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And to do that, we have to start with the blue French Bulldog. The blue Frenchie is a unique color variation of the French Bulldog breed, which is caused by a recessive gene known as the dilution gene. If you really want to know how pure your Frenchie is, i. That spot would probably go to either the lilac Frenchie or the isabella Frenchie , both of which are extremely hard to find, and also extremely expensive. And that is pretty similar in the canine world, as well. With that in mind, we can say that blue and tan French Bulldogs have all the same personality traits and quirks that we usually associate with the French Bulldog breed. They are very low-energy and low-maintenance dogs who thrive on social interaction and the exchange of affection. They love to cuddle, play around, and generally spend time with their owners. They are great with both adults and kids, which makes them perfect family pets. In addition, due to their small size, they are comfortable in small apartments and in big houses alike. Blue And Tan French Bulldog Grooming Needs Photo from: rockysssmodernlife Another thing that is a big positive of the blue and tan French Bulldogs is their relatively low grooming needs, at least when it comes to their coats. However, other grooming aspects can be a bit more demanding, especially when it comes to their skin and face. You need to pay special attention to their skin and make sure that their folds are clean and not irritated. Blue and tan Frenchies are particularly prone to various skin conditions, and you need to be on high alert a lot of the time. Additionally, due to their brachycephalic head shape, they are more prone to dental problems, so you will need to make sure that the hygiene of their teeth and mouth is on point. Blue and tan French Bulldogs are a beautiful dog breed, they really are, but they come with a set of question marks over their health. All French Bulldogs and a lot of similarly built breeds can struggle with respiratory issues because of their brachycephalic head shape. That significantly impacts their ability to be active, as long and intensive walks can be hurtful for them. Dermatitis and skin allergies are just a couple of examples. More specifically, when talking strictly about blue and tan French Bulldogs, they can frequently struggle with color dilution alopecia. These are some of the things I was referring to when asking if blue and tan French Bulldogs are worth the hype. At the start of this article, I mentioned that Frenchies are often considered a status symbol, and that is something that is reflected in their price. The veterinary expenses can pile up pretty quickly! As a general rule of thumb, I can say that the rarer a color is, the more expensive it will be. There is another case that I simply have to mention. Black and tan Frenchies need special treatment, and that will require a lot of effort, time, and money from your side. Clair is our female Blue and Tan Frenchie with tan points. Our French Bulldogs have had no health problems. I get questions about blue alopecia; we do not have that issue with our dogs or the puppies we have produced. We feed high-quality dog food to curb any skin or digestive problems. Yes, Frenchies can have gas and throw up; feeding high-quality food will get you close to eliminating these problems. We work on producing puppies with a little bit of a nose to help with breathing problems. On a cool morning, our girls will walk a mile or more with no issues. Never walk your French Bulldog in the heat, no matter the size of the nose. We do not produce extreme Frenchies with a flat nose and face or minis. Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs require artificial insemination and c-sections to reproduce. They also have very slim hips, which makes it difficult for them to reproduce naturally. Breeding French Bulldogs is also a full-time job; they require constant attention and care. Are French Bulldogs good companions? French Bulldogs have the sweetest, funniest, and most unique personalities. Our Frenchies keep us entertained all the time. They are the biggest clowns! Frenchies will be as lazy or as active as you want them to be. But as with all dogs, they do need some activity. A short walk, playing ball, or just some mental activity helps keep your Frenchie fit inside and out! Deposits are not refundable if purchase is not completed due to no fault of Wild Blue French Bulldogs. We will meet in a public area. Outside the local area must be agreed upon prior. We do not ship puppies but can recommend a flight nanny. Blue French Bulldogs are widely loved for their blue-gray coat color. The distinctive blue hue of their coat is the result of a genetic mutation that causes a dilution of the black pigment in their fur, resulting in the enchanting blue-gray appearance that has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Their distinctive appearance is characterized by a solid blue base color with beige markings on various parts of their body, including their paws, chest, bottom, cheeks, and eyebrows. Size French Bulldogs are a small breed, making them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and families alike. Color French Bulldogs are renowned for their wide range of coat colorations. From traditional Frenchie patterns like brindle and pied to the more exotic tan and merle markings you can choose from a wide range of choices. The cost of a French Bulldog can fluctuate based on several factors, including gender, color, pedigree and the very breeder you get your puppy from. Normally, the average price of a quality Frenchie from a reputable breeder is around 5, USD. Personality French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They make wonderful companions and are great with families and singles alike. Consistent and positive reinforcement-based training will ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved pets. As mentioned earlier, the cost of acquiring one of these delightful pups can vary. The variation in price can be influenced by factors such as their age and the beauty of the puppy. Purchasing a Blue and Tan Frenchie from a responsible and reputable breeder like TomKings Puppies is crucial for several reasons: Health and Quality Assurance: Our breeding program focuses on the health and well-being of our dogs. We conduct regular health checks, provide proper nutrition, and prioritize socialization to ensure your puppy starts life on the right paw. Ethical Practices: TomKings Puppies adheres to ethical breeding practices, placing the welfare of our dogs at the forefront of everything we do. We provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your pup thrives in its new home. Contact us today to learn more about our available pups and how you can make one of these beautiful dogs your own.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Females continue to fill out until about the 2-year mark, while males take a bit longer by putting on weight until the 2. But can you tell how big a German Shepherd will get before then? What other developmental milestones should you keep an eye on with your pup? We answer both those questions and more here. While there are tons of backyard tricks to help you determine how big your German Shepherd will get, the truth is that none of them really work. The best way that you can make a guess is to take a look at their parents. If you want a small German Shepherd, try to find one from two small parents, and if you want a large one, try to find large parents. The average size of a German Shepherd largely comes down to genetics, but if you have a purebred GSD, then they should fit into these parameters. Fully grown male German Shepherds typically stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller, standing between 22 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 49 and 71 pounds. This large discrepancy in size generally comes down to genetics. But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year? By the 1-year mark, most German Shepherds are near their full height. Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. Teeth Did you know that your German Shepherd goes through two sets of teeth throughout their life? Around 12 weeks, they start to get their adult teeth, which means their baby teeth only stick around for about 3 months! Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Sexual Maturity If you have pups of different sexes in the same home, you need to be aware of when your German Shepherds can reach sexual maturity. Most male German Shepherds will reach some level of sexual maturity by the 6-month mark. This is a big deal if you have an unspayed female pup in the house. On the other hand, females can experience their first heat anywhere from the 6-month to the month mark. If you have unneutered males in the house, this is a pretty big deal. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Final Thoughts When you have a growing German Shepherd , it can seem like they get bigger every day and like the growth will never stop. While growth might happen for longer than you were expecting , what we can promise is that it will slow down. But did you really get a German Shepherd expecting them to be a small dog? Your German Shepherd is going to grow, and you knew this when you got them. Related Reads:. Every puppy will grow at a different rate, and these figures are average guidelines. A 6-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between lbs for males and lbs for females. Similar to most large breeds, GSDs have their most intense growth spurt between 2 to 6 months of age. At 7 months, their growth rate slows down considerably until they reach full adulthood at 3 years. This growth is nominal from the two-year point to the three-year point an inch or less. On average, fully grown German Shepherds are 24 to 26 inches tall for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. Males will weigh between lbs, and their female counterparts will weigh lbs. Most GSDs are assumed to be fully grown by the end of the second year. Whether a GSD is expected to grow beyond the second year can depend on how big the dog already is. Not all German Shepherds are built alike because not all of them are bred alike. You can also refer to a GSD growth chart and check for consistent lag or lead. Additionally, paw size can be an indication of future size, although this is unreliable. This also applies to the weight category as well. If your dog is a few lbs over the standard weight, he might weigh as much more by the third year. Weight fluctuates even past the complete development, though. And that brings us to the alternative scenario: what if your dog is not consistently smaller or bigger than the projected growth chart? If you notice that your dog is an inch smaller at one stage and half an inch smaller at the next, chances are, your dog is experiencing regular growth spurts as any other German Shepherd except that he is shorter by a set percentage. In that case, you should refer to the percentage of full weight or height in the German Shepherd growth chart. I had a pretty good idea of how big my German Shepherd would be from seeing her parents when I initially visited the breeder. However, there can be a convenience concern. A dog who is too big might be impractical to keep for some. This allows you to decide with more room to maneuver later on. You should lean more heavily on the diet adjustment for a dog younger than six months and exercise adjustment for an older one. If your dog is younger than 18 months and is overweight compared to the growth chart, two factors could contribute to this mismatch. These factors are mutually exclusive, and usually, only one is true. The second is that he needs better consumption to energy use ratio to come to the ideal weight. But how do you tell if your GSD is overweight because of health or due to his genetic predisposition? If both size and weight are greater than what the growth chart indicates as the standard, then your dog is simply the bigger kind, and you can chalk up the additional weight to natural body size. The key is to discover this sooner than later. Discovering early that your German Shepherd needs more exercise and better diet management means you have to go easy on him during physical training. German Shepherds have growth plates made of soft tissue that leaves room for limb bone growth. And if your dog runs or even goes on enthusiastic long walks outdoors, his growth plates might be at risk. I have a post covering exercises for younger GSDs in detail but below are some principles that will help you decide your own exercises for German Shepherds whose growth plates are open. Avoid high places — The growth plates section makes it self-evident that you should keep your dog from jumping. So definitely no skipping rope for your chubby best friend. Interestingly, such games also decrease running speed as dogs are more deliberate in processing where the hidden prize is. The dog will move, and he will move a lot. This means your furniture should be ready for a heavy dog; you should have a place wide enough to accommodate a crate and a crate large enough to have headspace well above the full-grown height of your GSD read my post on best crates for German Shepherds. German Shepherds have a lot of momentum. A pile of muscles zipping around the house can cause a lot of damage, so training early is crucial. Your German Shepherd might look like he can take on anything, but he belongs to a breed prone to diseases. You must be willing to put in the required extra care when raising and living with a German Shepherd. Remember, German Shepherds are smart, which makes them easily bored. Having a companion means the two dogs can engage each other, provided that you have trained them well. An average German Shepherd will be fully grown around 18 months old, although some will continue to grow until 24 months, eventually reaching full adulthood at 3 years of age. German Shepherds grow the most between 2 and 3 months. This is when they have a huge growth spurt. It can also lead to an increased risk of developmental orthopedic diseases. Proper nutrition, exercise, and monitoring