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Do French Bulldogs Have Tails? French Bulldogs were originally used for ratting and selective breeding gave them this short and cute tail. The French Bulldog is probably the first breed that came to your mind when thinking about dogs without or with short tails. Brittany Spaniel Photo by Anna Kimbell on Unsplash Brittany Spaniels were historically bred as gun dogs and are still being used for various sports. While most dogs in this breed have short tails, some are actually born tailless. It is not known whether the short tails occur through natural mutation or breeding with other Spaniels. A long or docked tail disqualifies a Boston Terrier from registration which makes it hard for long-tailed dogs to be recognized as purebred. Yes, Bulldogs are naturally born with a short straight or screwed tail while the straight one is more desirable according to the breed standard. Just like with any other breed, there are abnormalities and bulldogs can be born with a long tail. However they are just as great as companions. Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog Photo by allison christine on Unsplash Opposite to the Australian Cattle Dog, this breed is naturally born with a stumpy tail as the name suggests that is no longer than 4 inches 10 cm for our metric friends. The Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog was specifically bred to withstand the harsh environment of the Australian outback while herding livestock. This rare breed is only being officially bred in Australia and Canada. A short or missing tail is a very desirable trait in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and really distinguishes it from the long — tailed Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Corgis were being docked for a long time until it became illegal in many countries and breeders had selectively bred for this trait. The tiny tail on the Corgi is cause d by a recessive mutation in the T-gene. Brazilian Terrier The tail length of the Brazilian Terrier can vary from long to completely missing but the docked tail is seen as the breed standard. The origin of this small tri-colored dog is not completely discovered and different theories mention the Jack Russel Terrier and Fox Terrier as ancestors. Croatian Sheepdog The Croatian Sheepdog used to be naturally born with a long and curly tail which was usually being docked. After docking became illegal in Croatia, selective breeding was the only way to keep passing on this trait. Today, most dogs are born with a very small or no tail at all. The natural mutation of the T-gene allows breeders to keep the desirable bobtail. Traditionally, Schnauzers were always docked like many other small farm dogs as a part of the AKC terrier group. Tail Docking Docking is a very old practice to remove parts of or the whole tail of a dog. Like I said, naturally occurring bobtail breeds should not be confused with docked breeds. Tail docking occurs in two different ways: The first way involves surgical removal of the tail with scissors and is often practiced with dogs older than 6 months which makes it an amputation. The second involves a tight band that is being wrapped around the tail when the puppies are days old until the tail falls off. Looking back into history, tail docking had the purpose of adjusting the agility and health of dogs so they could perform baiting, fighting, and ratting. Today, tails are docked for cosmetic purposes to alter the appearance of the dog. Over the past years, many countries completely banned docking and cropping. A lot of criticism was directed at the AKC for promoting tail docking as some of their breed standards, making it impossible to register an undocked dog. Organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association are fighting for the removal of these unnatural breed standards. Are Rottweilers Born without Tails? Yes, Rottweilers are naturally born with a long curled tail. It is extremely rare that you will encounter a Rottweiler that has been born with a bobtail, it will most likely be docked. I own a Rottweiler myself and love her long tail swinging around. You will see a docked Rottweiler in the USA more often than a German Rottweiler because docking and cropping have been banned here. A docked tail also does not align with the original German breed standard and is totally unnecessary. So no, you will not find a Rottweiler without a tail. Are Boxers Born with Short Tails? Boxers are not being born with short tails, and certainly not without tails either. They are traditionally docked at a young age to meet the AKC breed standards. An undocked Boxer is even being penalized for not having a short tail. This docking is purely for appearance and serves no other purpose. Some bobtail boxers were being bred over time and exported to other countries but they are extremely rare. You will find them most often in countries like Australia where breeding clubs demand them to be bred this way. The regular Boxer should have a long tail. Are All Dogs Born with Tails? Although most dogs are born with long or small tails, some breeds may come into this world completely tailless like the Brittany Spaniel and the Welsh Corgi. In the beginning, all of the old and original dog breeds had tails but selective breeding and gene mutation altered this appearance. Share your thoughts on tail docking with me in the comments and let me know if you have encountered any of those bobtail breeds. 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. Tail docking or cropping is usually done while the Boxer is still a puppy. Nowadays, Boxer tails are docked mainly in adherence to the breed standard and to prevent potential tail injury. In fact, this procedure has already become a part of the breed standard for some dogs, such as the Boxer dog. Unsurprisingly, many dog enthusiasts are against this practice and deem it unethical. They argue that tail docking negatively impacts the life of a dog, especially on how its body naturally functions. Meanwhile, Boxer owners historically administer tail docking procedures believing that such practices prevent rabies. However, this assumption has already been long refuted. Some dog breeds also have their tails docked because of the nature of their tasks as working dogs. The tails of herding dogs, for example, are docked to prevent them from getting stomped or stepped on by cattle when they herd. Originally, Boxer tails were docked because breeders and dog owners thought back then that such practice prevented their dogs from developing and spreading rabies. However, this baseless assumption has been long debunked. Going back to 18th century England, a tax law was imposed on all dogs except for working dogs with docked tails. To avoid paying taxes, owners opted to dock the tails of their dogs. The tails of working dogs like Boxers were also docked to prevent injuries while they were doing their tasks. As Boxer dogs were also historically bred to hunt and hold down large wild animals such as bears, deer, and wild boars, a few reasons why they have docked tails have something to do with hunting. Hence, a Boxer dog with an undocked tail will be severely penalized on a dog show. Are Boxers Born With Tails? Nowadays, it is rare to see a Boxer dog with an intact natural long tail. However, most Boxer dogs are actually born with tails. The tail of a Boxer puppy is intact at birth. The Boxers with short tails that you see nowadays have mostly undergone tail docking. However, with the recent introduction of the bobbed tail gene , some Boxers are born with naturally short tails or also known as bobbed tails. Typically, Boxer dogs that inherited the bobbed tail gene will have nearly absent tails or short tails that are about two inches long. Tail docking in Boxers and other breeds is considered to be a legal practice in most parts of the United States. There are only two states where this procedure is restricted: Maryland and Pennsylvania. Just for emphasis, tail docking is not banned in Maryland and Pennsylvania. It is only restricted, which means it is allowed so long as the requirements of the government are met. In Maryland, the law requires that dog tail docking and other similar procedures such as dog ear cropping and declawing should only be done by a licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician. Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, owners are only allowed to dock the tails of their puppies while they are less than five days old. Puppies older than the stated age should only be docked by a licensed veterinarian. People who oppose tail docking deem the practice senseless and unnecessary because it no longer serves a purpose for companion-type Boxers other than for cosmetic reasons. Since most Boxer dogs today are bought as companion pets, there is no longer the need for their tails to be cut as means of preventing them from suffering injuries while they herd. In addition, the supposed health benefits of tail docking, such as protection from rabies and faster and more agile bodily function, are baseless and unscientific. This is why they encourage the American Kennel Club and other canine clubs to remove tail docking on dog breed standards. Tail docking is also considered to be unethical and cruel. Anti-tail docking advocates contend that cutting off the tail of Boxers is a painful process that brings no significant advantage or benefit to dogs. Canines use their tails to express emotions and communicate by moving their tails which is similar to body language. Some dogs also use their tails for balancing and stabilizing their body while running or swimming. Because of these reasons, many countries around the world have already banned tail docking and ear cropping on dogs, while other countries have put heavy restrictions on such practices. Just like with other dog breeds, Boxers are born with natural tails for various reasons. Boxers use their tails to counterbalance while they are moving and performing tasks. Working dogs like Boxers use their tails to navigate when they run or swim by swinging them to one side of their body. Boxer dogs also use their tails to communicate as a form of body language. Tails are like human eyebrows. They aid dogs in expressing emotions such as happiness, excitement, fear, and anger. If a Boxer dog approaches you while wagging its tail softly, it means that it is happy to see you. An excited Boxer will also swiftly swing its tail. Meanwhile, Boxer dogs with their tails between their legs express fear or submission. They do this to mask the scent coming from their anus. Dominant dogs will set their tails high to release more scents from their anal glands. Some argue that it is cruel and unnecessary, while others say it is advantageous and beneficial. Check them out and decide for yourself which side weighs more. Boxers with docked tails are less likely to suffer from tail injury since their tails are cut short. Working dogs with long tails are at high risk of suffering from a condition called happy tail syndrome or splitting tail. Dogs suffering from this tail injury have deep wounds that are difficult to heal. Breed conformation. A Boxer with tails docked is considered more desirable in the show ring since the Boxer breed standards of different kennel clubs specifically mention that Boxer dog tails should be docked. A Boxer with a long tail will surely get severely penalized on a dog show. Advantageous for working Boxer dogs. Tail docking is still deemed advantageous for Boxer dogs that are raised for herding. A Boxer with a docked tail may become less able to express its emotions. In general, Boxer dogs communicate emotions with their owners and other dogs through the use of their tails. Tail docking is a painful procedure. Contrary to popular belief, puppies actually feel pain when they undergo tail docking. This is according to a study. In addition, researchers also found out that tail docking can cause long-term pain to dogs. Tail docking can lead to complications if done improperly. Tail docking is a procedure that involves cutting off tendons, skin, muscles, and bones. Hence, if it is not administered correctly and safely, complications such as infection and excessive bleeding could arise. Tail docking is a permanent and irreversible procedure. For puppies older than five days old, anesthesia should be administered in cropping their tails. The tail can be docked by cutting it off using a sharp object or by cutting the supply of blood using a rubber. Most veterinarians and Boxer breeders prefer using scalpels, surgical knives, and scissors to cut off the muscle, tendon, and cartilage of the tail. Tails docked through this method usually have cleaner cuts once healed. A rubber is tied tightly to the part of the tail that should be removed to cut off the blood supply and promote necrosis. The tip of the tail will automatically fall off once the process is done. Nonetheless, there is a high risk of infection if this method is done improperly. More often than not, the tails of puppies docked through this method are also deformed. The length of the tail that should be cut off varies from breed to breed. A Boxer with a docked tail may develop a condition called amputation neuroma or a nerve tumor. This is common for dogs that had undergone tail amputation because of tail injuries or had their tails cut for cosmetic reasons. A Boxer with a docked tail suffering from this condition experiences hypersensitivity and pain on the docked area. Furthermore, puppies may also develop infections, tail deformity, and other health complications, especially if the docking procedure is done incorrectly. AVMA also mentioned in a literature review on their website that most dogs that had their tails docked have a higher incidence of incontinence and may have less developed muscles around the pelvis. Tail docking is a painful procedure since it involves cutting off muscles, cartilages, and nerves. Tail docking in Boxers and other dogs has left the canine community divided. Those who are against docking tails, especially cosmetic tail docking, argue that such a practice is cruel and unnecessary. Since docking tails offers no clear scientific and medical benefits, many pet enthusiasts want to put an end to tail docking procedures on dogs. Meanwhile, advocates emphasize the importance of tail docking in defining and preserving the characters of some dog breeds. The cost of tail docking may vary depending on your location and the docking method. However, the cost could greatly increase if the dog is older since anesthesia will be required for the tail docking procedure. Always remember that docking is a permanent and irreversible procedure. Hence, you should carefully weigh down the pros and cons of tail docking. Nonetheless, with or without tails, the Boxer dog proves to be a loyal and amazing guard dog and pet to have! How about you? What do you think about tail docking? Tell us what you think in the comment section! We would love to hear your side. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Overview The debate regarding docking a Boxer's tail is side by side with ear cropping. Look to our Ears - To Crop or Not to see which countries allow this and which deem it illegal. Usually, if an owner decides to crop the ears, they will also have the Boxer's tail docked. Docking is the process of having a certain percentage of a Boxer puppy or dog's natural tail removed. This is done to produce a short tail that stands erect. Docking is done one of two ways. The first method is to cut off the blood flow in the tail with the use of a special rubber band, placed so tightly that the blood cannot reach the end of the tail; thus causing it to eventually fall off. The second method is via a procedure in which the tail is cut. Billy the Boxer Photo courtesy of James and Joanna Murphy It is believed that the puppy feels this amputation, since most puppies let out a very loud yelp, however they seem to recover quite quickly. Long ago, it was thought to prevent rabies and increase the dog's running speed; however this has been proven false. With this said, docking has also been done for centuries to prevent damage to the tail. There are no specific records that show why this train of thought was applied to some breeds and not to others. At this point, with docking being done for so many generations, those in favor of this argue that if docking were to suddenly stop, the Boxer breed would not carry 'good tails' tails would too heavy to sit correctly, the dog's balance would be off, etc. The deliberation between those who favor it and those who are against it goes on to say that within a short amount of time the only breeding pool available would be dogs with 'bad' tails that could not produce viable offspring. Of course, all of this is debatable and the Boxer breed is as strong as ever in countries where this is illegal. Putting health and breeding issues aside, some simply believe that a Boxer should have cropped ears and a docked tail to have the "Boxer look". Consensus among those who do choose docking, dictates that the dog looks stronger, more powerful and more intimidating with the cropped and docked appearance. Those who have a dog with a natural tail or those who have a litter of newborns and choose to forgo this procedure should feel just fine about that decision.In regard to dog show requirements, the debate is still on. Some clubs do not give an advantage to a docked dog and others state that docking is expected for a Boxer to conform to requirements. When is Docking Done? Many Boxer breeders will have a puppy docked very early, within a few days of being born. Since a dog is not sold or given to a new owner until the age of at least 8 weeks, many owners do not see the docking process or the healing process. Although this may make some cringe, if a Boxer puppy under 12 weeks old is to have their tail docked, it is usually done without anesthesia. In states where it is legal, an owner may have their Boxer's tail docked at any age ; however the older a dog is the longer amount of time is needed for recovery. In addition, a dog that is quite used to having their tail may have a difficult time adjusting to what may seem to them as an amputated part of their body. Three inches will look quite appropriate for most Boxers expected to be of average size and maybe a tad longer 3. Legality and Banning The laws of docking tails are a bit complicated with changes occurring often. Also, some countries view both ear cropping and tail docking the same; others will allow one but not the other. Though it is illegal in many countries, it is not uncommon for Boxer puppies to be docked at any rate. It should be noted that in many countries, it is the tail docking itself that is banned and it is not unlawful to purchase a puppy with a docked tail. You may be wondering about what the fine or punishment is for docking a Boxer's tail in countries in which it is illegal. Punishment ranges from fines to imprisonment. A lot of people assume my boxers tail has been docked, and are quick to make their views on the matter known. They are often surprised however when I inform them that Bosun has not had his tail docked. Working dogs include any dog used in law enforcement or Armed Forces, emergency rescue, and lawful pest control and shooting of animals. In Scotland, an outright ban save for medical treatment was introduced under the Animal Health and Welfare Scotland Act in , later amended in to provide exemptions specifically for working gun dogs and hunt, point, retrieve breeds such as Spaniels and Pointers. Only up to a third of the tail may be amputated. The rules on showing dogs with docked tails also varies between the devolved nations. It is a contentious issue, but exemptions have been made to working dog breeds because of strong supporting arguments that they are at greater risk of painful tail injuries often leading to medical intervention in adult life. The docking or partial amputation is therefore carried out as a preventative measure. Anyone who has seen the frantically excited wag of a Springer Spaniel tail can see how injuries could happen. It should be noted however that the British Veterinary Association view on tail docking is that it should be banned as a procedure for all breeds of dogs, unless for medical reasons e. The docking of working dogs must be carried out by a vet to puppies less than 5 days old and never for cosmetic purposes. Although categorised as a working dog by the UK Kennel Club and historically used their native Germany during the war and as police dogs, typically Boxers in the UK are companion and family dogs and a such the docking of their tails is no longer permitted unless for medical reasons. In the United States, where Boxers are consistently ranked within in the top 10 most popular dog breeds, docking of tails and the cropping of ears remains common practice for cosmetic purposes. Bosun with his littermates — you can clearly see the puppy in the foreground has a long tail. Dr Cattanach was a champion boxer breeder and exhibitor with degrees in genetics and in anticipation of the ban, bred the bobtail line by selecting the genes from the naturally short tail of the Pembrokeshire Corgi. The length of the bobtail can vary, and not all puppies bred in a litter will be born with the short tail. Bosun was one of 7, and only he and one other were bobtailed. Just like Labrador litters, where the puppies may be of assorted colours! The trained eye can identify a natural bobtail from a docked tail, as the bobbed will have tail bone which narrows to a point with a fleshy pad covering the end and usually a tuft of hair at the tip of the tail to finish, whereas a docked tail will be blunt. They are no more or less susceptible to health issues and Dr Cattanach led further work and research into improving the overall health of the Boxer breed. Pembrokeshire Corgi. Photo credit: Alvan Nee on Unsplash My own view is that all pedigrees were bred through the selection of desired genes and characteristics, and choosing a bobtail is no different than choosing a chocolate lab over a yellow one. As for body language, the absence of a tail has not caused us any issues as there are other ways to observe behaviour such as body posture and ear positioning. Short and bobtailed dog breeds Other dog breeds with naturally short or stumpy tails include the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier, both have been selectively bred for this physical characteristic originating from a mutated gene. A few others also carry the mutated gene and can be found both with bob or long tails, such as the Brittany Spaniel and Old English Sheepdog. The Boxer however is the only breed for whom the mutated tail gene has been deliberately introduced. If you do happen to see a boxer or other dog with a docked tail it may well be that this has been a necessary medical procedure due to painful damage to the tail and not for vanity. In my experience people are always happy to stop and engage in a conversation about their dogs so if curious, stop and ask the owner about their dog. Watch out for boxer slobber though — apologies in advance! Thanks for reading! The Boxer is such an impressive dog to look at. But more and more I have noticed Boxers with tails! I always thought Boxers were born without tails, so this really got me thinking. Are they born that way? Are Boxers born with tails? Most Boxer puppies are born with tails. Most breeders, as standard procedure, have the tails of newborn puppies removed when the puppy is between days old. There are no specific health benefits associated with the practice. I was really surprised to learn this! For some reason, I thought the short tail was a result of careful breeding and selection for the particular characteristic of the bobbed tail. There are several breeds, not just the Boxer, that have typically stubby tails. I suppose it could be pinned down to my being naive, but I just assumed these dogs were naturally this way. Other breeds, including the Boxer, are known for their stubby tails but are actually born with a perfectly normal length tail. This simple question appears to be a gateway to a world of controversy between veterinary professionals and breeders. Are There Naturally Bobtail Boxers? And no. This question is surprisingly complicated! Back in , a long-time Boxer breeder decided to breed the bobbed tailed Corgi genes into a new line of Boxers. After a few generations, he had managed to produce a Boxer with a naturally bobbed tail. Interestingly, he was unable to achieve consistency in the trait. Some of the puppies were still being born with a naturally long tail. After some genetic research, it was understood that the bob-tailed feature, for the Boxer at least, is actually a potentially fatal genetic mutation. This means that there will never be a true line of naturally bob tailed Boxers. Many dog breeds are known for having docked tails. Historically, this practice was to prevent injury to working dogs. These were very important matters to a hunting dog and his owner. Boxers are brachycephalic and were bred as sporting and working dogs. They are immediately descended from the crossing of the Old English Bulldog and the Bullenbeisser. This early practice became established as part of the breed standard and has been carried on to this day. Now that most people have dogs for companionship , what justification can modern docking possibly have? Well, as stated previously — not much. It really all boils down to looks. Many Boxer owners state that their dogs look more fierce, intimidating and strong with the bobbed tails and cropped ears. The AKC argues that by continuing the practice of docking, breeders and owners are respecting the original purpose of the breed. This is true for the Boxer, which was bred as a working dog, originally trained for hunting and guarding. Some people have highly trained Boxers as guard dogs. Is Docking Considered Animal Cruelty? Yes and no. The answer to this question really depends on who you ask and where you live. The practice is considered animal cruelty and can be heavily fined. In the United States and most other countries, the practice of tail docking is completely unrestricted. This means that the breeder can do the procedure in the home, or it can be done by a veterinary professional. Despite being completely legal, the practice of docking is considered by the AVMA to be unnecessary and they highly oppose it as a standard practice in the maintenance of certain breeds. The AKC, the most recognized authority on distinct dog breeds in the United States, actively promotes the practice to maintain integrity in breed standards. At this point, at least in the US, a Boxer breeder is free to maintain the traditional practice of docking their puppies tails. The other distinguishing feature of the Boxer as a breed is its straight and pointy ears. Because this is such a typical trait of the breed I always thought that this was just another natural genetic feature. Much like docking, cropping has also fallen out of favor with veterinary associations and is now considered unnecessary and unethical. Are unaltered Boxers healthier? Unaltered, or all-natural, Boxers with their long tails and floppy ears are not necessarily healthier than their surgically altered counterparts. The health benefits of leaving your dog au natural basically come down to risk avoidance. By not doing the procedures on your animal you are avoiding any potential infections or health complications that can result from either of the procedures. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. What do the Boxers in these shows have in common? Their tails are docked. Want some proof? After watching that, you might think that the breed is simply born with a short tail. All the Boxers seem to share this trait, after all. Rather, their tails are docked at a young age. What Is Tail Docking? There are a few breeds that commonly feature docked tails, Boxers being one of the most well-known. Is Tail Docking Ethical? For the most part, tail docking is performed on working dogs. Usually, these are dogs that work in jobs where their tails are likely to get injured. Farm dogs, for example, could get their tail stepped on by large livestock. For working dogs, you can definitely make the case for tail-docking being a beneficial procedure. Ethics are subjective, but to really judge tail docking, we need to understand its effects better. Do Boxers Need Their Tails? It leads you to wonder why dogs even have tails in the first place? Turns out, tails have multiple benefits for Boxers. In addition to those clearly important benefits, Boxers also use their tails for communication. Very similar to how humans use body language to communicate, Boxers use their tails to convey many messages , including their emotions and feelings. Having a tail can also help dogs swim and the best swimmers use their tail as a rudder to steer. Furthermore, it found that dogs with docked tails suffer heightened ongoing pain sensitivity and negative welfare impacts that will be life-long. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA reports that only about a quarter of a percent of the dog population suffers serious tail injuries yearly. Having said that, I can personally attest to the possibility of tail breaking in Boxers. My own Boxer mix broke his tail in two places, and it freaked me out when I came home and saw it! Luckily, it did heal on its own, but he was in pain for weeks and I was definitely worried that it would never heal all the way. Though Boxers today are primarily beloved companion pets and show dogs, they used to be serious hunters. They were originally created by crossing Bulldogs with the now-extinct Bullenbeisser , which was an impressive dog used for hunting large game such as bears and boars. Additionally, it was also done to protect the dog from the prey it was hunting. A bear could easily grab hold of that tail or bite down on it, and then the Boxer would be in serious pain and might be unable to escape since their tail is being held. Still, many members of the breed display docked tails to this day. An undocked tail should be severely penalized. Without a docked tail, a Boxer has little to no chance of placing well in a dog show. After banging their tail hard on enough different items, it can actually break. In some cases, the problem becomes recurring and tail amputation is necessary, though this is pretty rare. In some countries, the practice is frowned upon and considered illegal. However, many countries do still allow tail docking, including the United States. At present, no states have banned tail-docking, though a few states have considered legislation against it in the past, including New York and Vermont. Some of the other countries where tail docking is still legal are: Argentina.

Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article. Our puppy growth chart and calculator has your answer! Size is largely determined by genetics. Size is inherited in non-linear ways in dogs and other animals. Some puppies stay much smaller than both parents, some become much bigger, and some are in the middle. While size is already hard to predict in purebred dogs, it becomes even more erratic when two breeds are crossed such as in any Doodle mix litter. Labradors are large dogs. They can have a heavy build with deep chests and a wide rib cage. Poodles on the other hand are rather dainty, even though they are tall. Especially in the first generation of a Labradoodle litter that means a generation whose parents are a purebred Poodle and a purebred Labrador , there will be a greater variation of size. The smallest and the tallest puppy of the litter might be as much as 20 pounds apart in weight! That being said, most Labradoodles weigh somewhere between 45 and 65 pounds and are inches tall. Because they are a mixed breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and have no breed standard that requires a certain size. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? As a large dog breed, Labradoodles grow past their first birthday. The smaller a dog, the sooner he is finished growing. Some very small breeds can stop growing around months. Since the Labradoodle is tall, expect him to continue growing until about months of age. At 12 months, most tall dogs are lanky teenagers! By the time your Labradoodle is 2 years old, he will definitely be done growing. How big is a 6 month old Labradoodle? At 6 months old, your Labradoodle will weigh about pounds. He is definitely not fully grown yet — expect him to become quite a bit taller and heavier in the coming months. As your Labradoodle puppy is growing up, his coat will become longer and thicker as well! Make sure you bathe and brush him regularly. Trimming his coat regularly with a good set of clippers will be very important as well! Ensuring healthy growth Here is what you can do to set your Labradoodle up for a healthy growth and solid adult weight: Nutrition and feeding Without the right nutrition, your pup cannot grow well. You need to feed your Labradoodle a high-quality food with a lot of protein. Protein is what our bodies are built of — your growing pup needs a lot in order to grow tall and strong. You can choose from a variety of different foods, such as: Dry food.

