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This can be done by using a cotton ball dampened with warm water and gently wipe away any debris that may have collected around the eyes. You should also ensure that no fur has grown too close to the eye, which can cause irritation or infection if left unchecked. If this happens, use artificial tears or an eye wash for dogs to relieve irritation and redness. Be sure not to use human products on your pet, as these can do more harm than good! Additionally, if you see any discharge from either of their eyes, contact your veterinarian immediately, as this could be a symptom of something more serious such as an infection. Administering these treatments correctly will not only help keep their ocular health in check but will also make sure that they remain comfortable throughout the process. Warm Compress: If your dog is suffering from dry or irritated eyes, a warm compress can be a great way to provide relief. This will help reduce swelling and provide comfort for your pup. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is another effective home remedy for treating eye problems in dogs. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps reduce bacteria growth, while its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe any irritation or swelling caused by eye infections or allergies. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with four parts warm water and use it as an eyewash twice daily until the issue subsides. Ensure they avoid sharp objects like sticks and hazardous chemicals like household cleaners. Providing plenty of shade outdoors in sunny conditions, dogs can suffer from sunburned corneas just like people! Ensure they stay up-to-date with all their vaccinations to remain as healthy as possible! Still, it is imperative if you have a breed prone to developing certain eye issues such as PRA or cataracts. Have their eyes checked at least once a year during their wellness exam to ensure nothing is amiss. Ensure you provide them with nutrient-rich food specifically for larger breeds like the Golden Retriever so they get all the nutrients they need daily! This will also help keep their eyes bright and sharp over time. Taking them on regular walks or playing fetch together will be fun for both of you; it will help keep their vision sharp by stimulating their sight and providing them with plenty of opportunities for mental stimulation! Golden retrievers generally have very good eyesight. However, they can be prone to certain eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy PRA. PRA is a genetic condition that causes vision loss in older dogs. Fortunately, a DNA test is available to screen for this condition before it occurs. The most common eye problems in English Cream, Golden Retrievers are entropion inward-turning eyelids , distichiasis extra eyelashes , conjunctivitis, and cataracts. These conditions can cause irritation or discomfort for your pup and should be monitored by your veterinarian. The eyewash should also be used regularly to prevent any buildup of dirt or debris around the eyes. Golden retriever pigmentary uveitis is when inflammation occurs inside the eye, causing pain and blurred vision in affected animals. Symptoms of Golden retriever pigmentary uveitis include redness and swelling of the whites of the eyes, cloudy vision, redness of blood vessels on the surface of the eyeball, excess tear production, and squinting. If you suspect your pet may have uveitis, take them to see a vet immediately, as this condition can lead to permanent damage if left untreated. Final Words There can be various English Cream Golden Retriever eye problems due to their placement in the traditional Golden Retriever line and recent inbreeding. After all, prevention is better than cure, and being prepared is key when it comes to caring for an English Cream Golden Retriever. You can help ensure your fur baby stays happy and healthy with responsible ownership and sound medical advice. Common eye issues in Golden Retrievers 1. Pigmentary Uveitis Pigmentary uveitis PU is a genetic condition that is prevalent in Golden Retrievers of years or above. It can cause severe damage to the eyes and may necessitate surgery. This type of eye condition might start on just one side, but could eventually affect both eyes. These are some signs to be aware of: The iris the colorful part of the eye appears dark and thickened. Pigment clumps small dots of color appear on the lens in the dark space behind the pupil Pigment cells and a foggy appearance are noticed inside the eye. Blood filled uveal cyst a larger spot of discoloration in front of the iris Spider web-like debris inside the eye. Posterior Synechaie a condition where the iris becomes stuck to the lens Pigmentary Uveitis can even be the cause of additional complications such as [2] : Posterior Synechaie see above Glaucoma Prevalence in Golden Retrievers: As with most issues, estimates of prevalence may vary among studies and sample groups. The mean age is about 8. Diagnosis of severely affected pigmentary uveitis is made through a comprehensive eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologist will use special instruments to closely examine the eye and look for normal or abnormal structures, signs of inflammation, or other abnormalities. Treatment for pigmentary uveitis in Golden Retrievers may include medications some applied to the eye, others given by mouth to reduce inflammation and control the immune response, as well as supportive care to manage any complications that may arise. Even with diagnosis, treatment, and management by a specialist, there is great potential for partial or total loss of vision with this disease. Even though the iris is not darkly pigmented, this dog should be diagnosed as affected with pigmentary uveitis. Cataracts As a veterinarian ophthalmologist, I often assess and diagnose cataracts in Golden Retrievers. A cataract is an opaque cloudiness that forms in the lens of the eye. Cataracts may involve the lens completely diffuse or in a localized region. In cases where cataracts are complete and affect both eyes, blindness results. Other causes of ocular inflammation. Specific metabolic diseases such as diabetes Persistent pupillary membranes a type of abnormal eye development that occurs even before birth Persistent hyaloid. The most common cataracts reported in the Golden Retriever: 1. A posterior polar posterior cortical cataract is a common condition affecting Golden Retriever aged between 9 months and 3 years. The cataracts can remain unchanged or may grow over time. Posterior polar Y-suture cataract in a retriever 2. There are more generalized cataracts observed in this breed and are not always associated with the previously mentioned polar cataract. There are also cataract changes involving the Y sutures which may or may not progress. Always consult with your vet for health decisions. Learn more. This abnormality, is also known as progressive retinal atrophy or PRA. PRA is a late-onset, inherited condition that is caused by recessive genes received from both parents. It appears that in this breed retinal atrophy is caused by more than one genetic mutation. Tapetal hyperreflectivity meaning when the veterinarian examines the eye, the back of the inside of the eye is more reflective than it should be Cataract. Diagnosis: A dog can be diagnosed with PRA with the help of a thorough medical history, a comprehensive ophthalmic eye exam, and potentially an additional test called ERG electroretinogram which actually detects the natural electrical activity in the retinal portion of the eye. Treatment: Sadly, at present at least, there is no effective treatment for PRA and affected animals are likely to become totally blind. Antioxidant therapy has been suggested to attempt to delay vision loss in affected animals but there is no evidence to suggest this to be effective. Current research into gene therapy may provide some hope for the future but treatment is a long way off at this stage. This causes direct irritation to the eye and can be painful, even leading to other eye diseases like corneal scarring. Entropion is likely influenced by several genetic factors, including excessive skin rolls and wrinkles around the face and eyes, thickened skin around the head and face, the depth and shape of the eye socket, and the shape of the skull. Distichiasis may occur at any time in the life of a dog. Ocular Disorder; Presumed to be inherited in purebred dogs; 6th Edition; ; Genetics Committee of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologist; P Uveal cysts: Fluid filled sacs that come from the back surface of the iris. The sac might stay attached, or it may break free and float inside the eye; it usually occurs in mature dogs. There is usually no effect on vision unless the cysts actually block the pupil. Less frequently, the cysts may rupture and attach to the cornea or lens. Multiple cysts may actual block the normal flow of fluid in the eye and cause glaucoma. The elevated intraocular pressure occurs because the fluid cannot move normally through the structures inside the eye. Diagnosis of glaucoma requires a measurement of eye pressure using tonometry, and a specialized eye exam to see if the normal flow of fluid in the eye is blocked. Retinal dysplasia-folds: Retinal dysplasia is a condition in which the retina, the layer of tissue at the back of the eye does not develop properly. The retina can develop folds or bumps instead of being smooth, which can interfere with normal vision. When seen in puppies, this condition may partially or completely resolve as they get older. Its significance to vision is unknown. There are two other forms of retinal dysplasia geographic, detached which are inherited in breeds other than golden retrievers and, in their most severe form, cause blindness. Below are several recommendations that can help prevent or minimize eye issues in Golden Retrievers: Regular eye exams: Golden Retrievers should have regular eye exams with your vet or veterinary ophthalmologist to screen for eye issues such as Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia, Cataracts, PRA, Hereditary Cataract, Glaucoma, and Pigmentary Uveitis. Genetic testing: we can use genetic testing to identify dogs that are carriers of genetic mutations that cause eye issues such as PRA. Should you require additional details, please contact your veterinarian or ophthalmologist. Overall, following these recommendations may help minimize the risk of eye issues in Golden Retrievers and ensure their optimal eye health. References [1] Essentials of Veterinary Ophthalmology; Kirk. Purdue in the News April 27, More than meets the eye: How a veterinary ophthalmologist is addressing a disease that can affect golden retrievers Dr. Golden retriever pigmentary uveitis is a disease almost exclusively found in purebred golden retrievers. The uveal tract includes the iris or the colored part of the eye. And though the disease is inherited, the onset and diagnosis usually occurs when the dogs are older. The disease can often result in blindness due to cataracts and glaucoma, and there are no current methods to prevent or reverse it. Townsend is leading a study that is trying to identify the gene that causes the disease. If the gene can be identified, the disease can be detected earlier, and breeders will be able to identify which of their dogs might be carriers and how they can keep the disease from being passed on to future generations. In addition to those patients, she commonly sees animals with corneal ulcers or scratches on the eye , cataracts and glaucoma. Her patients include mostly dogs, horses and cats — but she also has treated penguins, tigers and other exotic species. But in some cases — like with dogs that participate in agility — being able to focus both near and far is important. Writer: Abbey Nickel, nickela purdue. Research News. Bluish spots on the eye this symptom appears when there are infected corneas Diagnosis and Treatment Typically, the diagnosis is made by observing lashes emerging from the meibomian gland openings. Additionally, a detailed eye examination is required to determine the degree of any accompanying corneal injury. This examination may include fluorescein staining of the cornea and an evaluation of tear output. It is safer to bring your dog to a veterinarian for diagnosis. Distichiasis only requires treatment if the hairs irritate the eyes, cause conjunctivitis, or trigger corneal ulceration. Numerous treatment options are available. Your veterinarian may recommend an ocular lubricant in mild cases. You must treat your dog indefinitely to ensure their comfort. Another possibility that your medical professional could pose to you is epilation forceps plucking. Electrolysis is another possibility. However, only hairs present at the time of treatment can be detected and handled. New hairs can emerge and cause discomfort later, but the treatment can be repeated when appropriate. Surgical techniques are usually reserved for the most severe cases or those where the previous procedures failed. A vet may use surgical dissection to remove hair follicles permanently. Final Thoughts The majority of golden retriever breeders are meticulous in their testing of breeding dogs for pigmentary uveitis. However, many owners are unaware of the other prevalent disease and seek attention only when their dogs exhibit significant eye changes. References Introduction Did you know that there is a significant risk that your Golden Retriever will become blind in its senior years from a genetic disease lurking in its eyes? And that if you take action now, there is also a good chance that you can prevent your dog from going blind? This alarming disease is called Golden Retriever Pigmentary Uveitis GRPU , and it is spreading by leaps and bounds, with the worst-affected dogs often ending up having both eyes removed. This is a fate that I hope that I can help your Golden avoid. But the worst of the three, and the most common, is GRPU. And just as arthritis can be caused by many things, so can uveitis. Some of these clinical signs are present in dogs with GRPU. This article is a comprehensive go-to source for both owners and for general practice veterinarians GPDVMs. This is because there is very little written about the condition see References , and the available information is largely in specialty journals that GPDVMs would not have easy access to. I have attempted to provide all of the need-to-know information re: our current understanding of GRPU. Dogs most typically 8—9 years of age, but dogs as young as 2 years and as old as 13 years have been diagnosed with GRPU were presenting with cloudy red eyes usually both eyes and varying degrees of vision loss. Vision loss was usually due to glaucoma. Most affected dogs were not showing obvious signs of discomfort—they were just not seeing well or at all. Sadly, however, they actually were uncomfortable they had migraine-like pain from the glaucoma but were not obviously showing it. Nothing could be done for the blind dogs to help them see again. Then over the years, the disease spread to other parts of the country and GRPU became a common condition especially the Pacific Northwest. John Sapienza. The mode of inheritance is unknown, but suspected to be either autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance, or autosomal recessive. There is no sex predilection, and only the eyes are affected. Investigation of pedigrees revealed a common ancestry, as many Goldens in the Northeastern US have arisen from one common breeding stock. Wendy Townsend, who is a veterinary ophthalmologist. This research, both complex and time-consuming, is concentrated on identifying genetic markers which could then be used to develop a DNA test for GRPU. S and probably across the globe. The prevalence of the disease is difficult to pinpoint, as it is a moving target. GRPU readily spreads because: Affected dogs are not usually diagnosed until they are on average 8 to 9 years of age—usually after they are finished breeding. Unless dogs can be diagnosed before they are bred, GRPU will continue to spread. There may exist a carrier state—unaffected dogs that carry the gene and then breed, spreading the disease. If a carrier state exists, there is currently no way to identify these dogs. Often, affected dogs are not diagnosed correctly as having GRPU. It is likely that many affected dogs are bred that are never examined by a VO, with only GPDVMs seeing these dogs when they are in crisis. This means that older dogs are not regularly examined by veterinary ophthalmologists, resulting in missed diagnoses of dogs with GRPU. The prevalence of GRPU is not well known. This is a very high incidence! These dogs are mostly family pets and not showdogs or breeding dogs. NOTE: Just as with other dog breeds, it must be understood that many Golden Retriever breeders are not professional breeders. If you have a Golden Retriever as a family pet, do not assume that the breeder of your dog had annual OFA ECR examinations done on the parents or other related dogs. Clinical Signs In order to understand the clinical signs, it is important to understand eye anatomy; please refer to this diagram. This is very sad, because if these dogs had been examined annually by an ophthalmologist, GRPU could have been detected much earlier, the dogs then placed on lifetime medication, and vision likely saved. Both eyes are almost always affected. If GRPU is too advanced and the eye s are blinded by glaucoma, vision cannot be recovered; sadly, in these cases both eyes usually need to be removed. This redness is often mistakenly attributed to allergies allergic conjunctivitis , and it usually temporarily resolves with topical steroid ophthalmic medication until the next episode of redness occurs. There is rarely any history of ocular discomfort or vision loss until the time of crisis. Sometimes there is a history of gradual cloudiness occurring, but usually owners will not present the dog to their family veterinarian for examination because the dog is comfortable and apparently seeing well. In a recent study, .Sometimes iris cysts are the first clinical sign noted by the family veterinarian but it would be very easy for a GPDVM to not detect the presence of iris cysts. They can range from light to dark brown, and when a beam of light is directed on them, it passes through the cysts transillumination. The light brown cysts can be ghostlike and nearly completely transparent, making them very hard to detect. There are no hard and fast rules here, however—while it is uncommon for free-floating iris cysts to accompany GRPU, it is not impossible. Rarely, iridociliary cysts in dogs with GRPU contain blood. Most of these cysts would not be visible unless the pupil was dilated. Note their transparency. The dark brown dot above the right-hand cyst is a small cyst that ruptured and flattened out, its brown membrane sticking to the anterior lens capsule. This dog also has early immature cataracts. Note uniform dark brown iris hyperpigmentation. Photo courtesy of Dr. John Sapienza Many of the iris cysts present in dogs with GRPU are not visible, especially if the pupils are not dilated with dilating drops at the time of examination. To further complicate matters, eyes enucleated from dogs with GRPU often demonstrate tiny iridociliary cysts microscopically but cysts are often not detectable clinically in these same eyes prior to enucleation. The cysts are often hidden from view behind the base of the iris, and often not visible clinically even after pupillary dilation. Much more research is needed to help define the relationship if any between these two entities. GRPU is a pigmenting disease. This means that dark brown microscopic flecks of pigment are free-floating, like dust in the air, inside the anterior chamber and end up sticking to surfaces inside the eye, especially the anterior lens capsule. One theory is that iris cysts cause glaucoma, 5 and another theory is that complex auto-immune mechanisms trigger pigment dispersion inside the eye and cause glaucoma. Note streaks and clumps of pigment stippling the anterior lens capsule. Early immature cataracts are also present. Present in the early stage of the disease, continuing into the middle and late stages. The normal intraocular pressure IOP range in dogs is about 10—20 mmHg. In retrospect, this is usually the very earliest clinical sign that the owner notices, years before the dog is in crisis, but the owner and GPDVM do not realize that the redness of the conjunctiva is due to GRPU; it is assumed to be due to allergies allergic conjunctivitis because the redness resolves when topical steroid eyedrops or ointment is applied to the eyes —until the next flareup of redness occurs, which prompts a cycle of another round of treatment. The fibrin in GRPU dogs might not dissolve at all, or dissolve only partially with medication. The fibrin often has tiny clots of blood admixed with it. Present in the middle to late stages of the disease. Left eye of dog with GRPU. Note cloudiness over pupil, with grey-white streaks. This eye also has late immature cataracts, and the conjunctiva is inflamed. John Sapienza Cloudiness of the eye, associated with cataract —incipient or immature cataracts. It is rare for the lens to develop a mature cataract and blind the eye, but cataracts can certainly help impair vision. It is NOT recommended to perform cataract surgery on dogs with GRPU, as postoperative inflammation is severe and usually cannot be adequately controlled, leading to glaucoma and blindness. Bleeding inside the eye hyphema. Sometimes it is more obvious that blood is inside the eye, than 5 fibrinous plaque. When blood is present inside the eye, it is always accompanied by fibrinous material. Iris cysts. Usually nasal attached iridociliary cysts, but can be free-floating cysts in the anterior chamber. Present in the early stage of the disease. Secondary glaucoma in the late stage of the disease. Blindness in the late stage of the disease due to glaucoma. Treatment It is obvious from this discussion that GRPU is a complex disease with no firm understanding regarding genetics. Additionally, one study Esson et al has theorized that uveitis is not present in GRPU, based on histopathologic evaluation of eyes enucleated due to glaucoma. It is Dr. This has evolved out of necessity, due to the lack of research regarding therapy of GRPU. Treatment of GRPU depends on the stage of disease. Wendy Townsend at Purdue University to determine if supplementation would be beneficial. This research was prompted by Dr. Owners are cautioned to contact the ophthalmology clinic if either eye has episodes of conjunctival redness or any signs of cloudiness. At each examination, tonometry is performed to monitor the intraocular pressures. In middle to late stages, treatment is as for the early stage, but some dogs also need systemic anti-inflammatory medication. Many dogs respond with an oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID , but some dogs need an oral steroid instead. Late stage cases usually have glaucoma or IOPs that are starting to elevate. These dogs also need topical glaucoma medications. Unfortunately, dogs initially presented to an ophthalmologist in the late stages of the disease often end up losing their vision due to uncontrollable glaucoma, and almost always, late-stage cases have both eyes affected, doubling the tragedy of this disease. Surgical treatment for blind glaucomatous eyes must be performed if glaucoma cannot be controlled medically, because these dogs are in constant discomfort similar to a migraine headache and the eye s are enlarging because of the increased internal pressure. Because Golden Retrievers are wonderful, uncomplaining dogs, they will not usually let their owners know that their glaucomatous eyes are bothering them. Many dogs with end-stage GRPU blinded by glaucoma end up having both eyes removed. Other more cosmetic surgical choices are available that are discussed in the glaucoma article. However, dogs with GRPU should not have the intravitreal injection of gentamicin pharmacologic ablation procedure performed, because it would create additional uveitis and discomfort in these dogs. If a dog with GRPU blinded by glaucoma had high uncontrollable IOP s and was not healthy enough to undergo surgery, a therapeutic dilemma occurs, and often these dogs end up being euthanized because their quality of life with unrelenting migraine headaches is unacceptable, which underscores the tragedy of this disease. It cannot be emphasized too often, that early detection and lifetime treatment is the key to saving the vision in affected dogs. Dogs diagnosed with GRPU do not pass the exam, and should not be bred. Additionally, when a breeder places a dog in a new home, the Golden Retriever Club of America requests that the breeder print a letter to give to the new owners, to educate them about GRPU: PigmentaryUveitisLettertoOwners. To this end, she is requesting: Blood samples from affected dogs, AND from normal-eyed elderly dogs 12 years of age and older these animals must have been examined by an ophthalmologist. Here is paperwork for the submissions Townsend-GRForm. If you have any questions, please contact Dr Townsend her contact information is on the paperwork. If you have a dog with this clinical history, OR if you know that your dog has iris cysts, seek out a veterinary ophthalmologist to examine your dog. To locate a board-certified ophthalmologist, visit the acvo. Tragically, dogs have had their eyes removed, or been euthanized, because owners failed to follow directions. Support Dr. She is the only ophthalmologist performing research on this disease. Complete remaining pages including contact and payment information, and a confirmation will be emailed to you. By Mail: Make check payable to Purdue Foundation. If GRU is caught early enough, and if the dog is treated as prescribed by the ophthalmologist and is examined as often as needed by the ophthalmologist, vision is almost always saved. And finally—If a dog loses their vision from GRPU, it is important to understand that they can still have a very acceptable quality of life without their sight, as long as they are not in pain. A blind dog is not suffering, as long as the eyes are comfortable. If they are uncomfortable i. It is relatively rare for my patients blinded by GRPU to be euthanized; I have had many GRPU patients presented in the late stage of the disease, in which both eyes were removed. These dogs have always thrived postoperatively. GRPU robbed this kind and gentle dog of his vision. He developed secondary glaucoma in both eyes, and both eyes were removed. Chase went on to live a full life, and even with no sight, he continued catching tennis balls! Golden Retriever uveitis: 75 cases , Vet Ophthalmol ;.Prevalence of uveal cysts and pigmentary uveitis in Golden Retrievers in three Midwestern states. J Am Vet Med Assoc ;.The histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of pigmentary and cystic glaucoma in the Golden Retriever. Vet Ophthalmol ;.A histopathological study of iridociliary cysts and glaucoma in Golden Retirevers. The pathogenesis of the disease is still not well understood, but there is no underlying systemic illness associated with it. Subtle signs of early disease, including redness, make it difficult to detect a problem at home until the disease is more advanced. A veterinary ophthalmologist can detect pigment on the lens and uveal cysts fluid-filled structures behind the iris as the earliest signs during the ophthalmic examination. The significance of uveal cysts is still being investigated, but a relationship between the cysts and development of glaucoma has been documented. Over time, signs can progress to pigment on the corneal endothelium inside of the cornea , posterior synechiae adhesions , fibrinous material in the anterior chamber, cataract in the lens, and eventually glaucoma elevated pressure inside the eye. Most dogs diagnosed are over the age of 5 years, and the average age at the time of diagnosis is years old. Unfortunately the overall prognosis for the eyes is guarded with many eyes becoming blind due to glaucoma. Glaucoma is a painful disease in which the pressure inside the eye increases and causes damage to the structures responsible for vision. Elevated intraocular pressure results in the clinical signs that you may have noted at home cloudy eye, redness, squinting. The longer the pressure in the eye is elevated, the more damage occurs to the structures in the eye responsible for vision, eventually resulting in permanent blindness. In a normal eye, fluid is constantly produced by the ciliary body and drained out the iridocorneal angle also called the drainage angle. The iridocorneal angle has a net-like meshwork with large spaces through which the fluid flows. Secondary glaucoma is caused by obstruction of drainage of fluid from the eye through the iridocorneal angle. Because the duration of pressure elevation is a critical factor for prognosis, acute glaucoma is an emergency and should be treated as quickly as possible to decrease the pressure. The disease causes pain and headaches when the pressure is elevated. Glaucoma is unfortunately difficult to treat and not all cases can be resolved. The goals of therapy are to maintain a normal intraocular pressure and treat the underlying cause of the glaucoma. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the disease many animals lose vision despite treatment. For blind, painful eyes permanent resolution of glaucoma is recommended via enucleation removal of the eye , intrascleral prosthesis replacing the contents of the eye with silicone , or chemical ciliary body ablation destruction of the ciliary body with an intraocular injection. Not all options are appropriate for every patient and here are pros and cons to each of these treatments, which we are happy to discuss.