can help reduce these risks. A German Shepherd is generally considered a large dog breed. To know if your German Shepherd is too skinny, you should not easily see the ribs or effortlessly feel them underneath the skin due to no fat. You should also be unable to feel the hips, shoulders, spinal cord, or tail base. You can also check the growth chart for any huge differences. To know if your German Shepherd is overweight, you will have difficulty feeling the ribs through the layers of fat. It will also be hard to feel the hip bones, shoulders, and spine, and you should be able to locate the tail bones where the tail joins the back. Check the GSD growth chart as a guide. Neutering a German Shepherd puppy will not stunt growth. Once a belief but now disproven by studies , early-age neutering of dogs does not affect growth, and German Shepherds still grow after neutering. Recovery is also faster in puppies than in adult dogs. German Shepherds do not gain weight after being spayed, nor do they become obese. They will also still grow after spaying. Your German Shepherd might be small due to genetics. Other causes are a poor diet with insufficient nutrients or small portions with not enough calories. Illnesses, a sensitive stomach, or anxiety can be a factor, along with extreme exercise, such as working dogs who need extra calories. Your German Shepherd might be so tall if its ancestors and lineage were also tall. Larger dogs will take longer to develop until they reach adulthood. Final Thoughts German Shepherds grow big and grow in stages with the rates of size and weight increase varying. Finally, make sure to help your dog lose weight if he is over the expected weight but is not over the expected height, as this indicates unhealthy weight. Related Posts You May Like:. The German Shepherd is a breed that has been maintained through very specific standards. Based on these standards, meeting a specific length-to-height ratio is more important than meeting the typical height and weight milestones. Generally, GSDs are expected to have a length-to-height ratio of .Here is a basic guide to German Shepherd growth stages. At this stage of their lives, the puppies are deaf and blind. They are dependent on their mother to survive. Puppies steadily grow at a rate of grams a day, depending on their size and the size of their mother. Transitional Stage The transitional stage is the second German Shepherd growth stage. It starts when they are 2 weeks old and ends when they turn 4 weeks old. During this stage, their first milk teeth start to come in. They can also see and hear during this period. They will start to wag their tails and walk around, even though it may seem wobbly and unsteady at first. They will also start to eliminate on their own. During the transitional stage, puppies become more independent and begin to explore their surrounding area on their own. Socialization Stage At this stage, socialization is critical for puppies. The socialization period takes place between 3 weeks and 12 weeks. During this stage, it is important to introduce them to as many loving, friendly humans and animals as possible so they learn how to socialize properly. The socialization aspect is crucial at this stage, as German Shepherds are social animals. Juvenile Stage The juvenile stage lasts from 3 months to 6 months of age. This is the time when your German Shepherd will become even more independent. They will like to explore their surroundings and wander around. They start to lose their puppy teeth during this stage and grow adult teeth. The stage usually ends when the dogs start to reach sexual maturity. Adolescent Stage The adolescent age starts when the German Shepherd is about 6 months old. This is when certain hormonal changes that are associated with sexual maturity begin to occur in the dog. This stage lasts for a longer period since it usually ends when the dog is 2 years old or around that time. Females usually go into heat between months of age. Males will begin roaming, mounting, and marking during this time. Typically, your GSD will have their adult teeth around 6 months of age. Adult Stage German shepherds take some time to reach full adult maturity Females do mature a little faster than males as mentioned above. At the end of this stage, your German shepherd is fully grown. Do keep in mind that every individual dog can be different from the average. They may develop differently at each stage. Conclusion Being mindful of the growth stage your German Shepherd is in is helpful when dealing with a young pup. Similarly, during the socialization period, they may need different care since they should be exposed to more things. Additionally, German Shepherds seem to grow overnight as puppies. So if you have ever wondered when does a German Shepherd stop growing, I hope this article provided you with some insight. Discover the truth behind German Shepherd growth stages. What I have learned from my own experience. The German Shepherd is a large breed dog, and they will continue to mature up until they reach 36 months. However, they can start to mature at the age of months and continue up to three years before they are fully mature. This is for both females and males. Fully mature. Your puppy will spend its first year growing up and its second year growing out. Your puppy will be as tall as it is going to be by the time it is about 12 months old. Once your dog has reached its maximum height, it will still have some growing to do. How much should German Shepherd puppies weigh? With my experience of breathing multiple litters of German Shepherds over the years. I like to take this question a little bit further, so you can have a better understanding about puppy weight. The bigger question should be… It depends on how the Breeder feeds the puppies. They will always keep a good eye on how the pups are developing so they keep them healthy. Here are a few pictures of puppies. This was a great litter of puppies. Everyone puppy he sold the people were so happy with their puppy. All the pups had a super loving temperament and training comes easy when you breed good blood-line puppies. This is a black sable collar. Roughly weight would be, 9-week old puppies weigh. I have had male puppies that weight up to 50 lbs. How long do German shepherds live? My personal experience with my own dogs. They have lived up to 15 years of age. Just like in humans. Now, I will share with you what will play a big part in keeping your German Shepherd healthy, is how you feed them and exercise them. Always use good food and plenty of vet checkups when needed. You should always get your dog check once a year. With my own experience after breeding multiple German Shepherd litters. The bloodlines have a great part and playing with their ears standing up. I have seen German Shepherds with floppy ears, known form as a lazy ear, which terms English grammar terms that you probably heard people saying. This can varies from dog to dog but generally between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age. I tell my customers. Take a look at the pictures above these puppies are 5 weeks old. I like you to remember this too. German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. Anywhere from 10 weeks to 14 weeks of age, the ears start to stand on their own. But sometimes things can happen like-Occasionally, pets are born with deformed ears that normally should stand erect but do not. The answer is no. I would never cut a GSD dog ear and less there was a danger to their life. I had never heard of any German Shepherd ears being cute before. This is something you should discuss with a licensed veterinarian. Now, this a popular question for new German Shepherd owners. First, you need to understand. Do you have a high-energy dog or low energy dog? This is the same for a puppy or older dog. If you have a high-energy- GSD-dog you will need physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. My friend Tonny just got a new German Shepherd and call me to ask, when will she calm down? She always brings me her ball to play. I told him to put her on a leash and teach her to lay down. This can be done when your eating dinner, and watching TV. This is done with training when you can supervise her. Meet- Nora. My friend Tonny, made the mistake of playing ball in the house with his new GSD puppy when she was weeks-old. And now she is 6 months old. Playtime is for outside the house. This why his dog brings him the toy all the time to play inside the house. This is what he taught her. Now the house became a big backyard for his puppy, and this is why she will not calm down inside the house. There are a lot of German Shepherd owners that do this with their puppies. If you always playing with your puppy- inside the house how will they ever learn to calm down? This behavior is not hard to break. He just needs to be consistent with his training. German Shepherd Growth Stages. True is, all puppies go through growth stages. My German shepherd princess is nine years old and she is still a super high-level energy dog. That comes from her breeding and blood-lines. This what working dogs do, is work. You may have heard some say, your dog needs a job. Now remember every German Shepherd has a different temperament, and temperament in dogs is energy level. I was out training my German Shepherd princess last week, and this man was watching me why I was working with her, and stop to talk with me and said he had a dog just like mine and it was a good thing that he owned 15 teen acres land at the time because he could not imagine living the city with a high-energy dog. Anyway, short post today but I just wanted to put the information out there. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Dennis. The German shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds — and for good reason. Originated in Germany, this is a working dog breed that is extremely loyal, friendly, and approachable. These medium to large-sized dogs may come off reserved at first, but as they get to spend time with their owner, they become exceedingly attached to them and protect them from threats with all their might. Because they are strong and courageous, they make for excellent watchdogs. German shepherd dogs are quite energetic and easy to train. They like to exercise a lot and play outdoors with children and other pets. This dog breed grows up to 25 inches tall, weighs up to 90 pounds, and typically lives up to years. At this point, you may wonder, when do German shepherds stop growing? Find out that and more information about these faithful companions in this blog post. Love German Shepherd? They also tend to be more emotionally stable and stronger than their female counterparts. However, female German shepherds are more affectionate, obedient, and easier to train. They are the perfect candidate for family protection, while male GSDs are best for personal protection. German Shepherd Development Stages 1. Newborn Period The neonatal stage lasts about 14 days. When the puppy is two weeks old, its eyes and ears start to open fully, and the central front tooth on the lower jaw develops. The puppy also learns to crawl and take its first baby steps. Socialization Period Generally, the socialization period lasts from two weeks to two months. In this stage, puppies learn to explore the world around them and interact with their littermates. It is during this period that they begin to develop various social and emotional abilities. A few skills that puppies learn are — identifying their species, how to play, fight, and communicate with their friends, biting and chewing soft foods, etc. Juvenile Period This stage usually lasts from 3 to 6 months, and during this time period, the puppy goes through many development changes. It becomes slightly larger and more active, but still has a short attention span; therefore, you have to be cautious of bringing strangers or new pets around your puppy. You should also keep the training sessions short and precise because small puppies may easily get bored and distracted. Sexual Maturity and Reproductive Period In this stage, German shepherds reach the period of sexual maturity. This lasts from the 7th month to until they are about 2 years old. Females typically become sexually mature when they have their first estrus heat period, which happens in the sixth month. However, males reach their sexual maturity when they are 7 months old. In this period, the body of German shepherds becomes large, especially that of the male GSDs. While they are close to reaching full growth, the dog breed is still developing mentally and emotionally. In their adolescent age, German shepherds are full of energy and love to run and play around. Maturity Stage At this point, German shepherds enter adulthood. They are fully formed and are ready to perform activities that they are expected to. German shepherds usually grow in stages, depending on their age. Male German shepherds stop growing in height when they turn 9 months old, while female GDs reach their maximum height when they are 8 months old. Males typically reach a total height of 5 — 5. The average weight of German shepherds varies by gender. Males usually end up weighing 66 — 88 pounds while females 48 to 70 pounds. This is the ideal weight that adult German shepherds should have. In case a German shepherd is not gaining weight, they may show signs, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, dull fur, loss of muscle mass, etc. Do German Shepherds Shed a Lot? This is true. German shepherds shed in every season, but more so in spring when they get rid of their winter coat for 14 to 20 days. GSDs with long, coarse hair tend to shed less than those with a short coat. They also need bathing once a month to keep their coat clean and healthy. An average healthy German shepherd enjoys a long life of up to 9 — 13 years. That being said, some may surprise by outliving their standard life expectancy. German Shepherds have a slow growth rate that starts to decline when they reach their adulthood. As they grow older, their height increases, but once they are fully mature physically and mentally , they stop growing altogether. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.