We started our love of pugs in when we got our first pug, Apollo, for our son who is on the Autism Spectrum - Asperger's who was bullied in school and had social anxiety. Our son's whole life was changed with the addition of our funny boy who showed him unconditional love and constant companionship. We decided to do our research and start our journey of becoming pug breeders. We have had several puppies go to homes with people children and adults who are on the spectrum. Our pugs are raised in our home with older children and other animals. All of our dogs get NuVet vitamins to keep them in optimal health. We have a variety of litters throughout the year. We normally do work from a waiting list. Puppies stay with us at least 8 weeks and go home with at least 1 set of shots, wormed every 2 weeks, vet checked, and a puppy pack that contains food, blanket, bowls, toys, etc. Our AKC pugs are sold with limited registration. We test our pugs for PDE and PK Deficiency We do know of other reputable pug breeders and are happy to recommend someone if we do not have what you are looking for based on price, wait list time, color, etc. Please contact us for any questions that you may have or additional information. We are always willing to answer questions. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. In China, they served as a companion to Chinese royalty only since it was illegal for anyone other than those in the court of the Emperor to own such dogs. Several hypotheses surround the development of these jovial little dogs and their exact routes out of the East and into the West. However, the most probable scenario is that the Dutch or Portuguese merchants who traded with China brought the dogs to Holland. From that point on, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange. There, the plucky little Pugs accompanied their reign as the preferred breed of royalty. From there, the Pug was exported from England to America, becoming an officially recognized breed in .Today, the Pug is one of the most easily recognizable breeds in the world. With their endearing nature and comical sometimes guilt-inducing appearance, they have won the hearts of royalty and all kinds of people worldwide. Breed Characteristics Head: Rather brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size and in proportion to the rest of the body. The head appears rounded when viewed from the front or side. The cheeks and temporalis area are smoothly muscled and filled, never appearing protrusive or chiseled. The forehead appears rather tall than elongated and parallel to the horizon. However, the head should never appear apple-headed or domed. A perceptible muzzle is preferred over a completely flat profile. The head may exhibit some minimal wrinkling, but never in excess or with exaggeration. A clean, minimally wrinkled head is preferred. Eyes: The eyes are medium to large in size, dark in color, and globular, round, or lemon-shaped. They are never bulging or almond in shape. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes and prevent them from appearing to protrude or bulge. Wall-eyes or exposed whites are incorrect. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed. Ears: Small to medium in size, set high on the edge of the skull, and may be drop or rose-shaped. There is no preference between the two ear types. The ears are never long, overly large, or erect. Muzzle: The muzzle is short, broad, full, and rather deep. It should protrude sufficiently from the stop to a distance that is easily perceptible in profile and from the front. The upper and lower jaws are broad and have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipey or weak. The lower jaw is somewhat longer than the upper jaw and slightly turned up, giving the pug a slight pouting appearance when viewed from the front and giving the muzzle a rounded profile; however, the lower jaw should never protrude beyond the break of the lips. The teeth and tongue must be completely concealed when the mouth is closed. Nose: The nose sits slightly further back than the end of the muzzle but should never appear completely pushed in. The nose is well-pigmented and black. The nostrils are well-opened. Pinched nostrils, narrow nostrils, and heavy nose wrinkles extending beyond the nose leather are all unacceptable and should be penalized. Neck: Thick and a moderate length to allow for proud head carriage. Strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck is relatively clean-cut, but slightly loose skin is permissible near the throat. Excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap is incorrect for the breed. Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. The forechest is well-developed but not protrusive. Body: The body is well put together, compact, cobby, solid, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round and compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Tail: Set high on the croup. It is thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. It may be short to medium in length and straight, gently curved, or it may be curled over the back in a loose or tight single or double curl. Preference is given to a straight tail. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the centerline of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: The Pug is a charming and even-tempered breed. They are known for their outgoing, sociable, and playful nature. They are intelligent and capable of learning many commands and tricks. They are especially suitable lap dogs, strongly devoted to their family. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal body height-to-length ratio is between and .The body is well put together, with solid substance and medium bone. The weight of a male or female is always in proportion to height. Head General Appearance: Rather brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size and in proportion to the rest of the body. Expression: Curious, alert, lively, intelligent, and charming. Stop: The stop is definite, preferably forming a degree angle between the topskull and muzzle. A wrinkle or roll over the stop is not to be penalized. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is , with the topskull being longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is convergent. Lips or Flews: The lips are somewhat clean, broad, and thick, yet fit snuggly over the teeth and jaws. The teeth, tongue, and lower jaw are completely concealed by the lips. Cheeks: The cheeks are smoothly muscled but should not appear chiseled or coarse. Some wrinkling around the cheek, extending from the outer corner of the eye to the corner of the mouth, may be present. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, reverse-scissor, or slightly undershot. Contact preferred between the top and bottom incisors. Body and Tail General Description: The body is well put together, compact, cobby, solid, and of good substance. Topline: Level from withers to croup. The back is broad, powerfully muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat, and level, or slightly almost imperceptibly arched, yet supportive. The back is never long, swayed, or roached. Croup: Flat and level with the back or gently sloped. Underline: A slight tuck-up is present, or the underline may parallel the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters. They are well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, of moderate bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderate bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The coat is short, smooth, and close to the body throughout. The texture is soft and glossy. Standard coat color variety: Fawn, apricot, seal, or shaded fawn all with black mask or solid black. Temperament The Pug is a charming and even-tempered breed. Faults All dogs should be properly healthy and free from disease or defects. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.

Raised in Homes From birth, to whelping, until to the moment you adopt your pup, it all happens in homes. Never Kenneled Our pups enjoy the chance to play, explore, and spend time with humans. Available Across the U. My co-worker told us how friendly Kathryn owner of Sacto Frenchies was and that she had an Instagram page that featured their recent puppies. We fell in love immediately with how spunky and cute they were. After gawking over them, we decided to contact Sacto Frenchies and Kathryn was quick to answer any questions we had. She provided information about the breed and also kept in touch with us during the process starting at birth up to us receiving our French Bulldog that we named Huey. Huey was our first puppy and even after we brought Huey home Kathryn answered any questions or concerns that we had. Huey has brought so much joy and laughter to our home! Sacto Frenchies is an AKC breeder and you can be rest assured that their litters are quality. We are looking forward to welcoming our second French Bulldog bred by Kathryn in a few months! If you are looking for a Frenchie to bring into your family we highly recommend Sacto Frenchies! Got some quick questions? Or are you ready to adopt? We have answers. The difference is that a purebred dog has a documented pedigree, and it is bred to meet very specific standards. A mixed breed dog has an ancestry involving different breeds. There is nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs, but many people prefer purebreds like French Bulldog puppies for sale Sacramento. What is the French Bulldog like? Friendly, cute, and tiny, Frenchies are hugely popular. They are actually descended from English Bulldogs, but they are smaller. They have lovely personalities and are adorable pets. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Sacramento also make great family dogs because they are friendly and get on well with kids. What makes French Bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs cannot reproduce naturally due to their narrow hips, so French Bulldog breeders Sacramento must use artificial insemination and the pups are also delivered by C-section. This means extra skills are required by French Bulldog breeders in Sacramento, and this is reflected in the higher prices. How should I use Uptown? We put the fun back into finding French Bulldogs for sale in Sacramento. Just search for a French Bulldog Sacramento, find a litter, and connect with the breeder. You can then start making arrangements to pick up your pup, and in no time at all you could find yourself meeting your dream Frenchie puppy! Am I going to find the cheapest French Bulldogs puppies here? We screen them all very carefully to ensure they have high standards, and they provide a boutique service. Why should I not just choose a shelter dog instead? Getting your dog from a reputable shelter could be a great option. However, shelters are not the right choice for everyone. If you want a purebred dog or you want to know its full health history, then finding a Sacramento French Bulldog for sale in the Uptown network might make more sense than using a shelter. How can I be sure that my Frenchie puppy will be in good health? All the companies and breeders in the Uptown Network provide full health checks. But you should still take your pup to the vet to verify its health when it arrives. Can I pick up my new puppy in person? If you find a French Bulldog for sale in Sacramento, you should make arrangements with the breeder to find out how to pick up your puppy. If you cannot find Sacramento French Bulldogs for sale, and you find a puppy much further away, the breeder can make travel arrangements so you can pick up your dog at your nearest major airport instead. If I have kids, will my Frenchie be OK around them? They love playing and having fun, after all! But make sure they are supervised properly, especially around young kids, in the same way that you would with any dog. What are the exercise requirements for French Bulldogs? A short walk and a bit of playtime is usually enough to keep them in good health.