But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. So You Want A Boxer? Mar 17, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. So you want a Boxer? I personally have a soft spot for Boxers thanks to fond childhood memories. Both were fawn colored and great with kids. One of my pet sitting clients was also a black brindle colored Boxer who loved to play catch me if you can in his yard. His name was Bogart and he was the most beautiful Boxer I have ever seen, and I swear he was aware of his good looks! Known as brachycephalic dogs, their nasal passages are much shorter than those of dogs with long snouts. That makes them more prone to overheating on hot summer days than dogs with regularly sized nasal passages. The same applies to tail docking. Besides a more natural look, undocked Boxers with a full tail are also better swimmers and can communicate more effectively with other dogs and humans too. It simply means teaching your Boxer to follow rules that are important to you. For example, no pulling on walks , not being allowed on furniture, no jumping on guests, waiting for your OK to eat, not racing through an open door, etc. They enjoy being close to their humans, including adults and children. For instructions, check out our blog post 21 Dog Training Commands. Boxers Are Classified As Working Dogs Did you know that thanks to their courage, strength and stamina, Boxers were originally used to hunt wild boar and bears?

As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Prevalence: Common Boxers are stocky, muscular and powerful. Males grow to about 25 inches and weigh from about 65 to 80 pounds 30 to 36 kilograms ; females grow from about 21 to 25 inches and weigh from about 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kilograms. Boxers have regal, distinctly shaped square heads. Their jaw is undershot and the muzzle blunt. They have a broad, deep chest and a relatively short, strong back. Boxer's ears fold over naturally, but traditionally, their ears have been cropped to stand erect. Their tails generally are docked and carried high. Their feet are compact and the toes are arched. The boxer's coat is short and sheds moderately. Some boxers are a rich, fawn color and others are brindle. Their face or mask is usually black, but many have white face markings and white on the chest and paws. Personality: Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers. Few boxers bark excessively. If a boxer barks, chances are there is a good reason. Many boxers are vocal, however, and make a growling noise that's really just the dog's way of talking. Living With: The boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. If these needs are not met, boxers can be destructive if left alone in the house. Boxers are ideal for people who want a canine companion with them most of the time or for larger busy families with homes that are often occupied by someone. They can do well on a country estate or in a city apartment as long as they have the opportunity to romp and expel energy. If you live in an urban area, regular walks are necessary. Boxers are intolerant of hot weather, and care must be taken to prevent them from getting overheated. They also need protection from the cold since they are short-coated. Their coats, however, are very easy to care for and will be shiny and bright as long as they have a good diet, are bathed occasionally, and are given regular rub-downs with a grooming mitt or brushings with a rubber curry. Some boxers drool excessively, and some snort and snore. Like other larger dogs, boxers are not particularly long-lived. Their life expectancy ranges from about seven to 10 years. History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses. Some breed historians say boxers are named from the German word boxl, their slaughterhouse designation. Other fanciers contend the name boxer comes from the characteristic way that they use their forepaws to play, sparring much like a human boxer. After the breed rose to become among the most popular in America. Boxers are considered working dogs. They were one of the first breeds employed as a police dog, and they have been used as seeing-eye dogs. But they are also bred to be companion and guard dogs, perhaps best known for being loyal family pets that are especially fond of children. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Boxer Overview Boxers, large, muscular, square-headed dogs, appear imposing until their mischievous and joyful eyes reveal their true nature. Boxers reach full maturity at three years, boasting intelligence, alertness, and fearlessness, while remaining friendly. Their loyalty to the family is remarkable, though they can be headstrong when faced with harsh training. With minimal grooming needs, Boxers make excellent family companions, as long as they receive ample physical exercise and mental stimulation. Their origin traces back to Germany, and their short, shiny coats are usually fawn or brindle with white markings. Docked tails and cropped ears are common, but many owners now prefer leaving them natural. Boxers are renowned for their love and loyalty, often trying to be lapdogs. Their strength and courage make them suitable for military, police, and search-and-rescue work. Proper care includes indoor living due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Boxer Highlights Here are some of the highlights of the Boxer breed: Affectionate: Boxers are very affectionate dogs and love to be around their people. They are known for their wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Playful: Boxers are also very playful dogs and love to have fun. They are always up for a game of fetch or a good belly rub. Intelligent: Boxers are very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. They are often used as working dogs, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs. Trainable: Boxers are also very trainable dogs and can be taught a variety of tricks. They are eager to please their owners and love to learn new things. Loyal: Boxers are very loyal dogs and will always protect their family. They are known for their bravery and willingness to stand up to danger. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer, tasked with catching and holding the prey until hunters arrived. Over time, Bullenbeissers lost their jobs on estates and began to be used by farmers and butchers to guard and drive cattle. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century when a Munich man named Georg Alt bred a brindle-colored female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown origin. Schecken was then bred to an English Bulldog named Tom to produce a dog named Flocki, who became the first Boxer to be entered in the German Stud Book after winning at a Munich show that had a special event for Boxers. One of her pups was a white female named Meta von der Passage, considered to be the mother of the Boxer breed, even though photographs of her show that she bore little resemblance to the modern Boxer. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white parti-color, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing bitch few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became a favorite companion animal, show dog, and guard dog. In the early days, there was a lot of controversy within the club about the Boxer standard. In , the club finally approved a new standard. The latest revisions of the standard were in .Today, the Boxer ranks 7th among the breeds and varieties registered by the AKC. Boxer Size The height at the shoulder for males usually ranges from .Females typically stand 21 to .Strangers are met with wariness, but they respond politely to friendly people. They display aggression only in defense of their family and home. Temperament is influenced by factors like heredity, training , and socialization. Boxer puppies with good temperaments are curious, playful, and open to approaching and being held by people. Socialization, early exposure to diverse experiences, people, and places, is crucial to ensure they grow up as well-rounded, friendly dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes and regular interactions with visitors, neighbors, and various environments help develop their social skills. Boxer Health Boxers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they have certain health conditions to be aware of. Here are some conditions to watch out for, along with precautions: Cancer : Boxers are prone to mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. White Boxers with excessive white markings can get sunburned and may develop skin cancer. Apply sunscreen to their ears, nose, and coat when they go outdoors. This condition can lead to fainting and sudden death. A veterinary cardiologist can diagnose it after detecting a heart murmur. Affected dogs should not be bred. Boxer cardiomyopathy BCM : An inherited condition causing an irregular heartbeat due to an electrical conduction disorder. It can result in weakness, collapse, or sudden death. Detection is challenging, leading to unexpected fatalities. Dogs showing signs of this condition should not be bred. While some dogs show signs of pain and lameness, others may not exhibit discomfort. X-ray screening helps detect hip dysplasia, and affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism : Caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and lack of energy. It can be managed with daily thyroid replacement pills. Corneal Dystrophy : Non-inflammatory eye diseases inherited in Boxers, affecting one or more corneal layers, causing opaque areas in the eyes. A weakened immune system can lead to demodectic mange, resulting in localized or generalized skin issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , also called Bloat or Torsion : A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested dogs like Boxers. Feeding habits and exercise patterns can contribute to GDV. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Allergies : Boxers are prone to both environmental and food-related allergies. Itchy, scaly skin should be examined by a vet. Responsible breeding is essential to reduce the risk of deafness. Boxer Care Boxers are indoor dogs due to their short noses and coats, making them unsuitable for outdoor living. However, they enjoy playing in a fenced yard. Engage them in play or walk them twice daily for at least half an hour to keep their muscles toned and their energy satisfied. Activities like fetch, long walks, or dog sports like agility and flyball are great options. Adequate exercise ensures good behavior—a tired Boxer is a well-behaved Boxer. Training is crucial for Boxers, as their size and strength can inadvertently harm people. Their temperament, being happy and excitable, requires early and consistent training using firm, fair methods with positive reinforcement through praise, play, and food rewards. Be consistent to avoid pushing boundaries. Settle them down before training class with a walk or play session for better focus. Housetraining requires patience; some Boxers are trained by four months, while others take longer. Regular potty breaks and praising them outdoors are essential. Crate training is recommended for their successful training. Boxer Feeding For an ideal Boxer diet , choose high-quality food suited for medium-sized breeds with high energy. Optimize their chances for a long, healthy life by providing proper nutrition. To prevent weight gain, adhere to a regular feeding schedule with two meals per day. Limit treats and avoid leaving food out all day. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations based on factors like weight, energy levels, and overall health. Boxer Coat Color And Grooming Boxers boast a sleek, short coat with tight skin, accentuating their athletic bodies. They come in fawn or brindle colors, occasionally with white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to mahogany, while brindle displays striking black stripes on a fawn background. White markings should not cover more than one-third of the coat, and excessive white is discouraged due to potential health issues like skin cancer and deafness. They lack the gene for a solid black coat, so black Boxers are not seen. Bathing should be done as needed. Maintaining dental hygiene and nail care are essential. Regularly brushing their teeth prevents periodontal disease, and trimming nails every few weeks keeps their feet in good condition. Starting grooming routines early in puppyhood helps them become accustomed to the process, ensuring positive veterinary exams and handling as adults. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to check for any potential health issues, such as sores, rashes, or signs of infection, promoting early detection and care. Boxer Children And Other Pets Boxers are fond of kids and make excellent playmates for active older children. However, their rambunctious nature may be too much for toddlers, possibly causing accidental knocks during play. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child. With proper socialization, Boxers can also get along well with other dogs and cats, particularly if raised together. Boxer Rescue Groups Boxers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Boxers in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Many can be found with a quick internet search. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Female Boxer Dog Overview Boxers are energetic, charismatic, and playful pooches that are also sweet, kind, and gentle yet fiercely loyal and protective. Although differences between males and females are small when it comes to Boxers, there are a few key differences to be aware of that may influence your choice. But how do you know which sex is right for you? While there is no straightforward answer, there are certain aspects that can help your decision. If you want a pooch that is more independent, calculated, and less impulsive, a female Boxer is probably better. These dogs can have an imposing appearance at first glance, but once you spend just a short time with one of these pooches, you quickly see their sweet and gentle side. This makes them great family pooches and ideal playmates for children, but this long puppyhood can also make training a challenge, especially with male Boxers. Males are also more energetic and easily excitable, and since they mature slower than females, they are also more difficult to train. That said, both male and female Boxers are late to mature, so training can be a challenge for both sexes. Males are more attention-seeking than females and are less happy to be alone. They become more attached to their owners and prefer to be around their human family whenever possible. Lastly, male Boxers are also known to be bolder, more outgoing, and more confident than females, making them excellent family protectors. Training Male Boxers are definitely more of a challenge to train than females, as they tend to act out and get easily distracted, and their dominant nature makes them want to be the leader of the pack. These dogs need a ton of patience, consistency, and a firm but gentle hand for successful training. While males can be more of a challenge, in all fairness, the Boxer breed in general is known to be challenging in training. Some of the conditions that only males are susceptible to can be prevented by neutering, and this simple procedure may prevent other general health conditions too. Common health issues include:.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. When it comes to French Bulldog colors, numbers are like shades in a rainbow. What are the healthiest colors, or is there a certain color best to avoid? What colors are accepted as standard, and what French Bulldog coloring is considered rare or unique? Believe it or not, the wrong color combination such as the case of two Merle parents means a combination of two undesirable genes and can be disastrous for your litter. Health testing is and will always be key. White French Bulldog As the name implies, these dogs sport pale white coat coloring. Various genetic factors, such as brindle, leucism, albinism, and merle genes can all lead to this pale coat coloring. However, this Frenchie color can be just as dangerous as it might be attractive. Photo by Miguel Granero on Shutterstock Your White French Bulldog might face future skin problems, eye and ear issues, and many others. Albino French Bulldog coloring is as rare for them as it is for most other animal species humans included. Albinism is caused by a recessive trait, meaning both parents would need to pass it along to offspring, and statistically said offspring might still only have a 1 in 4 chance of being born albino. Cream French Bulldog Another favorite among the French Bulldog colors, cream presents as a sort of slightly duller shade of white. Cream-colored Frenchies owe thanks to a recessive trait inherited from the fawn coat color line. No distinct markings will mar a solid-colored coat, offering a very clean, pure appearance. Lighter cream edges on the ears are especially distinguished. A darker dusk color rims the eyes and no pinker ticking or pigment in the eye rims like white Frenchies. Colors like beige or tan-brown fall under acceptable limits, but can range from a golden tan to more reddish tan, or creamer to lighter tan. Photo by Ivonne Wierink on Shutterstock Coat is brilliant, short and smooth. Skin is soft and loose, especially at the head and shoulders, forming wrinkles. Coats other than short and smooth are a disqualification. Ticking is acceptable but not desired. Keep in mind that many of these colors will make you ineligible for conformation in many clubs and can come with health risks. Merle French Bulldog Photo by Ksenia Raykova on Shutterstock Being a dominant gene in dogs, Merle creates a beautiful and exotic sort of pale fur pattern with several patches. The Merle gene is considered dangerous, and not recommended for any breeder. You could describe the coat coloring as grayish brown with occasional patches of white. With a grey-blue or reddish-pink nose, this is an attractive yet costly breed for many. Many breeders utilize both a C-section and artificial insemination to produce this color. Some devoted buyers have been known to pay a much higher cost for a valuable bloodline. Is it really worth it though? The recent craze for these designer breeds has driven costs up and yet these dogs are not even allowed to participate in conformation in most clubs. Consider paying for a healthy dog, not a particular color. Blue French Bulldog Another very rare gene code for this blue coloring, similar to the Lilac coloring above. You might call this coat a diluted bluish-grey, caused by a dilute gene. The coat coloring can range from blue-grey to almost black. You might hear about several popular poor health-related issues. Health complications in the blue French Bulldog will usually arise as a result of poor breeding practices. Blue Pied French Bulldog A predominantly white coat sporting clearly marked patches of blue adorn parts of the body and head, or both. Puppies will usually have lighter coloring blanketing their cheeks, legs, and chest. Blue Sable French Bulldog Photo by cynoclub on Shutterstock Blue Sables sport fawn coloration on the lower legs and head with a blue mask and blue-tipped hairs. Like the others here with a blue combination, these Frenchies are also quite rare and costly because unjustified demand makes it attractive for breeders to create all kinds of color variations. These spotted markings are usually only slightly different in the normal coat color, but in some cases there can be a difference similar to a white coat with black stripes. This usually includes the neck, around the eyes and ears, and back. Since the gene is recessive, two genes need to be present for this French Bulldog coloring. Isabella French Bulldog Considered by many to be the absolute rarest of French Bulldog colors, boasting a greyish-blue, liver-colored coat. A dilution in the recessive color genes provides this breathtaking Isabella-blue coloration. Noses can range from a lighter brown to pink , while the eyes can range from light brown to blue. Price tags in this range are almost never justified exceptions being special breeding programs for guide dogs, protection work, etc. They can present with a white patch on his chest, and a darker mask. Black means black without a trace of brindle. The fawn hairs have black tipping this time. In fact, the Frenchies we know today were first bred in s Nottingham by lace makers of that period. When these craftsmen began moving to France in the s they brought their toy bulldogs with them. Though disorders might differ, they share that similarity with most breeds today: very few are completely free from genetic conditions. On the other hand, you can increase the chances your Frenchie will live a long and happy life by wisely selecting a reputable breeder. Make sure you ask questions about the health of the parents and ensure they are all well cared for. Swollen glands can produce an abnormal amount of wax, sometimes leading to increased inflammation. Diarrhea Stomach upset and GI issues are pretty common in the bread. Frenchies tend to be overly sensitive to bacteria like e-coli, parasites, or viruses, often leading to diarrhea as the body attempts to rid itself of these irritants. Dogs get sick and usually respond well, but extended diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Runny, tarry or bloody, wet or unusually foul-smelling droppings are signs there is a bigger problem at play that might need attention. Conjunctivitis Their particular genetics make French Bulldogs more prone to developing conjunctivitis pink eye than other breeds. Conjunctivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the membrane that covers the whites of the eyes. Conjunctivitis is caused by an infection, normally in response to bacteria. Skin Problems Both environmental and food allergies commonly plague French Bulldogs. Things like autoimmune skin diseases or parasites can also pose a problem. Bacteria can sometimes collect around those skin folds, causing issues. Unlike humans, allergies will more often manifest in the form of skin rashes on dogs, causing them to want to bite and itch. Secondary infections from open wounds might be more of a problem than the allergy itself, which can almost always be managed through watchful care. Panting and regular breathing can be problematic, leading to shortness of breath or an increased chance of heat-related injuries. Because they can have difficulty breathing , along with the obvious posture-related issues, French Bulldogs should never be left unsupervised around any body of water. Vacationers should also think twice about any air travel. Discussing any possible breathing issues, and what to do if you notice any problems, with your veterinarian is recommended. Smoking around these dogs is frowned upon, risking their already fragile upper respiratory system. Out of all possible colors, only a select few top are accepted by the American Kennel Club and most others. Pin This: Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Cream Frenchies Cream Frenchies have a coat color that is pale or light-colored, which is often described as a shade of off-white or ivory. The Black Mask pattern gives the impression that the dog is wearing a mask, which is why it is called a black mask. Take a look for yourself! The white patches vary in size and shape, and they can be solid or have brindle spots on them. Usually, the white patches are on their chests, however, they can be present anywhere on their coat… their head, back, paws, chest, tail, etc. Not all black Frenchies look the same! While the black coat color is not recognized by the AKC, it is still a desirable and popular color for many French Bulldog lovers. A lack of pigment cells The reason for this is that these genes are associated with a lack of pigment cells which give the appearance of their coats. This affects the small hairs in the ear There are small hairs in the inner ear that are called cilia, and when there is an extreme lack of pigment cells, the cilia may not develop properly, resulting in deafness. Hearing tests can rule out deafness If you are interested in a predominantly white French Bulldog or are just concerned about the possibility of your new puppy being deaf, be sure to ask your breeder about performing a BAER test. Blue Frenchies This one always confused