finish a meal. At this point you will be in tune to what your Bernedoodle dog needs. Bernedoodles are known for their love of food! It is easy to over-feed your puppy. A general rule is to check their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily but not be able to see them at a glance. This is a great way to check on your Bernedoodle dogs and their weight gain. It can be tempting to feed your pup food from the table. This seems innocent but can create poor eating habits down the road. It can also disrupt their digestive systems. You have worked hard to create a healthy diet and want to keep it that way. If a Bernedoodle puppy is hungry, they will eat from their designated spot and will not need anything extra. Do not forget that although the feeding schedule is important, we cannot forget about giving our dogs plenty of exercise! Long walks will encourage a healthy life for your Bernedoodle and for you. Overall health includes diet and exercise. This is another reason why Bernedoodle puppies are a wonderful family dog. They have plenty of energy to keep up with toddlers. It is also a helpful way to encourage your teens to get outside and away from their technology. Bernedoodle Puppy Food — Dog Food Options With a growing amount of dog food brands, it can be hard to pick the best food. As you browse the isles, it is obvious to note that wet food is more expensive than dry food. However, they are both great options! The standard Bernedoodle loves to eat and they are such large breeds that they can eat a lot. Fortunately for dog owners, many dogs love dry food. Wet or raw dog food has less carbohydrates than dry food and can be more hydrating. Many veterinarians suggest that either kind is a great choice! I would find a brand and type that fits into your grocery budget. Bernedoodles tend to eat what they are given. If only this trait would rub off on the human puppies we have. There is nothing wrong with the dry kibble choice! Each type of dog food has the nutrients it needs to help your dog grow. The biggest difference between dry and wet dog food may be the way it is digested. Keep in mind — that as with kids and yourself there may be adjusting to find what is best for your puppy. Start with a small bag the first time you purchase puppy food, and if you are changing them from what they were on at a breeder or in a shelter mix the new food with the previous food for a slower change on their gut. Now that you have been prepared with nutrition knowledge, you are ready to welcome that pup in to the family. Giving them proper puppy and adult dog food will help create a healthy dog. More than food, your Bernedoodle needs love and affection. This will not be difficult at all. Bernedoodles are easy to create a bond with. I know that you will love your Bernedoodle puppy as much as my family does! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below, and be sure to pin the photo below to find this post later. Related Posts:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Mini Bernedoodles planned for, loved on, and prepared for forever families. If you want to give your dog a treat, then get a treat that is meant for your dog and not for you. The best kinds of treats for your dog are freeze dried meat or fish. This is strictly meat, no additives, no coloring. Chews are good for your dog but do not give your dog rawhide because it comes off in big chunks and can choke your dog. Other chews you should avoid are any sort of treats or chews made in China, buy local as much as possible. Go to your local butcher and ask for raw meaty bones, specifically for dogs. Bully sticks, pig ears, chicken feet, and cow hooves are all very good options. If you would like to get your puppy on a good potty schedule you need to offer your puppy food at least three times a day until it is at least 4 months old or over 3 pounds. After it is 4 months old and eating well and weighs over 3 pounds you can offer it food twice a day, in the morning and evening. Put the food in the pen and leave it for approximately 15 to 20 minutes and then take it up again. Pay attention to see if your puppy does it and just take note that they are eating regularly twice a day. Once you dog is potty trained and if it is not a glutton, you may leave food out for longer periods of time if you prefer. Nutrition The idea that canine diets should be grain free may have come about due to some allergy concerns as well as the realization that dogs are carnivores and should be eating a diet with a substantial amount of meat. Of course, many manufacturers were quick to promote this new fad diet and eager to capitalize on sincerely concerned pet owners. The problem is that there have been no significant studies conducted on these grain free diet feeding plans for dogs. In fact, many veterinarians and even the FDA are now realizing that grain free dog food is actually causing more harm than good. The concern is that when grains are taken out of the food, another filler must be added to take the place of these grains. These fillers are usually high in carbohydrates like peas and lentils, which have been linked to Dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , diabetes, and other serious health issues in dogs. When you are looking for dog food be sure that you do your due diligence and check ingredients, do your research. Look for a reputable brand, which is generally one you can't get at the grocery store. Your local feed store is an excellent source of high quality dog food that often comes with some great advice. Keep mixing and giving more and more of the new food, little by little. In this way you can avoid tummy upsets for your dog. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. How Much to Feed a Bernedoodle One of the most common questions we get is how much to feed their puppy, teenager and adult bernedoodle. Great question and unfortunately many do not understand the needs and requirements of an F1 standard bernedoodle bernese mountain dog x standard poodle that has Bernese mountain dogs in them. So to expect a bernedoodle to have a waist line like a Great Dane will put your bernedoodle into hunger mode and if young will lead to potential behavioral challenges and this is a time when they need calories due to them being a fast growing mixed breed. We shoot for always having a little bit of food left over and we let them have access to food for about minutes but this can be adjusted based on your schedule. We only do this for the breakfast. We will begin adding about tablespoons of different types of lightly cooked meats can go raw as well and sardines to the above topper along with a little bit of cut up or shredded carrots, blueberries and can add other dog friendly fruits and veggies but make sure you check before using. We would also add dog-based salmon oil according to the instructions about a tsp. Often in the morning we would do sweet potato, yogurt, and a meat and dinner some of the other ingredients. Lunch we keep plain. Be sure you are washing your food and water bowls once per day with hot soapy water. Lastly we recommend starting with TLC adult all life stages dog food for large growing breeds like bernedoodles and even for the puppies. The adult food exceeds AAFCO requirements for puppies and has glucosamine and chondroitin which is important for joint development. Many vets compare bernedoodles to what they consider a typical healthy dog build high thin waist line, etc but that is not the case for F1 standard bernedoodles as they will have a thicker build. Recent Posts. This is important for all dogs but especially for a growing puppy. Protein is what essentially determines the quality of dog food. When you read the label, you will see one or more of the following protein types: Meat protein. As the name implies, this type of protein comes from other animals. It is usually made up of muscle or organ meat and is the closest protein to human quality. It is superior to other types of protein for dogs. Animal by-products. This protein type is made up of the parts of the animal that are not included in meat protein. It can be made of hair, hoofs, lips, and even eyelashes. Vegetable and grain proteins. These are mostly soy- or corn-based. The goal is to provide a diet with more animal protein than veggie protein, which you can do by choosing a food with at least two animal sources of protein listed within the first five ingredients on the bag. Carbohydrates Just like humans, Bernedoodle puppies get energy and dietary fiber from carbs. Many different types of carbs can be found within puppy food. High-quality carbs include rice, barley, and oats, while lower-quality carbs include corn or wheat. Fats and Preservatives Of all the ingredients in puppy food, fats are the most expensive. Because they are harder to extract and more challenging to preserve. The best usable fats for puppies are those from chicken, sunflower, or canola oil. Other fats you might see include fish oil and lactose-free dairy fats. Remember that vitamins are nothing more than organic additives that help give the puppy anything it needs that it is not getting from its food. If the food is of high quality, then there should not be a need for a significant amount of calories coming from vitamins. That said, some vitamins should be included within the food to allow your Bernedoodle puppy to digest it properly. There are two main types of vitamins: Fat-Soluble. Examples include A, D, E, and K, and these types of vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissue. Water Soluble. Examples include B and C. You will find plenty of foods with long lists of added vitamins. This might look impressive, but, again, if the food is of high quality, then less is more when it comes to vitamin additives. Consider the Ease of Obtaining Puppy Food Another factor to consider is how easily you can get a food. When it comes to ease of access, you will find three main options: Brands you can find anywhere. These are the most popular brands you have likely heard of, and they can be found at just about any grocery store, big-box store, and even some drug stores. These are also generally the least expensive options. However, they often choose meat from 4-D categories, which means the animals that make up the protein are dead, dying, or diseased. It is also common for the fats used in these brands to be of lower quality and not as easily digestible, which might require your Bernedoodle puppy to eat more to get the nutrients they need. Premium brands. Historically, they were found in specialty pet stores and animal hospitals. They generally use a higher grade of meat and higher quality fats, which means that puppies generally need less of these foods than those that are more commercially available. Holistic foods. These are only found in specialty pet stores or online. These are the cream of the crop and generally have human-grade meats and highly digestible fats. Even the grain carb mix will be made from high-quality foods. You will find many of these to be free from hormones and steroids. Of course, this quality comes with a high price, and they can be harder to find. Once again, the high quality means less food is needed compared to lower-priced options. Balancing Cost and Quality Not everyone can effort to pay for holistic food. The key is to find the best quality you can for the price you can afford. You do not need to spend that much money to keep your puppy in good health. Adult Bernedoodle Nutrition As your Bernedoodle ages, it no longer needs the extra calories for growth. Most dogs will become less active once they leave the puppy stage between 18 months and two years, which further reduces their need for calories. The type of Bernedoodle affects its total expected weight: Standard Bernedoodles get to pounds Miniature Bernedoodles get to pounds Tiny Bernedoodles get to 10 — 24 pounds If you are not sure how much your particular dog is likely to end up weighing, you can talk to your vet. Smaller Bernedoodles might be at their adult weight by six or seven months old, while standard Bernedoodles often grow well beyond 12 months of age. Once again, look at the package for its breakdown of nutrients. The two main options for adult dogs are adult maintenance all-stages. Adult maintenance is generally the better choice for dogs that are overweight or not as active, while all-stage food contains extra nutrients for more active dogs. Senior Bernedoodle Nutrition As your Bernedoodle becomes a senior dog, its nutritional requirements will change. Many senior dogs deal with a wealth of health issues , including obesity, arthritis, and cognitive issues. Meanwhile, they can also suffer from appetite loss. The opposite is actually true. A healthy senior Bernedoodle will need more protein to fuel their