We have created a list of the Best Golden Retriever Breeders in Alberta to help you find a healthy puppy. You can ensure that our list will not include any backyard breeders or puppy mills. They are a family-owned farm and ranch. Apart from raising retrievers, they also ranch cattle and farmland. They provide enough love and care to their dogs. In this way, it is ensured that each puppy is being loved and taken care of properly because when families are able to participate in something like this together it creates a more exciting moment for all and so one can assume that there would be no room for any kind of neglect or abuse to exist. Especially within this kind of environment, you can ensure that each puppy has the best and most loving environment which is best for its development. All of these members are engaged in raising these puppies and have a proper environment for the dogs. You will get a happy and healthy puppy from these breeders because they aim to bring properly socialized and happy puppies to your home. These dogs can be used either as therapy dogs or you can also use them for hunting, champion dogs, or as perfect family pets. Also, these dogs have a perfect temperament that suits best to your lifestyle. Golden Retriever Breeder Info:. Showing 1 - 40 of 94 resultsPage 1 - 94 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. We still have 3 available reservations. Strathcona County Ready to go home this week!!! You can follow us on Instagram at thedoodlefamily57 or check out our website at thedoodlefamily. Red male and Dark Blue male! We have 7 adorable purebred Golden Retriever Puppies! Our parents are DNA verified purebred. Both parents live at home with our family and have.We are happy to announce that our puppies are ready for you to take home. We have 3 males and 3 females still available to choose from!! Puppies Birthdate: July.We've gotten to know Moana to be a bundle of happiness and curiosity! Quick to jump in and tag along in any activity. Calgary Located 2 hours south of Calgary 1 female pure golden retriever pup left! They are a mixed breed of Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees, and.Urgent F2 Goldendoodles - Ready now! Calgary Born on June 27th and ready for new homes now. Litter of 8: 1 boy available. All puppies have been socialized with people, other dogs and our family cat. Please Contact Puppy pyranese mix ,looking for a good home Plamondon Have 1 girl left ,dewormed ready to go Pyrenees golden retriever rottie mix Very adorable mom in pictures Can bring to edmonton area For a rehoming fee of .Rosie has had her ultrasound and there are alot of puppies in her belly! This litter will due the second.All puppies will come with -their first vaccinations -deworming days of.There is 1 male and 3 females, each with individual markings and characteristics. Mom is a purebred tan Goldendoodle and Dad is a.Our beautiful blonde girl Saje and her partner Maximus, are proud to announce the arrival of their .Ready to go! Stirling We have 5 adorable Golden Retriever cross puppies for sale. We are now accepting deposits! We have 5 puppies still available. They are almost full Golden.Puppies have their first set of vaccinations, dewormed and vet checked. Delivery available if needed. Please contact for more info. Please Contact Pet Rehome Northwest Calgary Hello Our beautiful baby girl Bella is just 2 years old and she is looking for a loving caring home to call home forever. I am returning back to work and my son just finished high school moving to.Golden Country Tails is pleased to announce we are accepting.We have 3 males and two females in this litter of five. We own both parents and puppies are born and raised in our acreage family environment. They really are beautiful pups. We have a litter of 7 with 4 males and 3 females to choose from. Both parents are our pets with loving and affectionate personalities. Born August 31 Mom is half black lab and half golden retriever and dad is pure bred golden retriever. They both have no health issues. I am offering to raise them with a chosen name, house train them, provide first shots, Genesis, our mom, is a purebred Golden Retriever. She is playful, sweet and always wants to be around us. Born June 17, 12 weeks old Unfortunately I have to rehome her as my daughter has developed asthmatic allergies. Hines Creek Revised! Only 2 males left Another litter of quality puppies! Previous customers have liked these pups from these parents. First come first served! Will be ready to go to their forever home on September 9. Pups will be checked over by vet and have their first shots. Smart healthy and deformed good with cats. The wife says I can't keep them lol. They need a good home. Has first shots, dewormed. Well socialized with other dogs and children. Parents are our farm dogs, calm and sociable. Other puppies from this pair have proved.We have one litter of F1 Goldendoodles per year. These puppies are the best of both worlds they are super family friendly energetic dog like their.Mom is very attentive loves to be.There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.He was born in July 15, .I bought him but my son can not take care of him. Showing 1 - 40 of resultsPage 1 - results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Hines Creek Revised! Only 2 males left Another litter of quality puppies! Previous customers have liked these pups from these parents. First come first served! Red male and Dark Blue male! We have 7 adorable purebred Golden Retriever Puppies! Our parents are DNA verified purebred. Both parents live at home with our family and have.They are a mixed breed of Golden Retriever, Great Pyrenees, and.We are happy to announce that our puppies are ready for you to take home. We have 3 males and 3 females still available to choose from!! Puppies Birthdate: July.Born August 31 Mom is half black lab and half golden retriever and dad is pure bred golden retriever. They both have no health issues. We still have 3 available reservations. See all 1 female Golden Retriever left! Calgary Located 2 hours south of Calgary 1 female pure golden retriever pup left! Please Contact Puppy pyranese mix ,looking for a good home Plamondon Have 1 girl left ,dewormed ready to go Pyrenees golden retriever rottie mix Very adorable mom in pictures Can bring to edmonton area For a rehoming fee of .Albert 9 week old doodles looking for their furever homes they have been socialized around humans of all sizes kids included , have been raised around cats, cows, and mom and dad are both available to see.All puppies will come with -their first vaccinations -deworming days of.There is 1 male and 3 females, each with individual markings and characteristics. Mom is a purebred tan Goldendoodle and Dad is a.Our beautiful blonde girl Saje and her partner Maximus, are proud to announce the arrival of their .There are five girls and one boy available. They were born July 14, and will be ready to go to their new home the first week of.Ready to go! Stirling We have 5 adorable Golden Retriever cross puppies for sale. We are now accepting deposits! We have 5 puppies still available. They are almost full Golden.Puppies have their first set of vaccinations, dewormed and vet checked. Delivery available if needed. Please contact for more info. Please Contact Pet Rehome Northwest Calgary Hello Our beautiful baby girl Bella is just 2 years old and she is looking for a loving caring home to call home forever. I am returning back to work and my son just finished high school moving to.Golden Country Tails is pleased to announce we are accepting.We have 3 males and two females in this litter of five. We own both parents and puppies are born and raised in our acreage family environment. They really are beautiful pups. We have a litter of 7 with 4 males and 3 females to choose from. Both parents are our pets with loving and affectionate personalities. His name is ollie he's about 7 months old. He's an out door boy is not house trained but learns fast. Hes lived on an acreage since he was about 6 weeks or so old. Edmonton Please read whole ad before responding.I am offering to raise them with a chosen name, house train them, provide first shots, Ready to go home on Saturday, September 16th. They have.Genesis, our mom, is a purebred Golden Retriever. She is playful, sweet and always wants to be around us. Born June 17, 12 weeks old Unfortunately I have to rehome her as my daughter has developed asthmatic allergies. Will be ready to go to their forever home on September 9. Pups will be checked over by vet and have their first shots. Smart healthy and deformed good with cats. The wife says I can't keep them lol. They need a good home. Has first shots, dewormed. Well socialized with other dogs and children. Parents are our farm dogs, calm and sociable. Other puppies from this pair have proved.We have one litter of F1 Goldendoodles per year. These puppies are the best of both worlds they are super family friendly energetic dog like their.Mom is very attentive loves to be

Heart murmurs are graded on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being mild, and 5 being very loud and easily detected. When a dog is relaxed or sleeping, rates above 35 breaths per minute signify heart problems and warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian. Count each rise during that period, then multiply that number by four to find out the number of breaths per minute. By the time you see visible signs of a heart problem — difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, coughing, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and collapsing — your dog may have heart disease. What are heart murmurs? There are two broad categories of heart murmurs in dogs: A congenital murmur is present from birth. Congenital murmurs are usually caused by a structural heart defect. Fortunately, most murmurs in young puppies turn out to be benign in nature. An acquired murmur is one that becomes apparent later in life. Acquired murmurs are usually due to heart valve abnormalities or cardiac muscle disease. Fortunately, most dogs with acquired valvular disease never develop congestive heart failure, as long as they receive proper care. The most common cause is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, which is a progressive degeneration of the mitral valve. The cause is unknown, but in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a genetic link has been identified. Larger breeds also sometimes develop murmurs associated with cardiomyopathy, which is a term for cardiac muscle disease. Learn more about dilated cardiomyopathy The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium upper chamber and left ventricle lower chamber of the heart. Oxygenated blood from the lungs goes into the left atrium, where it is transported to the left ventricle, which then pushes the blood out to the rest of the body via the aorta. When the mitral valve degenerates, it becomes bumpy and irregular and no longer closes all the way, allowing blood to wash back into the left atrium. The heart becomes less efficient, making it work harder with every beat. Eventually, fluid backs up into the lungs. When that happens, the dog is in congestive heart failure and will require cardiac medications for the rest of their life. Monitoring is your best defense If your veterinarian tells you that they hear a heart murmur, they will likely recommend an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline cardiac function. Repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor progression. An echocardiogram is non-invasive and usually done without anesthesia or a sedative. A simple blood test, called pro-BNP precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide , is a useful tool for monitoring as well, as pro-BNP levels rise in the face of cardiac muscle stretch and stress. Obesity makes it harder to breathe, which strains the heart. It also makes it harder to exercise, and exercise is good for the heart. These diets are sodium-restricted, which helps prevent fluid accumulation and supports healthy blood pressure — both of which are important for cardiac patients. The nutrients include antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other things that support cardiac function. If you are told that your dog has a heart murmur, you should schedule regular follow-ups to monitor its progression, help your dog lose weight through proper diet and exercise, and consider using a prescription diet for canine cardiac health. Your attention to cardiac management could be the difference between a dog who ends up with congestive heart failure and one that does not. If your puppy does not outgrow their murmur, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine the cause, cardiac status and prognosis. This is important whether your dog is intended for breeding or not. For dogs intended for breeding, the echocardiogram will help determine whether the dog ethically should be used for breeding. For dogs undergoing spay and neuter procedures, the echocardiogram provides your veterinary surgeon with important information regarding the risk of anesthesia. The ultimate prognosis depends on the type of congenital heart defect. Many puppies will live a normal lifespan. For other puppies, surgery may be an option. Call Vic Kasser or Email! A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound, usually heard by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. What causes a heart murmur? A heart murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. Sometimes a murmur is determined to be 'innocent' or 'physiologic', while other times the murmur is determined to be pathologic or caused by disease. Pathologic heart murmurs can be caused by a structural problem within the heart i. Do all murmurs sound the same? The loudness of a murmur reflects the amount of turbulence that is present in the heart. However, the loudness of a heart murmur does not always correlate directly with the severity of disease. Murmurs are graded by their intensity, usually on a scale of I-VI. A Grade I murmur is very soft or quiet, may only be heard intermittently, and is usually only heard in one location on the chest, while a Grade VI murmur is very loud, heard everywhere that the heart can be heard, and can be felt when a person places their hand on the chest in the area of the heart in cardiac terminology, this is called a 'thrill'. Murmurs are also characterized by the time in which they occur during the heart cycle, and by whether they are long or short. Most murmurs are also characterized by their location, or where they are the loudest. The majority of murmurs in the dog occur during systole, the phase of the heart cycle when the heart is contracting to pump blood out. The specific characteristics of the murmur, along with any symptoms that your dog might be showing, will help your veterinarian to determine what is causing the murmur. What is an innocent, physiologic or Puppy heart murmur? An innocent or physiologic or Puppy heart murmur is a heart murmur that has no impact on the dog's health. It is very common for young puppies, especially large breed puppies, to develop an innocent heart murmur while they are growing rapidly. The murmur may first appear at weeks of age, and a puppy with an innocent heart murmur will usually outgrow it by about months of age. This type of murmur is benign. In general, a physiologic or innocent heart murmur will have a low intensity usually Grade I-II out of VI , and does not cause any symptoms or clinical signs. What structural heart problems cause a heart murmur? The heart is composed of four chambers - the left atrium, the left ventricle, the right atrium, and the right ventricle. Blood flows from the right side of the heart through the pulmonary artery to the lungs where it is oxygenated, and then the oxygenated blood goes through the left side of the heart and into the aorta, where it is pumped to the rest of the body. Between each of the chambers and main blood vessels there is a valve that functions to prevent blood flowing back into the chamber as the heart pumps. With structural heart disease, there is some sort of abnormal structure or defect that is disturbing the flow of blood, creating turbulence. The abnormality in the heart may be a leaky heart valve, a thickening or narrowing of a valve or large blood vessel, or an abnormal hole between the heart chambers or between two arteries that are not normally connected. Structural heart problems may be congenital the dog is born with a defective heart or acquired a structural heart problem develops later in life. Some of the congenital heart diseases in dogs are hereditary in certain breeds of dogs, and include diseases such as 'sub-aortic stenosis', 'pulmonic stenosis', and 'patent ductus arteriosis'. Other congenital heart diseases are not as well documented as being hereditary, including 'ventricular septal defects', 'atrial septal defects' and 'Tetralogy of Fallot'. The most common cause of an acquired heart murmur in the dog is 'mitral insufficiency' also called 'mitral regurgitation' , a condition in which the mitral valve becomes thickened and begins leaking see our handout 'Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs' - mitral insufficiency tends to be more common in small breed dogs. Other causes of an acquired heart murmur in older dogs include bacterial endocarditis, caused by a bacterial infection that localizes on a heart valve and dilated cardiomyopathy see our handouts 'Endocarditis in Dogs' and 'Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs'. What extracardiac problems cause a heart murmur? Some extracardiac problems can cause what is called a 'functional heart murmur'. A functional heart murmur may be due to anemia low levels of red blood cells , hypoproteinemia low protein levels in the blood , fever or infection, or by conditions such as pregnancy, obesity or emaciation. With anemia or hypoproteinemia, the blood is too 'watery' so turbulence is created as it flows through the valves. Adult dogs may become anemic because of blood loss or may have a serious underlying disorder. How is a heart murmur detected? In most cases, a heart murmur is detected when your veterinarian auscultates or examines your dog's heart with a stethoscope. How do we find out if a murmur is due to a significant problem? Most murmurs are detected with a stethoscope during a routine veterinary examination. If your veterinarian detects a heart murmur, you will be asked a series of questions about your dog's health and then your veterinarian will assess your dog's general physical condition to determine whether or not there are any symptoms or clinical signs that indicate the need for further diagnostic testing. If your pet is still a young puppy and the murmur is of low intensity, your veterinarian may recommend a re-examination in a few weeks time to track whether the murmur has decreased in intensity or disappeared, indicating that it was likely an innocent murmur. Similarly, if your adult dog appears to be extremely stressed at the time of a routine health examination and the murmur is of low intensity, your veterinarian may recommend a re-evaluation at a later time when the dog is calmer. In some cases, if a dog is extremely excited or is panting heavily, it can be difficult to determine if abnormal sounds are being caused by a heart murmur or are just related to the elevated heart rate or panting. A dog with a heart murmur that is caused by a structural heart disease or an extracardiac problem will generally have some sort of symptoms or clinical signs that can be attributed to the disease. During a physical examination, if your veterinarian detects an abnormal rhythm to the heartbeat, or finds that your dog has weak pulses or irregular pulses, it will be more likely that the murmur is caused by an underlying problem. If your veterinarian determines or suspects that the heart murmur is caused by structural heart disease or an extracardiac problem, further diagnostic testing will be recommended. In the majority of these cases, further diagnostic testing should be performed immediately so that any treatment can be started as soon as possible. What other tests may be recommended? Depending on what other clinical signs are present in your dog, your veterinarian will usually recommend x-rays, an electrocardiogram, or an ultrasound examination of the heart called an echocardiogram. If your veterinarian suspects that the heart murmur is secondary to another disease, blood tests or other extensive tests might be recommended. An echocardiogram that includes a Doppler examination is the most useful test to determine the location of a heart murmur. With an echocardiogram, the heart is imaged while it is beating, allowing the examiner to evaluate the heart's size and movement. A Doppler examination is a specialized type of echocardiogram in which the speed and direction of blood flow can be measured across the heart valves and in the heart chambers. The Doppler examination will usually pinpoint the location of the turbulence that is causing the murmur. How is a heart murmur treated? Heart murmurs are simply abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent blood flow, and treatment depends upon the underlying cause of the heart murmur or the turbulent blood flow. Physiologic heart murmurs do not require any treatment; however, regular monitoring of a dog that has evidence of a physiologic murmur is advised to ensure that no other problems develop. If the heart murmur is caused by an underlying problem, the treatment plan will be based on the diagnosis, and may include a combination of specialized diets, medications and supportive care. Some congenital heart defects can be surgically corrected - these include pulmonic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus. Your veterinarian will be the best person to advise you on the appropriate course of action to meet your dog's unique needs. What is the prognosis? The prognosis ranges from excellent to grave, depending on the cause of the murmur. If the murmur is physiologic, no treatment is required and the prognosis is generally good to excellent. If the murmur is caused by extracardiac disease or a functional problem that can be treated, the murmur may resolve over time. The long-term prognosis for a dog with a murmur caused by congenital heart disease is extremely variable, depending on the specific type of defect that is present; if the defect can be surgically corrected the prognosis is very good. A dog with mitral insufficiency can usually be managed with long-term medications. The prognosis for a dog with dilated cardiomyopathy varies - if the dog is showing symptoms of heart failure the prognosis will be grave. The prognosis for a dog with bacterial endocarditis will vary with the severity of the infection and the valve that is affected. The need for good dental care, including regular professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia cannot be overemphasized as a means of preventing endocarditis see our handout "Dental Disease in Dogs". Since each case is different, your veterinarian will discuss the prognosis and treatment options for your dog, based on the results of diagnostic testing. In all cases, ongoing monitoring and periodic diagnostic testing will be necessary to track the progress of the condition. Heart disease in companion animals is too often a silent killer. By the time your dog or cat shows the classic signs of heart disease like lethargy, wheezing, croupy coughing a liquid-sounding cough, as though there's fluid in the lungs or exercise intolerance, it's very often too late to save your beloved pet. To make matters worse, an enlarged heart can't be detected with a stethoscope. Significant heart disease can be present and undiagnosed by your veterinarian long before your pet shows clinical symptoms of illness. Too many pet owners too often find themselves in this heartbreaking situation. Two Types of Heart Disease Both dogs and cats are at risk for heart disease, and both can develop either type: Heart muscle disease Valvular disease Cardiomyopathy is the scientific term for an enlarged heart muscle. Some breeds of dogs are predisposed to the condition, including New Foundlands, Great Danes and Dobermans. Cardiomyopathy can also be caused by a dietary deficiency. The amino acids taurine and carnitine are critical for normal heart development and performance. If your dog's or cat's diet is lacking in these amino acids, heart muscle damage can result. Poor valve health can also lead to heart disease. A leaky valve makes your pet's heart work harder, and the harder it works, the bigger it gets. Valve disease leads to congestive heart failure in both dogs and cats. Heart murmurs which are usually present when there are valve problems are ranked on a scale from 1 to 6, where 1 is considered mild and 6 is the worst case. Leaky valves or heart murmurs are frequently seen in predisposed breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Leaky valves are also found in aging pets and animals with some metabolic conditions like feline hyperthyroidism. These tests, usually x-rays, EKG or cardiac ultrasound, can cost several hundred dollars. For many pet owners who want to be proactive in detecting heart disease in a dog or cat, the expense of these tests is prohibitive. It's a terrible situation to be in. If you've lost a dog or cat to heart disease, you're bound to be fearful it could happen again to another pet. You want to take proactive steps to help your current dearly loved dog or cat avoid the problem, but you can't afford the tests that will tell you whether or not you need to do more to insure the health of your companion animal. It feels as if you have no choice but to wait to see if heart disease sneaks up silently to claim another four-legged member of your family. That is, until now. At long last, veterinary medicine has developed a blood test that can identify which dogs and cats are at greatest risk for heart disease and heart failure. The test is called a proBNP test. The proBNP is a blood test that measures how much peptide hormone, released by the heart, is in circulation in your pet's body. This hormone is only released when the heart is pushed beyond its capacity. Very early in the disease process, small amounts of the hormone will be released into your dog's or cat's bloodstream, and it's presence is a signal that steps must be taken in order to preserve your pet's heart health. If heart pathology continues to progress, the blood value of the peptide hormone will continue to rise. The proBNP blood test can give you peace of mind that your pet has no early signs of heart disease. It can also help you and your veterinarian differentiate between, for example, a respiratory condition like feline asthma and an underlying heart condition. The proBNP is a simple blood test with a fast turn-around time that can provide the information you need to proactively manage your dog's or cat's heart health. You can have the test repeated as often as necessary to chart your progress in meeting your pet's cardiovascular health needs throughout his life. Make sure you're meeting your pet's CoQ10 requirement. CoQ10 is a naturally occurring coenzyme that young dogs and cats have in plentiful supply. But as she ages, your pet's ability to produce CoQ10 decreases. I recommend you supplement your pet's amino-acid-rich diet with Coenzyme Q10, especially if you have an animal that is predisposed to cardiovascular disease. Supplying your pet with extra CoQ10 can insure she has the quantity her body needs to maintain a healthy heart muscle. CoQ10 supplements come in two forms: Ubiquinone and Ubiqunol. Ubiquinol is a reduced form of CoQ10 and is the supplement I recommend for my dog and cat patients. A good heart-healthy maintenance dose is: 50 mg per day for cats and small dogs mg per day for medium sized dogs mg twice per day for large dogs. April 7, 20 Comments We all love our Frenchies, so the last thing we want to see happen is for them to get sick. Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are synonymous with health issues. Due to their flat-faced structure, hereditary bone conditions, susceptibility to allergies, and a number of other underlying factors, your life as a Frenchie owner can be riddled with visits to the vet. Breathing and heatstroke Due to a short nose and scrunched face, French Bulldogs tend to snort, wheeze, grunt, and snore more than other dogs. This may be something that you find endearing about the breed, but this smaller airway can present a problem if your dog catches a cold or becomes congested. The best remedy is to spray your dog with a cool mist to help reduce their body temperature. Never leave them in the car unattended. Think about buying a kids pool for your home. Eye and ear problems Even though the French Bulldog is one of the healthiest of all the Bulldog breeds, they still experience some of the same health issues. Due to additional exposure to the surrounding environment, yeast infections of the ears are a frequent problem that Frenchies are prone to developing. If they are left untreated, it can result in deafness or other issues. Your vet can perform a hearing test to see if your French Bulldog suffers from this condition. Frenchies also experience quite a number of eye problems. One example is where the eyelashes can become inverted and irritate the eye itself. This condition is known as entropion. The only way to treat this condition is through surgery, otherwise, the dog may suffer from chronic eye infections. Since the French Bulldogs eyes protrude from their face , the eyes can also easily become scratched. This can lead to corneal ulcers and other eye problems. So if you spot excessive blinking or irritation of the eyes, go to your vet! Finally, cataracts in the eyes can develop as your dog ages — just like any dog. This is something that you should watch out for to prevent blindness. Allergies and food sensitivities Unfortunately, French Bulldogs have a genetic predisposition to several environmental allergens. This can result in them having dry and itchy skin. In more severe cases, your dog may develop swollen glands or hives. Buy on Amazon Here Using a hypoallergenic shampoo or one that contains oatmeal can help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with the condition. Or in some cases, your vet can administer a steroid injection to reduce the histamine response to the environmental allergens. As well, your Frenchie may develop food sensitivities. These can be difficult to diagnose since the symptoms are similar to environmental allergies. Some of the more distinguishing features of food sensitivity are that your dog may suffer from extreme flatulence. Heart disease Poor heart health is something you should be aware of if you own a Frenchie. There are two types of heart problems that you need to be concerned about in this breed. Heart murmurs, which can generally be detected during the puppy years, and heart or valve disease. The second type is similar to what people suffer from as they get older. It can be brought on by lack of exercise and poor diet. However, some dogs are more genetically prone to develop heart disease than others. Look for brands of dog food that are lower in sodium so that you can be more proactive in maintaining their overall heart health. Spinal disorders Hemi-vertebrae is a congenital condition that can be seen with the screw-tail breed. It presents as a compression of the spaces between the vertebrae. This compression impedes the messages of the nervous system resulting in some form of paralysis for the dog — in extreme cases of course. Sometimes this condition can show generalized limb weakness or even loss of bowel and bladder control. Another problem that can result from this condition is bulging discs in the back. This usually occurs later in life but will present with the same symptoms as the congenital form. Joint diseases Arthritis can affect Frenchies due to their smaller stature and low center of gravity. It shows similar symptoms that it does in people. If your dog has arthritis they may refuse to move much or be in pain when they do move. There are over the counter treatments that can relieve much of the discomfort. Another joint problem with Frenchies is patellar luxation. This is where the kneecap pops out of place unexpectedly. It can cause your dog to limp or even fall down suddenly. Hip dysplasia is something that you may also observe. This is where the hip joint comes out of the socket and remains stuck. This can cause extreme pain and difficulty getting around. Other french bulldog health issues Due to the scrunched up face appearance, this puts Frenchies at an increased risk of developing problems with the soft palate. Something called cleft palate is extremely common. It is easy to identify because it presents as protruding teeth and gums. There may also be one nostril that is shaped differently than the other one. Secondary cleft palate is more difficult to diagnose. This is where the deformity is inside the mouth. Some of the symptoms include frequent sneezing, excessive snorting even after light exercise, difficulty eating or drinking, and a chronic runny nose. Surgery will be required to repair this condition. More severe cases can result in chronic respiratory infections and malnourishment due to an inability to eat properly. Wrapping up Overall, the French bulldog is a great breed. They tend to do well with other pets and the whole family. But any purebred dog is likely to have health issues. You just need to be aware that Frenchies are more prone to health problems than many other breeds. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise are some of the best ways to prevent these health problems. By Dr. I hope you can respond quickly since the possible purchase of a puppy is involved. I recently contracted with a breeder to purchase a French bulldog puppy and I just received a call that the puppy has a Grade 2 heart murmur, as detected by their vet. The pup is 7 weeks old and is the only pup out of a litter of five with the problem. I was also informed that there was a good chance the murmur would resolve, so I was hoping you might share your opinion on whether I should go ahead with buying this pup. I also read about a test called a pro BNP and wonder if that might be helpful. Clearly, I want to bring home a healthy puppy. What is the likelihood that this murmur will go away? If I get this dog, will it have a normal, healthy lifespan? It is commendable that the breeder informed you of this cardiac issue now before you bring the puppy home and get attached, which you still might do. Heart murmurs are graded on a scale of and a Grade 2 murmur is a soft-sounding low grade one. In puppies, this can sometimes be called an innocent murmur, which is not serious and may resolve with time, usually by the age of 4 months. If it does, it has no consequence on the health or longevity of the dog. However, there is no guarantee that this will occur. Murmurs can come in different types and be heard at different times in the cycle of cardiac contractility and relaxation. They can also be caused by many different anomalies, some congenital and others that develop over time. The pro-BNP test that you mention measures the amount of stretching of cardiac muscle and typically is used in mature dogs with more advanced changes in the heart, so it might not have relevance in this case other than providing a baseline and allowing it to be monitored over time. You might ask for an EKG, echocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound or a cardiologist to further assess the dog. You could ask the breeder to keep the dog for a few months to see if the murmur goes away or you might roll the dice and take the dog home, but know that there are no sure ways of knowing that all will work out. If things do not resolve or worsen, you will be attached to a sweet dog with potentially costly health issues. Only you know what you are willing to gamble. Good luck with your decision. My pet was diagnosed with a heart murmur! What does that mean? It is caused by abnormal turbulent blood flow. Abnormal turbulent blood flow can occur when blood passes across abnormal heart valves or across abnormal structures within the heart. It can also occur when blood flows very fast across normal structures such as when an animal is excited. An echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart is a non-invasive test that is performed to determine the cause of the murmur. In some instances, the louder the murmur, the more significant the abnormality within the heart. They are soft and usually go away by 14 weeks of age. This may indicate that congenital present at birth heart disease is present. The cardiologist will perform an echocardiogram as well as other tests EKG, blood pressure, etc. Depending on the disease present, some congenital diseases can be fixed or made better with an interventional catheter procedure, traditional surgery, or administration of cardiac medications. If you have an older, small breed dog: Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that these dogs have a leaky mitral valve the heart valve in between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve degenerates as dogs age and when it does, the older valve allows blood to leak backwards. We refer to this disease as chronic valve disease, endocardiosis or degenerative mitral valve disease. Mild chronic valve disease that leads to small leaks across the mitral valve usually does not create a problem for a dog. The disease is slowly progressive in most cases and the leak will continue to worsen over months to years. If the disease becomes severe, the dog is at risk for developing congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure means that the leak across the heart valve overwhelms the heart and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine the stage of chronic valve disease present. The presence or absence of congestive heart failure is diagnosed by X-ray of the chest. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life. Some dogs can do well with these medications for years. Bernard, Newfoundland, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian or Portuguese Water Dog : Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that they have a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy with a subsequent leaky mitral valve. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber ventricle of the heart where the muscle becomes weakened and the contraction of the heart is decreased. When the ventricle is unable to pump blood to the body, fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. This is known as congestive heart failure. In addition, because the heart is not pumping effectively, these dogs can develop profound weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and fainting. Unfortunately, they can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats arrhythmias from the diseased heart chambers. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if dilated cardiomyopathy is present in susceptible breeds. Oral medications can be initiated in the preclinical asymptomatic phase of dilated cardiomyopathy and in some cases, these medications can delay the progression of the disease to the development of congestive heart failure. If a dog develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. Some dogs can do well with these medications for a period of months to years. If you have a middle-aged to older cat especially a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Sphynx or Devon Rex : Heart murmurs in cats can be due to the excitement of the veterinary visit physiologic heart murmurs or due to underlying heart disease. An echocardiogram is necessary to differentiate between a heart murmur that is just due to excitement versus a heart murmur from underlying heart disease. Heart murmurs or other abnormalities heard with a stethoscope may indicate that cats have a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is the most common acquired heart disease seen in cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber of the heart where the muscle does not relax well after it contracts. Blood is then unable to fill the heart normally and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. Signs of congestive heart failure include a fast breathing rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness, lethargy, hiding and a decreased appetite. Unfortunately, in addition, these cats can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats from the diseased heart chambers. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or other structural heart disease is present in susceptible breeds and in cats that have abnormal heart sounds on physical examination. The progression of disease is different in every cat. Some cats develop congestive heart failure soon after their disease is diagnosed by echocardiogram. Other cats remain asymptomatic for their hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for many years before they develop congestive heart failure. Still others never develop congestive heart failure or any symptoms of their heart disease. Recheck cardiology visits and echocardiograms are necessary to determine the progression of disease in each patient. If a cat develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life, and some cats can do well with these medications for a period of months to years. Eating non-food items such as grass or human food. Bacterial and viral infections. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS. Bowel cancer more common in older Frenchies. Aggression — 2. As puppies, they can be more aggressive, but most will grow out of this particular health concern by around 12 months. Aggression is a natural attribute, with many Frenchies displaying it when they feel threatened, jealous, or provoked. However, at certain times their ancestry and genes can come to the fore, with some displaying aggressive characteristics which can become problematic. The best way to head this off at the pass is to ensure that your male Frenchie is neutered when the time comes and has proper puppy training. Heart murmur — 2. However, with older dogs, a heart murmur can be a very serious health problem and can lead to a reduced life expectancy. The most common reasons for a heart murmur to develop in a French Bulldog can include: Weakened heart muscle walls dilated cardiomyopathy. Heart wall defects. Heartworm disease. Infection in the heart valves endocarditis. There are varying grades of seriousness with dog heart murmurs, all of which a vet can detect using a stethoscope. Grade 1: This is a very soft and quiet murmur that is almost undetectable. Grade 2: This is a soft murmur that can be easily heard by a vet. Grade 3: This is a low to moderate noise. Grade 4: This is a moderate to loud noise. Grade 6: This can be heard without listening directly on the chest wall. Grades 1 and 2 offer no concerns, and your Frenchie should lead a full and long life. Grade 3 will require your Frenchie having a heart scan, letting your vet then recommend a medical treatment. If the heart murmur is graded on the higher end of the scale, your Frenchie will have a reduce life expectancy. Heart murmurs are common in Frenchie puppies. In adult dogs it can be more serious. You can read more about how heart murmurs can impact on pet insurance here. Vomiting — 2. I lost count of how many times Claude used to vomit as a puppy. If your Frenchie is vomiting a lot, it should not be taken lightly. To summarise on that though, here are some reasons why your French Bulldog will vomit: Food allergies. The swallowing of a foreign body. Eating and drinking too quickly. Oesophageal issues and disorders. Vomiting is very common with French Bulldogs, and most of the time is nothing to be worried about. I would exercise caution though; if your dog is vomiting frequently and appears to be distressed and in pain, take him to the vets immediately. Infectious canine tracheobronchitis kennel cough — 2. It is highly contagious but will often be a mild illness that can be treated and cured in under a month with the use of antibiotics or prevented with a vaccination. This is one to look out for if you are leaving your Frenchie in kennels for any period of time, or if your dog lives and plays in close proximity to other dogs. Patellar luxation dislocated kneecap — 2. Our French Bulldog is a complete clown and has no sense of danger. Patellar luxation can occur in Frenchies where: They have degenerative arthritis. They have a genetic malformation. They have suffered a traumatic injury to the knee. If you see your Frenchie holding his hind legs up that could be a sign of a dislocated kneecap. He will do this so that the muscles in his hind legs relax, as that can then let the dislocated kneecap return to its usual position. Ulcerative keratitis eye ulcer — 2. Consult with your Vet should two or more symptoms be present. Accurate diagnoses are possible by using x-rays or ultrasound, where the presence of cardiomyopathy in the pedigree is unknown. Drugs to help the heart are available and may prolong life. They are usually administered at the same time as drugs that treat water retention. Low salt diets are recommended and your Vet may suggest that you switch from your regular brand of dogfood. This is because salt increases fluid retention, already a problem when the heart is not working properly. Your dog should not be allowed to be overweight when he presents with cardiomyopathy — although most dogs with hereditary cardiomyopathy tend to be skinny. Exercise needs to be monitored, as your dog needs to be fit, but not to over-exert himself. Cardiomyopathy is occasionally associated with other conditions or disorders, like hypothyroidism. Diseases like parvovirus may sometimes weaken the heart, creating conditions suitable for heart disease to develop. Heartworm , is now also of concern. Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the most common heart diseases in adult dogs. Large breeds are most commonly affected, with three-quarters of the affected dogs being male. Affected females have a markedly lower survival rate than affected males. Survival statistics are poor. Heart Murmurs A murmur can usually be heard when the puppy is 10 weeks old — although it can be picked up earlier by a very experienced Vet, this is very difficult as the puppy has a very fast heart rate, fidgets and sniffs. It is not easy for a Vet to determine the difference between a puppy murmur and a congenital heart defect murmur by listening with a stethoscope auscultation. The blood thus flows forwards AND squirts backwards with every heartbeat. ECGs and X-rays may be needed to definitively diagnose a heart murmur, and to determine what type of murmur it may be. It is defined as an "obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract that ranges in severity from an incomplete fibrous ridge to a fibromuscular tunnel", and lies just under the aortic valve. This lesion causes turbulence in the blood as it crosses the aortic valve, and creates a murmur in most affected dogs. The subaortic lesion progresses with maturity. Heart murmurs can be detected as early as six to eight weeks of age, or develop as late as three to four years of age in milder cases. Most of the information available on SAS, including inheritance of the defect, has come from breeding studies done on Newfoundland dogs. Information from this breed is identical to the clinical features observed in other SAS affected breeds, such as Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers. The mode of transmission found in the Newfoundland dog breeding studies suggests an autosomal dominant gene trait with variable expression or penetrance is responsible, with the variability probably due to modifying gene factors. This makes the true mode of inheritance complicated, presenting a challenging problem in removing the defect from the dog population. Regardless of the degree of severity observed, any affected SAS animal can produce a degree of severity in its offspring because of the dominant genetics of the disease. Subaortic stenosis has been graded based on post-mortem exam: Grade 1 is the mildest form, with raised white nodules occurring in the area under the aortic valve; Grade 2 is the intermediate form, with a fibrous ridge that partially encircles the outflow tract; Grade 3 is the most severe form, with a fibrous band encircling the entire outflow tract just under the aortic valve, and may also cause changes in the mitral valve complex. The mildest lesions create the most frustrating problem for breeders. In studies performed on Newfoundlands, it was found that ausculation stethosope exam , cardiac catheterization, and echocardiography ultrasound , the most technologically advanced methods to detect and define heart murmurs, failed to reliably detect some, if not most, of the mildly affected dogs, as determined by post-mortem exam. The Grade 2 lesions are often associated with soft cardiac murmurs and minimal changes in the pressure gradient across the aortic valve. The Grade 3 lesions are usually associated with the more severe clinical signs, including moderate to severe murmurs, exercise intolerance, syncope fainting , congestive heart failure, and sudden death. The importance of this clinical data is clear - while the genetic makeup for SAS may be present in a dog, the actual detection of subaortic stenosis becomes difficult in mild cases, with definitive diagnosis of the carrier depending on post-mortem exams. This makes genetic counselling for this genetic trait difficult and leaves breeders frustrated. Treatment for SAS can be frustrating. Mild Cases:Therapy is usually not indicated in mild cases, as affected dogs are usually asymptomatic and can live a full and productive life. The only exception requires the use of prophylactic antibiotics for potential bacterial problems; such as dental procedures, surgery, and wounds; due to the risk of the dog developing endocarditis bacterial colonization of the heart valves , which may damage the heart valves. Moderate to severe cases: For moderate to severe cases, treatment is limited to drugs aimed at decreasing the clinical symptoms, such as those associated with congestive heart failure. However, the benefits of such drug-oriented treatment are minimal. Many moderate to severely affected dogs may develop acute heart arrhythmias as a result of heart muscle ischemia and sudden death. It is thus perhaps better to use a holistic approach based on nutrition, moderate exercise, a wellness-oriented lifestyle and dollops of affection. How can breeders decrease the incidence of subaortic stenosis? Firstly, the limitations of current diagnostics in recognizing mildly affected dogs must be recognised. It is also known that many affected animals shall be identified in a comprehensive program of screening. A carefully planned program of screening - and definitively diagnosing heart murmurs, along with genetic counseling - could reduce the incidence of the defect within a few generations. This includes screening all breeding stock, then carefully screening all progeny for the defect and eliminating parents which have produced affected offspring. A Conservative Program to Screen Dogs for Discrete Subaortic Stenosis see reference1 Most, but not all, discrete subaortic lesions will produce a murmur, and it is reasonable to use ausculation stethoscope examination as the main screening method. Some very mildly affected defects will go undetected, but neither are these likely to be detected by ultrasound or catheterization. Because the lesion develops postnatally, screening should not be begun until weeks of age. Pups with murmurs should be examined by more definitive methods, as needed, to make a diagnosis. Moderate to severe subaortic stenosis can be diagnosed by this age. Pups with mild lesions may not be distinguishable from those with innocent flow murmurs. Pups with low grade murmurs and no other evidence of heart disease should be re-examined at weeks of age. If the murmur disappears, the pup can be considered clear of clinically significant congenital heart disease. However, if there are close relatives with subaortic stenosis, it is prudent not to use such animals for breeding stock or use them only if their offspring are carefully screened for congenital heart disease. Discontinue breeding such dogs if they produce pups with confirmed subaortic stenosis. Pups with a low grade murmur that persists beyond 12 weeks should be re-examined by more definitive methods to make an accurate diagnosis. If echocardiography ultrasound or cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography are used, it should be possible to reduce the number of false positives. Pups that have a persistent murmur consistent with subaortic stenosis, but have no evidence of a congenital heart defect after further studies can be considered clear of a clinically significant lesion, but a very mild lesion cannot be ruled out. Such animals should not be used for breeding unless there are other compelling reasons for it. If bred, the offspring of such dogs should be carefully screened for evidence of congenital heart disease and breeding discontinued if any affected pups are produced. References: 1. Genes and the Heart: Congenital Heart Disease. Donald F. Linda B. Lehmkuhl and John B. Orthopedic Foundation for Animals,

Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Manchester Iowa and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Manchester, Greater Manchester, England Description I am thrilled to announce that our beautiful girl Ruby has given birth to 6 puppies! Week 3 update: we have 3 puppies available! All 6 puppies are very healthy and growing quickly. They have all opened their eyes and are starting to bark. Now they are beginning to play with each other and we go through daily training with them in order to properly socialize the pups. Potty training has also begun, to which the puppies are taking to quite well! Australian Labradoodles are dogs that have a very interesting history! They were first bred in the s by a member of the Australian Guide Dog Association who set out to produce a hypo-allergenic guide dog, for a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. They can be considered to be six in one, as six different breeds were used to create what I believe is the ultimate dog. They are gentle, smart, loving, playful and obedient. An extra bonus is that they have an allergy friendly coat and do not shed! Ruby is a wonderful family pet who lives with her guardian family in Manchester. She is one of the most gorgeous dogs I have ever seen and I am sure you will all agree! Her beautiful coat is easy to manage and she loves being brushed and pampered. Personality wise, the best way to describe her is as a very cuddly and loving teddy bear. She is a very intelligent dog and loves being cuddled and stroked. She gets along with other dogs and also enjoys playing with her toys. Ruby comes from my breeder friend from Poland, a wonderful lover of dogs who is respected and well known all across Europe. The dad of the puppies is Miles, our amazing stud who comes from Spain. He is a wonderfully calm and gentle boy! He loves to play with other dogs, whether they are smaller, bigger, older or younger! Miles adores his guardian family and enjoys learning new tricks as he is extremely obedient. His best friend is a rescue husky that lives with him and the two are almost inseparable! He is a very pretty boy with a luxurious, thick brown coat. The Pups will be ready to go home around the 5 May .As well as having extensive genetic DNA tests. We have done extensive remodelling to suit the needs of the little puppies as well as the mums! The puppies have an outdoor area built and designed exclusively for them and their needs. They are also potty trained and know basic commands. I will always be reachable for any questions! Please feel free to contact me or any of my other extremely satisfied customers who have welcomed one of my puppies into their homes. These organisations contain the most amazing group of breeders who only pick the best dogs to breed. Similar Adverts. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Manchester, TN? We have answers. What class of dog are Labradoodle puppies for sale near Manchester? Labradoodles are often considered a hybrid breed, made up of Labrador Retrievers and Standard or Miniature Poodles. As such, they are not recognized by any official registry as a "true" breed. Regardless, Labradoodles have become popular in recent years due to their intelligence, easygoing, gentle nature and friendly demeanor. Labradoodles come in various sizes and colors. Most Labradoodles are average to tall in height and usually come in fun colors, such as black and white, brown and white, cream, apricot or red. Are Labradoodle puppies for sale in Manchester hypoallergenic? Labradoodles are often associated with being hypoallergenic due to their combination of Labrador Retriever and Poodle parents that are known for being low-shedding and low-dander. It is important to note that there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic breed and the allergies an individual might have depends entirely on their own sensitivities. Labradoodles can have a range of coat types from wiry to wavy, or even curly. What do Manchester Labradoodle puppies for sale eat? Labradoodles typically have an omnivorous diet with proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables being important parts of the nutritional mix. Although not necessary, it's often recommended that owners feed their Labradoodle some type of commercial food that is specially formulated to be nutritionally balanced for the breed. Alternatively, owners can carefully manage their Labradoodle's diet by monitoring amounts and types of food as well as ensuring adequate vitamin and mineral intake through natural sources and supplements. What are some essentials I should buy before getting Labradoodle puppies in Manchester? Before getting a Labradoodle, it is important to purchase a few essential supplies. These may include a comfortable bed, several toys specifically designed to stay stimulating to a dog, enough food and water bowls, a leash and collar or harness, a brush for grooming, a dog brush and some appropriate dog treats. Don't forget to purchase pet insurance in case of emergency. What sizes do Labradoodles for sale in Manchester come in? Labradoodles come in several sizes, depending on the specific breeding. Generally speaking, the breed can come in three sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. Miniature Labradoodles typically weigh between 16 and 24 pounds and stand between 14 and 16 inches tall, making them ideal for homes with limited space. Medium Labradoodles usually are larger than their miniature counterparts, weighing between 25 and 49 pounds and standing between 17 and 20 inches tall. How many minutes per day should I walk Labradoodle puppies near Manchester? The recommended daily walking time for a Labradoodle depends on its age, health, and energy level. Generally speaking, an adult Labradoodle should be walked for 30 minutes to 1 hour every day. Senior dogs may require less exercise, however, and some dogs may need more depending on their individual needs. To ensure your Labradoodle is getting the exercise it needs, consult your veterinarian. Are Labradoodles in Manchester good for first-time owners? Labradoodles make great first-time pets for many reasons. They are very affectionate, gentle companions with outgoing personalities that are easy to train. They have a way of making everyone around them feel happy, making them great family pets. They are hypoallergenic and low shed, making them easier to keep clean. They are also intelligent, independent, and loyal, which makes them less prone to separation anxiety than some other breeds. All these qualities combined make them excellent for first-time owners who have a lot to learn about being a pet parent. Is training Manchester Labradoodles for sale easy? Training a Labradoodle can vary depending on the individual dog, but in general it is a relatively straightforward process. Labradoodles tend to be intelligent and eager to learn, which makes them highly trainable. They tend to be sensitive to positive reinforcement, so rewards such as verbal praise or treats are often successful when used as a reward. Furthermore, Labradoodles are active and responsive dogs, so they require consistent structure, exercise, and routine to stay mentally and physically engaged.

Reserve Goliath NOW! Goliath is mini chocolate tri that carries blue. He weighs 41 pounds and is 11 inches tall at the shoulders. He is one of the few mini bulldogs, with excellent structure, big rope, big bone, and huge head. An amazing producer, He has been producing outstanding puppies and we are proud to be able to offer him to the public. Goliath tends to "stamp his offspring" giving them that short and compact, big boned, low to the ground look. We can guaranty, you will be happy with the quality Goliath produces. We look forward to serving you. And yes, he is available for Stud Service. For Stud service.Puppies for Sale Morning Star Bullies is a responsible English bulldog breeder offering pet and show quality puppies to approved homes. We are passionate about our fur babies and treat them like family. All of our breedings are carefully planned to produce the most beautiful home raised, healthy puppies with the right temperament, and conformation. Our partners are lovers of English Bulldogs and take great care in raising our puppies so that they may continue to bring joy to others. Our puppies come pre-loved, with current shots and de-wormings, checked by licensed veterinarians, with health certificates, and a clean bill of health. Help Our Cause Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. He is a gorgeous English Bulldog. And yes, he is available for stud service! Up to date on shots and deworming. They will serves as perfect doggies in your home with kids and will easily get along to their new environment. They are upto dates on their shots and vaccines, and each doggy will be coming along with a health guarantee. Shipping Fee Is Included View Detail Adorable Miniature English Bulldog puppies for sale 12 weeks old male and female puppies with full three generation pedigree with papers. Both parents can be seen Vet checked with health card and 3rd vaccinations given Wormed and all our puppies are micro chipped and ready now for sale. Current pictures are available with more details. Text me at xxx xxx-xxx8 for more info. They will make a wonderful addition to any family. My puppies are very smart, well socialized with kids and other animal and big dogs and pleasant to be around. Each puppy comes vet checked, health certificate from our vet with one year health guarantee for any genetic defects, vaccination records, micro-chipped, crate and crate training tips. My puppies are ready to join your home now. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx9. Free Shipping is Included. Sweet-tempered mini English Bulldog puppies ready for sale. Our puppies are raised indoors with lots of love, occasionally available to select companion homes. Raised in our home as a member of our family. Our babies are given lots of daily individual attention for that well socialized pup. Our babies come to you current on their vaccinations and have made a trip to the vet for a check up. We have a beautiful new litter of English Bulldog puppies ready for sale now. They are active at home and love to play and go for a walk. They comes with all their vets records. Each puppy comes with one year guarantee health certificate. Interested persons should Text xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details. All our puppies are 12 weeks old and ready to go home now. Amazing male and female pure breed puppies now available for pets lovers. Our puppies are now 12 weeks of age, current on their vaccination and will be coming health guarantee. Our pups are AKC registered. First Serious buyers will have Free Shipping Included. Text me at xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details and pics. Male and female puppies available. They are 12 weeks old puppies raised in our home from birth with both mom and dad. They have all shots and warmings upto date. First 5 Serious buyers will have Free Shipping. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx2. Text me only at xxx 34O-xxx1. They are AKC registered, up to date with on shots and de-wormed. They are ready now for sale. Free Shipping available. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx8. Male and female puppies with shots upto date and raised in our homes with much love and personalities and Shipping included, Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx2. Serious buyers should Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx7. Text xxx xxx-xxx9 Astonished Miniature English Bulldog puppies for sale. We have a beautiful new litter of Mini English Bulldog pups ready to go now. Young boys and girls available, Vet checked with health card and 1st vaccinations given Wormed and flea treated to date Free Royal Canin puppy pack Four weeks free Petplan insurance. All our puppies are micro chipped. Our pups are estimated to weigh Lbs when they are fully grown and each puppy will also come with a free "Royal Canin" puppy training Pack including Educ treats ,a reward pouch and more. Please Interested persons should Text me at xxx xxx-xxx9 for more details. Shipping fee included View Detail Sweet Baby miniature Bulldog pups for sale Sweet Baby miniature Bulldog pups for sale,please txt me directly at xxx xxx-xxx5 for more info and pics. We have answers. Here at Uptown, we aim to make your search for Los Angeles Bulldog puppies for sale go as simply and smoothly as possible. To begin, check out the currently available pups and feel free to reach out to the various breeders and businesses, asking questions and finding out more information. When you're ready to bring your Los Angeles Bulldog for sale, you can arrange pick-up or delivery with the breeder. What are some of the common Bulldog health problems? Just like any other breed, Bulldogs can suffer from certain health issues. It's wise for anyone looking for a Bulldog for sale Los Angeles to be aware of these issues in advance, so you can look out for the signs and symptoms. Due to their wrinkled and flat faces, Bulldogs can develop both eye and respiratory problems. Incontinence can also be an issue in older Bulldogs. For the best chance of a happy and healthy Bulldog Los Angeles, be sure to buy from trusted breeders. What are the origins of Bulldogs? They date back several centuries and were originally used for bull-baiting and cattle-driving, but became more commonly kept as family pets as time went by. Are Bulldogs easy to train? Bulldog puppies for sale Los Angeles are a super choice if you're looking for an easy-to-train dog. They're very easygoing and obedient, always eager to please their owners, so they're perfectly happy to follow your commands and understand the rules of the house. A lot of first-time Bulldog owners are surprised by just how smart these pups can be. Are Bulldogs good family dogs? They really are. Bulldog puppies Los Angeles have proven to be hugely popular with families from all walks of life, thanks to their loyal, loving, and affectionate nature. Some people might be worried about these big, stocky dogs with their young children, but Bulldogs are wonderfully docile and friendly animals that usually get on great with little ones and love to play with them, so don't be afraid to consider a Bulldog for sale Los Angeles for your family too. Do I have to search from local breeders only? In general, we recommend buying from local Bulldog breeders in Los Angeles if you can, as this makes it easier to meet your dog and pick it up when you're ready to bring it home. However, at Uptown, we work with many breeders and businesses all over the nation, and if your perfect pup is too far away to drive, the breeder will be able to arrange a flight and send your pup over to an airport near you. How do you screen breeders with Bulldogs for sale? We understand that you want to find the very best Bulldog breeders Los Angeles, and we want to help out. So, whenever a breeder or business applies to join the Uptown family, we put them to the test. We look at factors like experience, ethics, professionalism, cleanliness, and more in order to find the very best sellers of Bulldogs for sale in Los Angeles for our users. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other networks with Bulldogs for sale? There are sites you can use to find a Los Angeles Bulldog puppy for sale, but many of them are much better at marketing than they are at actually helping people find healthy pups from trusted breeders. There are more scammers out there than ever before, so it's really important to choose carefully. At Uptown, we take the time to scan all breeders and businesses, only approving the very best ones to join our network, so you won't have to worry about scams or unhealthy pups. Are Bulldogs a good choice for apartments? Bulldog puppies in Los Angeles have proven to be a popular choice with apartment dwellers, thanks to their low energy levels. Even though they're relatively large dogs, they don't need much space to be happy and don't need lots of exercise either. A Bulldog for sale in Los Angeles is therefore certainly a dog to consider if you live in a small space. Are there any Bulldog puppies for sale right now? Bulldog litters are popping up all the time all over the country, so it's highly likely that your dream dog is out there somewhere, just waiting to meet you. You can start your search today, viewing the currently available Los Angeles Bulldogs for sale. When you find a dog you like, simply contact the breeder to find out more and arrange pick-up or delivery.