me at first… Blue Frenchies are not actually blue! They have a coat color that is often described as a light grey or silver-blue color, rather than a true blue color. The color is a result of a dilution gene that affects the black pigment in the coat, resulting in a lighter color. Blue Frenchies can vary in shade, ranging from a pale grey color to a darker shade of blue-grey. While there is testing available for Color Dilution Alopecia, there is no cure. The Blue color comes from a dilution gene that affects the black pigment in the coat, while the Fawn color is a result of a Tan or Cream base color. A picture can explain better than I can… just look at my Blue Fawn Frenchie! Merle Frenchies Merle Frenchies have a coat color that is characterized by a marbled or dappled pattern. Not AKC recognized Due to these health concerns, the Merle coat color is not recognized by the AKC for French Bulldogs, and reputable breeders typically avoid breeding Merle Frenchies to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs. Chocolate Frenchies The brown chocolate-like Frenchie is one of the cutest colors out there in my opinion! The chocolate color can vary in shade, ranging from a lighter, milk chocolate color to a dark, almost black chocolate hue. The chocolate color is a result of a recessive gene that affects the black pigment in the coat, resulting in a brown color. As the name implies, Chocolate is a dark-brown coat color that is quite rare to see in Frenchies. Never seen a Chocolate Frenchie? French Bulldog Markings officially recognized by the AKC are… Piebald— A coat with large areas of white, mixed with patches of any other color. Black mask— A black mask around the face that covers the muzzle and eyes. The rest of the coat can be any color. Black markings— Any black patches on the coat, which may be small or large and can appear anywhere on the body. White markings— Any white patches on the coat, which may be small or large and can appear anywhere on the body. Brindle markings— A pattern of dark stripes on a lighter background color. The stripes can be any shade of black, brown, or gray, and may be thin or wide. However, as mentioned earlier, Frenchies can also have other markings that are not recognized by the AKC but can still be present in the breed. Other French Bulldog Markings You might see Frenchies with these markings, but the AKC would disqualify a Frenchie with these markings not important unless you want your dog to compete in AKC dog shows Ticked— this marking refers to small dots or flecks of color on a white or light-colored background. Spotted— this marking refers to small, evenly distributed spots of color on a white or light-colored background. Tan Points— this marking refers to tan or rust-colored markings on specific areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and under the tail. This coat pattern is not officially recognized by the AKC. What Ticked Frenchies look like A Frenchie with a Ticked Coat Pattern Piebald Frenchies The piebald pattern is when there are spots of unpigmented white fur on top of the pigmented colored fur. The truth about most of these fad colors is that they are made by breeding Frenchies with other dog breeds. Believe it or not, these Fluffy Frenchies are actually purebred Frenchies— the gene for fluffiness is just extremely rare. Breeding Frenchies is a lot of work! What makes breeding French Bulldogs and hence Frenchie puppies so expensive is that they require artificial insemination and c-sections to reproduce. Their very slim hips make it very difficult, if not nearly impossible for them to reproduce naturally. Not to mention, vet bills, high-quality foods for the puppies, and housing just add to the cost of breeding Frenchies. These colors are not officially recognized by the AKC. Blue Fawn — This is what color my Frenchie is. While Frenchies may come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, there are only a handful that are officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC. Posted on. Currently the American Kennel Club ranks them at number 4 in their long list of most desirable. These dogs make their point communicating with expressive eyes, energetic attitude and possibly the Frenchie Talk. French Bulldogs are excellent watch dogs who adapt well to family life or single. They don't mind being inside most of the time. They get along well with cats and other pets and they like to make friends with your guests and family who drop by. No wonder this a favorite dog for city life from Europe to the US and beyond. The Frenchie dog breed comes in a variety of unusual colors. This article will look at rare colors found in French Bulldogs like merle, lilac, blue and more. Those colors come in pied only if the mother and father are both pied in theory. Rare colors in French Bulldog puppies can be exceptionally expensive and there is some debate about how healthy a rare colored Frenchie can be. Frenchies are one of the few breeds that come in a bewildering variety of colors. Most Frenchies are Brindle. This is a dark colored coat mixed with lighter color strands of hair and the most frequently found color in the Frenchie. Fawn is a lighter tan colored coat that can range from very light to a dark reddish tan. These French Bulldogs often have a darker face mask and ears with some brindle streaks thrown in for variety. The third most common color in this breed is white. White French Bulldogs have a very porcelain white coat and most of the time come with a darker mask. Frenchies with tan points - black and tan Frenchie, blue and tan Frenchie, lilac and tan Frenchie, chocolate and tan Frenchie etc. Trindles - French Bulldogs which have brindle in their tan points. All black French Bulldogs - with no trace of brindle is also quite rare. The Blue French Bulldog is one of the rarest colors. For that reason alone people pay very high prices for them. There is usually a waiting list for blue aren't so much blue as gray puppies. You can expect to pay twice or triple as much for a blue French Bulldog than the average price for a standard French Bulldog. Blue Frenchies are quite striking however can be prone to Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA ;a recessive inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss. This is most commonly seen in dogs with blue or fawn coats. The puppies are born normal looking, but the hair thinning and loss symptoms can start at 6 months up to several years later. It is most often associated with Blue Dobermans. CDA is not curable but it's fairly easy to manage. It is important to mention that our blue Frenchie never suffered from any symptoms to his coat. Not all blue Frenchies will be prone to the coat problems however, your vet can help you keep your blue French Bulldog healthy and happy if any issue arises. Blue Frenchies get cold easily - Some owners have stated the blue Frenchie gets cold easily, we are unsure if this is just a myth or based on actual research. Either way French Bulldogs can't regulate their body temperature well. Having any Frenchie in cold climate is not ideal due to their short coat. If you live in a cold climate there are ways you can keep your Frenchie warm. Always dress your French Bulldog with our specially tailored for Frenchies hoodies , Frenchie pajamas etc. The blue Frenchie skin condition can also impact your grooming regime. We have not experienced any of the above with our blue Frenchie. We also know plenty of the standard color Frenchies who suffer from skin conditions and allergies. We are not trying to promote or discourage buying the standard or rare colors we simply don't discriminate over colors. We love all our French Bulldogs friends that come in all colors of the rainbow. What are the different coat colors of a Blue Frenchie puppy? All Blue Frenchie - meaning all blue without any other colors to the coat. Blue Pied Frenchie - Frenchies with blue coats and patches of white or cream on their bellies, chest, legs etc. Blue fawn Frenchie- Frenchie coat that looks like a mix of blue and fawn. Blue brindle Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with brindle streaks. Blue merle Frenchie - a combination of different patches and streaks that are irregular and unusual. Blue and Tan Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with tan points usually around paws and face. A sable Frenchie usually looks like a fawn Frenchie with darker black hairs covering throughout the coat. There are rare Frenchies with cream or tan sable coats as well. Isabella French bulldogs Isabella color in French bulldogs come from dilution of the recessive gene. A Frenchie puppy can be born with a blue coat and mature to a more of a pale greyish brown or golden coat. For a puppy to acquire this rare coat color he or she needs to have the genotype dd. DNA of an Isabella Frenchie puppy will be ddbb which means that he or she will have two copies of each chocolate and blue gene. The Isabella Frenchie is the only lilac that is testable for the chocolate gene therefore some French Bulldog breeders consider the Isabella to be the true lilac. This rare French bulldog color is usually the most expensive due to their stunning looks and variety of rare coats. Isabella Frenchies usually look different with lighter shades of noses and eyes. Why are they so much more expensive than other popular breeds? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. They have narrow hips that aren't designed for natural birth. The high price tag reflects the expense of artificial insemination and c-sections to deliver the puppies. They also require constant attention and care when they are born. They require many health and genetic exams. These dogs have always been expensive. Reports have it one of the wealthy individuals named Robert Williams Daniel who survived the Titanic had his Frenchie along with him. While Robert survived when the ship sank on April 15th, sadly his French Bulldog did not make it. Many breeders would agree good breeding practices can greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders that can lead to hearing loss, hip problems, and respiratory illness in French Bulldogs. Buying a well bred French Bulldog can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. You are much more likely to get a happy, healthy dog who can enjoy a full, rich life. Merle is a pattern in a dog's coat. Merle French Bulldogs can have tiger stripes, spots, or patches. These come in different colors and patterns and are determined by heredity and genetics. Health issues can occur when two merle dogs are bred, therefore breeders usually mate a merle parent with a solid coat parent. While Merle French Bulldogs can be quite exotic and strikingly beautiful, this kind of breeding can come with a number of serious problems from skeletal defects to blindness to deafness to increased fetal mortality. This is why it is extremely important to choose a reputable Frenchie breeder. The blue merle is the rarest of colors that exist in the Frenchie breed. They are best described as gray with spots or how we like to call them cookies N' cream. They are so different from the standard common French Bulldog however, being that rare may not be a great thing especially when one considers all the health problems blue and merle Frenchies can have. It is important to mention that some merle French Bulldogs can live a healthy uneventful life. It is critical and essential to find a reputable breeder with good breeding practices especially when considering a rare color Frenchie. Also expect a blue merle to come with a hefty price tag. One of the most in-demand of rare colors is the Lilac French Bulldog. The lilac Frenchies are only produced occasionally and usually by breeders limited to the West Coast of the United States. They have a purple lilac coat color that can be quite attractive. Price is always higher than the already expensive standard French Bulldog puppy. Excellent Lilac Frenchies have a distinct color and vibrant eyes. This happens when they receive a combination of chocolate and blue DNA from both parents. As you can imagine, this rarely occurs. The Lilac coat can range from cool blue to a very classy looking silver and purple hue. Some have white markings on their chest and face. Another rare trait are their light colored eyes. This remains from the time they are puppies throughout life unlike the standard French Bulldog. The rarest colors of French Bulldogs are blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Add that Merle coats. A blue merle is perhaps the rarest of them all. In a world where a standard French Bulldog costs several thousand dollars, these rare colors can sell for tens of thousands. Since rare color Frenchies are prone to health and genetic problems , it is extremely important to find a reputable breeder who uses responsible breeding techniques with the right precautions otherwise you may be sinking your life savings into a dog that will be at the vet all the time, will be sick and may die prematurely. Rare Frenchies are just that - rare. Active breeders may only see one every few years if at all. Most rare colors are produced by breeders who specialize in producing them at a more frequent rate. Breeding rare color French Bulldogs is serious business. Most rare color breeders are running family operations dedicated to become experts in producing the highest quality rare French Bulldogs possible. Breeders expect to spend a significant amount of time answering your questions and sending you information. Be sure to ask them questions about the health of the puppy, their bloodline, and what to expect. The Frenchie is sweet and charming. It's no wonder so many people love their little Frenchie. These dogs are compact, muscular, lovable, and oh so smart. They are just right for apartment life and smaller homes with diminutive yards. Rare colors in French Bulldogs are perhaps the most exciting development in this already delightful breed. Rare colors in this breed can come with health issues so it is imperative to seek a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders. They surprised me. She is now a mom to a Lilac , Brindle, and a pure Black babies. So exciting. I have a six month old male frenchie. When will he be sexually mature to breed? He has a blue tan coat I believe. Do I get a free puppy after? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Jera Benedict June 02, I have a black and tan make frenchie. I have several female frenchie owners asking what is my stud fee. He is 1 year old. He has the markings if a rottweiler. He has never been sick, has all his shots and was bred by a private breeder a former veterinarian. I have read numerous reports that I should beware of illness and disease. How rare is it to never have healty issues with the Blue Merle? Thank you so much for all the info! Where can I find info about it? Thanks Jules April 13, Very interesting reading thank you! Both parents are Kennel Club registered and Mum has Champion bloodlines. He has really strong red eye in the dark, does this mean he is a true Lilac? Thank you. I had to send AKC pictures for color matching. Frenchiestore Team March 03, Hi Georges, It sounds like one of the parents for your future Frenchie puppy is blue which is a rare color in French Bulldogs. Rare colors in the Frenchie breed can come with health concerns so it is vital you get your puppy from a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors and does genetic tests etc which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders in your Frenchie puppy. Thank you for your question, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Thank you for reading and commenting on Frenchiestore blog, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Gracias Joe A wonderful article. I learned a lot from reading this and gained some insightful information. Thank you for providing. Laurie October 02, Hi Benita, Thank you for the feedback. We hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the French Bulldog breed. We hope you found valuable information about potty training your Frenchie and other related topics that will help with bringing the puppy home. Colors in French Bulldogs are black, cream, blue, chocolate, cocoa, lilac, and Isabella. Patterns are brindle, pied, merle, fawn, tan points, and solid aa. One of the most common coat patterns is brindle. Brindle creates a striping effect on the coat and varies in its coverage. The color of the stripes are fawn fawn is typically beige, but fawn can range anywhere from off-white to dark red. Some dogs have very minimal striping and some are what we call reverse brindle where the striping is so heavy that you mostly see the fawn. Brindle is inherited in a dominant manner, so it only takes one copy of the gene to produce this coat pattern. Any coat color can display the brindle pattern over top. For example, black brindle, cocoa brindle, chocolate brindle, lilac brindle, and Isabella brindle. KbrKbr and KbrN is a brindle dog. NN is a non-brindle dog. This is a blue brindle puppy. You an see the faint stripes of fawn popping through the dark grey base coat. Brindle is easier to spot on the sides of the body and legs compared to the head. Brindle puppies are typically born looking as if they are solid in color. However, as they start to grow the brindle striping becomes more apparent. Many of her offspring also had brindle that looked nearly solid, while a few brindles were born with the apparent stripes that this pattern is known for. The second most common coat pattern is pied. Pied breaks up the coat into spots separated by a white base coat. The areas that receive color can be predicted in the offspring based on where the parents patterns were. Some pied dogs retain most of their coat color and this is called an Irish pied. Some pied dogs have so little color retained that they appear nearly completely white- we call this extreme pied. There are some health concerns surrounding the pied coat color especially in extreme pied dogs. When the areas around the ears and eyes lack pigment these dogs can be at risk of being born congenitally deaf, and though uncommon sometimes with diluted icy-blue eyes lack of pigment in the eyes. So it is favorable to select breeding stock with a good amount color on the head, at least if breeding pied in your program. Pied is typically inherited in a simple recessive manner, meaning you need two copies one from mom, and one from dad to produce this coat pattern. I have come across a small number of dogs that display a pied pattern but only carry one copy of the pied gene or even no copies of the gene- this is very rare and not yet understood, nor do we have the genetic testing available to distinguish the responsible gene. Pied can be combined with other coat patterns, such a brindle and merle. SS and Ss is a non-pied dog. Again, pied is a coat pattern- not a coat color. So you can have a black pied, blue pied, cocoa pied, etc, dog. This dog is a lilac fawn irish pied, owned by Peerless French Bulldogs in Texas. This French Bulldog has excellent head pigmentation. Both the eyes and the ears are completely covered in color. Merle is a coat pattern that breaks up the coat color into splotches. Merle is a deletion gene, meaning it deletes pigment from the coat in a random fashion. Merle is inherited on a spectrum. Some dogs display only small cracks in the coat color while some dogs coats are deleted so much that only small dots of the original coat color remains. Merle is also a dominant gene, meaning it only takes only one copy to display this coat pattern. It is advised to never breed a merle dog to a merle dog due to health concerns in the offspring. These health concerns mirror those of extreme pied dogs. When too much pigment is deleted from the eyes and ears in double one merle gene from mom, and one merle gene from dad merle dogs, they can be born deaf, blind, and even missing eyes in the most severe cases. There are no known health concerns with breeding a merle dog to a non merle dog with regards to the double deletion- as only one deletion will happen as only one parent is merle. As mentioned, the areas that are affected by this coat pattern are random. If the merle pattern randomly lands over the eyes one time, it turns the iris an icy crystal blue. Sometimes only one eye is affected by the merle gene and you get a dog with one blue eye and one hazel eye. This is called heterochromia. The merle coat pattern can combine with any other coat pattern as mentioned previously with pied and brindle. Merle over a black coat typically deletes the pigment to an off white. Merle over a cocoa or chocolate coat deletes the pigment to a beige. Merle over a blue coat deletes the pigment to a light grey. MM is a non-merle dog, and Mm is a merle dog. This dog is a blue and tan merle. You can see that her left eye is just partly icy-blue. This dog is a lilac fawn merle with heterochromia. She does have splotches over her body as well, though faint as the base coat color of fawn is a light beige as is, and is diluted to a white in the areas that merle deleted pigment. Fawn ay a hue of beige, anything from a very light off-white, to a deep red fawn is possible. Meaning, when the dog has one copy the hue of fawn is diluted from red to beige. Two intensity dilution genes create a very light beige fawn. InIn is a deep red. InN is a medium red. And NN is a light beige. This puppy is a standard black masked fawn. This is the most common hue of fawn seen in French Bulldogs- the beige fawn, This is a standard black masked fawn with a red hue of fawn. This color is also referred to as just red fawn. Fawn ay can be modified by sable. Fawn and sable are somewhat interchangeable as sable is inherited and displayed on a gradient. When sable is minimal or non existent visually we call the dog fawn. When a breeder decided to call a dog a sable vs a fawn is up to their individual discretion. Sable will take whatever base coat color the dog is i. Sable can be so widespread that the dog appears tan pointed or even solid in color. Typically standard black fawns and sables have the deepest hues of red when selected for red. While the most diluted coat colors such as lilac and Isabella have a lighter beige fawn. My hypothesis from years of breeding is that the least diluted coat colors black have more pigment in the hairs to begin with- not just in the black hairs but in the fawn hairs as well. Which is why I have seen super super dark red standard black fawns with black noses , and only orange, at most, fawns in lilacs with light grey noses. These puppies could all simply be referred to as standard fawns, or sables. Or one might call them starting from the left: red fawn, standard fawn, sable, red sable, Another angle showing how sable covers the coat vs fawn. From top to bottom I would call these puppies standard fawn, red sable, sable, and red sable. Again, its up to the breeders discretion. We could simply call them all fawn or all sable as well. Tan points is a recessive gene and requires two copies to make the pattern. Tan points create lighter socks, chest, eyebrows, and cheeks over the base coat color of the dog. The remainder of the dog is their base coat color i. This dog is cocoa and tan. This dog is lilac and tan and also carries brindle. The tan points are muddled as the brindle gene covers them up. Tan and brindle dogs are also referred to as trindles. Solid is a recessive gene and requires two copies of the gene to display the coat pattern. And so, we have one locus with three possible genotypes, meanings we have 2 x 3 genetic combinations that can fill this gene. Ay is dominant to at, which is dominant to a. Many people may not realize that French Bulldog colors that are so unique have likely come from being improperly bred. Is it okay to get a rare-colored Frenchie? Because Frenchies are already cute, cuddly, and charming pets, rare French Bulldog colors can add to their appeal. A rare-colored Frenchie will likely be more prone to a number of health issues due to its breeding. The issue with these pups is that once these special colors started to be seen, backyard breeders took to the trend and started irresponsibly breeding. Finding a proper breeder will lessen the likelihood of glaring health issues due to improper breeding. If rare French Bulldog colors appeal to you enough, just be sure you have pet insurance for your Frenchie , as is truly best with any furry family member. Specifically, one commonly studied and observed aspect of an all-white Frenchie is that they have a deaf gene. According to Doctor Lynn Buzhardt in this article on genetics basics , there are two basic pigments that determine French Bulldog colors and colors of all dogs. They are black and red. Overall, genes transferred when dogs are bred control the pigments that are produced and where they are produced, and this results in dogs of all colors with different markings. What Color Frenchie is the Best? Since there are quite a few French Bulldog colors and everyone has different preferences, this can be hard to say. Color Dilution Alopecia is a genetic defect found in dogs with unique coat coloration. There is no cure for Color Dilution Alopecia, so it can be highly frustrating to deal with. Again, getting a dog from a reputable breeder specializing in rare French Bulldog colors can reduce the chances of issues like this. The brindle-colored Frenchie is also popular because these coats offer a nice mix of different colors. It is also darker than the white and fawn-colored French Bulldogs. Many like this for a cleaner appearance. However, if we are being honest, all French Bulldog colors are adorable. Any way you go when it comes to choosing the best-colored Frenchie, you will have a precious pup that is small in size and easy to cuddle and love on. In turn, your French Bulldog will feel just as happy as it is cute. You should wash your French Bulldog as needed, depending on what works best for both of you, and take further steps to ensure their coat is kept up. Here are some useful tips for doing so: Bathe your Frenchie at least every couple of months, more if they play outside often. Make sure to wash their facial folds with water and dog shampoo in between baths avoid the eyes. Always dry your dog after a bath, and be sure to do a good job drying their facial folds. Dry shampoo is a great in-between-baths routine. Use a leave-in conditioner for extra care. Regularly brush your dog to remorse loose hair, dirt, and parasites. Read all the tips and tricks for washing and caring for your French Bulldogs coat. In Conclusion At the end of the day, all the French Bulldog colors are appealing when these dogs are so precious! With 9 AKC-approved colors and 16 other popular and rare colors, there are options out there for your perfect pup. No matter the color dog you choose, as long as you carefully buy or adopt your dog and take care of its coat properly, it will surely be one of the most attractive dogs on the block. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav. All other colors are deemed undesirable. Brindle French Bulldogs have a dark-colored coat with lighter strands mixed in. Fawn — This is usually a light, yellowish-tan color that can have several different shades. The coat is uniform and the head is typically a bit darker than the rest of the body. Pied — A French Bulldog with a pied or piebald coat is mostly white with prominent patches usually in brindle or fawn. To the eye, this color looks grey or gray. Some French Bulldog coat colors are linked with genetic health conditions. Blue is often avoided even though the bad health links are disputed by many. Health problems recorded in this color such as alopecia have also been found in dogs of other colors. A Fawn French Bulldog has a yellowish tan coat and the shade can vary from light fawn to red fawn. Fawn is present in many other Frenchie coats. A fawn French Bulldog typically has a black mask. Black and White As the name suggests, the black and white French Bulldog has black and white markings. This Frenchie coat can also be referred to as pied or piebald. White is the predominant color and there are no white markings breaking up the black patches. Beautiful as this pattern is, black and white French Bulldogs are not considered an official breed standard and are not eligible for shows. A French Bulldog of this color often has a dark mask and ears with some brindled areas. Brindle This is a French Bulldog with a predominant fawn-colored coat with dark brindle. The intensity can change but the nails, nose, eyelids, and lips should always be dark. Brindle and White Even with the Brindle and White Frenchie, the base color is still fawn — even though you may think that the coat seems mostly white. Cream The cream French Bulldog is similar to the white French Bulldog but with more of an eggshell color. Cream is dominant over the whole body with no other patches of color. You might also here this color referred to a platinum. White and Brindle White and Fawn With the white and fawn French Bulldog, the white dominates the fawn and where you see the fawn color, it should be even. Cream and White. Black Frenchies Pure black Frenchies are quite easy to recognize as they possess no traces of other colors. What we mean by that is that they have a solid black coat color with no brindle pattern more about that later! Pure black French Bulldogs are actually not as common as one would think, which makes them rather special. Red Frenchies Like the name suggests, red French Bulldogs have a light brown coat with a reddish shade. These puppies usually have black markings around their muzzle and eyes called a mask, and they also tend to have a white patch on their chest. Red fawn Frenchies Red fawn French Bulldogs are essentially the same as red Frenchies with a reddish shade of fawn color, but their coat has a sort of ashy shine. These puppies also tend to have a black mask and dark markings around their eyes and ears. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Beige Frenchies The color beige in Frenchies is also very similar to red, but it is a lighter shade of fawn. Beige French Bulldogs usually have a black mask but can also be maskless. Cream Frenchies Cream Frenchies have a unique eggshell color. Their coat is distinctively different from even the lightest fawn colors, being almost white with a bit of yellow in it. Cream Frenchies have no markings on any part of their bodies, so it is considered a solid color. Their nose, lips and paw pads may be pink or a somewhat darker almost black color, and in rare cases they may have forever blue eyes. Blue Frenchies Blue French Bulldogs are essentially grey whose color may vary from light grey to almost black. What makes them stand out is the bluish shine in their coat that is most visible when the light touches them. They often have a white chest which gives them an even more appealing look. These beauties definitely attract a lot of attention: blue has arguably become one of the most wanted Frenchie colors in the world. Blue fawn Frenchies Blue fawn in French Bulldogs is a combination of a light fawn color and blue. More specifically, these puppies have blue parts around their muzzle and eyes instead of black, and their light coat has a beautiful bluish shine. Similarly to blue, this rare French bulldog color has become one of the most popular among our adopters in recent years. Lilac Frenchies Lilac French Bulldogs are often mistaken for blue Frenchies, but they are much more unique and harder to come by. Lilac Frenchies have a very light, almost ashy or silver color which gets lighter and lighter as they age. To produce this rare and beautiful color, the parents have to be blue and chocolate or at least a chocolate carrier. Lilac French Bulldogs usually have light-colored eyes such as yellow, light brown and blue which are glowing red. Lilac fawn Frenchies Lilac fawn Frenchies look very similar to blue fawn Frenchies, but they are much rarer! Lilac fawn French Bulldogs have a light fawn coat color with an ashy or silver shine rather than blue, and their mask is also of a lighter, ashier grey. They have light eyes that are glowing red, and similarly to lilac Frenchies, both of the parents need to carry blue or chocolate to produce this unique color. Lilac sable Frenchies Lilac sable French Bulldogs are almost the same as lilac fawn Frenchies, but these puppies have black fur growing evenly all over their bodies, especially on their back. This gives their coat a bit of a darker shade rather than being ashy. Platinum Frenchies The platinum color in Frenchies is optically similar to albino but retains some luster in their coat as opposed to the pure white seen in albino. It is also similar to a light cream color but it is off-white or sort of silver-looking. What makes them special and highly valuable for breeding purposes is that they carry the most colors in French bulldogs: whichever color a platinum Frenchie is mixed with, the puppies will be of that color. They are certainly very rare and unique dogs. Similarly to lilac Frenchies, they are the combination of blue and chocolate but they have a much more unique greyish liver coat color. Isabella Frenchies are extremely hard to come by, which makes them incredibly valuable for breeding purposes. White French Bulldog Even though white is considered a standard French Bulldog color, an all-white Frenchie is still very rare. They are not to be confused with cream Frenchies who have a more yellowish shade of white. Sometimes pied Frenchies more about that below! Chocolate Frenchies You have probably guessed already that chocolate French Bulldogs have a chocolate brown base coat, which may vary from a light to a really dark brown. The chocolate gene is considered rare in the Frenchie world so these puppies are quite unique. Check out our. They originated around the s in France as the result of mixing very small British Bulldogs. The French tended to prefer these smaller dogs over the larger ones, so they were the options that were often imported into France. Over time, this led to the French Bulldog. The original Bulldog became too different from those developed in France, so they became their own breed. These stocky, compact dogs are pretty popular companion animals. They come in many different colors. For instance, French Bulldogs come in brindle, fawn, white, and brindle and white. They are disallowed in a lot of different colors as well, though. Many of these dogs are extremely expensive. You can expect to find them for tens of thousands of dollars in some cases. Producing rarer colors is no joke. A usual breeder may only produce a rare color every few years. Even a breeder that specializes in a rare color may only get a couple of dogs a year. Some of these dogs are prone to health problems due to their rarer coloration. For this reason, finding a good breeder is significant. Many of these dogs are difficult to find. Plan on staying on a waiting list for a long time before you end up with one of these colors. It may take a year or more before one becomes available. Most breeders that sell rare colors are running family operations. Often, the current owner learned from their parents, who may have even learned from their parents. They have carefully cultivated these genes over a very long time, which is why they can produce puppies with such an unusual color. Most of these breeders are experts on dogs. After all, you have to be after dedicating so much time to these canines. We recommend asking these breeders all of your questions. Be sure to ask about genetic testing and the health of their dogs. Where the puppies are raised is often crucial for socialization purposes. Sable Sable French Bulldogs are not the rarest by any means. However, they can still be challenging to find and often cost more than other French Bulldogs out there. They are technically another version of fawn, which is an official color recognized by the American Kennel Club. Instead of the usual fawn color, these dogs have a fawn coat with black tipping. Many of these have a reddish pigment alongside their basic fawn coloration, which will make them look a bit tanner. The exact shade of their fawn color can vary widely. Some are pretty dark and have much more black tips; others are incredibly light. There are no known health problems associated with these colors. Blue Blue is one of the most well-known rare Frenchie colors. This is mainly due to social media, where many celebrities have shown off their blue dogs. Many people describe them as a slate color. There is some controversy surrounding this dog breed. To understand why this color may cause different health conditions, it is essential to understand how it comes about. To have a blue coat, the French Bulldog must inherit two copies of the dilute gene. This gene is recessive, so the dog has to have two copies. Otherwise, their other genes will cover up the color, and they will simply be a carrier. However, this gene affects more than just the color of the dog. It seems to play a role in the health of their coat as well. Many dogs with the blue gene are at a higher risk of color dilution alopecia. This condition causes patches of hair to thin and fall out. It sometimes includes flaky and itchy skin as well. No studies have been done yet. However, many other breeds with blue coloration do have this disease, so there is a good chance it will affect the Frenchie. This is quite expensive for a dog, especially a smaller one like the French Bulldog. Chocolate The chocolate gene is recessive. For this reason, Chocolate French Bulldogs are pretty rare. For a dog to be chocolate, they must inherit a recessive chocolate gene from their parents. Otherwise, a dominant gene will cover the recessive gene up, preventing the dog from looking chocolate at all. These dogs vary in shade. Some are darker brown; others are light brown. They tend to have lighter eyes like most diluted dogs. You can find them with eyes of green, brown, golden, and bright yellow. There are no known health conditions associated with this color. We may simply not know about the potential health complications yet. Lilac Lilac French Bulldogs are also quite rare. They are one of the rarest colors out there. One reason they are so rare is that they must inherit both the blue and chocolate gene. Both of these genes are rare in themselves. The dilute gene that causes the dog to become blue dilutes the chocolate and causes it to become a lilac color. Usually, this means the dog is very light blue and may even look silver. Most have lighter eyes and a pinkish tint to their face. This is more expensive than either the blue or the chocolate. As you might expect, these dogs are prone to the same health problem as the blue Frenchie. After all, they do have the same genetics. However, you should be aware that they may be more prone to certain skin conditions. Cream Cream Frenchies have an eggshell-like color. They are sometimes mistaken as white French Bulldogs. However, they are not nearly as lightly colored. They have a tan-tint that sets them apart. Furthermore, these dogs will also have darker lips and eye rims. This color is one of the few on this list that the AKC accepts. Therefore, it may appear in dog shows occasionally. However, its rarity still means that more common colorations often overtake it. Pure Black Completely black French Bulldogs are difficult to find. Be sure to ask for pictures of the dog before settling on a puppy. Many people are very drawn to the utterly black coloration. However, they tend to be rarer, so you may end up paying a bit more for them. Black and Tan As the name suggests, a black-and-tan French Bulldog is almost all black, except for a few tan markings. These markings are usually on their face, ears, neck, and chest. Some dogs have more tan markings than others. The exact shade also varies quite a bit. Some are lighter and may fall into the fawn category. Most will be a darker brown, however. Despite not being completely black, these dogs are still more expensive than your average Frenchie. You usually have to find a breeder specializing in black dogs, as they can be difficult to find otherwise. There are no health problems associated with this specific coloration. Black and White Black-and-white French Bulldogs are primarily black but with a few white markings. Piebald dogs are almost entirely white with a few different spots of color. However, black and white French Bulldogs will be primarily black. The white markings usually only occur on their neck and chest. Some may have more white markings on their face, belly, and legs. The extent of the white markings varies widely and can be difficult to determine until the dog gets older. Merle Merle is probably one of the most controversial French Bulldog colors. While Frenchies naturally carry the genetics for the genes we have previously discussed, this is not true for the merle gene. The genetic code for this color had to be introduced to the genetic line somewhere. It is expected that most merle French Bulldogs have Chihuahuas somewhere in their pedigree. It is a dominant gene, so the dog only needs one to end up as a complete Merle. This gene only affects the coloration on a black-based coat, not a red one. However, it will make them more prone to health problems. The main problem with the merle gene is that it has been shown to cause health problems in all the dog breeds that it affects. We may not have exact data on Frenchies, as the merle pattern is infrequent in this breed. However, we know that it negatively affects the Chihuahua, which is likely where the French Bulldog got the merle gene. These dogs are prone to a variety of eye problems. The merle gene affects how the dog makes pigment, including in their eyes. Therefore, many of these dogs end up with some sort of eye issue, such as microphthalmia , ocular pressure problems, and colobomas, among others. Hearing problems are common as well. One study found that dogs with single merles have a 2. Luckily, many dogs adapt well to being deaf or blind. In many cases, you may not notice that your dog is deaf or blind until months down the road. Blue Fawn The blue fawn French Bulldog is fawn but with the dilution gene. However, they do have the gene to make blue puppies, so they are commonly referred to with blue in their name. They often have signs of dilution on their mask, noses, ears, and paw pads. They also have a slightly different mask color, which is how they are distinguished from regular fawn Frenchies. They also have lighter eye color, as the dilute gene tends to affect their eyes as well. These dogs vary widely in cost. While they may not look very exotic, they are often sold for more because they can produce blue puppies. However, those sold without breeding rights are often relatively inexpensive. Often, they look the same as a lilac. They also have the same genetic code: two copies of the chocolate gene and two copies of the dilution gene. The only reason this color gets its name is that the chocolate is testable. This means that the breeder genetically tested the dog to ensure that it was carrying the chocolate gene. This is the only way to ensure that the dog is an Isabella Frenchie. It has to be tested. Because the extra testing goes into proving that these dogs are true lilacs, they often cost more. They are easily one of the most expensive French Bulldog colorations out there. Currently, these are the most difficult French Bulldogs to find. You have to go to a breeder specializing in this coloration and then likely sit on a waiting list for a long time. Due to their increasing popularity, there is a chance that they will become less rare in the future. After all, breeding two Isabella French Bulldogs together will give you a litter full of them. The only colors currently accepted by the AKC are white, cream, fawn, and variations of these colors. Markings are allowed as well. One of the main reasons these colors are accepted above others is because they were the most common colors when the breed standard was written. The breed did carry these genetic traits for the most part since they were first bred. Many of these colorations have just now come into the forefront. The most expensive color is the Isabella Frenchie. This color involves the dog inheriting two copies of two rare genes. These genes are rare by themselves. When you try to breed a puppy with both, it often takes a considerable amount of time and effort. Plus, these dogs have been genetically tested to ensure that they do have the two-color genes they look like they have. Often, dog colors can be a bit confusing. Knowing precisely the genetics a dog has is very helpful to breeders, as it helps them breed the specific puppies they want. Often Isabella dogs are purchased by other breeders to produce more Isabella dogs. These dogs easily go for high 4-figures or even 5-figures. What is the best color for a French Bulldog? The color only affects aesthetics in most cases, though some do affect health. You may like how lilac dogs look but not be willing to pay thousands of dollars for them. Some people consider the best colors to be those without any health problems attached. This would make all colors suitable except for those with the dilute gene and the merle gene. Truthfully, this eliminates many rarer colors, as many of them rely on the dilute blue gene. French Bulldogs tend to be expensive anyway. A Frenchie is a Frenchie — no matter what they look like. What is a platinum French Bulldog? These dogs are not particularly rare, though they are rarer than some other colorations. These dogs can easily cost a few thousand dollars extra. Are Tan French Bulldogs rare? French Bulldogs with any sort of tan marking tend to be rarer than some other markings and colorations. Often, there are plenty of tan puppies available at any one time, but you may have to pay a bit extra for them. These markings are not the rarest by any means. However, if they are added to another rare coat, you can expect them to be quite a bit more expensive. A black Frenchie with tan markings is often more expensive than a plain black Frenchie — who are usually expensive anyway. You often have to find a breeder that mainly produces puppies with tan coloration. Otherwise, these dogs can be hard to find. Breeders often have to have dogs on hand with the tan coloration. What color is my Frenchie? Figuring out the color of your French Bulldog can be challenging. Sometimes, this is easy to figure out. Other times, not so much. If the parents had a recessive coat color, it is often easy to figure out what genes they passed onto the puppies. However, parents with dominant coat colors can be carriers of other genes. The only sure way to know the genetic code of your dog is to get it tested. Their coat color has been proven. Someone genetically tested it instead of guessing based on what they looked like. Conclusion There are many rare French Bulldog colors out there. Many of these are pretty expensive, as you might expect. More coat colors are being produced all the time, primarily because it pays to produce rare Frenchies. However, some of these colors are prone to health problems, so be sure to do your research before you buy something simply because it looks nice. The last thing you want to buy is an expensive dog that also has expensive health problems. In the end, what French Bulldog you want to purchase depends largely on your aesthetic preference. If you want a rarer dog, you should plan on waiting longer and paying more. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! 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German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Miami. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. AKC Registered Puppies In Miami Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else. We have answers. Even puppies that look virtually identical could have radically different price tags, often with little explanation why. Will I be matched with local German Shepherd breeders? All German Shepherd breeders and companies who enter the Uptown network pledge to uphold our standards by signing our Breeder Pledge, protecting your family from ever needing to do business with an unethical puppy mill. For many families, Uptown Puppies is one of the quickest and most fun ways to find a puppy—and not just any puppy, but the right puppy. Sadly, dogs bred at mills and sold at pet stores tend to suffer from genetic diseases more often, develop temperament issues, cost owners thousands in extra vet bills, and even die young. Do you have German Shepherd puppies Miami Florida available right now? Odds are pretty good that your new best friend is already out there! To start your search, all you need to do is complete your MatchMaker process below. MatchMaker is pretty darn amazing. Can I trust any German Shepherd in Miami being sold online? Truth be told, there are many puppy scams out there.