muscle. As dogs age, they begin to lose muscle mass — sometimes so much that they cannot move around with assistance. Find the Right Calorie Balance Younger senior Bernedoodles are often overweight, but as they get older, they tend to become underweight. You will need to know the calorie content of the food you are feeding and adjust it accordingly if your dog gains or loses weight when you do not want them to. Because many of the elements that you want a lot of — or none of — vary widely or are not listed at all on regular senior dog food. For example, a dog with heart or kidney disease should have low sodium food, but the amount of sodium on the most popular senior dog food brands ranges from 33 to mg per kcal. Likewise, a dog with kidney disease would need a diet that is low in phosphorous, but no dog food label notes how much phosphorous is in a diet. If your senior Bernedoodle develops a health condition that requires strict control over specific elements of their diet, a prescription diet might be the only place to achieve that goal. You Will Need to Find a Food That Your Dog Likes When it comes to feeding younger Bernedoodles, unless your dog is particularly picky, you can likely feed them whatever is healthiest, and they will be happy to eat it. The same cannot be said for senior dogs, who often do not have a healthy appetite. In addition to loss of appetite, senior Bernedoodles might have dental issues that make it hard to chew their food, or digestive issues that make them uncomfortable after eating certain food types. At this stage, you might choose canned or soft food that they enjoy eating more. You can also help your dog eat more easily by feeding them on a raised platform or while they are lying down so that they do not have to bend down. Bernedoodle Treats When your Bernedoodle is still a puppy, you will need treats for training. You will need to experiment to determine what this is for your puppy. One of the most popular options is freeze-dried liver. Your dog might prefer small pieces of chicken or other proteins. For training, treats should be very small so that your dog can quickly eat them and move on to the next part of the training. If you are training for an extended period and offering a significant number of treats, then you should reduce the amount of kibble you give your puppy to balance the calories they received via treats. As your dog grows, you might still want to treat them from time to time, but you will not be offering them as many treats as you did when they were training. Feeding Schedules for Bernedoodles The amount of food you feed your Bernedoodle will depend on the food you choose for them. Look at the bag to see the recommended number of cups. If you have a puppy, there will be a chart with weeks or months of age along with weight. Find where your puppy fits and feed based on that amount. Note that these are just starting places. Your food might suggest 3 cups of food, but if you find that your puppy is constantly hungry and not gaining weight as quickly as they should, then they might need more. Feeding Frequency Until six months of age, puppies should eat three times per day. After they reach this mark, feeding them twice per day is recommended for the rest of their life. However, if you cannot feed your puppy three times per day, trust that your puppy will adapt. The number of times you feed them is not nearly as important as feeding them the correct amount. If your lifestyle allows for it, feed your puppy or dog at the same time every day. This helps comfort the pup because it will learn that food is coming. It also helps keep their digestion regular and makes it easier for you to notice if your dog is eating more or less than they usually do. If their appetite varies slightly from day to day, there is likely nothing wrong. However, if your Bernedoodle suddenly loses its appetite or changes its diet preferences for several weeks, it is time to call the vet. Post navigation. My Bernedoodle is 18 months old and around 60 lbs. She currently eats 1 cup three times per day and has maintained a healthy weight. Bernedoodles perfectly pair the loyal and laid-back Bernese Mountain dog with the intelligent, low-shedding Poodle. Their gentle but playful nature makes them a popular choice for families with children, but even active seniors and singles can enjoy the company of a Bernedoodle. Also referred to as the Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernedoodles love to eat! Because of this, many new owners have concerns about whether their Bernedoodle is getting enough food. Variations in breed types toy, mini, and full-size , as well as the specific activity levels, age, and health of each dog, can further complicate the feeding time and schedule required for optimal health. Gain more insight on feeding your Bernedoodle in this guide , including the amount, type, and frequency of food. Dogs need a well-balanced diet to support a healthy immune system and proper growth like all living things. As omnivorous animals, dogs need a diet of animal and plant proteins. Malnutrition, or failing to supply any nutrients, can result in serious health complications for a Bernedoodle. Protect your pup with a varied, high-quality diet rich in protein, grains, vitamins, and minerals. Each has its own set of pros and cons. Wet dog food can ease the transition for a weaning puppy, but the prolonged feeding of wet foods particularly canned versions can lead to digestive problems. Dogs who consume a diet primarily of wet foods also tend to have more dental problems, such as plaque buildup and tooth decay. While you can counteract this effect by offering whole bones to your dog, it may not be sufficient in helping them avoid dental issues. Kibble dry dog food is generally the preferred feeding method for dogs, particularly among large dog breed owners. It is often because kibble tends to be less expensive per pound than other dog foods. Kibble also typically lasts longer than raw or cooked food, so there is less potential for waste. The hardness of kibble can also protect a dog from dental issues, as it helps to wear away plaque, the leading cause of tooth decay. If you choose this feeding method for your Bernedoodle, take some time to research and compare the various brands. Pay special attention to major recalls. Opt for a trusted and reputable brand. Consider using dog brand comparison sites for an in-depth look at the ingredients. Avoid by-products and focus, instead, on kibbles that contain mostly whole-food ingredients. Cooked and raw dog food diets have emerged as a trend over the past few years. These diets typically involve the preparation of human foods like liver, eggs, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, chicken, and beef cuts. However, there are commercial selections available for purchase. The potentially large size of a Bernedoodle can make raw and cooked food diets cost-prohibitive for some owners. Even those that can afford it should talk to their vet. Should it be administered incorrectly, a raw or cooked diet can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies. This can lead to long-term and even life-threatening health problems for your Bernedoodle. Regardless of the age or size of your Bernedoodle, a feeding schedule should be used to prevent overeating and obesity. The only exception is when the pup is weaning during its first three months. Grazing can be permitted during this stage to help them adjust to regular dog food. When Bernedoodle puppies reach four months of age, owners should move to a regular feeding schedule. The pup should be fed at the same time each day, three times daily. At around six months of age, the growth of a Bernedoodle begins to slow, and obesity becomes more of a risk. To minimize it, Bernedoodle puppies should be transitioned to twice-daily feedings once they reach six months of age. Older senior dogs may sometimes need to return to grazing, as they may struggle to eat their entire serving in one sitting. Just be sure to watch your dog for excessive weight gain. Bernedoodles tend to be voracious eaters, so they can quickly become overweight when allowed to graze. Puppies can be especially prone to bone problems if permitted to gain weight too quickly, so watch them closely for any signs of excessive eating. Also, be sure to feed your Bernedoodle the right amount of food. Larger Bernedoodle dogs will need more. However, the amount of dog food should not be determined through charts alone. They are only guidelines. Health, age, exercise and activity levels, and sub-breed can alter the amount of food a Bernedoodle needs — sometimes significantly. Healthy Bernedoodle pups can eat as much as three times the food as an adult dog of the same weight. As such, Bernedoodle owners should start at the minimum amount of food and then monitor the dog for weight loss and weight gain. An observation journal can help you note small changes over time while also allowing you to keep track of how much your Bernedoodle is eating. Dogs getting the appropriate amount of food usually have visible ribs and a tucked tummy. This is when viewed from the side. When viewed from above, they should have a visible waist. If your dog continues to appear underweight, despite increases in food intake. You may need to schedule a trip to the vet to rule out parasites or underlying health conditions. Should you start noticing a rounded stomach, a waist disappears when viewing your dog from the side. Reduce their food amount slightly until their shape returns. You can also take your Bernedoodle out for more exercise to reduce their weight. Bernedoodle Treats — Yes, No, or Sometimes? Treats are often used to train young Bernedoodles. Of course, senior dogs love treats, too! Yet, because Bernedoodles can be prone to overeating, avoiding excessive treat giving with this breed is important. Bernedoodles rarely mind. Give only limited amounts of commercial dog and protein-dense treats to minimize the risk of obesity in your Bernedoodle. Bones with marrow should only be given on occasion. Keeping Your Bernedoodle Healthy Diet is not the only health consideration that Bernedoodles owners need to make, as it is not the only pillar to good health. Depending on their age or specific health needs, your dog may also need additional vitamins or supplements; your vet can advise you further. Such as malnutrition, tooth decay, excessive weight gain, sluggishness, unusual shedding, or other alarming symptoms. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are also important for ensuring good health in your pet. From puppy to senior, you can keep your Bernedoodle happy and healthy. Whereas by feeding them a well-rounded, high-quality diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Good health allows them to be a loved member of your family for years to come. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! One thing is certain — your life will never be the same again once you bring this little bundle of happiness home. Dogs change your life in ways nothing else can — a Mini Bernedoodle is an affectionate and loving companion. Bringing home a puppy also means you are responsible for their well-being. Here are some handy tips on how to take care of and train your Mini Bernedoodle puppy. Diet and Nutrition There is no universal food when it comes to dog foods. What is suitable for one dog might lead to allergies or digestive problems in another. Just make sure you only provide high-quality dog food for your Mini Bernedoodle puppy for them to stay healthy. Your veterinarian might also have some specific suggestions. The feeding quantity will depend on the age and size of your MiniBernedoodle pup. Here is a rough feeding guide: puppy food meals till 6 months 2 puppy food meals a day post that Change to adult food once they are a year old The general rule of thumb is to feed 20 calories per pound of body weight. For example, a pound Bernedoodle puppy needs calories per day. Activity and Exercise Mini Bernedoodle puppies are very active and need a lot of exercise. You can take your Mini Bernedoodle puppy for regular walks, hiking, running, and even swimming. These pups love water. The critical point is to have regular playtimes with your Mini Bernedoodle pups, or they can become restless. If you cannot take them for walks, do have playtimes at home. Play fetch in the yard or make them run around the house. Just make sure they have enough activity throughout the day. MiniBernedoodles enjoy playing in the snow as well! Grooming Mini Bernedoodles will need to be brushed a couple times a week to prevent tangles and matting. This also distributes oils in their coat to keep in looking shiny and healthy. You Mini Berndoodle will also need the occasional bath — rugged outdoor play may find them a bit dirty. When you bath your minibernedoodle use a gentle shampoo that is meant for dogs. Be careful to keep soap out of their eyes and give them treats to make bath time more fun. Every couple months your mini will need to visit the pet salon for a day for relaxation. A skilled groomer will give your mini bernedoodle a bath, trim her hair, trim their nails and express their anal glands. Your veterinarian will give your pup a thorough examination, help keep you on track with immunizations and may suggest heart worm and flea tick preventatives. Being an active participant in your pets health is crucial — so be ready with any questions or concerns you have when you visit your veterinarian. Mental Health Mini Bernedoodle puppies are like Velcro; they like staying close to their humans. If you work long hours away from home, a Mini Bernedoodle puppy may not be a good choice. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety and become depressed if they are left alone for prolonged periods. You need to keep them close, they will enjoy coming along on trips to the park and pet shop. Mini Bernedoodle pups are also very intelligent, given they are bred from poodles. Poodles are the second most intelligent dog breed in the world. Make sure you give them a wide variety of toys and play mentally stimulating games with them. They will be happy, healthy, and will thrive if you can provide them with such an environment. Laura: .They are smart dogs, family-friendly, and very loyal. They can vary in size from 10 pounds to 50 pounds because poodles come in different sizes toy, miniature and standard. Their personalities can vary quite a bit as well, making each Bernedoodle unique! It really depends on which parent breed they take after. They can differ even more the original litter is bred with other Poodles or Bernese Mountain Dogs. Additionally, the Bernedoodle is a newer breed so people are still learning about them with each generation. They usually have curly or at least wavy coats that tend to shed less and cause fewer problems for allergy sufferers. They do not like to be left alone and can develop separation anxiety. Good training can help to prevent this, however, and this quality makes them wonderful canine friends anyway. Feeding Your Bernedoodle Puppy Thorough knowledge of puppy feeding can help deter bad behavior and potential health issues down the road as your puppy blossoms into an adult. Your puppy needs a well-balanced diet just like a human baby. It should contain a combination of proteins from both plant and meat sources, as well as some grains. Also, puppy food and adult dog food are not the same. Puppies require more nutrients and more calories than adult dogs because they are growing so quickly. You can choose between dry food, canned food, cooked food, or raw food. Dry and canned foods are designed to provide all of the nutrients that your puppy needs to grow and be healthy. There are also size-specific food types you can choose from that contain different nutrient amounts or smaller kibble. As puppies transition from nursing to puppy food, it may be easier to feed them a mixture of wet and dry food. This will help them adjust to eating just kibble as they get older. Bernedoodle puppies tend to overeat, so they must be kept on a feeding schedule. Puppies younger than four months can be allowed to graze as needed as they transition from nursing to puppy food. At four months old, Bernedoodle puppies should be fed three times per day, at the same times each day. At six months old, you should transition your Bernedoodle puppy to feedings twice per day instead of three times. Be sure to feed your Bernedoodle puppy early enough in the evening that he has time to digest and go potty or he may have accidents overnight. The amount of food you feed your Bernedoodle puppy can vary greatly based on the size of poodle the Bernese was bred with toy, mini, or standard. Smaller Bernedoodle puppies, those that were bred from toy or miniature poodles, will require much less food than the larger Bernedoodle puppies. Keep an eye on the shape of your puppy. You should be able to see his ribs slightly and his tummy should tuck upward. You should not be able to see his hips, however. Begin feeding your Bernedoodle puppy the smallest amount for their weight, but if he looks underweight, increase that amount gradually. If he looks overweight, decrease his food intake. The first step to determine how much to feed your puppy is to figure out approximately what your puppy will weigh once he is an adult. The following chart show approximately how much to feed your puppy based on weight and age range: Bernedoodle Puppy Feeding Chart 6 weeks to 3 months 4 — 5 months.
Some breeders thought that another male had gotten to their female and the resulting brown looking puppy was a mutt. Others knew what they were and put them down as they did not want anyone to know they were producing anything other than traditional colored shepherds. However, with the canine genomic project and strong breeders who stood their ground for this color of GSD, they are beginning to be seen in several countries. I have always admired the liver coloration and wanted to incorporate liver into my breeding program; however, I found it to be difficult in the beginning to find them especially with AKC full registration as the breeders that did allow them to live, only sold on limited registration for fear that they were not as healthy as their colored siblings. I came across a litter of four liver female puppies and between myself and my best friend, Dawn, we rounded up three of the four, and the last sister went to a fellow liver lover. My search was far from over since the liver gene is inherited autosomal recessive I had to find a male that carried liver or was liver himself. Finally, I found an awesome four year old male, Dutch, for sale. His owner drove him to my kennel and I was in love as he is a big social, warm, gentle giant but will protect in a heart beat. Shortly after I found him, the liver pups arrived and I knew I wanted to go with chocolate names for my liver shepherds. Chocolate is a much more flattering word for these majestically colored GSD. She violated our agreement. She is a proven scammer. The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born a brown chocolate color are registered as Liver. It is a recessive gene and in many pedigree's. In order for a GSD to produce Liver, both parents must pose the b gene. Brown is incomplete black. Thus giving all areas of the GSD that would normally appear black be a chocolate color. Since the colors and patterns are separate, they can come in all patterns: saddle back, bi-color, sable, solids, and various patterns. We are looking forward to meeting like minded people that want to work with the dilutes as well. We are open to discussing medical and color questions for anyone interested. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Breeds The link has been copied! This remarkable canine is a unique twist on the well-loved and highly-regarded German Shepherd breed, sporting a stunning liver-colored coat that will make you do a double-take. Bold, intelligent, and utterly enchanting, these dogs have a special kind of charm that's impossible to resist. Don't be surprised if, while strolling through the park, you hear whispers of "Is that a chocolate German Shepherd? So get ready to be smitten, because once you meet the Liver German Shepherd, you'll be swept off your feet by their endearing personality and irresistible good looks. Prepare to fall head over paws in love! This striking canine is a variant of the classic German Shepherd breed colors , distinguished by its eye-catching liver-colored coat. The liver coloration is a result of a recessive gene, making it a rare and sought-after trait among German Shepherds. Although the liver hue is the most prominent feature, these dogs retain all the impressive qualities of their traditional counterparts. The liver color ranges from a light, tawny shade to a deep, rich chocolate hue. This fascinating coat color does not affect the breed's temperament, intelligence, or working abilities. Liver German Shepherds are as smart, agile, and devoted as any other German Shepherd, making them exceptional working dogs, loving companions, and protective guardians. Just like the standard German Shepherd, the Liver variant is a versatile breed, excelling in various roles, from police work and search and rescue missions to therapy and assistance work. Their keen intellect and unwavering loyalty make them a perfect fit for families and individuals seeking a steadfast companion with a unique flair. So, if you're captivated by the allure of the Liver German Shepherd, you'll be happy to know they're not just a pretty face but a remarkable, well-rounded canine with a lot to offer. The Genetic Recipe for the Liver Coat Color To create the enchanting liver coat color in a German Shepherd, both parents must carry the recessive gene for this unique trait. The liver color arises from a mutation in the B locus gene that affects the production of black pigment in the dog's coat. When a puppy inherits the mutated gene from both parents, it will display the liver hue instead of the typical black pigment. Interestingly, liver German Shepherds can appear in various coat combinations. Solid liver, liver and tan, liver and cream, liver and silver, or even liver sable are all possible outcomes when the right genes align. Each of these captivating combinations adds an extra layer of allure to an already striking breed. It's essential to remember that responsible breeding practices are vital for maintaining the health and well-being of these dogs. A reputable breeder will prioritize the breed's overall health and temperament over coat color, ensuring a happy, healthy pup with that mesmerizing liver hue. Developed in the late 19th century in Germany, the breed was initially intended for herding sheep and protecting flocks. Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, envisioned a versatile and intelligent working dog and played a significant role in shaping the breed we know and love today. The liver coloration has been present since the early days of the breed, albeit rarely. As German Shepherds gained popularity worldwide for their exceptional abilities, the liver variant remained relatively uncommon due to the recessive nature of the gene responsible for the color. In recent years, the Liver German Shepherd has gained recognition and admiration for its unique appearance, while still maintaining its status as an extraordinary working dog. As more enthusiasts become captivated by this rare beauty, the Liver German Shepherd's legacy continues to thrive, proving that their charm goes beyond their alluring coat color. As mentioned earlier, the liver coloration results from a recessive gene, which means that both parent dogs must carry this gene for their offspring to exhibit the unique hue. Even then, not every puppy in the litter is guaranteed to have a liver coat. The rarity of the Liver German Shepherd adds to its charm and appeal. It is not uncommon for these dogs to be the center of attention when out for a walk or at a dog park, with their eye-catching coat sparking curiosity and admiration. While their scarcity can make them more challenging to find and potentially more expensive, it also contributes to their allure for those seeking a truly distinctive canine companion. The liver coloration is simply a genetic variation that occurs naturally within the German Shepherd breed. While the coat color may be unique, Liver German Shepherds maintain all the essential breed characteristics, such as temperament, intelligence, and physical attributes. It is crucial to work with a reputable breeder when searching for a Liver German Shepherd to ensure the dog's purebred status and genetic health. A responsible breeder will prioritize the well-being and overall quality of the breed over the coat color, resulting in a healthy and well-rounded companion. Bear in mind that the liver color does not impact a German Shepherd's eligibility for breed registration with organizations such as the American Kennel Club AKC. However, it is essential to note that, in some breed clubs or dog shows, the liver color may be considered a disqualifying fault due to the breed standard, which can limit a Liver German Shepherd's participation in certain events. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery, making them exceptional companions and working dogs. These canines are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, thriving when given a task or challenge to keep their minds engaged. Liver German Shepherds are inherently protective, making them excellent guardians for their families. They can be aloof with strangers but warm up quickly once they understand that the newcomer poses no threat. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for nurturing a well-behaved and balanced Liver German Shepherd. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement and a gentle approach to training. They are well-suited for households with children, forming strong bonds and exhibiting patience with their younger family members. Their high energy levels make them a great match for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have the time to provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. While Liver German Shepherds are generally good with other pets, early socialization is key to ensuring harmony in multi-pet households. It's important to remember that these dogs are strong and energetic, so supervision around small children and pets is advisable to avoid accidental injury. As with any breed, a Liver German Shepherd's suitability for a family depends on individual circumstances, such as available space, time commitment, and the family's ability to provide consistent training and socialization. With the right environment and dedicated owners, a Liver German Shepherd can be a loving and protective addition to any family. Nutritional Needs of Liver German Shepherds A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your Liver German Shepherd. These dogs have similar dietary requirements as standard German Shepherds, as their coat color does not impact their nutritional needs. A high-quality commercial dog food, formulated for large breeds with high energy levels, is generally suitable for meeting their dietary needs. Keep in mind that the specific dietary requirements of each dog can vary depending on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. It's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your Liver German Shepherd. They can recommend the appropriate type and amount of food to ensure your dog receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Remember to monitor your dog's weight and body condition regularly, as German Shepherds can be prone to obesity. Providing treats in moderation and incorporating a consistent exercise routine can help prevent weight-related health issues. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! Common Health Concerns in Liver German Shepherds Liver German Shepherds share the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, as the liver coloration does not contribute to any additional health risks. Some common health issues found in German Shepherds include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These hereditary conditions affect the joints and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing joint supplements can help manage these conditions. Degenerative Myelopathy : This is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor your dog's neurological health. Bloat Gastric Torsion : A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can help reduce the risk. Allergies : German Shepherds can be prone to skin allergies or food sensitivities. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice excessive itching or digestive issues, as they can help identify the cause and recommend treatment. Working with a reputable breeder and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure the health and longevity of your Liver German Shepherd. A proactive approach to healthcare and early detection of potential issues will contribute to a happier, healthier life for your canine companion. Their distinct coat color results from a recessive gene, which means both parent dogs must carry this gene for the puppies to display the liver hue. Due to the rarity of the gene combination, Liver German Shepherds are not as commonly found as their standard counterparts. Their scarcity adds to their unique charm, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a distinctive and eye-catching canine companion. While this rarity can make finding a Liver German Shepherd more challenging and potentially more expensive, the allure of their remarkable appearance often outweighs these factors for enthusiasts of the breed. Their unique liver-colored coat sets them apart from the crowd, while they still maintain all the impressive characteristics, intelligence, and loyalty that make German Shepherds such exceptional dogs. Whether you are drawn to their captivating appearance or their steadfast companionship, Liver German Shepherds have much to offer. With proper care, training, and socialization, these striking canines can be loving and protective family members, devoted companions, and exceptional working dogs. If you're ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a Liver German Shepherd by your side, make sure to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of these extraordinary dogs. With dedication and love, you'll have an unforgettable bond and an extraordinary partnership with your Liver German Shepherd. The link has been copied! You might also like. Their liver brown coloring is a striking contrast to the usual black and tan coat of the breed, and they usually have brown markings on their fur, nose, and eyes. Their coat color is due to a recessive gene called B locus. They are considered dilute types, meaning their supposed black pigment is diluted by a recessive gene, resulting in a lighter coat. Fortunately, their unique coloration does not negatively affect them in any way. The liver gene can only affect their coat patterns. Hence, all the other aspects of a liver German Shepherd are similar to other varieties. Are Liver German Shepherds Purebred? Yes, liver-colored German Shepherds are purebred dogs. Remember that for a dog to be considered purebred, it needs to meet particular specifications or breed standards, not just the coloration. In the case of liver GSDs, some of the indicators that they are purebreds are the following: They stand around 26 inches tall. They appear to have smooth, graceful curves rather than angles when viewed in the outline. They are courageous, confident, and willing to put their life at risk in defense of their owners. The most defining feature of a liver German Shepherd is its brown-colored coat. The hue can range from a brownish color to a deeper brown tone. In some cases, it may even look reddish at first glance. Apart from their unique coloration, they look the same as any other German Shepherd with their imposing muscular body. These dogs also have double coats. The topcoat protects them from harsh weather and other external elements, while the lush and soft inner coat provides insulation in cold and hot climates. Unlike other GSDs, liver shepherds do not have any black markings on the saddle or face as the liver gene prevents any black pigmentation. The most common color and combinations found in liver German Shepherds include solid brown, liver and tan, and liver sable which are discussed in detail below. Solid Liver German Shepherd Photo by kumamatata IG Solid liver shepherds don a solid brown coat color, and their nose has a brown leather hue as well. However, they take on a rich brown color instead of black. These dogs have a combined liver dark brown and tan interpreted as any shade of brown, from fawn, chestnut, or silver to deep darker hues markings. You will rarely find these dogs on canine shows, given that their color indicates diluted genes. Liver Sable German Shepherd Photo by hellsgermanshepherd IG The sable color of this GSD means that their hairs will have varying amounts of black on the tip, while the rest of their coat will take on a primary liver color. Sable is considered a classic pattern in the breed, and it makes the liver look like a typical wolf coat. Liver German Shepherds get their light brown coat from a recessive liver gene that occurs on the B Locus gene. For a German Shepherd to manifest this color, its parents must carry and pass on at least one liver gene to the puppy. Given that the recessive B locus gene blocks eumelanin pigmentation, the standard black color turns into a liver except for the eyes. Any German Shepherd with the recessive liver gene cannot have a black coat. In some cases, one or both parent dogs may not be liver in appearance, but they may be carriers of the recessive liver gene. When a puppy inherits two copies of the gene, the GSD is expected to be homozygous for the mutation from its parents. Its coat will then take on a reddish-brown hue. Are Liver German Shepherds Rare? If you want to have a better chance at finding a liver GSD, consider browsing special or designer breeding programs instead. While some other German Shepherd colors change over time, a liver German Shepherd stays the same throughout their life. The puppies will usually have a white toenail and a pink footpad, but they will eventually turn liver-colored as they grow. They do not change color either, but the tan color only starts to appear when the puppy reaches 6 to 12 months old. Meanwhile, the acknowledged patterns include black and cream, black and tan, black and red, bi-color, and black and silver. While the AKC standard prefers dogs with strong, rich colors, liver GSDs can be considered serious faults but not enough to disqualify them from shows. Keep in mind that the AKC is specific to the accepted pattern. Your dog must have solid liver coloring. Other variations, such as black and liver or liver and tan, will not be recognized. The liver is regarded as an off-color, as far as breed standard goes. Every other aspect, including their behavior and physical attributes, will be similar to traditional German Shepherds. They adore toddlers in the household and often become protective of them. The breed is generally known to do well with children of all ages, as they are calm and patient. Given proper socialization, these dogs can be civil and even friendly with other pets like cats. However, they may also be friendly to strangers especially if they are taught to be. They often need physical and mental stimulation, which may be a deal-breaker if you are looking for a low-maintenance pet. Also, they need positive training methods for them to be more affectionate and obedient. Liver German Shepherds have an average life expectancy of 9 to 13 years. Generally, the breed is known to be healthy if adequately cared for. Bringing them to the vet regularly is vital to ensure that they will live a long, disease-free life. However, like other GSDs, there are a few health-related problems that this dog is predisposed to. Here are some of their most common health problems for your reference: Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in liver German Shepherds, resulting from a malformed hip joint. Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs, and GSDs have an above-average incidence of this health condition. If your liver shepherd is diagnosed with diabetes, they will be unable to regulate sugar metabolism and require daily insulin injections. Corneal Dystrophy: If your liver shepherd is diagnosed with corneal dystrophy , there will be a white or gray cloud in their eyes. Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is commonly observed in several large dog breeds, including the liver German Shepherd. It refers to a late-onset, slowly progressive degeneration of the spinal cord. Hemophilia: This refers to an inherited disorder involving a deficiency of blood clotting activity. Hemophiliac liver German Shepherds suffer from prolonged or spontaneous bleeding in various areas of the body. Epilepsy: This chronic condition causes repeated seizures in your liver GSD. It is the most common long-term neurological disorder in dogs, and in most cases, a lifelong disease. An initial sign to look out for is the gradual onset of a dry and dull hair coat. To ensure the optimal health of your new liver shepherd, feed them with a nutrition-filled diet and give them supplements to improve their immunity. Make sure to keep them up-to-date with all vaccinations as well. He is the total package of beauty, brains and health! Bo has the typical old fashioned straight-backed structure that we strive for. He has great bone and a beautiful classic GSD head. Bo is always happy to go places with us. He frequents local stores with us all the time and is a perfect gentleman. He is always looking forward to accompanying us for daily ranch chores too. He is great with all the animals. He especially loves puppies and is so gentle with them, he is a great helper in socializing our litters with big dogs. He has great food drive, loves learning new things and always does his best to please you. He also loves doing scent work and I hope to get him entered into some trials soon. He is naturally protective of our home but as soon as I give him the okay he will be the first to greet you for pets and is known to try and sneak in your lap if you sit down! He is an easy-going, gentle, super sweet boy who is always steady and fearless. Like our other boys he can also have a goofy streak at times and he can always put a smile on your face! We just love Bo and are really looking forward to incorporating his lines into our breeding program. Final Thoughts Everyone knows that German Shepherds, also called Alsatians , are one of the most admirable and popular dog breeds in the world. Would you like to have one as your best home guard, friend, and companion? You are sure to encounter black and tan Shepherds as well as those with sable, solid black or white coats. However, what do you think about adopting a solid liver German Shepherd? Yes, it is quite rare, but such a dog looks amazing. Since German Shepherds are well-known for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty to their owners, you will get the best option. However, a liver GSD or, as it is sometimes called, a chocolate GSD, may not be recognized by some breed standards because they normally accept black and tan or black and red. So, if you want your pup to take part in competitions, this coloration of the coat may not be the best choice. One more concern for new dog owners is that these dogs, like their counterparts of other colors, require a lot of regular exercises and mental stimulation to feel healthy and happy. So, if you are not ready to spend much time with your new friend, the breed may not be the best option. Continue reading this article if you want to know more about this fascinating variety of German Shepherds and how to take care of them properly. Captain Max von Stephanitz became famous as a developer of this breed, and his aim was to create a versatile working dog that could successfully carry out a variety of tasks, for example, herding, protection, and law enforcement. Nevertheless, the unusual coloration of this doggy did not appear from the very beginning. It was a result of a recessive gene known as the b or b allele that influences the production of eumelanin. This substance gives color to the skin and coat and is responsible for producing black or brown colors in dogs, horses, and mice. When the b genes from both parents meet, they produce liver, chocolate, or brown coloring instead of black. If only one of the parents has this gene, the dog will still be black. Such a mutated recessive gene can also be found in Spaniels, Weimaraners, and Labradors. This German Shepherd dog variety is pretty rare and not too popular. The rarity is caused by two reasons. First, only several genetic combinations can cause this color, which is uncommon. So, a breeder can receive only one puppy of this color in a litter even if both parents have the gene or may not receive any. The second reason is that such Shepherds are not recognized by breed standards and reputable kennel clubs, so their winning prizes at dog shows is disputable. That is why breeders are not interested in propagating this coat color in litters. It is rich and deep brown, sometimes with a hue of red or copper. You can encounter a solid liver German Shepherd or a doggy that has black marks on its ears, legs, and face. As for the coat texture, it is normally medium-length and thick to protect an animal against severe and changing weather conditions. The hair can be straight or slightly wavy which provides a pup even more charm. The color is the only distinctive feature that makes this variety of GSDs different. All the other characteristics are exactly the same as in their traditional counterparts. This doggy has a muscular body and a strong athletic build with a wedge-shaped muzzle. Its ears are pointed and erect, and its tail is long and bushy. The animal has a broad chest and a powerful frame, with a straight back that is typical of a working line. As for their physical parameters, liver Shepherds are considered medium to large dogs. Males usually grow to inches cm at the shoulders, while females are a bit smaller, standing inches cm tall. The weight of an adult male is pounds kg , and females weigh between pounds kg. All other physical characteristics are similar to German Shepherds of other colors. It is the color that makes this pup special and very beautiful. If you are an enthusiast of unusual colors in dogs, this pet is right for you. Temperament and Behavior The personality and temperament of these dogs are unique in some way. Like all German Shepherds, they are intelligent, loyal, and courageous. They also display strong protective instincts and can be great guards. In addition, liver GSDs are playful and joyous, which makes them cute companions for children. They are reserved for strangers but very affectionate to their owners. These pets are also pretty adaptable to new conditions and environments, so they are a perfect choice for those families who often change their places and move to other locations. Liver German Shepherds are highly trainable, but they need a lot of attention, exercise, and socialization. If you are not ready to provide them with a lot of time and care, this variety may not be for you because, if not cared for properly, such a doggy can develop some behavioral problems. They can become aggressive if they feel that something can threaten them or their owners. Your pup can also suffer from separation anxiety when it does not see you for an extended time. It can become rather destructive and start digging and chewing if uncontrolled. You should pay attention to these issues while training your dog. Desensitization can help a lot. Being untrained and excited, these Shepherds can be rather vocal, and excessive barking can become another problem. It can also be reduced by proper training and positive reinforcement. In addition, these pups can become fearful of new situations, objects, or people if they are not socialized. At their teenage age, these dogs can display dominant behavior and start snarling, growling, and biting. They want to behave like leaders of the household and their pack. Proper training, socialization, and positive reinforcement can help prevent and manage all these issues. You will need to start as early as possible. So, regular vet visits and monitoring for potential health conditions can be pretty helpful. Here are some common conditions your liver-colored German Shepherd can be prone to. However, it does not mean that your pet will necessarily suffer from them. Most of them, even if they are genetically predetermined, can be prevented or managed via proper care and regular vet check-ups. So, here are the issues you must be aware of: Hip and elbow dysplasia: It is a mostly genetic condition that makes the bones rub against each other in the joints and lead to arthritis, pain, and stiffness. Degenerative myelopathy: It is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the spinal cord and leads to weakness, loss of coordination, and partial paralysis at an older age. Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that affects dogs of large and deep-chested breeds. The stomach fills with air and twists. It does not allow for blood flow to this and other organs and can be fatal. Allergies: They can be provoked by various factors like dust or pollen, some foods, or other environmental and individual conditions. The dog may suffer from skin redness, itching, and swelling, and this condition can lead to severe skin infections. Even if your liver Shepherd is absolutely healthy, it can be prone to eye disorders and different digestive issues. That is why it is vital to have a trusted veterinarian and schedule regular appointments with them. Consider buying a puppy from a responsible breeder who can provide you with a certificate of screening for the most common genetic issues. You can also learn more about proper nutrition and preventive care. If you follow these tips, your beautiful German Shepherd will remain healthy and happy for all its life. Feeding Providing your doggy with a balanced and highly nutritious diet is essential for all German Shepherds despite their colors. Choose high-quality food with mostly meat ingredients. Avoid artificial preservatives, by-products, and fillers. Active dogs need more calories, and puppies need more nutrients. If you buy dog food, pay attention to the feeding guidelines on the package that relates to age and weight. A visible waist and easily felt ribs are signs of a healthy dog. Make a distinct feeding schedule, giving preference to smaller meals instead of one large meal. Two times per day is optimal to prevent bloats and other digestive problems. Your German Shepherd also needs continuous access to fresh water. Never feed your doggy with table scraps or human food. It can result in weight gaining and various digestive problems. You should also consult a specialist if you want to switch to another type of diet. Be careful to do this gradually over a period of some days to prevent digestive issues. Training and Care Training and socializing are important for all German Shepherds. Your doggy needs to learn basic manners and commands. You will also develop a stronger bond with your pet by training it. Socialization will help your dog feel secure with other dogs, people, and environments. Even if your liver GSD is intelligent and loyal, it can be destructive, aggressive, and badly behaving without appropriate training. Therefore obedience training is essential. Since German Shepherds are highly protective, they often become hostile to strangers and other animals. So, they need adequate socialization to become calmer and learn new experiences without excess anxiety. Thus, training and socialization are crucial in letting your pet thrive and feel happy. Training Tips Therefore, your liver German Shepherd is highly trainable and can enjoy mental stimulation and physical activity. You can follow these tips to make these qualities even more prominent. An early start: Ideally, you can begin socialization and positive reinforcement when your puppy is at least eight weeks old. Potty training is the first stage. Positive reinforcement: Treats, praise, and extra playtime work very well for establishing closer bonds between your pet and yourself. Never use punishments because they are counterproductive. Consistency: It is the main principle that involves using the same commands and rewards in similar situations by all the members of your family. Mental and physical stimulation: This can include such activities as fetch games, agility, and obedience training to help your doggy thrive. Short sessions: Because of short attention spans, the sessions should be frequent and short, for example, minutes a few times per day. Socialization: It includes exposing your pet to various people, situations, and other animals starting from a very early age to reduce the possibility of fearfulness or aggression. Patience and persistence: You need to spend time and effort on training your liver Shepherds properly without giving up if you think that the progress is not fast enough. You can avoid many mistakes and misunderstandings if you work with a professional dog trainer. Grooming Grooming your doggy is important for its health and well-being. Liver-colored Shepherds have a very dense double-layered coat. It is very active and a heavy shedder all year round. So, you need to brush it regularly to remove loose hair and avoid matting. You have to do it at least once a week or even every day during the shedding season. Frequent baths are not necessary. You can bathe your pup only if it is very dirty, or when an unpleasant odor appears. Then, you need a specific dog shampoo. Be careful about splashing water into its ears. Another procedure that is important is nail trimming. Long nails can cause walking difficulties and discomfort. Utilize a special dog nail trimmer and cut the nails carefully not to injure your pup. Dental care is also essential. It prevents gum disease and tooth decay. Provide your pup with dental toys and chews. Brush its teeth regularly after the consultation with your vet. Exercising Your liver GSD is very active, and it needs a lot of exercise. Take it for quick walks or jogs several times per day. Your doggy will also require mental stimulation, so engage it in interactive puzzle games, obedience training, or agility. Your pup will also be grateful for such outdoor activities as swimming, hiking, or playing fetch. These dogs are very social, so they usually like playtime with their owners and other dogs. You will have to supervise and control it for more effective physical and mental stimulation. If you are not sure where to start or how to exercise your doggy properly, talk to a professional dog trainer or your veterinarian. You can also consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter, and it can be a more affordable option. How long do liver German Shepherds live? The life expectancy of these dogs is almost the same as that of other German Shepherds. It is typically years. However, it can vary depending on genetics, exercise, health, and diet. If you provide your pup with regular veterinarian check-ups and responsible care, it will live a longer and healthier life. Are liver German Shepherds purebred? These Shepherds are purebred. The liver color is caused by a recessive gene taken from both parents. This color is pretty rare in this breed, but your pup can still be registered with kennel clubs and organizations to participate in dog shows. However, you need to ensure that your dog is purebred by choosing a reputable breeder who can provide you with all the necessary documentation about the pedigree and health checks. Final Thoughts Therefore, the liver-colored German Shepherd is a purebred variety characterized by a liver coloration of the fur. It is a result of a recessive gene received by a puppy from both parents. These dogs live years like other Shepherds, need proper care, training, and exercising, and require your time and effort to be healthy and happy. Purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid mistakes. Before adopting this doggy, you need to carefully consider your time and conditions because it will require all your patience, dedication, and commitment to become your best friend and companion for life. 