Indeed, packs of feral dogs seem to have been a real problem in Paris and its environs, and for some reason bicycles in particular excited their chase reflex. This was not as inhumane as it sounded; loads of Cayenne Pepper, lead dust, and wax, wood or cork bullets bullets were available. The cartridge was comparable in power to. Despite the much longer case of the Velo-Dog the power of these two rounds was quite comparable when fired from a short-barrel revolver. The cartridge was referred to both as 5. If buyers of these guns had been limited to cyclists these little revolvers would have quickly faded into obscurity, but given the high levels of urban crime in European cities around the turn of the century they had a much broader appeal. The Velo-Dog seems to have slotted neatly between these two; easier to conceal than the. Like the French guns they were all double-action revolvers, and initially were hammerless, though later guns with exposed hammers were made. Belgian and Spanish guns also frequently had a manual safety that prevented the trigger from moving. These guns were so small that even persons with small hands found them awkward, and they were extremely difficult to shoot with any degree of accuracy even at very short ranges. Belgian Velo-Dog revolvers were, for the most part, a fusion of the hammerless double-action-only French designs and the Bulldog-style revolvers they had been producing for many years. Mainly they retained the loading and unloading mechanism that consisted of a hollow cylinder pin with an ejector-rod running down the center of it and a loading-gate on the right side of the frame. The ejector pin would be drawn forward, then pivoted to the side to allow empty cases to be pushed out when the loading gate was opened. Bullets would then be loaded one at a time as the cylinder was rotated. There were other styles including top-break revolvers with auto-ejectors, but most of them operated like a Bulldog revolver. Top-break auto-ejecting Velo-Dog made in Belgium. Belgian revolver with a swing-out cylinder. When the loading gate was opened the cylinder would swing out to the right, and all six shells could be ejected at once. The the cylinder could be closed and fresh cartridges could be loaded one at a time. Of course there was nothing to prevent loading all six before closing the cylinder. Busso or hump-back style Velo-Dog. Velo-Dog revolvers came in all levels of finish, from sometimes crude offerings from Eibar to fancy nickle-plated and engraved examples such as this one. Common grips were hard rubber, but silver, wood, antler, mother-of-pearl and ivory were also used. Velo-Dog revolver by Jaques Mussen-Lallamand… …probably. These small revolvers were made in such numbers and by so many makers that if a gun is unmarked as many were we must rely on features and fine details to identify the maker. After careful examination I am reasonably sure this one was made by Mussen-Lalleman between , and the Belgian proof-marks on the barrel, frame and cylinder support this. My revolver, with an American Quarter-dollar coin for size comparison. The revolver is, as one would expect, quite petite. Unloaded it weighs a mere 7. The barrel and cylinder still retain some of their original bluing, and the frame is color-case hardened, though little of the color remains. This picture shows the safety lever on the back of the flame. Up is safe, down is fire. The gun locks up properly, and everything works as it should. The trigger pull is short and smooth but very stiff. The front sight is pretty decent, but the shallow notch of the rear sight is not particularly useful. The method for unloading: the ejector pin is withdrawn from the center of the cylinder pin and rotated to the right, then slid into the front of the cylinder to eject the empty cartridge, then withdrawn and the cylinder rotated to the next chamber to repeat this process until all five chambers have been emptied. To load the revolver you swing open the loading gate, then insert cartridges one at a time as you turn the cylinder. The cylinder can rotate freely unless the trigger is pulled. The folding trigger is quite long, and the pull is very stiff. Reloading dies are available, though they are rather more expensive than more common calibers. If you have some tools and are a handy sort you can make your own from. Using a hand-drill and file to cut down the base of a. After reducting the section just in front of the rim to about. After your reduced a section in front of the rim you can cut it off, leaving a rimmed section that will hold a small-pistol primer. This should be a force-fit. I find cutting the cartridge with a diamond-saw then carefully filing it to length works well. After the case is cut and trimmed to length carefully clean the interior with a small patch soaked in acetone to remove residue from the soldering flux. This is pretty labor-intensive, but you can produce small numbers this way without too much of a problem. I only wanted a few cartridges for test purpose for the moment, so I made seven cases this way. Home-made 5. Using a 29gr RNL bullet this yielded an overall length of 1. I used a charge of 1. For bullets I pulled the 29gr. RNL bullets from some. This proved sufficient given the almost non-existent recoil of this load. A string of five shots yielded an average velocity of fps. Another example of a Mussen-lallemand revolver in very fine condition, shown with the sort of purse-holster favored by women for carrying these little guns. There is, of course, no perceptible recoil and with these low-powered loads the report was quite mild. The lack of accuracy was not an issue with the gun, despite the aforementioned stiff trigger and miserable sights. The bottom loop of the trigger kept hitting my knuckle just as the gun fired, throwing off my aim. I attributed this to my large fingers, but later realized I was holding the gun wrong, and by shifting my grip upwards slightly it would not longer do that which will doubtless improve my accuracy. This is a fascinating little gun and an interesting look into history. Michael Tinker Pearce, 1 November If you like what you see here, please consider clicking the link above and supporting me on Patreon. This entry was posted in Uncategorized on. In the early conflict between canines and bikers, bicycle guns aimed to give velocipedes an upper hand. Many times, owners loaded cork, cayenne pepper or wax bullets as a less-than-lethal dog deterrent. During the era in which hammerless pocket pistols grew in popularity, human-powered wheeled transportation was undergoing a similar development period. The first bicycle with pedals emerged in the mids. By the s, the colorful high-wheel bicycle gained popularity among young men with a sense of adventure, good balance, and a certain disregard for its inherent dangers. European folding trigger Velo-Dog type revolvers. The short 2-inch barrel on the bicycle model certainly made it easier to carry in a pocket while the legs were vigorously pumping pedals. It begs the question: exactly why did early velocipedists need to carry a gun? Some of the advertisements of the era made one purpose explicit. Pre-leash-law free-roaming dogs hated the new-fangled gizmos and were wont to attack rider and vehicle alike! That's where an entire genre of pocket pistols emerged explicitly for this purpose. They even had their own cartridge — the 5. Note that concealed carriers often loaded these cartridges with cayenne pepper or a hopefully less-lethal cork or wax bullet. European Velo-Dog and other hammerless revolvers, with. Stoney Roberts photo Initially, the term was probably applied exclusively to the revolvers chambered for that specific round. Today, the Velo-Dog term is used for a broad assortment of Euro pocket revolvers in various calibers by diverse and often anonymous makers, probably because no one can think of what else to call them. They all are pocket size. They all have one or more of three specific features — concealed hammer, folding spur-trigger, and manual safety. French manufacturer Galand introduced the first in the mids. Most came from Belgium, France, or Spain, with additional production in Germany, Italy, and Brazil, with nearly 50 different manufacturers identified. The most prolific production was from the turn of the 20th century to World War I. To the adventurous collector exploring this field, it can sometimes seem more challenging to find two alike than to find a new variation. Rarities that will generally bring a premium include large-frame hammerless revolvers and engraved specimens. Modern Iterations In , Casull Arms introduced an updated and very well made version of the Velo-Dog revolver style in. It is a hammerless double-action-only five-shot stainless steel revolver with a folding trigger and manual safety. Casull discontinued manufacturing of the model in , with reportedly less than 1, made. Most of these were. Most of them used a miniature version of the typical Bulldog revolver mechanism. One maker, August Francotte, offered different revolvers in , and he was not alone by any means. Francotte shortly. Typical mini-revolver patterned after the Webley Bulldog, chambered in. This was rather less powerful than. Lead bullets were also available of course, and these tiny revolvers were often employed for self defense. Galand Velo Dog Revolver. In the early 20th C. Fiocchi actually continued to produce Velo Dog ammunition until comparatively recently, calling it by its other name, 5. Returning to Auguste Francotte, between his firm offered a copy of the actual Galand design, chambered in. Production was halted by the German occupation in , and never resumed. This brings us to the second of the mouse-guns in our tale, one of these rare revolvers. Linda got it for me off of Gunbroker as a second birthday present. The only blemishes to its finish are on the rear of the grip-frame, where the original Mother of Pearl grips chipped away. There is some slight loss of the nickel and rust has developed there. The trigger is narrow and rather heavy, but exceptionally smooth with no stacking. To unload the gun you rotate the lever on the right side of the frame forward degrees. This allows you to remove the barrel and cylinder from the fixed arbor, which can then be used to poke the empty shells out of the chambers. Ready to load- obviously there will be no quick reloads with this gun! I started firing at three yards as I had no idea where is would hit. As it turns out rather high, but the gun exceeds expectations. This target was fired at a sedate 1-shot per second at three yards. Still not tragically bad, and no doubt practice will improve this. Still shooting high. About a four-inch group with one flyer at seven yards. The Ammunition I was using was Magtech 50gr. I am not best pleased with this ammo; I had several rounds that failed to ignite on the first strike. The primers showed a firm, deep strike on the first hit that should have set them off. So what sort of performance does the. The Magtech ammo managed an average of fps. My wife sure knows how to treat me right on my birthday! Michael Tinker Pearce, 19 June If you like what you see here, please consider clicking the link above to support me on Patreon. This entry was posted in Uncategorized on.