As a result of its genetic makeup as a cross between two dog breeds and pups may have an ultimate size that is difficult to predict. These puppies are enormous and develop quickly, so you may be wondering how much to feed a Goldendoodle puppy. What is the recommended daily amount of food for a Goldendoodle puppy? Most Goldendoodle pups need to be fed anywhere from 2 to 4 times a day, with each feeding consisting of around a third of a cup to as much as four cups of food, although this varies greatly with age and size, and type. Puppies develop rapidly, thus their dietary needs, including the amount and frequency of their meals, evolve with them. Keep in mind that this is not a question with a universally correct answer. Also remember that Miniature, medium, and standard Goldendoodles will have different feeding needs. Goldendoodle Puppy Feeding Chart There is a lot of nuance involved in feeding a Goldendoodle puppy since their nutritional requirements change with their age, size, and degree of activity. To do so, just divide the weight in pounds by 2. With this method, you may roughly estimate how many calories your Goldendoodle need each day when at rest. Keep in mind that this is only a guideline. They need to be with the mother and the rest of the litter, putting on weight healthily. You should count on them sleeping for the most of the day and moving just for brief periods. The best way to get them adjusted to the new routine is to feed them three to four little meals a day, gradually increasing the quantity and lowering the wetness. You should begin by giving them a quarter to a half cup of a soft, moistened puppy chow every meal. You should modify the dose according to their weight and hunger levels. Reduce the quantity of food at first, and then gradually increase it to three or four small meals per day of dry puppy food. You can bank on them being a lot more self-reliant and inquisitive. Make the necessary adjustments according to their weight and degree of exercise. Give them lots of chances to play and interact with others, and take them on short walks. Goldendoodles are prone to becoming overweight, so watch how much food you give them. Choose a suitable quantity by considering their weight and degree of physical activity and breed size. Keep close track of their weight to determine the appropriate dosage. Make sure they have much to do physically and mentally to keep them from becoming bored and acting out. Learn the basics and begin interacting with others. Keep an eye out for symptoms of separation anxiety in your Goldendoodle. This depends on breed size. Keep up with their education and socializing, and give them plenty of chances to play and exercise. Pay attention to how active they are feeling and feed them appropriately. Never stop encouraging physical activity, intellectual challenge, and social interaction. Make necessary adjustments based on their weight gain or loss. To maintain their health and happiness, provide them frequent opportunities for physical activity, fun, and intellectual challenge. Inspect your Goldendoodle often for indications of joint pain. Taking them to the vet on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining their health. Understanding Goldendoodle Puppy Nutritional Needs Puppies of the goldendoodle breed should be fed a healthy, well-rounded diet to ensure their optimal development and growth. Depending on their age, height, and amount of activity, a Goldendoodle puppy typically needs to 1, calories per day. Keep in mind that there are three different sized Goldendoodles. The smaller dogs would thus consume much less food. They need to eat a balanced diet of nutritious proteins, fats, and complex carbs. Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for the healthy development of Goldendoodle pups. Healthy growth of bones, the immune system, and the brain all depend on these nutrients. To avoid obesity and encourage good digestion, pups should be given three to four modest meals each day rather than one or two big ones. This aids in controlling portion sizes and facilitating proper digestion. Because of their small stomachs, puppies need regular feedings to keep them energized and healthy. As your puppy gets older, you may cut down on the frequency of feedings and boost the amount of each meal. Kibble may aid in dental hygiene by scraping plaque and tartar off the teeth while the puppy eats. Picky eaters could be more enticed by wet food, and pups with dental issues or missing teeth might find it simpler to digest. In addition, you should make sure that the food is formulated for pups and prepared with high-quality components. Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food Depending on their size and breed, you should transition your Goldendoodle puppy from puppy food to adult food between the ages of 12 and 18 months. You should start with a little quantity of adult food and puppy food mixed together, and then gradually increase the amount of adult food while lowering the amount of puppy food. This ease of adjustment may reduce digestive issues. When a Goldendoodle puppy stops eating, the first thing to do is to rule out any serious health problems. Feeding smaller meals more often, warming the food with water or chicken broth, or trying a new brand or taste of food are all options. Overfeeding, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues are all possible outcomes of free-feeding a Goldendoodle puppy. Because of their tiny stomachs, puppies need frequent feedings to keep them energized and promote their healthy development. Picky eating may be avoided and good eating habits can be established with a regular meal plan. Instead of two big meals, Goldendoodle pups should be fed three or four smaller meals a day. If you decide to free-feed your Goldendoodle puppy, keep careful tabs on how much they are eating so that you may alter their portions as they grow. Medium breed dogs require a high-energy diet throughout their brief growing phase. Prebiotic components improve for good digestion Unique kibble design 2. For a well-balanced diet, including more natural meats dogs love and healthy grains. This puppy food is designed to build strong, lean muscles and improve brain and eye health with taurine. DHA and ARA promote healthy growth and development, while LifeSource Bits provide a perfect combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost the immune system. It also lacks maize, soy, wheat, animal byproducts, and artificial tastes. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, for immune system No grains, maize, wheat, soy, meat by-products, or artificial flavors Taurine in the for eyes and brains. Introducing our tailored nutrition for medium breed puppies — a food designed to ensure your puppy receives the right amount of nutrients during their growth period. While free-feeding is generally okay when feeding your puppy, it is wise to introduce a feeding routine at around 13 weeks old. As for adult Goldendoodles, you can feed them one meal in the morning and another in the evening. This should be enough to make them feel full throughout the day. Senior Goldendoodles, on the other hand, can be fed once in the morning or once at night. If your dog still prefers two meals, you can feed them similarly as you would an adult. While on the topic of optimal feeding time, it is also important to know when to give treats to your dog. Usually, it is best to give treats to your pooch in between meals — not right before and not right after. Preferably, you should only use treats to reward your dog. In turn, this will also affect their potty schedule and interfere with the balanced diet they should be getting. Always remember that you can tweak these optimal feeding times so that it fits your lifestyle better. However, it is best to feed them around the same time each day. They love any food and can eat almost anything you serve. However, it is still essential to know the best foods to give your Goldendoodle. Providing the best kinds of food for your dog is not only good for their health, but it also helps preserve some of their best features, such as their hypoallergenic trait and calm disposition. Wet food is easier to chew than dry food and is suitable for dogs with weak teeth, senior dogs, sick dogs, or dehydrated dogs. Wet food is arguably the best puppy food. Its flavor and softness are excellent for developing teeth. Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is the most convenient food to serve your dog. In addition, dry food is also one of the best food choices for a Goldendoodle as it is excellent for their dental health. Dry food prevents tartar buildup and gum disease and promotes stronger teeth. Kibble is best for adult Goldendoodles as their teeth are as strong as it gets. Some ingredients you should look for when choosing kibble are chicken fat, flaxseed, omega-3, and meat protein. There are also grain-free options if your dog prefers those. This consists of raw meat, bones, fish meal, and a mix of fruits and vegetables. Feeding your Goldendoodle a raw diet reduces the use of commercial dog foods that have added preservatives and unhealthy processed foods. BARF diet has been proven to bring health benefits such as healthier and shinier skin and coat, good dental health, fewer ear infections, and less odor in Goldendoodles. Plus, Goldendoodles like the taste of raw food! Homemade Diet: A homemade diet is very much acceptable for Goldendoodles. They can thrive with this diet as long as proper nutrients are provided. Make sure to supply them with the six key nutrients a dog needs — protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Preparing a homemade meal is also much cheaper. Moreover, it also gives you more control over what your dog consumes. Likewise, a Goldendoodle with an underlying health condition might be better off with a homemade diet. In addition, some Goldendoodles may benefit from specific kinds of foods or supplements that are tailored for their coat color. To learn more about Goldendoodle coat colors, read our comprehensive guide on the topic. On some occasions, the generation of a Goldendoodle can also affect the best diet for it. In conclusion, the best dog food is always on a case-to-case basis. Consult a vet if you want to be sure! These dogs are prone to bloating and often have different allergies to food. Certain foods cause pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in these dogs. Some of the most dangerous foods for your Goldendoodle are grapes, raisins, and prunes. These three foods contain an unknown toxic substance that can trigger major problems such as choking and kidney failure. Cherries are also notorious for your Goldendoodle. Its pits, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide , a poisonous substance that can cause an upset stomach. Soda is not just unhealthy for humans but for dogs as well. The carbonation and sugar levels of soda can be hard for dogs to handle. It can cause dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, excessive flatulence , and diarrhea. Moreover, as we all know, chocolate is toxic to Goldendoodles. It contains a xanthine compound known as theobromine , which dogs cannot digest and metabolize. Needless to say, keep your Goldendoodle away from chocolate! But if your dog happens to consume chocolate and shows signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, and increased heart rate, visit the nearest vet immediately. Onions and garlic should also be kept away from Goldendoodle because these contain a thiosulphate compound. This compound may cause discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, any food with a high level of sugar and salt is bad for your Goldendoodle. Salty foods will dehydrate your dog, and excessively sweet foods can cause diabetes. It is a good habit to also check the sugar and salt levels of any food you give to your Goldendoodles. Other harmful foods are macadamia nuts, walnuts, raw or undercooked food, coffee, dairy products, citrus fruits, and avocados. Luckily for you, Goldendoodles are generally not picky eaters. The ideal time for the transitioning period is around 10 days. Do this until your Goldendoodle is comfortable enough to try completely new food. Refer to the table below for a more detailed breakdown of transitioning your dog to a new food: Day. The Proper Care and Feeding of Goldendoodles Feb 14 Written By Skye Parker There are a lot of different factors you should consider when you are thinking about the right food and the right amount. Like their age, how much they weigh, or what to do if your Goldendoodle is a picky eater. We will talk about the different ages of puppies and how much to feed them as they grow older. We will talk about the different options for dog food and what you should get and avoid. It's also essential to think about what to do in different situations where you have a picky eater or what to do if they ever get sick. When your Goldendoodle is younger, you will need to feed them more often than when they get older; they will eat less at a time too. Anytime you are transitioning your puppies' feeding options, whether it's giving them more, switching brands, or from puppy food to dog food, you will want to do it gradually. For a while, you will mix the two. If you make a sudden change in their diet, it could cause stomach problems for your Goldendoodle. Transitioning will usually take about days. Standard Goldendoodles will need cups per day. This is an excellent guide to follow; however, all dogs are different, and if your dog ever acts hungry or aggressive constantly, this is a sign that you should increase their eating portion. If you can ever see your Goldendoodles' ribs, that is a strong indication that they need more food. Most dogs will stop eating when they get full, but it is still better to have set feeding times throughout the day rather than having one big meal available at all times. Foods That are Unhealthy or Poisonous for Goldendoodles There are a few foods that we may eat regularly that aren't healthy for Goldendoodles. This is very important to know of the foods to be mindful of. Grapes or raisins: These can cause your Goldendoodle to choke, and they will have a hard time digesting them. This also includes prunes. Dairy Products: When dairy products are given in large amounts, it can mess with the digestive system. Dogs' bodies are not used to processing dairy, which could cause problems if they have a lot. However, even though it's best to avoid this, a small amount is acceptable. Cherries: This might seem like a weird thing to be on this list, but they are toxic to Goldendoodles as well as other dogs. Any foods that are raw or uncooked could cause salmonella and other diseases. You should also avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat. Soda: This isn't the best for humans and even worse for dogs. They don't do very well with carbonation or high amounts of sugar. Chocolate: This is the most commonly known food that is toxic for all dogs, and it is accurate. Whether dark or light chocolate, dogs don't react well to this food. Coffee, avocado, onions, and garlic are all foods Goldendoodles should avoid eating. Any salty foods are not healthy for your dog either. It can cause them to get sick and dehydrated. Foods with a lot of sugar or even constantly providing food containing sugar can cause your dog to get diabetes. You don't have to change your Goldendoodles diet when they get sick, but most vets will recommend switching to white rice and chicken for their meals when they're ill or after surgery. When you are preparing this meal for your pup, you will want to give them only white meat with all bones and fat removed. As for the rice, people will usually say brown rice is healthier because it has more grains, but white rice is easier for them to digest when they are sick. Boil the chicken like you usually would until cooked. Then drain the water, pull off all bones and fat, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. As for the rice, you can boil it like you usually would or use the chicken broth from the chicken earlier. However you decide to prepare it, do not use any seasonings; these can be toxic for your puppy and worsen the condition. When deciding how much to give your puppy, use a one-to-two ratio. You will also want to check the temperature of the food to ensure they don't get burnt. Feeding a Picky Goldendoodle If your Goldendoodle is a picky eater, the solution is usually a quick fix. The common reasons for being picky could be that they are fed too often, they lack physical activities, receiving too many treats, or if your dog is stressed or sick. These are reasonable causes for a picky eater; they also have easy fixes. If you follow all of the guidelines brought out in this article, you will be sure to have a healthy and happy Goldendoodle. Their diet affects their behavior a lot more than some people may realize. If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle, you can visit our available puppies page. If that is not an option then go with a homemade milk replacer. Wet food is the best transition from a liquid to a solid diet. Note that dry foods have less water, so make sure to always have a bowl with water next to the food bowl. Also, check the labels and make sure they say puppy formula. Two portions a day are enough for this age. At this point, your mini Goldendoodle is considered an adult. If you notice that there are leftovers, reduce the portion. When it comes to determining the specific foods that meet the needs of your miniature Goldendoodle , his age matters a lot. It also helps determine the feeding quantity he needs along with other factors like his actual size, basal metabolism rate, and activity level. If he is extremely active, then you also have to provide him with more food. Basically, here is what to feed your Miniature Goldendoodle based on age: 6 weeks old Miniature Goldendoodle should eat: If you have a 6-week-old miniature Goldendoodle, then you can classify him as a baby. He still needs the support of his mother to get the nutrients his body needs for growth and development. At this stage, it would be best for the puppy to feed freely from his mother. The reason is that his mother produces all the nutrients and other good stuff he needs for survival. If for some reason the puppy gets separated from his mom before 6 weeks of age, feed him with this homemade emergency milk replacer. Preparation: Blend all of the ingredients and warm to F. Discard any unused milk 24 hours after mixing and always refrigerate between uses. This is also the right time to begin introducing delicious puppy foods into his everyday feedings. Note that this will involve a transition from a liquid to a solid diet. So, it would be ideal to try softening or smoothening the change with the help of wet canned choices. They serve as excellent transitional foods. By using these foods, the sensitive stomach of your puppy will not be drastically affected, making it possible for him to familiarize himself comfortably with the new foods introduced to him. It is also helpful in ensuring that he will have healthier stools, preventing him from causing a mess that you have to clean afterward. In case you were successful in weaning him in the past, it would be much better to apply a similar gentle approach, thereby ensuring that his digestive system will be able to adjust slowly to the new foods being introduced to him. One more thing you should keep in mind is that dry foods have less water. With that in mind, do not forget to set aside some water for your puppy, so he can always easily access it every time he needs to drink. It is also crucial in keeping him fully hydrated. I will say again, it is important to feed your Miniature Goldendoodle based on his age. In this case, it is surely the perfect time for you to check out the labels of the foods you are feeding him. That way, you can pick food or a recipe that is perfect for his specific life stage. What you should look for during this age is a dog food labeled as puppy formula. It is suitable for the needs of a 3-month-old miniature Goldendoodle since it is specifically designed to contain the nutrients needed by his growing and developing body. Keep in mind that foods labeled as adult life stages have different formulations. It does not also provide adequate support for the additional calories needed for his growth. This is also the time when you can lessen the frequency of his feedings. Two meals daily are even enough for his age. Avoid leaving foods that he can munch on during this stage as it may only cause him to overeat and gain excess weight. It means that he has reached adulthood, which also indicates that his eating frequency also gets lower. There are even instances when there are leftovers from the foods you feed him. In case you notice that then maybe it would be a good idea to reduce the kibbles you feed him during each meal. Obese puppies develop an improved risk for many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension. Rickets: Rickets is a rare disorder of young, growing animals that causes soft and distorted bones. It is generally caused by poor phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More infrequently, calcium shortage is to blame. A quantity of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs. Allergies: In the dog, the most ordinary symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized in one area or generalized all over the body. Occasionally, there may be watery release from the eyes or nose. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle puppy? Feel about its ribs — you should be capable to feel the ribs but not seeing them separately when simply glancing at them. Also, do your best to observe the advice in the chart above. You can also ask the breeder who sold you the puppy to see if they have any suggestions. Yet, this does not suggest that you should have big amounts of food willingly available to your dog all of the time. Since puppies grow fast, the importance and frequency of meals change as they develop. Summary Feeding a Goldendoodle can both be difficult and comfortable at the same time. Since they are not choosy eaters, these dogs can adapt well to new meals. The downside is that the Goldendoodle manages to have an acute stomach. This means you have to be alert about what you give your puppy. Remember, satisfied dogs are the healthful ones. If your Goldendoodle is overfed, it can lead to a host of health problems. Here are some signs that your Goldendoodle may be overfed. Similarly, underfeeding your Goldendoodle will cause it to become incredibly skinny, and it will be more prone to getting sick. This is why you need to strike that balance when feeding your pup. Feeding Chart for Goldendoodles Here, we present to you a feeding chart for Goldendoodles of different ages. They are energetic and playful, and they make great family pets. Goldendoodles typically reach their full adult size between 8 and 12 months old, but they can continue to grow until they are two years old. During this time, it is important to feed them the right amount of food to help them grow at a healthy rate. This will help to ensure that they get the nutrients they need without gaining too much weight. Goldendoodles are active dogs, so be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise as well. With the proper care, Goldendoodles can be happy and healthy pets for many years to come. When they are aged months, they should be fed three cups a day. If they start to gain too much weight, reduce their portion sizes. If they start to lose weight, increase their portion sizes. Feeding a Goldendoodle is not difficult but requires some attention and care. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your Goldendoodle stays healthy and happy. This should be split into two meals, with no more than 1. With the right food and care, your Goldendoodle will stay healthy and happy for years to come! Plus, all that fur means they tend to lose a lot of body heat, so they need extra calories to stay warm. Of course, every dog is different, so you should always consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Goldendoodle. But as a general rule of thumb, cups a day is a good amount of food for an adult Goldendoodle. What Foods Should You Feed Your Goldendoodles Here are some of the best food choices for Goldendoodles: Dog food based on meat and vegetables: This type of food is packed with nutrients that your Goldendoodle needs to stay healthy. This type of food is designed specifically for puppies and contains all the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Grain-free food: Some Goldendoodles have grain sensitivities, so grain-free food is a good option for them. This type of food is also generally easier for dogs to digest. Which Food Types Are Bad for Goldendoodles While Goldendoodles are generally known for being one of the most food-friendly dog breeds, there are still some foods that they should avoid. The worst food for Goldendoodles is actually quite a common one: chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, all of which can cause gastrointestinal distress or even kidney damage. Signs Your Goldendoodle Has a Bad Stomach Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can sometimes suffer from stomach problems. Sometimes stomach issues can be caused by something as simple as a change in diet, but other times they can be indicative of a more serious problem. If your dog is lethargic, has a loss of appetite, or is vomiting blood or bile, these are all signs that something more serious may be going on, and you should seek veterinary care immediately. This unfortunately is common in the Poodle breed and Lexie at a 8 years old just had a near death experience with this issue! So, how much should you feed your mini Goldendoodle puppy? Depending on his breed, activity level, and size, you may need to adjust the amount of food you are currently giving him. Always remember — puppies need plenty of water to stay hydrated! Related Reading. This means you should avoid leaving food out for them at all times, as they can eat too much and become sick or even develop bloat, which can quickly become deadly. How To Feed Your Goldendoodle Puppy This may seem like a silly question, but it is relevant because the answer is actually not that obvious! You should be able to cover the food with your hand without your puppy making too much fuss. Allow them to start eating. While they are eating, stroke them and pet their heads. This is an excellent time to brush them, too, as they are occupied and not scrambling around. This is an important practice to get them used to your presence and prevent food guarding and aggression. Considering how large Goldendoodles can get even when they are puppies, this is an important part of their training. Next, give your puppy about 15 minutes to eat their food. During this time, they will either eat all of their food or eat until they are full and lose interest in the rest. After 15 minutes is up, remove any of the uneaten food left behind. If your puppy is still eating, then let them finish their food. The number of options can be overwhelming! Hopefully, I can whittle it down for you and make the decision a little easier. The American Kennel Club recommends using premium or high-end puppy food as they typically have a higher nutritional density and are more consistent, whereas cheaper foods can be inconsistent and contain filler products. Puppies have higher nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their food should be more nutrient-dense because they can only eat a little bit at a time. Their food will generally be more expensive owing to its quality; however, it should last you longer than a bag of adult food. Just like with adult dog food, you can choose between kibble or solid food, pouches or semi-moist food, or canned soft food. Top Puppy Food Suggestions For Goldendoodles While there are innumerable options out there for you to choose from, I have carefully narrowed them down to three products that I highly recommend for your Goldendoodle. Your Goldendoodle will grow to be very large and be prone to joint problems, so it is a wise decision to start them on puppy food that will support their growth through the time when they are doing most of it. Here are my three favorite Goldendoodle puppy foods and the features I love about them: Product. One of the most popular dog breeds is the Miniature Goldendoodle. One of the most crucial aspects that affect your Mini Goldendoodle's overall health is its diet. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that he or she remains healthy and content. Let's talk about how much food a Mini Goldendoodle should eat to maintain a normal weight and get all the nutrients they require. Consider the following when choosing how much to feed your Mini Goldendoodle: Age Compared to adult dogs, puppies have distinct dietary demands. Puppies of the Mini Goldendoodle breed need to eat more often than adult dogs do. They also need a particular kind of dog food specially formulated to encourage their development. Weight The amount of food a Mini Goldendoodle needs will depend on its weight. Obesity and other health issues can result from overeating. Exercise Level More energetic dogs need more calories than less active dogs do, just like us humans. Health Issues Your pets diet may need to vary depending on certain medical concerns. You might need to convert to a specific diet catered to your dog's needs, for instance, if they have food allergies or sensitivities. Recommended Feeding Amounts Your Mini Goldendoodle's calorie needs will vary over time according to their age, weight, and degree of activity. The following are some general guidelines, tips, and tricks: Puppies Mini Goldendoodle pups require more frequent feedings than adult dogs do. This is actually true of most if not all breeds. You can start giving your puppy two meals a day after the first six months. In order to help their digestion, senior dogs may need food that is lower in calories and higher in fiber. The easiest way to decide on the right food quantities for your aging Mini Goldendoodle is to speak with your veterinarian. It is important to remember that these are only broad recommendations and that your Miniature Goldendoodle's nutritional requirements may shift depending on their particular requirements. It's advisable to keep an eye on your dog's weight and modify their food schedule as necessary. Learn more about Mini Goldendoodles:.