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. Many are also familiar with the sable working line GSDs as well as solid-colored black or white ones. This article will tell you all about liver German Shepherds, how they differ from other German Shepherds, and how their unique coat coloring is created. Liver German Shepherds are exactly the same as the GSDs you know and love, the only difference being a unique coat color. Typically, the noses of liver-colored GSDs are also different. They are often pink or brown rather than black. Additionally, their eyes are lighter in color. Many describe their eyes as amber rather than brown. Dogs have thousands of different genes, but only 8 affect the color of their coats. The brown color is associated with the B locus, which comes in two forms: the dominant brown B and the recessive brown b. B produces the color black while b is responsible for the liver color. When a dog has the combination Bb, it would take the color of the dominant allele the capital letter. In that case, the dog would still be black but would pass down the recessive b to its offspring. To produce the liver color, the dog should have the combination bb. The only way to guarantee a liver-colored litter is to mate two liver-colored GSDs. However, having one liver parent or two parents with the b allele will also produce some liver-colored puppies. The only way to determine the latter is through DNA testing before mating. Liver German Shepherds are rare for two reasons. First, there are only a few genetic combinations that produce them. Since it takes at least 1 liver-colored parent or two parents carrying the allele to produce liver offspring, they are understandably uncommon. For reputation and prestige, kennels prefer to breed dogs that have the potential to become excellent show dogs or at least conform to the best traits as described by the breed standards. Are Liver German Shepherds Purebred? Yes, liver German Shepherds are purebred. However, they are definitely pure as long as they are the offspring of two purebred German Shepherds. No GSD can be considered a mixed breed unless at least one of its parents is actually a mix. However, the GSD breed standard notes that having a liver coat color is actually a serious fault. According to the AKC, German Shepherds with strong, rich colors are more desirable than those with pale, washed-out ones. Although a dog would not be automatically disqualified for this characteristic, they are not likely to win conformation events. The liver coloring might cover their entire coat or just the saddle. Their nose, paw pads, lips, and eye rims might also have a light brown or even pink color. Additionally, their eyes are noticeably lighter and typically have an amber-hue. They have the same build, intelligence , and general temperament. Their requirements for everyday care, grooming, and training are also no different. Liver-colored GSDs are actually quite expensive because they are so rare. If you find reputable breeders that specifically endeavor to produce this color, you can expect their puppies to be even more expensive because of their more responsible breeding practices. Nevertheless, GSDs are among the most common breeds in animal shelters. Once in a while, you might encounter a liver German Shepherd available to rescue. Opting to adopt rather than buy from a breeder will enable you to have the uniquely colored dog you want at minimal costs. Final Thoughts Owning a liver German Shepherds is special because they look incredibly unique. They will require firm leadership, plenty of physical exercise , and regular mental stimulation.
Pug: Description: The Pug is a small, stocky, square, thickset dog. The round head is massive with a short, blunt, square shaped muzzle. Moles on the cheeks are considered beauty spots. The teeth meet in a slight undershot bite. The very large, prominent eyes are dark. The small, thin ears are either rose or button shaped. The face has large, deep wrinkles. Height: Dogs inches. Bitches inches. Weight: Dogs pounds. Bitches pounds. Life span: About 12 to 15 years. Function: Behavior: Pugs are people-oriented dogs, right down to the fact that they go through stages of maturity. Puppies are especially playful and always underfoot for want of company. If you have another dog, a pug puppy will often seek out their company for play and adventure. The puppy stage often lasts until the pug is about 2 years old, so be prepared with plenty of patience! Older dogs seem to "settle" into a daily routine, and can be almost invisible until you want them. Pugs want nothing more than to please their owners. Social Aspects: If one were to purchase a social dog, the pug could easily be the right one to choose. Granted, a pug may sleep a lot, but when awake the pug will exhibit plenty of playfulness and enough charm to make most people look past that wrinkled face. Exercise: Pugs are strong dogs with short straight legs. They need to be taken on daily walks. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. As watch dogs: Pugs make good little watchdogs. They have a deep loud bark which sounds like it should belong to a much larger dog. Pugs are not mad or nuisance barkers. Grooming: The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush and comb with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. Dry thoroughly after a bath so the dog does not get chilled. The creases on the face must be cleaned regularly. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder. Health problems: Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold weather. They are prone to allergies and the short muzzle contributes to chronic breathing problems, tending to wheeze and snore. Reproduction: In domestic dogs, sexual maturity puberty begins to happen around age 6 to 12 months for both males and females, although this can be delayed until up to two years old for some large breeds. Related Pets. Last Updated on July 24, by Dr. Ali Shahid Pug dog in Pakistan Pugs are the perfect pets because of their sweet faces and loving personalities. Pug dogs in Pakistan have also become extremely popular due to their serious and relaxed nature, as well as their robustness and ease of maintenance. The playful nature of the breed makes it a favorite dog of families with young children and older children alike. It is because of their fun personality that these dogs continue to be so popular. History Pugs are among the oldest breeds of dogs and originate from China. The dogs were bred to serve as companions to the wealthy. Toy dogs with flat faces, such as the pug, were popular with Chinese emperors 2, years ago and lived a luxurious life. In the s, trading ships brought the little dogs to Holland. The Chinese were the breeders of three different types of short-nosed dogs, including pugs. Appearance Pugs have rather square bodies coupled with a very round head and an elongated face that is smooth, wrinkled, and flat. Its head is relatively massive in comparison to the rest of its body, and it has short legs and a short back. A protruding eye makes it more susceptible to trauma. Their tail is tightly curled over their hips. It has a dense double coat. There are a variety of colors, including fawn, silver, and black. Except for the black dogs, all the dogs have dark ears and masks. Their ears feel as though they are made of velvet. Weight: 8 Kg- 12 Kg Dr. Ali Shahid is a veterinarian by profession and CEO at provets. He loves to treat animals and has great expertise in veterinary products. Our aim is to provide the best information related to your animal health. Similar Posts. Or use express checkout methods: Checkout Order now, fast shipping and specialized vet support About this item Details Help your Pug puppy grow into the best version of themselves with Royal Canin Pug Puppy - expertly crafted to support their unique development! Hence, this dry food contains prebiotics and highly-digestible proteins to support a healthy gut microbiome and flora and enhance stool quality. Pugs are a unique breed, recognizable by their distinct features, including their folded skin. However, this trait can lead to skin issues, and that's where Royal Canin Pug Puppy comes in. It contains an exclusive complex with omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a velvety coat. Lastly, picking up food can be challenging for Pug puppies with their flat faces and thick lips. As such, Royal Canin Pug Puppy features specially designed kibbles to make mealtime more accessible and encourage chewing for better dental hygiene. Give your Pug puppy the nourishment they deserve with Royal Canin Pug Puppy - expertly crafted to meet their nutritional needs and support their development! Royal Canin Pug Puppy summarized: Boost your Pug puppy's immunity with an exclusive antioxidant complex containing vitamin E. Promote healthy digestion with prebiotics and highly-digestible proteins for a healthy gut microbiome. Nourish your puppy's skin and coat with omega-3 fatty acids for a velvety coat. Make mealtime easier for Pug puppies with kibbles designed to encourage chewing and promote dental hygiene. Expertly crafted to meet your Pug puppy's specific nutritional needs and support their unique development. Analytical constituents: Protein: .Dimensions This product is a 1. So, adjust your feeding accordingly and consult a trusted veterinarian for further guidance. How should I store this dry food? Store Royal Canin Pug Puppy in a cool, dry place. Is this food recommended for adult dogs? Royal Canin Pug Puppy is only recommended for junior Pugs up to 10 months old. Once your dog surpasses this age, consider Royal Canin Pug Adult , a dry food made specifically for adult pugs.