Adopt a new best friend. By choosing to adopt, you participate in a statewide effort to provide homes for deserving and loyal German Shepherds. We cover all vet expenses and will purchase all needed supplies for your foster dog while they are in your care. Adopt a Dog Help us help future dogs. Donate your time. Campaign for fundraising. Transport dogs to their destinations. Make a difference in the German Shepherd community. Apply to volunteer with us and provide care for German Shepherds that truly need it. Apply to Volunteer We have found homes for hundreds of happy German Shepherds. Below is a list of German Shepherds that have successfully found a new home. German Shepherd adoption has changed our lives, and it can change yours, too. Bodie A friendly German Shepherd with a lovely black coat. Bodie was a lovely, personable German Shepherd that was finally adopted by a loving family after a long battle with homelessness. She also loves engaging in friendly play with cats! Jill Adopted in , Jill became a playful and positive addition to her family. Jill had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Now, she enjoys daily walks to local parks. Mesaba Once abandoned by his previous owner, Mesaba found a loving family in Georgia, who named him Mesaba after their Minnesotan roots. Mesaba now enjoys walks in the park, play time with friends, and a loving family. Giroux After previous domestic issues with cats, Giroux found a home with one of our volunteers. He now enjoys cheering up his new owner, who has previously lost a German Shepherd to age-related difficulties. Abbie After a history of neglect, Abbie was able to recover from her past trauma and find a loving and accepting home in .She now enjoys playing hide-and-find with new toys, playing in the local pond, and being part of her new family. Fletcher After abandonment from his previous owners, Fletcher was finally able to join his new and supportive family. He now enjoys long walks, lots of attention and plenty of space for personal recreation. Matilda Matilda was shy before reaching out shelter - but after some training, she was finally able to come out of her shell! She now spends time with her new family, receiving more love than she could ever imagine! Queen Adopted in , Queen is a playful and positive addition to any family. Queen had previously completed behavioral training prior to adoption, making her an asset to any home. Ike Ike is the life of the party. We are pleased to announced that after years of neglect, Ike was finally able to join a family of his own. Now, Ike enjoys playing with his new owners and enjoying a life of abundant love and affection. She was once abandoned by her previous owners, but with some care and rehabilitation, Lady was able to relocate to a loving family of her own! Schatzi Talk about playful! Schahtzi is a lovely German Shepherd that was able to join a loving family after a past of neglect. Now, she enjoys lots of exercise and good memories with his new family. See More Alumni Give in memoriam. To us, a dog is family. Every pet has a story, how they were rescued and what they meant to us. Tell us your story. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content.

Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

Whelping means the process where a female dog gives birth to puppies. And a whelping box is a container or box designed to keep the puppies safe and warm. Having a whelping box makes it convenient for the mother to give birth comfortably. Female dogs are very protective of their puppies. Hence the nesting box offers a sense of security. Female dogs need assistance and a safe place to give birth. Hence, a whelping pen would be of great help. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to get a box or make it yourself. For a small dog like Pomeranian, you can convert a large card box into a whelping pen. You can put your creativity into the process and make a nesting box for your dog. If your dog is big, she might probably give birth to a large number of puppies. Hence, the size of the box should be large enough to fit the puppies and the mother. Furthermore, you can get the box from a pet store if creativity and DIY are not your forte. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider: The sides of the pen should be high enough that can keep the puppies safe for three weeks. Also, make sure that the mother can move to and fro freely. The size of the pen should be spacious enough for your dog and puppies. It should have enough space where the mother can feed her pups comfortably. In addition, it should allow them to move freely. It will help to keep the pups warm when the mom is not around. These are the factors that you need to consider while getting a nesting box. It helps the mother and the pups in the long run. You would notice the growth within the first few weeks. They can move and stand up over the sides of the whelping pen. By three weeks, they become mobile and able to move towards the edge of the nesting box. However, before it reaches that stage, you should take care of it diligently. Some pups would go astray and get lost. Hence, getting a box with proper height is essential. Sometimes the mother has to go out of the box for a nature call or food. The box offers a sense of security both to the dog owner and the mother. When the puppies are born, they have no control over their body temperature. So, while the mom is out, the box will keep them warm. However, you have to make sure that the bottom of the box is covered with a soft blanket. By three weeks, they will start moving, and some puppies might even get out of the box. So, the real chaos begins when they reach three weeks. It would be best if you were more careful than ever. How to Keep the Nesting Box Clean? Taking care of puppies can be quite tiring. Once the puppies are born safely in the box, it would be better to change the sheet or the beddings. The mother will take care of it. However, from the second to the third week, the real work starts. It will help if you make sure that the box is clean. While cleaning the box, you can keep the pups temporarily in a warm blanket. You need to replace the sheet or newspaper at least twice or thrice per day. However, keeping the box clean prevents the puppies from possible bacterial infections. It also helps to keep the puppies clean. You should see that the nesting box is clean and dry. So, like a responsible dog owner , make sure that the box is clean and warm. Changing the Whelping Box to Other Areas Once the puppies have passed the first week, you place the box in other areas. It will help them to get used to the new smell and sounds. However, make sure that the place is quiet and warm. Some kids would like to hold the pups, which would be too early and maybe dangerous. During the first two weeks, puppies are pretty delicate. So, it would be best to keep far away from children. The first three weeks are a crucial moment for you and the pups. The puppies are in their developing stage, and they need a quiet and calm environment to grow. So, you should make sure that puppies are kept safe and warm. They would be too young to take the regular food and would cause indigestion. But you can keep water for the mother. They get very thirsty while taking care of the puppies. She requires good protein and energy to keep the pups fed through her milk. You can place the food in the water once they can move or walk. However, make sure that the food is easily digestible. Also, puppies tend to eat food without a limit. So, you should give the food moderately. Overeating can cause indigestion and vomiting. Hence, it would help if you were careful not to overfeed them. It offers a sense of security to the mother and the dog owners as well. Having a nesting box helps to keep the puppies from going astray. The first three weeks are crucial for the puppies to grow and develop healthily. Having the right size of the whelping box can help both the puppies and the mother move freely. It allows the mother to breastfeed the puppies comfortably. If your dog is about to give birth, it would be better to arrange a whelping box. It offers safety and assurance to both the mother and puppies. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Get Free Downloads! A whelping box should be in a room that is fairly quiet, climate controlled and has a door that can be closed. Animals should be kept away unless mom shows no signs of stress by their presence and they are past their two week quarantine and are are healthy. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, you will need to be able to sanitize the floors and, possibly, the walls with either high heat or chemicals. A room with carpeting may not be a good option. How to Interact with Mom and Puppies in the Whelping Box For the first few days after the puppies are born, keep things pretty calm and only familiar people should visit. Shoes should be removed before entering the room. I use a pair of Crocs as my puppy-safe shoes because they slip on easily and can be disinfected with bleach. Once the puppies are days old and showing no signs of illness, strangers from all walks of life should be invited to handle the puppies Read about Neonatal Handling. Dura-Whelp is made of corrugated plastic which makes it light, fairly inexpensive and easy to fold up and store. Plus, if you need to contain a medium to large breed mom, you would still have to add a wire pen around the box. Although Dura-Whelp is less expensive than some of the others, it is still a bit of an investment for something that is only useful for a few weeks. View fullsize Dura-Whelp whelping box with weaning pen extension View fullsize Prototype of fence rail frame and EPDM waterproof pond liner flooring Next we tried to build our own. I wanted something modular that could easily grow with the puppies and also contain mom. I also needed a way to keep the puppies from pushing the pen all over the place. I used horse fence rails attached by metal brackets around the pen and also as the bumper rail and I tried EPDM pond liner for the durable, waterproof flooring. Overall, this design worked pretty well except that the frame was a bit heavy and the pond liner flooring did not work because poop stuck to it like cement. Plus, the 6 inch tall bumper rail was not high enough to contain the puppies for more than 13 days not sure their eyes were even open when they started escaping! I made a bumper rail with PVC pipe which I zip tied to the wire pen. Then I used linoleum for the floor which I clipped to the pen with A-clamps. View fullsize This was one of our ideas for a whelping box and weaning pen. It worked ok but there were a few challenges But I discovered a few problems with this design. First, my most obvious mistake was that, under the bumper rail, there was just the wire pen no barrier and newborn puppies are small enough to easily fit through the spaces