Are you worried about why your German Shepherd is so small? Especially considering this breed is known to grow large and powerful. You might even wonder how you can help your German Shepherd puppy get bigger and grow faster. Why is my German Shepherd so small? The top reasons a German Shepherd is so small are its genetic history, underlying medical illness, intestinal worms, incorrect diet for their growth, and inadequate caloric consumption for their activity levels. Closely observing your GSD will give you many clues to their health and help you understand why they are so small. Inherited Smallness Your puppy could have inherited smallness through their genes. Therefore, your dog may naturally be a smaller GSD. Larger breeds, like the German Shepherd, also tend to mature at slower rates than smaller breeds. It can take up to 18 months to 2 years for your GSD puppy to grow into its adult body. Perhaps your German Shepherd is smaller because of an underlying medical problem. There are many diseases that could impact growth and affect nutrient absorption. One of the largest studies on dog gene mutations plos. These mutations could affect the growth and size of your puppy. For example, pituitary dwarfism is an autosomal disorder that may be inherited in some German Shepherds. Pituitary dwarfism presents between weeks of age and needs a specific test from your vet. Keep in mind that this disorder is very rare. Intestinal Parasites Could your German Shepherd puppy be small because of these issues? These worms are contracted from the environment they live in or from their mother. If left untreated your puppy could have an extremely heavy worm infestation, and the worms can steal enough calories from your puppy to slow down his growth and make him appear smaller than he should. And, once your German Shepherd puppy is free of worms its body can heal and regain normal growth and development. Follow the deworming schedule set forth by your veterinarian to prevent worms. Poor Nutrition for a Large Breed Dog Large breed dogs, like your German Shepherd, need food made especially for their size and growth rate. Do not feed them small breed formula food! German Shepherd Dogs can vary considerably at different stages of their life in their nutritional requirements for energy, fat and carbohydrate. Even an adult GSD still needs the proper nutrition, especially for this athletic breed. Keep in mind that your puppy should eat food made especially for large breed dogs and without corn, wheat, or soy so that the food is easier to digest and sensitive on their stomachs. Try this Nutro Natural Choice large breed formula if you want to ensure proper growth and the right nutrition. You can feed this puppy food up to 18 months old and it offers the levels of protein, carbohydrates, and fats recommended for your GSD. German Shepherd Dogs do well on dog food that uses muscle meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken or beef, and chicken is the first muscle meat in this dog food formula. Feed the high-quality diet in smaller amounts throughout the day to provide a steady proportion of calories and to monitor their intake more easily. Too Few Calories Is your dog active? You must make sure they have the right calories for their energy needs. Your GSD puppy will go through growth spurts during the first year and there will be days when he needs to eat more due to his high puppy energy and antics of the day. But consider the activities your dog has done throughout the day and add a bit more food if he has participated in activities that took more energy, such as: been on an extra-long walk ran more than a couple of miles gone hiking or hill walking or had a full day of swimming Enjoying low-impact exercise with your GSD puppy will not stunt his growth, but if not fed enough calories to support his needs he might appear underweight. And remember that strenuous exercise could damage the growth plates of the bones and predispose your puppy to joint issues later in life. A smaller German Shepherd still needs exercise to keep them happy and their body working normally. Enjoy your daily walks even with a small GSD as long as they are healthy. Wait until your vet gives the all-clear around 18 months of age to enjoy high-impact activities like running, jogging, and jumping with your puppy. Use these safe German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Ideas instead to keep their bones and joints healthy into adulthood. There are so many overweight dogs that a fit, lean , athletic German Shepherd might look underweight to you. Instead of relying on charts and scales, use your hands to determine how small your German Shepherd really is. You should be able to feel the ribs with only a thin covering of skin. And your hands should curve in slightly when near the waist. In a short-coated German Shepherd, you should not be able to see the ribs and the bones should not stick out prominently. Many German Shepherds are lean and look smaller because they are very active, not because they need more food or are underweight. They are thin, with prominent bones, especially the hips and ribs. Malnourished dogs will often suffer from dehydration, lethargy, and skin disease. In most cases, malnourishment in dogs is a result of a lack of food or its poor quality that can't meet the canine's nutritional requirements. According to vets, A malnourished dog will show several identifiable signs when he is suffering from nutrient deficiency. Serious weight loss is the most identifiable symptom that occurs in malnourished dogs. Dogs that are unable to get enough vitamins and minerals will often experience changes in his coat, coloring, or texture. Sometimes, the reason is a medical condition that prevents the dog from eating. When malnourishment occurs, it is necessary to take the dog to the vet to recommend a specific diet and help in recovery. How to Help a Malnourished Dog Recover In most cases, malnourishment occurs as a result of a health issue. Once that primary problem has been solved, the dog will generally regain their original weight back. It is crucial to start feeding an underweight dog small amounts of food a few times daily. Providing too much food too fast to an emaciated dog may cause the development of refeeding syndrome, which is just as serious a condition. Digestive and neurological problems can also occur if feeding too much at once. Several crucial steps in this process, outlined below, will help the dog recover safely. Regular Vet Visits Never attempt to determine the right meal for a malnourished dog without consultation with the veterinarian. After a thorough examination, the vet will give appropriate advice and a step-by-step plan on how to feed an underweight dog and restore them to full condition. Also, the vet can help you monitor the progress, the dog's current weight, and your pet's overall health during these regular checkups, advising on any dietary or exercise adjustments if needed. It is necessary to check the dog's body temperature , the state of the dog's immune system, and any possible misbehavior issues during this process. Appropriate and Comfortable Environment A malnourished dog generally needs more warmth since their underfed body will have difficulty maintaining body temperature within physiological limits. Without the necessary amount of body fat, the dog will shiver when the outside temperature is slightly lower, leading to additional burning of calories. Plus, a malnourished dog needs to feel safe and calm as they will be more sensitive to the environment, so it is necessary to provide a stress-free, cozy, and comfortable place for your pet to rest, play, sleep, and otherwise spend their time. Gradually Increased Frequency of Meals Providing an extra meal for the dog during the day is the most comfortable and appropriate way to help the dog gain weight. Sometimes, the dog will refuse to eat, and syringe feeding may be necessary. At the initial stage, the most essential thing is not to increase the amount of food per meal but to add an extra feeding time. By preventing overeating, the dog won't have digestion or nausea issues. Improved Quality of Dog Food If feeding homemade, adding more muscle meat in meals will help the dog to put on weight in a short time. If the dog usually eats commercial kibble, providing an extra cup of food rich in protein between regular meals will help them to add the necessary pounds. There are certain weight-gain foods that are designed for underweight dogs. Alternatively, many experts recommend feeding an underweight dog with high-quality puppy food, which is generally higher in protein and fat, but lower in carbs. The goal is to increase the necessary daily amount of food gradually within 10 days. Gradually Increased Calorie Density On top of meal frequency and food quality, it is also helpful to choose calorie-dense dog food to help the dog consume those extra calories. The best solution is to reduce carbs but increase proteins and fat with every meal. Also, adding weight gain supplements that contain essential vitamins and minerals, especially phosphate, potassium, and magnesium, will support a healthy increase in the weight for the dog. Homemade Dog Food Meals Homemade meals can be chosen instead of commercial foods or fed in addition to commercial kibble. By adding nutrient-dense foods like whole eggs to your pet's meal, the dog will get a more significant amount of protein from egg white , vitamins from egg yolk , and calories. You can also add fruits and vegetables to the meal, such as apples, pumpkin, or sweet potato. Appropriate Exercise Routine Gaining weight by food intake without proper workouts can be counterproductive. The exercise route should not be designed for burning excess calories. On the contrary, it should be regular low-key walks and easy playtime that will improve the dog's appetite, keep the animal healthy, and prevent obesity. Avoid forcing the dog to run or over-exercise. The goal is to let the dog's body recover and put on lean muscle gradually. Just as with a feeding routine, exercise should start with low-impact ones and increase gradually in its intensity. Feeling the animal along the ribs, checking their body composition, and weighing the animal are the most proper ways to keep track of weight-gaining progress. If the dog's weight increases over time, the actions taken are adequate. On the other hand, if your dog's weight stagnates, you need to consult with a vet and change the diet, or increase the calories in the meal, or reconsider the dog's exercise routine. Best Weight Gain Dog Food for Malnourished Dogs Dog foods designed for weight gain are generally high in protein and calories and will pack additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals similar to weight gainers for bodybuilders. Some of the best weight gain dog foods for underweight dogs include: Preview. If a dog does not get these essential nutrients, he can fall victim to a number of different health issues, causing him to become weak, lethargic, or even threatened by death. Although most cases of malnourishment are the result of animal abuse, it can also be caused by several other lesser-known factors. Caring for a malnourished dog may be difficult in the beginning. For starters, you have to closely monitor your pet to make sure there are no underlying health issues he is suffering from. Depending on the severity of the issue, the problem may be out of your control. If you find a dog that is to the point of starvation, he will most likely need medical assistance by a professional veterinarian. If you own a dog and he continues to lose weight even though he has not had any changes in his diet or any other alterations in his lifestyle, he may be suffering from malnourishment due to an untreated health condition. You can be the best owner in the world; providing him with food, water, love, and plenty of playtime and he can still fall victim to malnourishment. This article will cover everything you need to know about the signs and symptoms of malnourishment in dogs. By educating yourself, you will be able to spot when your dog is malnourished or know how to treat a dog with a nutrient deficiency. Even though it may take a little extra attention and care to heal a malnourished dog, once he is able to recover, he can be a loving and playful companion for years to come. What is Malnourishment in Dogs? Malnourishment in dogs occurs when the animal is unable to receive or absorb proper nutrients in their body. This issue can be caused by a number of different problems including insufficient food consumption to internal health problems. Regardless of the issue, a malnourished dog can face severe consequences if left untreated. As often seen in homeless or abandoned animals, the easiest sign of malnourishment in dogs is a skinny or emaciated appearance. If the body does not take in vital nutrients that it needs, normal body functioning will be compromised, causing many different side effects to occur. Malnourished Dog Symptoms And Signs A malnourished dog will show several identifiable signs when he is suffering from a nutrient deficiency. If an animal is displaying one or more of these symptoms below, it is highly suggested to take him to your local vet for further examination. Keep in mind the sooner you are able to uncover the underlying cause, the faster your pup can receive treatment, therefore limiting his risk of developing irreversible side effects in the long run. Any unusual symptoms your dog may be experiencing should be addressed to your vet during the diagnosis process. Weight loss As previously stated, serious weight loss is the most identifiable symptom that occurs in malnourished dogs. When a dog is not being fed enough, his body is unable to sustain a healthy weight, therefore causing him to become underweight. It is fairly easy to tell if your dog is at a healthy weight or not. If you notice his rib bones protruding, that is a good sign that he is malnourished. To verify that this is the case, your vet can do a quick examination to see if your dog is at a healthy weight or not. Skin Issues One of the lesser-known symptoms of malnutrition is canine skin issues. Some animals that are suffering from a health condition will experience redness, irritation, or even hair loss. Dandruff is another skin problem that can be present when a dog is unable to utilize nutrients in their body. Any skin reaction or abnormality should be analyzed by your veterinarian, even if symptoms seem minor. Digestive Issues Gastrointestinal problems is always a good indication that your dog is suffering from an illness. Notice if your dog is having inconsistent bowel movements, gas, or diarrhea on a regular basis. Digestive issues in dogs are a very broad symptom and can be a side effect of endless canine health issues in general. Bad Breath Most dogs are not known for being overly hygienic, especially if he enjoys rolling around in the dirt or eating straight out of the garbage can. While a little bit of a stinky smell is okay for some dogs, if they smell pungent or foul, this could be a sign of an infection. Not only can they have a general odor on the body, but they can also have bad breath as well. Regardless if he has a health condition that is causing this problem to occur or not, your vet can at least give you some helpful pointers to mitigate the issue. Coat Health Did your dog have a beautiful, soft coat that all-of-a-sudden turned dull and brittle? If so, that could mean that he is malnourished. Dogs that are unable to get enough vitamins and minerals will often experience changes in his coat, coloring, or texture. You should also keep an eye out for a thinning of the coat or hair loss in general. As you could probably assume, these are not normal signs your dog should be experiencing if he is strong and healthy. Weakened Immune System Is your dog always sick? Does he seem more lethargic than normal? These are all signs of a weakened immune system. Poor nutrition will compromise an immune system, making your dog more susceptible to getting sick. Animals with a weakened immune system are unable to fight off bacteria and infections that a healthy dog would be unharmed by. These dogs will also have a more difficult time recovering from an illness. A weakened immune system is never a good sign, especially when our four-legged friends are unable to communicate how he is feeling. Causes of Malnourishment in Dogs Although most cases of malnourishment are from insufficient food intake, there are still many other causes that can lead to this health problem. These causes may vary slightly in signs and symptoms, but regardless of the issue, the animal will need to be taken care of as quickly as possible. Some of the leading causes of malnutrition in dogs include: Low-quality Diet Just like humans, dogs require a nutritious diet full of vitamins and minerals to stay happy and healthy. Keep in mind that not all dog foods are created equal. Some products contain very little nutritional value or are hiding harmful ingredients. In order to prevent using these types of products, consult with your veterinarian for further recommendations. Your vet will be able to suggest a specific product that works best for your pet and outline how much your furry friend should be eating on a daily basis. Parasites One of the most common causes of malnourishment in dogs is parasites. As said before, you can be doing everything right by taking your dog on daily walks and feeding him nutritious food, and he can still become malnourished. If you assume your dog has parasites, he will also show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or an expanded abdomen. Keep an eye out for these signs and if your dog begins to exhibit one or more symptoms, take him in for further testing. Underfeeding If a dog is not consuming enough food, he will eventually become malnourished. While no owner would purposely do this to their beloved companion, some rescue dogs that have been abandoned or abused may already have a nutrient deficiency as soon as you bring him home. Dogs who have been underfed will show signs of canine lethargy , will appear skinny, and can even develop further health complications if gone untreated. If your dog appears to be skinnier than the average, make sure you ask your vet for specific instructions on how much and how often you should be feeding your pup. Health Conditions If the issue is not caused by underfeeding, parasites, or a poor diet, chances are pretty high that your dog has a more serious underlying health condition. Intestinal tumors , irritable bowel disease , and several other problems can all cause malnutrition in dogs. Generally, if this happens, the dog will also be experiencing some accompanying symptoms as well. If your dog begins to act strange, has a change in coat health, or is experiencing an uncommon behavior, take him to the vet for a thorough analysis. Once there, your vet will be able to run a series of tests to identify any possible health conditions that may be inflicting your furry companion. How to Diagnose Malnutrition in Dogs If you suspect your dog is malnourished, schedule a trip to your vet as soon as possible. Your vet will first start off the diagnosis process by running through a series of standard tests to study the overall health of your dog. At this time, make sure you inform your vet of any other symptoms your dog has been experiencing thus far. This information can serve as a critical factor that can help significantly during the diagnosis stage. Depending on the suspected illness or problem, your vet may continue the testing process if they deem it to be necessary. In cases where you have rescued an animal and he is clearly malnourished, talk to your vet for further recommendations. In severe situations where the dog is extremely weak or in a fragile state, your vet may need to start a more aggressive treatment plan through intravenous fluids. This will help your dog get back to a more stable condition. If your pup has parasites, your vet will recommend a deworming product. For cases that are more severe, intensive treatment may be necessary. While your dog is recovering, make sure he is going to the vet for regular check-ups as often as possible. Use this time to talk to your vet and find out the best ways to treat and care for your malnourished dog. The best thing you can do as an owner is to be proactive and observant of your dog and act accordingly if necessary. Once your dog makes a full recovery from his malnutrition problem, he can go right back to his playful and loving self. Tumbarello, Elizabeth. Jaret, Peter. Tweet We get a lot of questions from German Shepherd owners about how to keep weight on their pups. Chronically skinny, underweight Shepherds can be heartbreaking for an owner who is desperate to put weight on them. What do I do? Schnauzers can have this problem too. So what is it? Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or EPI is a condition in which the pancreas is not able to produce adequate enzymes to digest and absorb food properly. To determine if this is the case with your shepherd, make an appointment with your veterinarian and request some blood testing. Shepherds are also susceptible to pancreatitis so it's important that you think preventatively! So what can you do if your shepherd has EPI? Your first line of defense as a pet owner is choosing the type of food and supplements you put into your shepherd. Try the following: Provide as many dietary enzymes as possible. Our recommendation is by feeding a raw diet. Raw meat, bones, organs, and juiced veggies combined will contain all the necessary enzymes for better digestive function. By relieving the pancreas of having to produce additional enzymes you can prevent pancreatic inflammation Pancreatitis. Shepherds that are fed only processed or cooked diets are often missing these vital nutrients. Suggestion: A rotation of our 3P veggies 1 and 4 is a great way to give natural-source vitamins and minerals as well as metabolic support for a dog suffering from a pancreatic disease. This may be a bit gross for some, but excellent for your pup! Add a good portion of raw, green tripe to the diet. Green tripe, an animal stomach that smells horrible, but it works! If fed raw not canned it contains the highest levels of digestive enzymes available in a natural form. Wild canines eat the stomach of their prey first because of this fact. Your shepherd will benefit too. Us it as a supplement on top of regular food portions. Ensure you are purchasing freshly frozen, grass-fed tripe. Provide a canine-specific digestive enzyme supplement that includes ox bile and a variety of other digestive enzymes. This will also provide some extra digestive support. Start slowly and build up to a full dosage if your shepherd is experiencing regular diarrhea. Keeping the gut flora in good working order will help your dog to absorb as many nutrients as possible. Good bacteria in the gut will also help with enzyme production, so don't leave the good bacteria out! Look for canine-specific, high potency, multi-strain probiotics with a pre-biotic added. Feed a lean, low-fat raw diet. High-fat diets can overwork the pancreas and the liver and are not recommended for shepherds with EPI or other pancreatic dysfunction. High-quality lean protein will help pack on the pounds for shepherds having difficulty gaining weight. Steer clear of lamb, duck, and other naturally high-fat meats. Cook yams or squash to add as low-glycemic carbohydrates. Cooked yams and squash are more nutritious and easier to digest than other forms of carbohydrate, such as rice or oatmeal. Also yams and squash pair better with the digestibility of raw foods. Remove the skin, unless vegetables are organic then you can keep the skins on. Make all dietary changes slowly and add one thing at a time.