As their name suggests, they are Boxer dogs that simply have white coats. However, their coat color makes them slightly different. The Boxer breed we know today is from Germany and was originally bred for hunting and dog fights. However, these activities became unpopular as years passed, so Boxers found new roles as working dogs. Many White Boxers are now bred to help humans do day-to-day activities. Some of these Boxers are cattle dogs or police dogs, while others are guide dogs for the blind. Are White Boxers aggressive? All dogs have the tendency to be aggressive when they are not trained properly. Boxers got the bad reputation of being a vicious breed because they were originally bred for hunting and dog fights. But, as times changed, these dogs evolved as well. A White Boxer shares the same features as regular Boxers, only their coat is white. Considered a medium to large dog, as mentioned above a White Boxer can weigh 50 to 80 lbs 22 to 36kg and reach up to 21 to 25 inches 53 to 66 cm in height. Distinctly shaped heads and strong bodies A distinct physical feature of a Boxer is its head. Their jaws have an underbite and their muzzle is blunt. Their ears are erect and sometimes naturally fold over. Some White Boxers will also have cropped ears. Most White Boxers have a muscular body with a broad, deep chest. Their tails are carried high and often docked. How rare are White Boxer puppies? The quick answer is: not that rare. Contrary to popular belief, having a White Boxer does not involve elaborate breeding techniques. Twenty to twenty-five percent of Boxers will be born white, so these dogs are not really a rare occurrence. Are White Boxers healthy? As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a White Boxer is 10 to 12 years. This is due to the lack of pigment in the skin cells of their inner ear canal and consequently the loss of sensory hair cells. Skin problems — Skin issues are common in White Boxers because of their short coats. Many of these dogs suffer from skin rashes and irritation. Owners can use human sunscreen to protect their pets from the harmful sun, but dogs may end up licking the sunscreen off. Blindness — The link between blindness and the White Boxer needs to be studied further, but there are more blind White Boxers than any other Boxers of different coat colors. White Boxers are also said to be more prone to canine cancers than other breeds. How do you care for your White Boxer? Caring for a White Boxer is easy, especially since this is a low-shedding breed. However, you will have to devote some regular playtime for this active dog. Their short coats shed only a small amount of fur and require only a weekly brushing. However, they shed more than usual during springtime. The proper diet for White Boxers Due to several health issues Boxers can suffer from, it is very important for them to have nutrient-dense food to keep them healthy and at their best. This dog needs at least 30 to 45 minutes of active play and exercise in a day. Limiting sun exposure As we said before, this breed is prone to sunburn. Sun protection is a must when they are playing outside. You can buy them canine sunscreen for to protect their skin or have them wear a shirt when outside. How do you train a White Boxer? White Boxers are highly intelligent and can be easily trained to do what needs to be done. However, there are some Boxer behaviors that need to be addressed during training. Training sessions should be fun and short to keep White Boxers interested. They need to see you as the pack leader for them to follow your command. Socialization is important for White Boxers as they can get protective of their toys and their humans. Positive reinforcement yields better results with this breed. Praises and treats go a long way in making good behavior stick. Due to the number of White Boxers that are deaf, owners have found other ways to train their beloved canine. What makes the White Boxer controversial? White Boxers were originally part of the police force, but their coats made them easy to spot at night. This nighttime visibility rendered the pups useless in police operations. This ban aimed to take out the genes that make these Boxers white and led to breeders killing their White Boxer puppies and dogs. But that was just the start as the debate about this breed still goes on today. The American Kennel Club controversy According to the AKC breed standard, a Boxer should have two-thirds of its coat is colored either fawn or brindle. Because White Boxers do not meet this criterion, some breeders think that White Boxers are inferior and have more health issues compared to fawn or brindle Boxers. This thinking has caused some breeders to euthanize White Boxer puppies. White Boxer welfare groups There are several White Boxer welfare groups that advocate for these dogs and condemn White Boxer euthanasia. Some of these groups have put up shelters and rescue centers for White Boxers. They are also active in promoting the White Boxer as a good dog, regardless of the health issues it may have. Where can I find reputable White Boxer breeders? White Boxers have a number of health issues that they can suffer from, so you want to pick the healthiest White Boxer puppy among the pack. It may be challenging to intentionally seek out breeders who focus on breeding White Boxers, so you can check out the following Boxer breeders:. They can easily sunburn — an owner should use dog friendly sunscreen on their dog if they plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .The whiteboxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. Deafness Facts Regarding deafness, the genetic basis of white in Boxers is the same as in Dalmatians, although without the ticking factor to give the spots. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Article re-published from www. Lifespan Sociability A well-bred Boxer puppy can reach high prices depending on your locality and the breeder. When you bring a White Boxer home, be ready to have a loyal and friendly dog by your side. These are energetic dogs so they do well with active families who have lots of space for their dogs to run around in and burn off their energy. Boxers Are Among the Top 10 Most Popular Breeds Boxer dogs were brought to America in the early 20th century, but the breed only gained popularity after the s. At present, the Boxer dog is among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States. White Boxers Are Not Albino Albinism is a lack of skin pigmentation characterized by white hair, white skin, and pink eyes. White boxes have blue eyes and can develop black spots. In fact, more than one-quarter of the Boxer puppies born are considered white. Nothing could be further from the truth. These dogs are loyal and friendly towards family, but they can also be aggressive when being protective. While they can be wary of strangers, they tend to be playful and jovial when in the company of people they know. And their curiosity and high intelligence allow them to learn new things quickly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? For one, they are loyal to the core and are very protective of those they love. Moreover, they are very affectionate and will jump at you in greeting every chance they get. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, this dog will be too much for you. Additionally, families with small children should be cautious. The dog can easily knock the little fellas down while bouncing and leaping around. However, their high prey drive will put your cat and other vulnerable pets at risk, so be sure not to leave them unattended in the same room. The following is what you need to know before owning a white Boxer. This means that you must provide them with adequate nutrition to support their active lifestyle. White Boxers, in particular, need a high-quality diet rich in proteins, fiber, carbs, and fat. However, take care not to overfeed your pet because this can lead to obesity. Stick to the scheduled mealtime and keep treats at a minimum. An active adult Boxer should receive cups of dog food per day, depending on their weight, as well as other variables. You should seek the advice of a veterinarian always when not sure what to feed your pup. Otherwise, they will direct their high energy elsewhere and can be quite destructive, especially when they get bored. The dog will need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day to maintain good behavior. You can split that into two sessions of 30 minutes each. Walking, hiking and playing games such as fetch are just some of the things you can do with your furry friend. You could even choose to enroll them in dog competitions. Games and puzzles are great here. Additionally, teach them new tricks from time to time. Since they are highly intelligent, they tend to learn things fast. Furthermore, this dog has no time for repetitive and boring routines. You will have to keep things fresh and fun if you hope to teach them anything. Moreover, the canines are generally clean. Just like cats, they are capable of grooming themselves. Therefore, you only need to brush their coat once a week to keep it looking neat. Regular baths may not be necessary, but you should not neglect to clip their nails once or twice a month. Trimming the nails will prevent them from scratching you whenever they jump to greet you. But their well-being can be threatened by various health conditions. Apart from the common health issues that affect Boxers in general, a white Boxer is susceptible to the following health problems. Minor Conditions. White Boxer Dogs Overview Regrettably, some people still believe that white Boxer dogs or puppies are the least favorable of the breed. Some will argue that those dogs born white are more prone to illness or more aggressive than the other more traditionally colored dogs of the breed. Some think that they have a different set of personality traits and will show different behavior than more traditionally colored dogs. For those of us who are lucky enough to love a white Boxer puppy.This simply could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of false information that can easily be found.So, let's clear this up by looking at the facts. While each dog is an individual and has his or her own personalty quirks, in general, white Boxer dogs will behave exactly like most other more traditionally colored pups and dogs. There is no set change in disposition, aggressiveness or any other trait. Most, if not all Boxers are comical, fun loving and expressive animals with a strong craving to please their owners. They are excellent companions, family pets and enjoy the company of their humans. A white Boxer dog is not automatically ill or blind or has eye issues.In some cases, color can go back as far as 5 generations. Both of the parents must carry the genetic code white. In every way the puppy is the same as all of its siblings…with all the liveliness, traits, and spirit that make them Boxers. A white Boxer is not an albino. Albinos entirely lack pigment. Any dog breed will infrequently have an albino…although it is very rare. When a dog is an albino there is no colored pigmentation anywhere on the dog…They have pink eyes, and a complete lack of color anywhere on the body. Most white Boxer dogs have some spots on their skin which can be seen due to their short coats and have some markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coat such as brown spots around an eye or on the back, etc. They will have pigment in their eyes, this alone rules out albinism as the cause of their whiteness. Approximately one in four puppies are white either all white or majorly white. Therefore, this is not a rare color. Because of this limitation, white Boxer dogs do not meet the breed standard for show conformation. Many breeders and handlers hope that this changes. White Boxers, as beautiful as they are, may someday be accepted for conformation in AKC show events. There are breeders and people in the general public who feel that white Boxer dogs are inferior to fawn or brindled colored Boxers and have more health problems. .Recently, there has been more studies to either substantiate or dissuade the claims that white Boxers are more prone to problems than standard colors. The only claims that seem to have merit are: They are more likely to sunburn And the white Boxer like many other breeds with similar loss of pigment are more prone to deafness in one or both ears. They are not rare -Approximately 25 percent of all boxers born are white. They are not albinos — They have colored eyes, colored touch, inside of the ears, belly and bottom of the paws. They can sunburn easy — an owner should use human sunscreen on their dog if they are to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common with the white Boxer. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs ; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .They are happy, loyal, social, friendly dogs when raised in a loving, appropriate home. The white Boxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. An albino Boxer dog would have no color on the skin as well; the eye rims, nose, bottom of the paw pads , and lips would be pink. In addition, most albino dogs have very light eyes. White Boxers, on the other hand, will have some skin pigmentation. Typically, the nose is black, as are the lips. Eye rims and paw pads can be black. Please note that very young Boxer puppies often have pink noses. So, if you have an all white Boxer newborn puppy and the nose is pink, this is not an indication of abinism. Over the of the next few weeks, nose color should come in. Final nose coloring may be fully black or spotted. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Tia and Dyson, both 8 years old Photo courtesy of Birgitta Woolmer. Much like a boxer might spar with an opponent. The Boxer is thought to be a modern descendant of larger mastiff-type fighting dogs that were bred to hunt large game like bison and bears. The white Boxer may be smaller than these ancestors, but this is still a very powerful dog. White Boxer Dog Appearance Contrary to popular belief about the white Boxer, this coat color is not actually rare in Boxers. These include the brown and white Boxer dog, the black and white Boxer dog, the brindle and the fawn. Here again, if the white portions of the coat equal 30 percent or more of the total coat, the Boxer will be considered to have a white Boxer coat color even if there are other colors or patterns present in the coat as well. One of the most enduring myths about white Boxer puppies with blue eyes is that they will be blind later in life. For white Boxers today, blue is considered just another possible eye color. Shedding and Grooming The white Boxer, like all Boxers, has a very short, neat, single layer coat. However, pale dogs can look mucky more quickly than darker haired dogs. Therefore you might need to brush your dog down slightly more often, and bath them more frequently too. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Boxer has a short coat that sheds throughout the year. They spread allergens through the proteins in their dander and saliva, and are not a good match for human allergy sufferers unfortunately. The white Boxer typically weighs 50 to 80 pounds, with adult males outweighing adult females by about 15 pounds. An adult Boxer may stand 21 to 25 inches tall paw to shoulder. Temperament and Personality The white Boxer has the same playful, friendly, and sociable temperament and personality that the Boxer dog breed is known for overall. In fact, the Boxer is often so exuberant that they need continual training and reinforcement not to bowl you over or leap up onto you just to say hello. Even if you just saw each other five minutes ago! Are Boxers Good With Kids? However, the Boxer is high energy and loves to jump up. Boxers tend to do well with other Boxers so long as they are opposite genders. Same-gender Boxers are known to be somewhat intolerant of each other. Guarding Tendencies Both the white male and white female Boxer dog can make a good family watchdog. For this reason, early and ongoing training and socialization is a vital part of helping your white Boxer learn how to welcome guests. And be a healthy and productive member of your family and the local community. A white Boxer will bark as necessary. For a Boxer, often this means barking to alert you when a stranger is present or if something seems amiss. Too much barking may indicate your Boxer is bored or lonely. In addition to strategic barking, you can expect your Boxer to drool more than a bit. Many owners also report that Boxers tend to snore, which may be due to having the shortened muzzle characteristic of brachycephalic dog breeds. Training and socialization The white Boxer, like all Boxers, can be stubborn during training. This is especially true during the short attention span puppyhood phase! Boxers can be independent thinkers, and this arises from their breed history as a hunting dog bred to hunt prey far ahead of their people. They do best in training when you keep each session fresh and interesting and avoid too much repetition. The Boxer is a flat-out amazing canine athlete and will enjoy and excel in canine sports like agility and search-and-rescue. These dogs are also top picks for K-9 and service dog roles. These dogs love to play, jump, run and chase and you should make sure your yard is escape-proof before letting your Boxer out. Are White Boxer Dogs Healthy? Most purebred dog breeds have certain health concerns that are associated with breed. Boxer dogs are no exception. Because white Boxer dogs can have a higher susceptibility to deafness, ethical breeders do not use white Boxer dogs in their breeding stock. However, this does not mean Boxer parent dogs with other coat colors will not produce white Boxer puppies. As long as all other health tests come back clear, white Boxer puppies can make wonderful pet dogs and have the same 10 to year average life expectancy as do all other Boxer dogs. Boxers can be particularly prone to developing heart disease, including aortic stenosis, which is often initially detectable during routine veterinary exams when the vet hears a heart murmur. Often murmurs related to aortic stenosis, which are different than puppy heart murmurs that resolve with age, are not detectable until the Boxer is an adult. Another all-too-common heart issue is cardiomyopathy, which is often detectable via heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Boxer dogs that exhibit signs of weakness, lethargy, or collapse may be suffering from early stage cardiomyopathy. They are also prone to: Canine cancer.
french bulldog puppies for sale south dakota - Andrex is a British brand of toilet roll. It is owned by the American company Kimberly-Clark. The brand Andrex is also used by Kimberly-Clark in the Hong Kong market, with products from their Taiwanese factories though wet wipes are imported from South Korea , [3] [4] along with the brands Scott , Kleenex and Scotties. Its sister brand in the U. In Austria it is called "Hakle," and in Germany simply Cottonelle. Harrods department store in London sold the handkerchiefs exclusively. Before Andrex, brands such as Bronco and Izal produced products that were harsher. It was the first two-ply tissue. St Andrew Mills was taken-over by Bowater in , and in , Bowater formed a joint venture with the Scott Paper Company , Bowater-Scott, that specialized in tissue products, including Andrex. However, the original idea in was for a young girl to run through a house trailing a roll of Andrex. The television regulators did not approve this as they felt it encouraged children to be wasteful. Since then there have been different adverts featuring various puppies eponymously known as "the Andrex puppy". Factories in Flint and Barrow in Furness supplement production on the mainline product, along with the Puppies on a Roll, Aloe Vera and Quilts variations. Linkedin marked the 75th anniversary for toilet paper brand Andrex and marks the 46th birthday of the iconic Andrex Puppy. The original concept for the commercial campaign was to have a little girl running through her house trailing a roll of Andrex toilet paper behind him. However, television regulators blocked the idea as they considered it to be too wasteful. In the original spot, the Andrex Puppy pulled out a roll of Andrex all throughout the house to advertise the strength, softness, and length of the roll that makes the toilet paper so special and loved by people everywhere. Since the advert aired, there have been over adverts with puppies that have portrayed the Andrex puppy. Andrex has long been committed to training puppies to become guide dogs. A couple of years ago, the brand partnered with Guide Dogs UK Charity for the Blind and Partially Sighted to raise money to finance training 40 puppies as guide dogs. The money was raised through sales of a limited-edition soft toy Andrex Puppy with portions of the sales going towards the charity. Hey there, animated pooch! Spoiler alert: the digital version of the Andrex Puppy gets into just as much toilet paper trouble as his real-life counterpart! Toilet paper quickly unravels towards him and a small Labrador puppy suddenly accompanies the older dog.
Similar services:
french bulldog puppies for sale south dakota - It is not recommended to take it from its mother and littermates because it starts its socialization and gets the first experience of biting inhibition from them. When you take your doggy home, follow the advice of your breeder and veterinarian. In addition, you need to measure and weigh your pup to be able to follow its growth. You should also think about crate training your dog from the first days of staying at your home. Start potty training as soon as possible. However, be very careful about the first walks. The immune system of a little German Shepherd is too unstable and vulnerable to many infections. It has already received all the nutrients it needed during its first month. You can opt for high-quality puppy kibble or homemade food. However, you should avoid poor-quality products and cheap kibble that is full of chemicals. If you are planning to feed your pet with kibble, it is recommended to moisten it with goat milk or fresh water if this milk is unavailable. Giving it cow milk is not recommended. Give your puppy 1. Try to formulate a consistent feeding schedule with the same hours for feeding. You should have two bowls for your German Shepherd. One is for food and the other for water. Your puppy needs a lot of water, so you can leave the water in the bowl to let it drink whenever it wants. As for food, do not leave the leftovers in the bowl. Your puppy cannot control how much it wants to eat, and it can lead to overfeeding if it eats something every time it sees its bowl. You need to make the feeding schedule work. However, do not feed the puppy two times per day. It is too young for that, so it can overeat too and have severe digestion problems. You should teach it to recognize the connections between commands and responses or responses and consequences. Foremost, you need to set primary anchors. It means that you should develop certain reactions to your actions to teach the puppy to follow you, eat food or receive treats, and sit. Your clapping hands, whistling, or a specific word can be such anchors. Avoid setting anchors that your puppy will feel as similar. The next training step is establishing authority. Your puppy should understand that you are its guide, and it will help you when you start training more complex commands. Your little pet should understand that you are its pack leader. So, the first thing to teach is to follow you. Praise the puppy if it does everything correctly, and never punish it if it does not understand you. Early socialization training is also very important. However, early exposure of your pet to many people and unfamiliar things may lead to psychological problems. That is why start socializing your puppy gradually. You can take it on short visits to your family or friends. Keep socializing your doggy every day but in small portions of positive experiences. Start potty training as soon as you bring your GS puppy home. Show it where you want it to do its business, in the backyard or garden. Ensure that this area is quiet and fenced. It has to be something soft like grass or mat. Establish an exact schedule for going potty. Taking the puppy outside is the first thing you need to do after it wakes up in the morning. Then, follow the schedule after each meal, playing, and before going to bed. Keep the puppy out of biting and nipping. You should not beat or punish it anyway. Though, teach the puppy to avoid severe bites on the hands and legs. You can arrange timeouts for it if it bites too harshly. For example, if it bites your hand while taking a treat, withhold the next treat until it understands how to take it gently. Reward it with a treat when you see that the little one understands what you want of it and denies biting at all. German Shepherds are very clever, so they understand the explanations very quickly. Be patient while training your little dog. It will be trained enough to understand how to control itself by the 10th week. Therefore, your boy will grow as tall as inches cm , while the little girl will be inches cm tall. How much does a 2 month old German Shepherd weight? GS puppies gain weight at this age very quickly. They tend to double it in comparison to the first month. Your male doggy will approximately weigh pounds kg. If you have a female puppy, its weight will be smaller — pounds .How much to feed a 2 month old German Shepherd puppy? You can give your puppy .How often should I feed my 2 month old German Shepherd? You should feed your pup times per day. Never make a feeding schedule of 2 times per day because your doggy can overeat and have digestive problems. How much exercise does a 2 month old German Shepherd puppy need? Little GS puppies are very energetic, so they need a lot of exercises. However, they are too young for hard exercise and training. The sessions can be very short about minutes or less and not too intensive. Can I walk my 2 month old German Shepherd? Yes, you can walk your puppy in the backyard or any other fenced space after it is vaccinated. Though remember that your little doggy cannot go on long walks yet, so never make its walks too long. Another thing to consider is that it cannot follow you yet, so try to avoid going for walks in the open spaces and streets, or your pup can get lost. Learn a lot about the breed before you decide to adopt this dog. You also need to know that your pup will have enough space for its activity and energetic behavior. You also need to consider your budget. Get prepared that your doggy will bark, whale, bite and chew everything around. However, you will also get a lot of joy, playing, laughing, and loyalty. German Shepherds are very intelligent, and you will get the best friend for many years if you are patient and consistent enough during its first days at your home. 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. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.