in the bars. This worked really well. Another problem is that when Mom leaned against the PVC bumper rail, the pieces would come apart. Unless you are careful to keep it clean during the whelping process, you will probably need a second, clean box for the weeks the puppies will live there. Baby pools are handy, relatively cheap options. It is important to add the bumper rails to prevent mom from accidentally suffocating or injuring her puppies. This is another style of bumper rail for a baby pool whelping box. NOTE: If pieces of the foam noodle come loose, they could be a choking hazard. For this size dog, this pool might be a little small but it seems to work. One problem with baby pools is trying to keep blankets in place so this is a clever homemade solution. This is a very simple, down and dirty design. This box appears to be painted wood. What is clever about this one is that it looks like the corner brackets are removable making this easy to assemble and disassemble. Stages of Puppy Development Birth to 3 weeks The first 20 days of a pups life it is not capable of much learning. The mental capacity is about nil. The pup will react when it is in need of food, sleep, warmth and its mother. During the first 3 weeks it is VERY important to look after the dam as well. She will in turn, look after the puppies. Once or twice a day the puppies should be handled by a human and they should be weighed daily. During the first 3 weeks most dams like to be in a warm secluded area, not in the family living area. Pups remain contently in their whelping box for the first 20 days of their life. Newborn puppies sleep most of the day away. No matter what the breed, this is the time when the dormant senses wake up. From day 21 to 28 puppies are in need of their mom more than any other time as their brains and nervous systems begin to develop and they become aware of their surroundings. As mom jumps out of the box, they suddenly watch her wondering where she went. Pups may start climbing out of the whelping box at this age, so it is time to expand their home. At this stage we add a small potty area beside the whelp box. If a puppy were to loose his mom at this stage it would greatly affect his emotional wellbeing. Emotional growth is just blossoming as the puppy realizes it is alive. It is also at this age that characteristics can develop like shyness and fear. Any negative characteristics that develop at this stage in life are often permanent personality traits. The puppies sleep 20 or more hours a day. They will not go far, but they will begin to explore. At this time we expand their area to add a play and eating area in the daytime. This is the time to move them out to the kitchen and family room area, where life is happening in the home. This is not the age to be in the back bedroom, garage or barn. During this time, a puppy will learn to respond to voices, sounds and recognize different people. The puppies in their group will establish a 'pecking order', some will want to lead and some will want to follow. The dominant ones will eat first and the omega ones will wait. The dominant ones can become bullies and hog all the toys. This is an important stage to watch to learn the temperaments of each puppy and should be used for placing puppies into the proper homes. Some scientific studies prove that if there is a bully in a litter that is making others cower and be shy it can set in traits that are very hard to turn around, but it is also important to leave puppies in a social group long enough to be adventurous and for the puppy to acquire some social competitive skills. On the same note, a puppy should never be allowed to get too pushy. While shyer puppies have to learn to handle themselves in social groups, a dominant puppy needs to learn it is not acceptable to be a bully. Different breeds need to be separated at different ages. Often if the bully is adopted out first the remaining puppies will loose some of their shyness. Puppies at this age sleep 18 to 20 hours a day. By 7 weeks, a pup is considered emotionally developed and ready to learn, but the pup does not possess an adult brain yet. At 7 weeks old the breeder of the pups can start crate training for an hour or two a day with 2 pups in a crate. This helps with separation anxiety. By 8 weeks of age a puppy should be able to go in a crate alone for a nap, and it is almost ready for its new home. A puppy should never be taken away from it's mother before weeks of age. The mother dog teaches the puppies in the litter manners, respect, social skills, and proper etiquette, along with many other valuable lessons. When a puppy misses this stage it can cause the pup to have future behavior issues as most humans do not understand natural dog behavior enough to teach the pup these things. What a puppy learns now will be retained and become part of who the dog becomes and his personality. Most dams stop caring for their pups by 7 weeks, as they have teeth and she pushes them away. If a pup is left with the dam during this period it's emotional development can be altered, as it remains dependent on her. The same can happen if littermates are placed together. They rely on each other instead of the new owner and they often do not find adequate security in their mom or littermate. They need their new owner to take over the role and it is important that the humans understand natural dog behavior in order to fulfill the puppies instincts and needs. First shots should be done at 7. When a puppy stays with his litter after 8 to 9 weeks of age without adequate human contact it doesn't adjust as well to a human social life. The optimum time to take a new puppy is from 8 to 9 weeks of age. It is always best to have a pup do his learning from his new owner and in his new home. Puppies are often adopted out at 8, 9, 10 or 11 weeks. Older puppies can do just fine if the breeder has spent a lot of time socializing them away from their littermates. Ideally 9 weeks seems to be the perfect age for most breeds to go to new homes. What the dog learns from 8 to 12 weeks will be with him forever. At this time the puppy must be introduced to other people and go for walks on the pavement street avoiding dirt or grass until it has had its 2nd shots. If the first shots are done at 8 weeks and second are done at 12 weeks it is a good idea to enroll in puppy kindergarten that starts right at 12 weeks. At this age on up to several months old, puppies will sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, give or take depending on the puppies energy level and the activity around them. Sleeping more during rapid growth sprurts. The sleep is broken up between night time sleep and naps during the day. It is common for a puppy to play hard, running around with bounds of energy, then suddenly crashing into a deep sleep. It is important to keep in mind that all puppies by this time have formed a general personality. Some are natural born leaders, some are middle of the road and could go either way and some are very submissive and really prefer not to lead anything. All puppies have an instinct to have a leader who can provide structure, because in their minds without it the pack cannot survive. Therefore even the most naturally born submissive dog may feel the need to take over as an alpha should they feel everyone else around them is too weak to care for the pack. These dogs are often very stressed out about their role because they really do not want it, but feel the need to lead just the same. After all, to them it's a matter of life or death. One of the biggest questions new owners call about is that the pup is an angel for the first couple weeks and then it starts to nip in an attempt to control things around it. This happens when a puppy does not see the humans as natural born leaders to which it can respect and it attempts to get the pack in order. If this happens it does not necessarily mean you got a bad puppy, but often means you are not being a good canine owner. Owners must be calm but firm and follow through. Set the rules of the home and stick to them. Teach basic obedience and how to heel on a leash. Do not let the puppy bolt out the door. Stay calm and confident and remember that dogs can feel your emotions. If you have emotional problems your dog knows and will see you as a weak being. Always remember to a dog anger is a weakness, so take a deep breath and control yourself. Should the puppy feel it is stronger minded than the humans it will not want to be at the bottom. Puppy owners should be prepared that the pup may attempt to establish itself as the dominant one in the family. This is where you need to understand a dog's natural instincts and learn their language so you can read them. It may see whether it can physically strike out at his owner like some teens and could nip or growl. Should this happen be prepared to stop the behavior immediately. It is kind of like kids wanting dessert before dinner or to stay up later. You just have to say NO. Each dog is different, just as kids are, therefore you need to figure out what works for you and your situation. If it is being aggressive one method is to pin it on its back and hold him there with a firm NO. If a pup is allowed to get away with bad behavior it will lose respect for the owner and learn that rebelling gets him his own way. The key is for the humans to be calm, confident and firm all at the same time. If you find yourself yelling or angry you as the human are out of control and need to learn how to portray yourself as someone your dog can look up to and respect. Dogs do not listen to unstable humans and anything but calm, confident and firm, to them is unstable. There should be zero tolerance for aggressiveness. Heaps of love and understanding will not stop bad behavior. A pup must be shown fast and firmly that you are the one in charge. If you have a good breeder who understands the dog even returning him for a few days can help as the breeder gets the dog back under control and you assess your own behavior and understanding of this animal you are trying to live with. Sending a dog away to be trained without training yourself never works, as the way your dog is acting often has more to do with the humans it is living with. This goes for any dog of any age. Learn how to groom your dog. Teach it to lie still for grooming and nail trimming. If you are having trouble call the breeder or a behaviorist for help. It is best to have earned a dog's respect and trust in regards to grooming by 16 weeks of age. A pups natural instinct will be to periodically try to test the order in the pack. Especially if there are children. If the owner is submissive, quiet and week, thus making the dog feel the need to lead the home, its respect for its owner will weaken and the owner will become inferior in the dogs eyes. In these cases the owner is destined to be owned by the dog and you will surely see behavior problems