Kennel club recognition is quite an arduous process and is often only available to purebreds. Poodle Standard colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. As you probably noticed, Golden Retrievers only come in three colors. This section discusses all 13 Goldendoodle colors for proper identification, including some of their charming pictures. Chocolate Image credit: the. You probably come across one in your neighborhood as you take your morning walk. They got their rich brown color from their dominant Poodle genes, but some of them experience silvering as they mature. Chocolate or brown dogs may become silver beige depending on their genes. The chocolate color in Goldendoodles is recessive , so you need two Goldendoodles that are either pure chocolate or have the chocolate gene in their lines to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle. Among all the colors listed here, apricot is probably the most sought-after because they resemble teddy bears. This is a trait they got from their Poodle parent, who also comes in the same tone. Apricot is also the last registered Poodle color. They are considered the brightest type because their coat simply stands out. This may fade into a lighter shade when they mature. They are often thought to be white Goldendoodles because they are very light in color. Creams have the largest variation when it comes to coat tones and points, so it is possible to see one with dark eyes, nose, and toenails and another with lighter features. Some are even pinkish under their coat. Champagne Champagne Goldendoodles exist, albeit rare. They possess a recessive red gene, which is also diluted to create a pale yellow to a cream tone. The rarity of these dogs makes them quite pricey, but they are still one to consider if you want a teddy-looking dog. However, their eyes, nose, and paw pads remain pure black. There are instances where white is more dominant, but those who are primarily black also exist. Contrary to what most people believe, not all black and white Goldendoodles should be called tuxedo because it pertains to a specific coat pattern. This will be focused on once the tuxedo coat pattern is discussed. When they reach two years old, their gray coloration even lightens to rustic silver, and there will be no more signs that they were once almost black. These dogs are very rare and are only achieved through multiple generations of breeding Goldendoodles. They also have blue noses and paw pads. Their hairs resemble that of an aged man, so you can easily identify them among others. Most silver Goldendoodles show signs that they are indeed silver as they reach 6 to 10 weeks. The tone of their coat has varying degrees, from dark to light silver. Silver Beige Image credit: wheresguthrie. They are originally born chocolate, but because of certain genes, their color cleared, and they become silver beige. What creates the effect that they are sables is the combination of silver to gray hairs and the beige coloration. Some parts of their body appear cream-colored, and this is expected from this variety. Aside from their impressive set of colors, Goldendoodles are even more unique because of their coat patterns. Usually, novice pet owners confuse this with certain coat diseases, but this is typical for this hybrid. The base coat may be one of the 13 basic colors discussed earlier. Usually, these are found on their face, chest, and paws. Often, two colors make up their coat: one is the base, and the second is a lighter shade. There is an exact location for the lighter points — above the eyes, along the sides of the muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. Most Goldendoodles with this coat pattern are developed through multi-generational breeding. This is why parti pups will have distinct appearances from each other. This creates the impression that they are wearing a tuxedo. Classic merle pups usually have some blue or chocolate patchwork or tickings on their body. Meanwhile, watercolor merles which are harder to come across, also have some tickings on their coat. They are distinct from the former because their coat lightens as they age. Most of them have light-base hairs, which makes their stripes stand out. The most popular color for Goldendoodles is also the last color to be recognized for Poodles — apricot. The fame it gained as the latest color for the breed is also reflected in its cross between the Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is followed by cream and red. Sables are also in demand even though they are not of the same level as the three shades mentioned above. Since these colors are desired by many, expect that they are a bit more expensive than their other cousins. Despite being common and easy to breed, these black pups are not highly sought after. What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color? The rarest Goldendoodle colors are those that can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. This means that in order to produce these dogs, you have to breed together puppies beyond f2 or second generations. These are gray, blue, and silver. Apart from these colors, two patterns are found to be rare. They are the phantom and parti Goldendoodle. Similar to the gray, blue, and silver dogs, they can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. The color of every dog is a product of its two main pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is black in default, but it also produces certain diluted colors due to the genes inherited by the dog. The second pigment, which is pheomelanin, is primarily red, but it can become apricot, cream, tan, and other similar shades when altered by dilution genes. For a breeder to produce a certain Goldendoodle color, the parents must undergo DNA testing to determine whether they can produce the desired color for the litter. Some others carry a recessive gene that makes them exhibit a very different color from their parents. There are some myths that aim to taint the reputation of some varieties but have no scientific basis. For instance, the assumption that black Goldendoodles are aggressive simply because they are black colored. Make sure to look for pertinent data first before becoming influenced by mere opinions on the color and the breed of dogs. In fact, a friend of mine who has two male Goldendoodles of different colors, a blue three-year-old, and an apricot 2-year-old, has observed that the two have very similar temperaments. Both are affectionate and love being with him all the time. But if we are to consider the study of the University of Sydney, which investigated the life expectancy of dogs according to their colors, chocolate Goldendoodles may be prone to ear infections and various skin diseases. Merles are also observed to be predisposed to deafness, blindness, skin sensitivity, and skin cancer, especially when the two parents used to breed the puppy both carry the merle gene. These are extreme issues, so you better consider this in buying your pet. As is with other crosses and purebreds, Goldendoodles also experience subtle color changes as they mature. This phenomenon is brought about by their Poodle lineage. Mostly, red and its varieties lighten when they reach two years of age. But other colors may also undergo lightening through a process called silvering or dilution. This is more prevalent in black and chocolate puppies who turn out blue, silver, or silver beige, depending on their genes. However, this may not be true for all Goldendoodle puppies. Some may not have any genes that will lighten their colors and will retain their rich color all the way to adulthood. 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 Goldendoodle Overview Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large, depending on the variant of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has proven to be an excellent family dog. Goldendoodles have achieved success as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs one study tested their success at sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies. Goldendoodles have also done well in agility. The Goldendoodle is an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since he was first developed in s. Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. Goldendoodles should not live outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in contact with the people they love. Goldendoodles can be very easy to train and are a good match for first-time or timid owners. The best way to avoid any destructive behavior is to crate them and to provide toys and treats to keep them busy throughout the day. Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders and may be a good match for people with allergies. They do require weekly or biweekly brushing , and many owners opt to have them clipped. They have become popular quickly, and their star is still rising. They make excellent family dogs and provide gentle, intelligent companionship throughout their lifetimes. The Goldendoodle is the result of Poodle to Golden Retriever breedings. So far there are very few multigenerational breedings crosses between two Goldendoodles. The Goldendoodle is considered to be a non- to light shedder, but he requires regular grooming and clipping. If the coat is kept short, it should be clipped every six to eight weeks and brushed every few weeks. If the coat is kept in its natural state, it should be brushed once every week or two. He may not bark even if someone knocks on the door. He does much better in a home with a fenced yard. The Goldendoodle requires about 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. Being a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along well with children and does well with other dogs and family pets. The Goldendoodle is a very social dog who should not live away from his family. The Goldendoodle can suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods at a time. The Goldendoodle may make an excellent companion to people with allergies. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Breeding began in the s, after both the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle gained footholds. The fact that the Goldendoodle is still a fairly young cross means that most pups are the result of first-generation breeding. That is, most are Golden Retriever and Poodle mixes; as of yet, breeding rarely occurs between pairs of Goldendoodles. Despite the fact that the Goldendoodle has gained some popularity, especially in Australia, there is still no breed club or registry in existence. There are, however, several online communities for the Goldendoodle lover and owner. Goldendoodle Size Goldendoodles vary in size. These dogs tend to range in size from 13 to 20 inches in height and 15 to 35 pounds in weight. The average height for a Small Standard Goldendoodle is 17 to 20 inches; the weight is 40 to 50 pounds. The Large Standard Goldendoodle averages 20 to 24 inches in height and weighs 50 to 90 pounds. Goldendoodle Personality The Goldendoodle has not become popular for lack of good reason. His positive personality traits are numerous — he endears himself to everyone he meets with his friendly, intelligent, accepting nature. He is loyal and, with proper training, can be highly obedient. He does have a playful side and can be mischievous if the mood hits. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldendoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Ear Infections: These can be a problem for Goldendoodles because of their floppy ears, which trap moisture. Check and clean the ears regularly. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simpy develop arthritis, or he could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. An affected dog will have symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from surgery, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles or after whelping, and occasionally blood in the stool. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions before surgery, and avoidance of specific medications. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Goldendoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as large Goldendoodles. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists torsion. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. Goldendoodle Care The Goldendoodle can be easy to train. He should be trained with positive reinforcement, since harsh corrections could damage his confidence. Socialization is important for all breeds, but for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle it can be instrumental in discouraging any shyness or timidity. The Goldendoodle has an average energy level and will require daily exercise through walks or a good romp in the back yard. Generally speaking, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to keep a Goldendoodle from becoming bored. Since the Goldendoodle may grow large, he does require room to move. Goldendoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 4 cups depending on adult size of high-quality dry food a day, divided into multiple meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Goldendoodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. A Goldendoodle should also be fed several small meals per day instead of one large one, since the Golden Retriever can suffer from gastric torsion, or bloat , a trait that can be easily passed on to any Goldendoodle offspring. For more on feeding your Goldendoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldendoodle Coat Color And Grooming The Goldendoodle should have a wavy to curly coat of about two to three inches in length. He has longer hair on the tail, body, ears, and legs legs may be slightly feathered ; the hair on the head and muzzle tends to be shorter. The coat can be black, copper, white, cream, gray, golden, apricot, or red, although golden seems to be the common coat color. Owners generally opt to clip the coat for easier maintenance; but if you choose to leave it in its natural state, expect to brush it about once every week or two. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldendoodle Rescue Groups Goldendoodles are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldendoodles in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Goldendoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Sept 14, Happy Thursday! Thanks so much for visiting our site! We think that our smaller golden doodles are the perfect family addition! We absolutely love the temperament of golden retrievers, but not so much the size and the shedding. Our goal is to give you a puppy with a great temperament, in a smaller size, without all of the shedding. We would love to help your family adopt one of our mini or toy Goldendoodles. We want to make this process as much fun as we can! Our deposits are refundable for any reason for up to two years. After 18 years of raising mini golden doodles, we have learned that the daily personal interaction with our dogs and the puppies, leads to a more well rounded and well adjusted puppy. We raise F1 mini doodles, F1b mini doodles and F1b toys. For those with more severe allergies, this may be the way to go. .Our minis average pounds and our toys average pounds full grown. You can visit our photo gallery to see pictures of our past and present puppies! There are hundreds and hundreds of pictures in the photo gallery so get comfortable!!! Reach out to us anytime! Our farms have lots of room to run and a creeks to play in! With our kids, our nieces and nephews and extended families, the puppies get lots of love, playtime and socialization. This allows them to be more well adjusted little puppies when they go to their new homes. We have Mini Goldendoodle Puppies Available! Sept 14, We have puppies!! Puppy Picks happen on the day that the puppies get to go home. This is so that families can better see the temperaments of the puppies, making it easier for them to choose the right puppy for their family. Some families are looking for a couch potato, some for a more active doodle to run or hike with. We will for sure help you during the picking process, whether in person or with FaceTime. Families can send a refundable deposit to hold their picking spot on a litter, then come on Puppy Pick Day to choose and take their puppy home. We post new photos in the photo gallery every weekend, so check that out! We wait until that day so that the puppies are old enough to be able to see their little personalities. The deposits are fully refundable for up to 2 years. If families would rather wait on a future litter… they will go on the waiting list. Your puppy can then be driven to you or we can meet you somewhere in between. We can also ship your puppy via American Airlines if the temperature is between 20 and 82 degrees, or we can recommend a flight nanny to fly with your puppy in cabin. You can of course remain on the waiting list longer than two years, if you want to keep passing on litters. .Be sure to contact us for our current pricing. Our mini goldendoodle puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee against genetic issues. Should something arise in those 2 years, we will cover the cost of treatment up to the cost of the puppy. We know that parting with a family member would be impossible… All this said, our mini golden doodles have been so incredibly healthy. Our vet is a HUGE fan of mini doodles. I post fun and exciting things…. You can like our Facebook page where lots of our families are posting great pictures and videos of their puppies in their new homes! There are links to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook at the top right corner of this page!! We welcome families to come visit our farm to meet us, the parents and of course the mini goldendoodle puppies. We love to show off how we raise our puppies and how our moms and dads live here, and they of course love meeting new people! Besides that, we know that getting a puppy is a huge deal and getting to see where they come from is very important! Be sure to visit our photo gallery to see hundreds of pictures of our puppies in their new home! You can see the different coats and colors of our puppies and who the parents are of each puppy. Knowing which of our earlier puppies you like helps us to know what you would like your puppy to look like. Be sure to like our Facebook page too! Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article.