Bringing a pug puppy home is not far from bringing a child home or having someone to live with you. Pugs are living creatures with personalities of their own. Some pug breeders offer pug mix puppies for sale in PA and you have to reach out to them as soon as they post their listing as there are many pet owners that are interested. Below are some of the steps you can take to help you select the perfect pug puppy for your home and choosing the right pug breeders. Create a Comprehensive List of Breeders Your search for adorable pug puppies will begin with a list of reputable breeders. Finding the best pug breeder will solve more than half of any future problems you might have with the pug. Instead, try to build a list of your options. Be specific with what you are looking for. This can be the need for crate training or an assurance of a health guarantee. This allows you to choose not only the best pug puppies but also enables you to get the best deal you can get. Once you have a list of at least five 5 pug breeders, you can talk to each of them and figure out which breeder has the best pug puppy for you. Identifying the Best Pug Breeder Now that you have a list, you can set appointments for each of the pug breeders. Talk to the pug breeders and ask them important questions. Of course, while pug breeders value owners who are enthusiastic about getting the best puppies home, be respectful with the manner you ask your questions. Always try to build a relationship and ask for information in the context of understanding how to take care of the pug you are about to bring home. Some buyers would indicate their need for the puppies to undergo crate training and would seek a health guarantee. Do your best to ask for these details when you talk to pug breeders. To properly identify a pug breeder who follows ethical practices in breeding pug puppies, look for these small signs or signals that they are legit: Legitimate Breeders Volunteer Information. Check out their listing and see if they are providing complete information about the puppy. This means that if there are issues with the puppy, they will volunteer the information. Do not fall for big claims like the puppy coming a champion sired pug without proof. Take what the breeder is saying with a grain of salt unless proof is established. They will be upfront about the total cost of the transaction and will not include any hidden fees. Legitimate Breeders Value a Vet Check Since part of any breeding program is the vet check, a good pug breeder will not shy away if you want to bring a vet along with you. In fact, it will be their delight since a third party can confirm the health status of their adorable pug puppies. How do I Identify a Healthy Puppy? Check if the gums of the adorable puppies are healthy pink and that their nose does not close when they inhale. Check the head and the hip for soft spots. With the pug breed, hip dysplasia is a common physical illness that needed to be detected at the earliest symptoms. There are good places to identify if a puppy has health issues. Confirm with the breeder if the first shots were already given and also dewormed. Legitimate Breeders Follow Age Guidelines The safest time frame for pups to leave the litter is after at least 8 weeks. It is not an ethical practice to release pups before this time. If the adorable puppies were released before the 8th-week mark, it will have a damaging impact on the health of the puppy. Good breeders will even wait until the 12th week before the puppy is released. Look for Guarantees A good breeder offers a health guarantee as a practice, even with other pets. This assures the new owners that the puppies are vet checked and health tested. Knowing if the pug puppy is family raised can be a good guarantee, too. A new puppy should be released with health clearances that will enable them to grow and mature into adult dogs. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.

Read on for detailed tips on when you should expect your Labradoodle to be trained and milestone ages. Did you know that back in , Labradoodles were bred by an Australian breeder Wally Conron for a blind woman whose husband had a dog allergy? Since then, Labradoodles have only grown in popularity. The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is around 10 to 14 years , and they come in three different sizes — miniature or toy, medium, and standard. Their sizes can also affect how they behave. Your Labradoodle will undergo various changes through every stage in their lives. Their five different life stages include: Puppyhood — 1 to 5 months Adolescence — 6 to 18 months Adulthood — until three years of age Middle Age — until seven years of age Old Age — the last stage; until 12 to 14 years of age. At every stage, your Labradoodle will depict different behaviors, and you will have to modify how you train them accordingly. Can Labradoodles smile? The correct training approach is to start coaching your Labradoodles from the first day when you bring them home. Compared to adult dogs, puppies are easier to train. You will have a much easier and fun time training them when and where to pee, how to socialize, how not to put everything in their mouth, how to stay away from chewing the new sofa set, etc. First 30 Days with a Labradoodle The first 30 days are an exciting time with new Labradoodles. With a crossbreed, you often have no idea what surprises are about to unfold. Your furry friend will obviously go on to explore every nook and cranny of your house. While you might feel like spending every second cuddling and playing around with them, this is the time when you should start training your dog. The sooner you begin, the more adaptable the routine becomes to the dog. When they are young, it is recommended that you initiate the process of Early Scent Introduction to amplify their senses. This will allow them to quickly identify and react to particular smells. A helpful activity is putting a leash on your Labradoodle while it walks around the house and sniffs different household objects. You can also include a few more games and habits into their routine to make them put their senses to good use. You will often find them jumping around the house and licking everyone. All their sensory organs will be heightened, so behaviors like wagging their tails and play-biting people will be common. If their erratic behavior changes are not kept in check, you might even find them baring teeth at anyone who attempts to touch their belongings or fiddle with the safe environment they are used to. Potty Training This is the age to establish a potty schedule for your puppy. Include multiple potty breaks throughout the day so that the dog knows where to go to release themselves. Train them to hold their pee in until they reach their designated point. Every time they successfully pee outside , make sure to reward them with a treat. Leash Training Leashes are going to be a life-long friend of your dogs. Make sure you introduce them to the concept of a leash right from the very beginning. It will help your Labradoodle get accustomed to the feeling of having a leash around them every time they are taken for a walk. When at home, put the leash on the dog, and let them walk around freely without pulling on it. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. The puppyhood phase is about to end, and the new adulthood chapter is about to commence. By this time, they should have mastered most of the training commands and techniques so you can move on to teaching them more advanced training options. Loose leash training, clicker, and positive reinforcement training all become possible now. We must keep a strict eye on reinforcing positive behavior and obedience and redirect unwanted behavior with just as much consistency as when they were a young puppy. By this time, your dog should also be vaccinated, so they can go to a nearby park and play with other dogs. Command Training This is the stage when you start teaching your Labradoodle some basic commands. The best way to introduce it is during their mealtime. You can hold the food in your hands and use it to lure them. Identify a definite marker that you can use to communicate to your Labradoodle if they perform a particular command correctly or incorrectly. Sit with your Labradoodle on the floor and play around to try to communicate with them. Make them comfortable with your touch and sound. Find other puppies that your Labradoodle can spend time with. It is a good idea to begin socializing your puppy to help them become more comfortable with humans as well as other dogs. This will also reduce the risk of anxiety and fear, help them listen to others better, and ensure that they live a fulfilling and happy life. Regardless of what training routine you establish for your dog, make sure you only do it through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a reward-based training option. So, if your dog successfully performs a task or follows a command, you praise them or reward them with treats. You can use a favorite treat or a toy to encourage them to follow the command again. Avoid punishing your dog at all costs as it would instill life-long fear in them. Use puzzle toys and different mentally stimulating exercises to improve their physical and mental capabilities even simple food toys like frozen Kongs or slow feeder bowls do the trick. Our best Labradoodle name ideas. I am sure you have been planning the arrival of your Labradoodle and are excited for all the joy and happiness they are about to bring into your life. I got a puppy a few months back too, and there are a few tips I wish someone had told me about before: Have two separate bowls ready for your Labradoodle — one for food and one for water. Feed them with food specific to their breed, and make sure to replace their bowl with fresh water every day. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are part and parcel of a good puppy training routine. You can also treat them with a toy every time they follow the commands you teach them. Invest in a comfortable dog bed. Although bedding can be expensive, your Labradoodle needs a decent place to relax. Make sure the size of the bed is appropriate, neither too big nor too small. Puppy-proof your house before the new member settles in. Keeping the electrical cords out of reach, properly latching the doors and windows to avoid risking your puppy wandering off, and designating a specific bathroom area for the puppy are some of the vital precautions you must take. It not only keeps them clean and smelling fresh but also eliminates the risk of illnesses and diseases in your dog. But they still need to be regularly groomed to avoid matting. To do this, however, you need to train your Labradoodles to be comfortable with the different grooming tools and sit still for some time. Here are a few tips on how you can do that successfully: Sensitize your Labradoodle to the sounds of different grooming equipment like nail trimmers, scissors, combs, brushes, etc. Play with their paws and make them feel comfortable. You should massage their feet and touch their nails to make them feel at ease with your touch. The more you delay grooming your dog regularly, the more complex and painful the procedure will get. Brushing becomes easy, pain-free, and you will be surprised to see your Labradoodle eventually starting to look forward to it. While doing facial trims, your dog needs to remain calm and still. To do a facial trim, gently hold their head in one hand and rest their chin on another. There are high chances your dog will be placed in a crate when attending grooming sessions at a salon. So make them accustomed to being placed inside a crate at home. You can keep their favorite toys and treats inside to make them feel more comfortable. Most of the advanced Labradoodle training options and methods are built on basic training methods. If your Labradoodle has successfully mastered basic training skills, the advanced training period will be relatively easy. If you want your dog to behave even better and learn new tricks, or get them registered as a service dog or a guide dog, or make them participate in an upcoming dog event, you can consider enrolling them in professional advanced training courses. Labradoodles, as the name suggests, are a cross between Poodles and Labradors, combining the best characteristics of both breeds. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and loving and they are very easy to train. In terms of background, if the breeder or adoption service you got your pup from did not start any training, then you will have to start slow and be patient. A Labradoodle that has been trained and brought up well can serve as the perfect service dog, guide dog, or therapy dog. Are Labradoodles Easy To Train? Labradoodles are great companions that can fit in as easily in a large family as they can in a small one. They are easy to train, friendly, social, and intelligent. If they are trained consistently, they develop a friendly temperament and bond well with their owners. Do Labradoodles Bark Excessively? As with any other breed of dog, Labradoodles are at high risk of barking excessively if they are not adequately trained or if their day-to-day requirements are not met. A Labradoodle has a lot of energy. If the energy is not channeled in the right place through coaching, exercising, and proper stimulation, they might get stressed and anxious and bark unreasonably. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Final Words The happiness that comes with having a Labradoodle as your companion and raising them is unmatched. However, as with any other dog, training them involves hard work and discipline. I hope this guide makes Labradoodle training easy for you. The biggest hurdle you may face when training your dog is a lack of motivation and consistency. Luckily, Labradoodles are inclined to learn from their owners quicker than other breeds. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. In those early weeks, the mother provides the training and a calm-assertive energy to influence how the puppies react to their surroundings. When they come home to you they are relying on their new pack and pack leader your family and you to show leadership and calm assertive energy not aggressiveness. A pack leader: Decides where the pack will go. Decides when the pack will eat. Decides who gets what food. Decides who is allowed to bark and when. Decides when the pack is allowed to play. Decides what the pack is allowed to play with. Decides how other members of the pack must behave. Decides who owns what. Always walks in the front. Can take anything away from any dog in his pack and claim it as his own. There are many books and websites on pack leadership - take the time to do your research before you bring your puppy home. Training is always about consistency and repetition and gently correcting any bad habits before they become a problem. Start early, once your puppy has completed all of it's vaccinations make sure you register them for your local Puppy School. Your Veterinarian can usually recommend a Puppy School close to you. Allowing puppies to socialise with other dogs will ensure they are happier, healthier, and more obedient pets. Most Puppy Schools expose your puppy to basic obedience excercises and social interaction; they cover common behaviour issues, toilet training, chewing and much more. House training - The most common questions we are asked is about house training your puppy - my advice is be consistent and patient. Routine, routine, routine - yes it sounds boring but I have found it has worked well with puppies we have trained. Find a designated toileting area maybe an area of grass in your back yard and this is where you will take your puppy consistently, every 2 hours at least while it is inside. You have to be vigilant and learn to recognise the signs that your puppy is about to toilet. Take the puppy outside and offer alot of praise or even a treat for their toileting. We associate words with this such as 'do wees' or 'go potty' during toileting so that down the track it can be a command before bed time or whenever you require it. When inside, we close off areas of the house where possible and keep the puppy with us so it is easier to watch their behaviour. Roll up you special rugs for a couple of months and close off bedroom doors. Expect accidents, and you should never discipline your puppy after the act - just clean it up and be prepared to catch them next time. A firm NO if you catch your puppy in the act and remove them to their toileting area immediately. Being vigilant will have many benefits, your puppy will need to be taken for toileting when they wake from a sleep, after eating, chewing or active play. Most pups can make it through the night by the time they are 4 months old, but if that has not happened yet try picking up the water bowl well before bed time and feed him earlier. While your puppy is inside, try having a special basket or blanket that is in a central part of your house. Encourage your puppy to stay in their basket for rest periods, you could use a collar and lead to contain the puppy. Have a chew toy or two available and time their stay. Within an hour or two take them straight outside for toileting before they come out and play. Research crate training as another alternative. Bladder control develops and increases with your pups age. Play biting, mouthing and nipping - Another frequently asked question.Puppies like to explore the world with their mouths and mouthing is a common and normal behavior in most young puppies. They spend hours of time playing, chewing and investigating objects including people and this involves puppies using their mouths and their needle-sharp teeth. All of this behaviour is cute when your pup is 8 weeks but not so when he's a few months old and getting bigger. Mouthing behavior is rarely aggressive and not intended to cause harm. If your puppy likes to chew on your hands or clothes while you are playing or patting, you could try re-directing it onto a more appropirate chew toy. Always have chew toys nearby and immediately distract the puppy with the toy and let it play with toy instead. Reinforce good behaviour by praising your puppy when you see it chewing something appropriate and acceptable. This is called bite inhibition. Puppies usually learn bite inhibition during play with their litter mates. There is loads of pouncing, wrestling, chasing and biting. Every now and then a pup will bite his playmate too hard and the recipient yelps and usually stops playing. Through this kind of social play, puppies learn to control the intensity of their bites so that play can continue without interruption. If our clever pups can learn to be gently from each other, they can learn the same lesson from us - that nipping or biting stops all play and social interaction. As soon as you feel your pups teeth on your skin, give a high pitched yelp as if you are hut and if necessary walk away. This should startle your puppy and cause him to stop mouthing you probably just momentarily. If your yelp has no effect a firm NO! Reinforce the good behaviour with praise and try re-directing and bite inhibition strategies together. Get Started Labradoodle Training We know how challenging it can be training your doodle puppy, and adjusting your new puppy's schedule and routine to yours. Below are some tips and suggestions on how to make your puppies first few weeks together with you and your family a stress free and exciting time for all involved! Bringing Your New Puppy Home The first few days home with you, can be overwhelming for your new puppy. Everything is a new experience to them. Try to bring the puppy into your home during a time that is slow for you. Once you arrive home with your puppy, you want to start a routine as quickly as possible. Try giving your puppy a few minutes of playtime before beginning any training. This is brought on by the stress of a big change, and as long as it is not excessive or bloody, it is nothing to be concerned about. High quality Puppy and Dog foods have all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs. One ingredient to avoid in your puppy food is corn. Corn offers little nutritional value and is mostly a filler. You may feed your puppy whatever food you prefer. However, If you are changing foods, you want to do it slowly to give them a chance to adjust to the new food. Each day, gradually add more of the new food and less of the old food. If changed too quickly, the puppy may experience diarrhea. Once in the morning and once at night. We recommend the evening feeding to occur by - pm. It is recommended that you do this until they are around 6 months of age. Remember to offer water every 2 to 4 hours, not just when offering food. As with feeding we don't like to give water too close to bedtime when training a labradoodle puppy. House Training Your Labradoodle Puppy "The key to house training is to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Such deterrence may seem impossible if you have a puppy that seems to eliminate every few minutes. But by following a few simple steps, you can teach your canine companion proper potty deportment. Pick A Potty Spot - Choose a grassy area that is close to your home and easy to clean up. Whenever your puppy needs to go, take him to this spot and use the same route to get there every time. Supervise Your Puppy - To prevent accidents, watch your puppy closely whenever he's not confined. Get Him A Den a crate, more on that below - When you can't watch your puppy, put him where accidents are less likely to occur: In a crate. The crate is a safe, enclosed area where your puppy will instinctively refrain from eliminating. Put your puppy in its crate any time you can't watch it every single second, but don't leave your pup there too long. No more than one hour longer than its age in months four hours for a 3-month-old dog. Keep A Schedule - Puppies need to eliminate after sleeping, eating, and playing, and before bedtime. By setting up a schedule for those activities, you can make your puppy's bathroom breaks more predictable and greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Stick With It - It may take awhile before your puppy becomes trained. If this process sounds like work ,it is, but the better you do it -or in other words, the fewer accidents you have while training-the more quickly your dog will succeed. Crate Training Your Labradoodle I have heard many people say that crate training is mean and only serves as a punishment to the dog. They couldn't be more wrong. These are some of the many benefits of crate training: Crates are perfect for the dog to sleep in. When a dog is coming into a home where other dogs already live, the crate is a safe place for the new dog. You should never confine your pet as a form of punishment. Make sure that you invest in a good sturdy crate made either of hard plastic or of heavy steel wire. Cages with rounded edges make it easier to clean them. Make sure the cage is big enough for the dog. Puppies need a cage that is appropriate for their size. They have crates that can be divided so that a large cage can work for a smaller puppy. This eliminates the need to buy several different cages as the puppy grows. We hope you have success training your doodle puppy and find it as rewarding as we have! Follow Along on Social Media! Popular Links. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one toilet break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cosy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last toilet stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy toilet training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialisation is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialisation exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Garden The garden is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favourite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the flat side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialisation exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. If you put in the effort early on, then you will be rewarded with a well-mannered dog who will be a joy to spend time with for years to come. Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and playful, but if you let your youngster do whatever he wants and allow him to think that he is the boss, then you may well end up with a naughty, attention-seeking adult. Lack of training usually plays a big part in why the dog develops some unwanted behavior traits. If you want a dog that you can take anywhere and who will be a perfect companion, rather than a pain in the neck, then spend time early on teaching him some manners and your ground rules. You may consider seeking the help of a professional trainer, but that option may not be practical or within the budget. This way, your puppy will get to learn and socialize with other dogs at the same time. You could also watch some Labradoodle training videos on YouTube, but it should not replace training with other dogs. If you decide to train your Doodle yourself, then remember the golden rule: training should always be based on rewards and not punishment. It should be a positive learning experience for both of you. Labradoodles can be sensitive little critters, and bawling at the top of your voice or smacking should not play any part in training. Are Labradoodles Easy to Train? Labradoodles are very intelligent and generally regarded as easy to train due to their easy-going temperaments and desire to connect with and please their humans. They have curious minds, and most will thrive on training if they get the chance to exercise their grey matter with some fun. Some Labradoodles are professionally trained to a very high standard to become guide or therapy dogs. Over the years, Labradoodles, especially Australian Labradoodles , have been bred with a specific easy-going temperament in mind. Early Labradoodles were often headstrong and hyper-active, but well-bred Aussie Doodles these days usually have great personalities and fit well into family life. Like most dogs, Labradoodles are pack animals and hierarchical. They respect the pecking order and are happy when they know and are comfortable with their place in it. They need to learn their place in the pack and accept you as a pack leader. You cannot force this on a dog by shouting and hitting. It has to be established by the natural order of things like mutual consent and brought about by proper training. If your puppy is not made aware of his place in the household and the rules to abide by, then he will end up ruling you and your family. Be firm, but never aggressive with your dog. If you do it wrong then, you will either frighten him or teach him to be aggressive. Keep training short and fun, especially at the beginning. If you have adopted an older dog, you can still train him, but it is a lot harder for them to unlearn bad habits. Training Tip 2: Your voice is your most important training tool Your dog has to learn to understand your language. The tone of your voice is very important. You should command in a calm, authoritative voice without shouting. Praise the puppy in a cheerful, encouraging voice, followed by a stroke or a pat. If your dog has done something wrong, use a firm, stern voice, not a harsh scream. This rule still applies even if your Labradoodle is unresponsive at the beginning. Training Tip 3: Only give command that you can enforce Labradoodles are intelligent dogs. Training Tip 4: Train your dog gently and humanely. Use positive and motivational methods to teach your puppy. Keep training sessions upbeat, so the whole experience is enjoyable for both of you. Training Tip 5: Begin your training from home How well your dog responds to you at home affects his behavior away from home as well. Training Tip 6: One command equals one response Give your dog only one command — twice maximum — then gently enforce it. Repeating commands or nagging will make your Labradoodle tune out. It also tells him that the first few commands are a bluff. But a relationship based on fear is not a good one, and it will undermine your relationship with him. He should trust that when he hears his name, good things happen. His name should always be a word that your Doodle responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear. If he gets lots of attention when he jumps up on you, his bad behavior gets reinforced. Training Tip Timing is critical When your puppy does something right, praise him immediately. Similarly, when he does something wrong, correct him straight away. This technique works surprisingly well. Training Tip Give your dog attention when YOU want Labradoodles are sociable creatures, and they love being with you and involved with the family. While you are training him, it is good to give your puppy lots of positive attention when he is good. But if he starts jumping up, nudging you constantly or barking for your attention, then ignore him. If you give in to his every demand, then he will begin to think that he is the boss and become more demanding. Wait a while and pat him when you want, and when he has stopped demanding your attention. Training Tip Be Consistent In terms of rules and training, treat your fluffy little Doodle pup as a grown-up. Make him abide by the rules you want him to live by as an adult. You may want to put your pup on a leash to hold his attention in the beginning. Stand facing each other and hold a treat a few inches above his head. Stroke and praise him for as long as he stays in the sitting position. Practice it in short sessions until he does it every time. After a while, he should do it just from command, without moving the treat over him. When he does, give him a treat anyway. If he jumps up on his back legs and paws while you are moving the treat, be patient, and start all over again. Another method is to put one hand on his chest and with your other hand, gently push down on his rear end until he is sitting. Give him a treat and praise, even though you have made him do it. For example, when you are putting his leash on, while you are preparing his meal, when he fetches the ball, or when he is demanding attention or getting over-excited. They do it all the time with their siblings in the litter. It is a game for them. But when they arrive at your home, they have to be taught that human body parts are not for biting. Try not to encourage play-biting. As a puppy grows and feels more confident in his surroundings, and he may become slightly more aggressive. His bites may hurt someone, especially if you have children or older people at home. Make sure to have a soft toy nearby every time you have a play session with your puppy. When he starts to chew your hand or feet, clench your fingers or toes to make it more difficult and distract him with the soft toy in your other hand. Keep the game interesting by moving the toy around or rolling it around in front of him. He may continue to chew you, but will eventually realize that the toy is far more exciting and livelier than your body parts. If he becomes over-excited or too aggressive with the toy and starts growling a lot, then stop playing with him, and walk away. If your pup is more persistent and tries to bite your legs as you walk away, thinking this is another fantastic game, stand still and ignore him. Your puppy may well jump back in amazement, surprised that he has hurt you. Train a Labradoodle Not to Jump The reason why a labradoodle jumps up onto humans is that they want to get your attention and say hello. As you are taller than him, he has to jump to get your attention. Sadly, it might not be enjoyable for your guests or other people having an unknown dog jumping on them. As a dog owner, you must stop your dog from bothering other people. You can try the below techniques to train your labradoodle not to jump: When your dog starts jumping, follow training tip 9. Do not look into his eyes and stand straight up with your arms crossed. When his paws touch the ground, pat him. Repeat the exercise until he stops jumping. If your dog is jumping on a guest, then ask your guest to turn around and ignore him. Labradoodle Crate Training Crate training is the process of teaching your pup how to behave and enjoy spending time in a crate. Along with housetraining, this is one of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy. The idea behind crate training is that dogs like to have their particular spot. This place is a Safe Haven where only they can go. It teaches them to hold it until they are let outside to potty. Crates are not for every Labradoodle, and you should NEVER use them to imprison the dog while you are out of the house all day. Doodles are not like hamsters or pet mice, which can adapt to life in a cage. But, used correctly, a crate can help to: Housetrain your dog Keep your dog safe when traveling Create a doggy bedroom or place where your Labradoodle feels safe. If you use a crate, then remember that it is NOT a prison to restrain the dog. It should only be used humanely, and time should be spent to make the puppy feel like the crate is his safe little haven. Place the crate in the corner of a room, away from cold draughts or too much heat. Labradoodles like to be near their pack so, leave him where he can hear you. Crate Training Here are some techniques that you can follow to make your puppy to accept a crate and then to want to spend time in there. He might not be very happy about going in at first, but he will be a lot easier to crate train than an adult dog Drop a few tasty treats around and then inside the crate. Keep the door open. Do not close the crate door yet. Place a chew or treat inside the crate and close the door while your pup is outside the crate. He will be desperate to get in. Open the door to let him in and praises him. Fasten a long-lasting chew inside the crate and leave the door open. Let your puppy go inside and spend some time eating the chew. After a while, close the crate door and feed him some treats through the mesh. At first, do it for a few seconds at a time, then gradually increase the time. If you do it too fast, he will become distressed. Slowly build up the amount of time he is in the crate. For the first few days, stay in the room, then gradually leave the room for a short time, first one minute, then three, then 10, 30 minutes, and so on. The next points are very important to make the crate training successful: Do not let the dog immediately out of the crate while he is barking, or he will think that barking is the key to opening the door to the crate. Wait until the barking or whining has stopped for at least 10 seconds before letting him out. If you do decide to use a crate, remember that a dog is NOT a caged animal. Use the crate for limited periods and only if your dog is comfortable in there. NEVER force a dog to go in and then lock him in for hours on end. From about the age of three weeks, a puppy will leave his sleeping area to go to the toilet. Therefore, you need to teach him that it is unacceptable to make a mess anywhere inside the home. It depends on how quickly your puppy learns and how persistent and patient you are. Follow these steps to speed up the potty-training process: Constant supervision is essential for the first few weeks if you want to house train your puppy quickly. This is why it is necessary to book the week off work when you bring a new puppy home. Making sure you are there to take him outside regularly. If nobody is there, he will learn to urinate or poop inside the house. Take your puppy outside to the same place every time. Dogs naturally develop a preference for going in the same spot or on the same surface -often grass. Take him to the same patch every time, so he learns this is his toilet — preferably an area in a far corner of your garden or yard. No pressure — be patient. You must allow your Doodle pup to wander around and have a good sniff before he does his duties. Stay around a short distance away instead of leaving him. Sadly, puppies are not known for their powers of concentration. They may become easily distracted, and it may take a while for them to select that perfect spot to wee pee on! Share the responsibility. Just make sure you stick to the same routines and patch of ground. Take your pup outside at the following times: As soon as he wakes — every time Shortly after each feed. Contact Puppy Training The pages within the Homecoming Prep segment of our website are private and can only be accessed through the link provided through email and through the link on the Prepare For Puppy page. The button on this page is titled Homecoming Prep. Once you are in the Homecoming Prep section of the website you will need to use your back button to navigate the pages and return to this Homecoming Prep home page. Group Classes verses Private Trainer We recommend that you plan to have a professional dog trainer work with you in group classes and-or private lessons. Sometimes both are necessary, depending on your situation. Families with young children need to plan on having a private trainer working with individual dynamics in your home. To find a great trainer near you, go to our Facebook Owners Group for Legendary Labradoodles Families to find great options. Attached is a listing of good trainers in and around Texas. Loads of videos and one on one sessions through a Facetime platform are included in the fee. This will help you prepare for your puppy's arrival and get you started on the right foot. Please be sure you, your children and all family members understand the signals your puppy is giving you. The puppy is not a toy and not meant to be held at will. Set limits on how many times a day no more than 4 that your child can hold the puppy. Children should only be allowed to hold the puppy if they are seated. Too much handling can physically hurt the puppy as well as begin the process of the puppy not tolerating your child. No walking around carrying the puppy. This is true for all children under 8. Puppies will chew on and sometimes ingest toys. If ingested, the pieces can lodge and cause your puppy to have to undergo surgery that is not always successful. Puppies generally do NOT like to be hugged. Puppies will jump up on people. There are two primary responses that most dogs will respond to. The first is to cross your arms, hiding your hands, and turn around showing the dog your backside and being very still. If your dog continues to jump on you they are not responding to this method and you should not continue trying it. Instead, step right into the space where there front paws are on the ground, being careful not to step on their feet. Repeat this behavior each time your dog jumps and instruct all people who your dog interacts with to do this same thing. Puppies and dogs in general will feed off of the people around them. Those who are very exciteable and talk in high pitched tones will create a dog who responds to seeing people by becoming super amped up and difficult to follow simple commands. Try to limit this. It's not in the puppies best interest to repeatedly be encouraged to escalate the excitement level to this high level. This is when the dog will become less focused and less able to follow your guidance. Keep in mind that your dog will feed off of you, your tone and your energy level. Once you get to this site, click on Puppies, then development stages. Use your back button to return to this page. This is usually the first place pictures and video show up. We also have a private Facebook page for owners of our puppies. At this time, you can join this group by answering a few short questions. It is titled Legendary Labradoodles Owners Group. There is info about grooming, vet care, training and all sorts of topics. There are links in the footer of this page to our main Facebook page, not the owners group and our instagram account. If you click on the icon it will take you to our pages. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy. Over 6 Months Old 8 week old Labradoodle Puppy Training At 8 weeks old your puppy has only just arrived home, so your main focus will be on helping them to settle in, bonding and starting that all important potty training process. Potty Training Your brand new puppy will need to have the opportunity to pee as much as every twenty minutes for the first few days. They will also need to pee or poop after every meal, and every big drink. Socialization Have four different sets of visitors to the house, and go to at least four busy places with the puppy in your arms. Sweet Goodbyes Puppies find it hard to be left alone, so we like to sweeten up those goodbyes with treats! Every time you need to briefly leave the room, drop a handful of kibble behind you to make it seem like a good thing for your pup. Follow me Puppies are naturally inclined to follow you at 8 weeks old, and you want to encourage that instinct. When outdoors in the backyard change direction lots, and give lots of treats and cuddles in exchange for them coming after you. Recall Blow your recall whistle we use five short pips when your puppy is running full pelt towards you. They will have started to understand that outdoors is the place to pee, and have gained a tiny bit of bladder control. But they will still need a lot of help! Socialization should still be in full swing this week, and your increasingly confident puppy will need help remembering to keep her teeth to herself. Potty Training Your puppy will still need lots of opportunity to pee outdoors in order to reduce accidents. Socialization Meeting people is really important this week. Take your puppy to four new places, and have four sets of visitors. Carry them while you are outdoors. Rewarding Eye Contact Whenever your puppy looks up at your face, pop a treat in between her paws or into her mouth. This will start to encourage her to look up at you more often, in the hopes of something scrummy. We close our treat laden palm when the puppy approaches, open it again as they back oiff and feed the treats to them with the other hand. This helps them to start learning that staying calm and keeping a little distance will get you treats quicker than biting and snatching at them. This week you might start to see those teeth come into action. Remember to remove attention from the puppy when they bite hard on your skin. At just under 3 months old your puppy will have lots of confidence, and be accidentally getting themselves into all sorts of jams unless you are really careful. The window for socialization is closing soon, so make the most of those last couple of weeks to build up their knowledge of people and the world around them. Potty Training At 10 to 12 weeks your puppy will be able to hold its bladder for maybe as long as two and a half hours during the day. If you get an accident in the house, reduce that time down again. And make a note of when your puppy pees so as not to lose track. Over these weeks try to go to two new busy places and two new sets of visitors each week. Rewarding calm behavior Now is the time to help your dog learn to relax. Every time you catch your Labradoodle puppy relaxing, pop a treat between their paws. This will encourage her to chill out even more! Introduce off leash heel position You can start to teach your dog to walk nicely next to you at this point. We begin this process by reinforcing them for standing next to you with the clicker and treats. Recall To work on your recall, whistle your puppy for running towards you as you run away. Give them lots of treats as a reward when they arrive. You can also whistle when giving meals to build up strong positive associations with this cue. Bite inhibition Labradoodle puppy biting can really ramp up at this age. Remember to remove attention when your puppy bites hard. Either standing up, or even leaving the room or popping them in their crate or playpen temporarily while they calm down. This is your final chance for socialization, and it needs to be carried out in a more relaxed way. But at least you can pop your pup on the ground now! Recall Whistle your puppy for running towards you as you walk away, rewarding them with lots of treats when they arrive. Stand with your puppy on the leash, and carry them between locations so as not to upset future heelwork progress. Introduce sit We introduce the sit at this stage, but in a very relaxed informal way. We do so indoors only, when there are no distractions. This is begun without a cue or command, by capturing the position. Potty training should be pretty established. Your goal is to encourage your dog to focus on you and to become a well mannered member of the family. Your puppy should still be given the chance to pee at least every two to three hours. As well as after meals! Changing directions Puppies are more confident at this age, so you need to keep them keen to stay near you. When outdoors in the backyard or at the dog park, keep changing direction regularly. Be unpredictable, and when they follow you back it up with lots of fuss and treats. Off leash heelwork Off leash heelwork training moves from establishing the position to taking a few steps forwards at this stage. Make sure you use lots of praise, and only practice in a familiar, boring area. And one with no distractions! Go slowly, and make sure your pup stays focussed on you. Introduce down We also introduce the down position at this age. This is done without a cue like the sit was the previous month, by capturing the position. Advancing the sit The sit advances further at this stage. Once that is well established, you can begin to very slightly increase duration and distance one by one. Adding distance, duration or distractions to things they already know. Where you get your dog used to doing as you ask them, in different locations or with distractions. Or for longer! Adding distance, duration or distractions We do this step by step, only increasing one thing at a time. So if you want your dog to sit for longer, you will do it somewhere they already happily sit and with no one else around. And thinking of adding a distraction like another dog? Then do it somewhere they are familiar with, and with that dog a long way away to begin with. On leash heelwork We love teaching heelwork off leash. It helps your dog to walk nicely next to you, without ever having the opportunity to pull. A dog that has never wandered ahead is less likely to try to do so even with a leash. Training Methods I cannot recommend positive reinforcement training enough. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog when they do something that you want them to, by giving them something they like. Food is usually the best thing to motivate your dog with, but toys work well for some dogs too. When you use positive methods you can start training your puppy from the very first day they arrive in your home. And logical to know how far you expect a puppy to be able to have come at different developmental stages. Labradoodles are clever and focussed, but they also have a fairly high prey drive. Training is a marathon, not a sprint, and every dog takes their own time. Just remember to only move on to more challenging training situations for them when they have totally mastered the stage before. Related Articles.