emerge. A puppy should have a good start on crate training when it leaves a breeder's home. Help your puppy feel secure by giving it its own bed and crate in a place where it can be alone when it needs some quiet time. It should be crated for one or two naps per day, especially when making and eating dinner and crated at night. It should not ever have the run of the house till after 6 months of age or housebreaking and training can become very difficult. A puppy should start formal obedience by 6 months of age, preferably sooner. Remember when you choose to adopt a dog you are choosing to take an animal into your home. The animal is not a human baby and humans are not born with canine instincts. Take some time to learn about the canine and be prepared to change your way of life to accommodate the new member of the family. Are you sure? It can be difficult for an owner to be certain, so it can be wise to take the dam and pups to the vet within about six hours. The vet can also check for cleft palates and inform you of options available see article on cleft palates —these pups are worth saving , but if you are pretty sure and experienced enough to know the pups are all out, it is best to leave the dam at home, as every time you take her out, and to the vet, you risk bringing home a virus. Normally after whelping she will stop shivering and panting, clean her pups and herself and settle down to feed her pups…. If all seems normal, I just call my vet and let him know what has happened. Take the dam out to relieve herself, and give her some fluids. Chicken broth or Mamalac are good. I give chicken broth, chicken and rice for first meal. Freshen her up with a sponge bath and put nice clean bedding down for her and her new family. If you are using a heating pad it is extremely important that it is enclosed securely in padding so a pup cannot get caught down there under the bedding…. Some new moms try to bury their pups. My whelping box has a wooden bottom, and the heating pad goes UNDER the box, under the plywood floor; this makes a nice radiant heated whelping box floor. If it is black call your vet. Discharge lasts for about a week, slowly turning clearer. If it continues, or develops a foul odor, call the vet. Some dams spot blood for a week or two. If the dam is a new mother, and unsure, make her nurse as the nursing will trigger the release of hormones into her bloodstream, which will help encourage her mothering instincts meaning the more the dam nurses, the more loving she becomes Full supervision is recommended until she has accepted the fact that she is a loving mom. For some breeds, like the giant and clumsy breeds, pups cannot go with the dams for a week or two, but must go in an incubator and be put with the dam every two to four hours. Check your breed. I personally sleep next to my dam and puppies for a few nights, to ensure she does not roll on a puppy, or a puppy does not get out of the bunch and get chilled, etc…. They are VERY susceptible to cold. Make sure there are NO drafts. I leave a baby monitor on, and if a puppy is crying more than usual, I go to see why. Sometimes a puppy will latch on so tightly to the dam that he gets dragged out of the box, sometimes he is lost in the blankets. I make large pillow-like cases from sheets to contain the blankets, so that the puppies cannot get lost in the folds. Your whelping box should have guardrails to help protect the puppies that crawl behind the dam from suffocation and squishing. They need and get constant care from the dam; they cannot even relieve themselves without her stimulation…. She will keep the whelping box very clean for the first couple weeks up to three weeks. Then it is your job.It is wise to weigh the pups twice daily for the first week, and once a day after that. My goal is for pups to start gaining right away, and not have that drop. Feed the dam three times daily three times normal amount of food or more. Check her milk glands twice daily for mastitis swollen, hard teats. If you notice an excess of milk, she will become uncomfortable and restless. This can be relieved by squeezing the teat; draining some milk will reduce the pressure. If you fail to relieve pressure, call your vet. Milk fever is serious, and talked about on the whelping page, as it can come before puppies, but is normally more common when milk is being produced. Some dams need extra calcium. Eyes should open on day 8 to 13 never attempt to open the eyes. Ears should open on day 13 to .Change the bedding in the box several times per day, but do not change the paper often keep it smelling like a toilet and keep the bed smelling like a fresh bed… The puppies will be paper trained by 3 weeks…. By 4 weeks, you will need to expand their home again to include a play area. At three weeks, their teeth are developing. Some large breeds are ready to try soft food and toys. They can lap water and Mamalac. Slowly add soaked puppy kibble. For smaller breeds of dogs, they do not need food till 4 or 5 weeks old. Also, all litters are different. A litter of eight puppies will need food sooner than a litter of three puppies, even if just to give the dam a break. If the Dam is feeding the pups, there is no crying and they are content, then do not rush weaning. Now the Fun Begins.Email One of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks for Breeders is maintaining the cleanliness of the whelping area. Maintaining hygiene in a whelping box is crucial for the health and well-being of newborn puppies and their mother. Some reasons why hygiene is important in a whelping box include: Preventing the spread of disease: Bacteria and parasites—such as Parvo— can thrive in a dirty whelping box and put the puppies and their mother at risk of infection or, worse, compromising your entire breeding business. Preserving a sanitary environment: A clean whelping box helps to prevent the accumulation of waste, urine, and feces, which can cause odors and attract pests such as insects and rodents. Supporting healthy growth: A clean and hygienic whelping box helps to ensure that the puppies are comfortable and have a healthy environment in which to grow and develop. Reducing stress: A clean whelping box can help to reduce stress levels for the mother and puppies, which is important for their overall health and well-being. Providing a safe environment: A hygienic whelping box can help to prevent the puppies from ingesting waste or coming into contact with harmful substances that could cause health problems. Why is this task so challenging? These include; disposable or washable puppy pads, newspapers, litter, or pellets. Traditionally, these items work well but also have inherent problems; for example, pellets or litter can leave the puppy coats dirty, creating extra work in getting the puppies ready for socialization visits. In addition, all of these items require Breeders to regularly toss out these materials and then properly sanitize the area. In addition, for smaller dogs under 25 lbs. As a Breeder, what solutions are you using in your whelping box to maintain proper hygiene? This article is an advertisement feature.

The Boxer Lab mix is playful, energetic, loyal and loving. Boxador puppies are known for being intelligent and enthusiastic dogs. But their spirited temperament is not right for every family setup. Watch these cute Boxer Lab mix puppies playing! The boxer lab mix, also known as the Boxador, is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever breeds. Compared to its parent breeds, the Boxador mix itself is very new. But, its parents have long histories living and working alongside humans. Labs originated as working dogs, retrieving game for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. When they were first bred in 19th century Germany, Boxers were used as fighting dogs. Boxer Lab Mix Characteristics With cross breeds it is often hard to predict which parent a puppy will resemble. Boxers can weigh up to 80lbs and reach 25 inches tall. Labradors are similarly large. Boxador full grown tend to be between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80lbs. Although females are smaller than males. Regardless of the mix of your genes your pup ends up with, your Boxer Lab Mix dog is likely to be a medium to large dog, active, loyal, easy to train and very fond of challenges — of both the physical and mental kind! Boxers are fawn or brindle. Often with white patches. Their offspring can be any mixture of these! The Boxador is usually brindle, and these dogs often have white markings. If you want a black Lab Boxer mix, your puppy will likely still have some white on them. Your best bet is to mix a black Lab with a dark Boxer. But, even a black Lab Boxer mix can have unpredictable coloring, despite the dominant genes for black fur. Do Boxer Lab Mixes Shed? When it comes to coat, the Boxer Lab mix usually takes after its Boxer parent. These pups typically have short, smooth hair that sheds very little and is easy to care for. However if your Boxador dog has more Labrador in its genes you might have to deal with some shedding. Thankfully this is usually seasonal and can be kept in check with regular grooming. Are Boxadors Hypoallergenic? The Boxer Lab mix might have a short coat, but it is likely to be a high shedder at least part of the time. They produce allergens in their dander and saliva, and are not suitable for dog allergy suffering owners. Boxador Temperament The Boxer Lab mix will fall somewhere between its parents. But, luckily, the Labrador and Boxer breeds have quite similar temperaments. Both Boxers and Labradors are very loving and loyal. They think nothing of climbing on their people for a cuddle, despite their large size! Both Boxers and Labradors are usually great with older children. They are considered gentle giants and will eagerly run after little ones. Although they have been known to accidentally bowl over smaller family members in their excitement. Labradors also love playing with canine companions, but Boxers are less reliable in this area. Poorly socialized Boxers can be prone to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Boxers are instinctive guardians and proud to play the role of family protector. But you can reduce this through thorough socialization during the puppy stages and by meeting the Boxer parent and ensuring that they seem happy and confident around strangers. Even the most friendly breed, like the Labrador, will benefit. Finding them puppy friends to play with will encourage them to be calm and docile with other dogs when fully grown. Attending puppy classes is a great way to do this. But, make sure you also socialize them to unfamiliar people, children, cats, other animals, and more. This will ensure your Boxador dog is as friendly outside the home as he is inside. They require a lot of exercise and enjoy running around with the family or playing a game of fetch. This can result in unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing. But, be wary of a shorter snout in the Boxador. Boxers suffer from a conformity issue called brachycephaly, which can cause trouble breathing and overheating when exercising. Use positive reward techniques for best results. You could even take your mix to a puppy training class, or attend an online dog training class. Boxador Health and Care Genetic diversity is improved in a cross breed compared with the parent breeds and the coefficient of inbreeding COI is much lower. Put simply, the COI of any mating describes how closely related the parent dogs are. Higher COIs are associated with an increase in health problems. The risk of this happening is lower if the puppies parents are not closely related. There are however, some health issues that are not recessive and can be passed on from just one parent. And there are common ancestors in some of our dog breeds that mean some diseases are present in both breeds. For that reason it is still possible that a cross bred dog could inherit genetic health problems. Labrador Health Labradors are not without their issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It can cause lameness and severe arthritic pain. Another issue to be aware of in Labs is eye disease. Retinal dysplasia was first noted in the breed in .Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that is common in Labs. Only buy your puppy from a breeder who health tests the parents for all the potential problems their respective breeds could suffer from. Boxer Health A study found that Boxers are one of the most likely breeds to get cancer. According to Petplan, mast cell tumors are the 5th most common illness in Boxers. This breed is unfortunately also associated with heart disease. Aortic Stenosis is the most common major problem in the breed. The causes are not known but it is genetic and passed along certain bloodlines. ARVC affects males more than females and is most common in dogs older than .Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and weight loss. Boxers can also suffer from Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause paralysis. Unfortunately more is not necessarily better and brachycephaly causes breathing difficulties and overheating It may be that being the Boxador rather than a purebred Boxer offers some protection against these diseases. It certainly reduces the skull shortening we see in brachycephalic breeds. This is a bit of a two edged coin because while the Boxer physique may benefit from a longer muzzle, the Labrador physique is unlikely to be improved with a shorter one. Reputable breeders will only breed from dogs that have been tested and cleared of these serious hereditary health problems. To give your pup a long and healthy life, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups. Boxador Life Expectancy Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. And, on average, Boxers live around years So in theory you can expect Boxer Labrador mix puppies to reach anywhere between 9 and 12 years old. In practice studies tend to find that crossbred dogs in general, live longer on average than most purebred dogs. But we currently have no evidence that this is the case for the Boxador in particular. Only you can decide if the Boxer Lab mix is the right fit for your home. These are large dogs with big hearts that will give as much as they take. Boxadors love being part of a family. They are great with children and enthusiastic playmates for families with school age children and up. But this cross breed needs lots of exercise. They are fiercely attached to their people and dislike being left for long periods of time. This is a dog that suits a family with an active lifestyle and lots of love to give. Boxer Lab Mix Rescue Adopting a shelter dog always comes with risk. But Boxadors in shelters need homes and rescuing puppies or older dogs can be very rewarding. Labrador and Boxer breed rescues also sometimes have crossbreeds available. Dogs from adoption centers are usually much cheaper than puppies. But, remember you may need to spend lots of time helping them work through behavioral issues from past experiences. Finding Your Boxador Puppy Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Or from the back of a vehicle. Always visit the puppy in his own home in the presence of his mother, who should be relaxed, healthy and friendly. Sadly with any very fashionable breed, or breed mix, there are many out there who are just looking to make a quick buck. Socialize your Boxador very thoroughly, exposing him to all kinds of fun experiences and making sure that he meets many different types of people, places, machinery etc. Given Boxadors intelligent nature and working history, get started on training your dog right away. Boxador Breeders It can be challenging to find a responsible breeder of cross breeds as there is currently quite a stigma against mixed breeding in the dog world. You must ask to see those certificates — they are very important. The parent dogs must have been screened for any genetic diseases and the breeder should be very forthcoming with any questions. Your Boxer mixed with a Lab will have very short hair that is very easy to groom and maintain. But if your dog has dominant Lab genes then expect a lot of shedding. Lab Boxer suffers from seasonal shedding, and its coat may be kept in check using regular grooming and the right kind of dog shampoo and grooming products. Since a Lab has black, chocolate or yellow coats and Boxers are either fawn or brindle with white markings; the mixed breed pup will be any of the two. A Brindle Boxer Lab dog is very common and these come with white patches. It contains lavender, sage, and mint plus many botanicals. It can treat hot spots; consequently, it is perfect for dogs that tend to over-groom. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo This dog shampoo comes with a soap-free formula using oatmeal, aloe and other natural ingredients. It is perfect for itchy and irritated skin. This dog needs regular bathing at least once every other week. Invest in a high-quality nail clipper. You may also take your dog to a groomer at least once a month. Therefore, you must have your puppy checked by a vet to rule out any health condition as soon as you take it home from a breeder or the shelter. The following are common health conditions of a Lab Boxer mix breed dog. We also warmly recommend these best dry dog food brands; but try to steer clear from the worst dry dog food that has high additive content. If you adopt a puppy, give them the healthiest possible start at life with the best puppy food brands and as they grow bigger and stronger, slowly switch them on adult food. Your pooch may even enjoy the taste of best dry dog food for small dogs, so keep an open mind, and offer them a serving of it to check. Old doggos should be fed with slightly different food, though. If you have a grandpa-dog at home, see how they like the best senior dry dog food. If your dog has allergies, then there are dog food varieties that are right for his needs. Food treats should be avoided especially when training your dog. Use positive reinforcement instead of giving food treats. The following dog food brands will work well with Boxer Lab mix breeds: Canine Formula Taste of the Wild This is considered one of the best dog foods in the market today. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed This is made with rich protein sources such as salmon meal, whitefish, and chicken. It comes with flaxseeds that contain high omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to promote a healthy gut. It has a delicious flavor and smells that your Boxer Lab will love. Your dog will love this flavor and will be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The Natural Grain-Free dog dry food is gluten-free and will never cause stomach upset. Never give the following human food. Do not feed the following Onion and chives. Ready for forever homes October 5th. Puppies will mature to weigh around 25 pounds full grown, they will come with shots and deworming up to date, star.Tails docked, dewclaws removed, 3 shots. Parents onsite. Dewclaws removed, tails docked. Call .Come with full AKC papers, first shots, wormed, and a health guarantee. Born July 25, - Color is.Available to go home now and in the beginning of August. Trained pups and young Adult Wheaten and Whoodles avai.Call or Text: 7 weeks old they come from a good home Parents on site 3 males 6 females Shots are scheduled next w.Ready to meet their new families! Health and DNA tested. Have begun: potty, crate, recall training. They need a loving home togo to. These puppies are 6 months old. These hypoallergenic and non shedding sweet pups are raised in our home with our 5 children. They will come with vet check record.Well-loved and hand-raised. Pups available from two litters born Decem.They are currently six weeks old and have received their first shots with deworming. The puppies are very.Will be puppy play yard trained and learning puppy pad training when.They will come with first shots, dewormed, a puppy package and health check by a v.Both parents are our family dogs and our beaut.Ready to go to their new homes on October 28th, Colors.We have 1 male and 2 females left in our F1B litter. Here at Home Grown Puppy we understand that bringing a n.Black, chocolate, and yellow. They are 4 weeks old and can go to their forever homes September 8th at 8 weeks old. Browse our available pets below! Adoptions are completed in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets Being Rehomed Pardon our dust! Please read this important update so you know what to expect when visiting us: Adoptable animals at our San Diego Campus are currently housed at and Gaines St. All other San Diego Campus services including admissions, licensing, lost and found, and Community Pet Pantry will remain available at their usual locations. To adopt a pet: If you already know which pet s you'd like to meet or adopt, please check in at Gaines St. An Adoption Counselor will then meet with you on a first-come, first-served basis, introduce you to the pet s you're interested in and help complete your adoption. In the meantime, please feel free to browse our adoptable pets! You can also see all adoptable animals on our website prior to your visit. Visit our other campuses! Our El Cajon, Escondido and Oceanside campuses are not affected by this renovation project. Thank you for your patience and we hope to see you soon! Your adventure in pet ownership starts here! San Diego Humane Society has a variety of adoptable pets available including cats, dogs and small animals like rats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, reptiles and more. Alternatively, you may enter a specific animal name or animal identification number. For more about our adoption process, featured pets, discounts and rescue partners, please.

By Manish Pandey Newsbeat reporter A new study suggests that pugs face such serious health conditions they can "no longer be considered a typical dog from a health perspective. The study compared the health of 4, pugs and 21, non-pugs. UK pugs are almost twice as likely to experience one or more disorders annually, compared with other dogs. Brachycephalic, or "brachy" dogs - like pugs, bulldogs or boxers - are bred for their distinctive looks. In recent years, pugs have increased in popularity, with a five-fold increase in Kennel Club registrations of pugs from .Health issues Overall, pugs were found to be around 1. The findings do not "come as a surprise" to Dr Myfanwy Hill, a veterinary surgeon who works at the University of Cambridge. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Researchers argue that the health of the dog should be prioritised over people's desire to own one That causes a lot of the problems pugs face - including issues with breathing, skin and their back. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome - a breathing issue - was the disorder with the highest risk in pugs, with the designer breed almost 54 times more likely to have the condition. Dr Hill says the narrow nostrils pugs have, is like "trying to breathe through a really narrow straw" and makes simple things like breathing "much harder work". She adds the "common image we have of pugs" where they're smiling and have their tongue sticking out, looking like they're panting, is not the "joyful" image we may think. Dr Hill says "they have more skin than they need for the size of their face", which can cause skin infections to occur, creating soreness and itchiness. And the "attractive tail" that people like actually shows a "malformed vertebra" which can result in more slipped discs. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Even if it looks cute, an oversized tongue can cause problems The research also showed pugs have a reduced risk of some conditions, including heart murmur, aggression and wounds. But researchers suggest their findings indicate many pugs may suffer from seriously compromised health and welfare. He says it's important to "focus on the health of the dog rather than the whims of the owner when we are choosing what type of dog to own". Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Experts say their body shape must shift towards a more moderate, and less extreme, shape if health and welfare issues for pugs in the UK are to improve What can you do? Dr Hill says people who buy dogs do so "in good faith" and it's important "not to attribute blame". But there are things that can be done for existing pug owners - like looking out for symptoms of breathing difficulties, such as excessive panting or lots of noise during breathing. In summer months, pugs are more at risk of heat-related problems because they have less airway - so need to be kept cool, she says. And while the "barrel-shaped bodies are really cute" - weight management is important because "an overweight short face dog like a pug is at even greater risk". And we need to make sure that they live long, happy and healthy lives," Dr Hill adds. Listen to Newsbeat live at and weekdays - or listen back here. Related Topics. By Emily A. Fassbaugh, DVM on Jun. The Pug became a favorite of royals around the world, and today they are a very popular dog breed. They are easily identifiable due to their flat, wrinkly face, curly tail, and snorty, loud breathing. A Pug is typically 10 to 13 inches tall and weighs 14 to 18 pounds. They have short coats that are typically fawn tan or black. Caring for a Pug Pugs are a very friendly dog breed that thrive on attention from their owners. They are people pleasers and like to feel included in the day-to-day happenings in their home. Pugs are a brachycephalic breed. This means they have short muzzles, flat faces, narrow nostrils, and narrow airways—and often have an elongated soft palate. The elongated soft palate can cause a blockage to the windpipe entrance, creating the typically loud snoring and breathing noises they produce. Due to their flat faces, Pugs breathe with more effort than dogs with a normal-size muzzle. This creates swallowed air, which leads to Pugs being gassier than most dogs. It also means that Pugs do not do very well in overly hot climates or with extreme exercise. As a result, Pugs do best as primarily indoor dogs, with controlled excursions outside. While their coat is short, they do shed quite a bit. Regular grooming can help to manage their shedding. Pug Health Issues Pugs are prone to many health issues. Most are related to their brachycephalic conformation. Fortunately, many of their potential health problems can be managed with the assistance of your veterinarian. Since dogs use their airways to cool themselves, this increased effort for Pugs leaves them more predisposed to overheating. To keep your Pug safe, follow these guidelines: Avoid taking your Pug outside during the hottest parts of the day Avoid strenuous exercise for your Pug during hot weather Provide consistent access to cool, clean water Excess weight can increase breathing difficulties and make it easier for a Pug to overheat. Keeping your Pug at a healthy weight or on a weight-control diet to prevent obesity—when prescribed by a veterinarian—will help minimize risk. Respiratory Distress The narrow airway of a Pug also means that they are more prone to respiratory distress. If your Pug becomes stressed or distressed, they breathe even harder. This harsh breathing causes their already narrow airways to collapse further, which makes it even harder for them to breathe. Without intervention, this can progress to the point of low oxygen levels and collapse. Avoiding stress and keeping your Pug calm can help to avoid true respiratory distress. If you are noticing heavy or distressed breathing, contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic immediately. This is a simple procedure that can be done at the same time as spay or neuter surgery. Your veterinarian may also recommend surgery to correct an elongated soft palate if they have severe respiratory problems. Allergies and Ear Infections Pugs are especially prone to skin allergies and ear infections. These problems can start to show up as early as one year of age. Since Pugs have narrow ear canals and deep folds in the skin around their face, they can collect debris and bacteria more easily. Regular cleaning also allows you to check the ears and skin to identify inflammation and seek care early. Skin allergies are not curable, but seeking medications from a veterinarian and doing preventive bathing and ear cleaning to prevent infections caused by allergies will help to keep your Pug comfortable and happy. Dental Disease Pugs have small jaws, but they have the same number of teeth as other dog breeds. As a result, many of their teeth are crooked and crowded. Just like in people, crowded and crooked teeth can lead to increased buildup of food between their teeth. The result is increased risk for gingivitis, infection, and dental disease. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and pain. Daily tooth brushing is key to control and prevent inflammation. In addition, annual dental cleanings under anesthesia by your veterinarian starting at 1—2 years of age will help to identify infection and periodontal disease early. Ultimately, diseased teeth should be removed as early as possible to avoid pain, but diligent dental care can help prevent tooth loss. Eye Injuries A problem that is unique to Pugs is the risk of eye injury. All of these constitute an emergency, and your pet should be taken to the vet immediately. Without rapid treatment, these injuries can result in permanent damage or even loss of an eye. This condition affects the hips of a dog and happens when blood flow to the top of the femur is restricted, leading to a very painful condition that will eventually lead to arthritis. What to Feed a Pug Diet is an important part of maintaining the health of a Pug, especially since obesity is common for the breed. Obesity increases the risk of heat stroke and breathing problems. To help keep your Pug at a healthy weight , talk with your veterinarian about a weight management or calorie-restricted diet to help prevent obesity. Make sure that you are feeding your Pug a dog food that is appropriate for their life stage puppy, adult, or senior. These age-specific diets ensure that your Pug is getting the nutrients they need to thrive at every age. Some Pugs have food allergies that contribute to skin problems; your veterinarian will discuss feeding trials and special protein ingredients to test for and treat food allergies. How to Feed a Pug Pugs do best when fed 2 or 3 small meals a day. So when feeding dry food, the shape and size of the kibble is important to prevent choking. Some companies make foods specific to Pugs, designed to be easier to eat and help manage Pug-specific medical problems. Talk with your veterinarian to learn more about breed-specific dog food and the best kibble size for your dog. How Much to Feed a Pug Pugs should be fed based on their body size to avoid overfeeding. Typically, this is 1 to 1. Nutritional Tips for Pugs Any nutritional supplements given to your Pug should be used to address their individual health problems. A fatty acid supplement such as fish oil can be beneficial in managing skin allergies. A joint supplement containing glucosamine and chondroitin can be beneficial if your Pug has arthritis or other joint problems. They are easily excited and can have periods of high energy. Pugs are eager to please and love spending a lot of time with their owners. They are a very loving breed and enjoy cuddling and being close to their people. Pet parents must remember that their brachycephalic characteristics make them snore, so light sleepers be warned. Pug Behavior Pugs are generally happy, friendly dogs. While they do have moments of high energy, they are generally calm couch potatoes. Without mental stimulation, Pugs can become mischievous and develop problematic behaviors or find destructive activities to keep them busy. Be sure to schedule your outdoor playtime around peak sun hours to avoid risk of your Pug overheating. Aggression is rare—especially if your Pug has been well socialized during their puppy years and has a solid training foundation. Pug Training Pugs are typically very food-motivated, which makes them relatively easily to train. They are not physically good candidates for high-energy exercise, such as running and agility, but low-key activities like casual walks or a quick game of fetch are fun for them. Fun Activities for Pugs. Allergic skin disorder x 5. Pugs are often considered to have a very gentle temperament, and this is supported by the study which showed very low levels of aggression in the breed. While this may make the Pug a good family pet from a human perspective, owners also need to consider the quality of life that the dog endures. Although these results provide evidence for some positive aspects of Pug health, they sadly highlight the Pug overall has substantially poorer health than non-Pugs. The findings suggest that many Pugs may suffer from seriously compromised health and welfare because of the extreme body shape that humanity expects of this breed. To correct this, the body shape of Pugs must shift towards a more moderate, and less extreme, conformation if we are to reduce these health and welfare issues for Pugs in the UK. It is time now that we focus on the health of the dog rather than the whims of the owner when we are choosing what type of dog to own. Widespread ownership of Pugs with extreme facial and body conformations should be discouraged until measures are in place to ensure stricter and more acceptable breed standards. These findings will also play a vital part in continuing to develop ways to encourage would-be owners to do their research and to help them understand the potential health and welfare issues that badly bred Pugs can face. We aim to curb the increasing numbers of rogue breeders, who are outside of any sphere of influence and are producing dogs with no regard for welfare and continue to urge would-be owners and breeders to think carefully about any breeding or buying decisions when it comes to Pugs, and make use of health testing, evidence-based resources and expert advice available on The Kennel Club website. Vet teams see pugs with these distressing health problems — from breathing difficulties to eye ulcers and painful spine abnormalities - in veterinary practices across the UK on a daily basis. While these extreme, unhealthy characteristics remain, we will continue to strongly recommend potential owners do not buy brachycephalic breeds such as pugs. Caring for your Pug Pugs can be highly entertaining dogs due to their big personalities and clownish nature. They generally do well in family environments where they have lots of company all of the time as they love to spend time with everybody. Pugs and barking As with any dog, your Pug is likely to make noise in one form or another. How much your dog barks will be down to them as an individual. Training and socialisation When it comes to training Pugs, although they are a clever breed they can also be very strong willed. Training needs to be ongoing and firm but fair. You can start positive, reward-based training from day one, whether you get your Pug old or young. Exercise Pugs can be prone to gaining weight that can make breathing problems worse, so it is important to keep them active and avoid any weight gain. Your Pug will need up to an hour of exercise a day. This should include shorter walks, with extra playtime and lots of brain-stimulating activities. Several shorter walks throughout the day can help to stop them from becoming too tired or overheated, which is a great way to keep them active throughout the day. Keep a close eye on your Pug as they can tire easily due to their difficulties getting enough oxygen. As soon as you start to notice them struggling to breathe, stop and make sure they get enough of a rest. You will also need to avoid exercising them in the heat as this can cause even more problems since they can be at higher risk of heatstroke. Grooming Even though their coats are short, Pugs can still shed loads. Luckily, they tend to love being groomed as it means a lot of attention all on them. Pay close attention to the folds in their skin, as these are the perfect breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections if left damp. You can teach your Pug from an early age to love tooth brushing and nail clipping so you can keep those pearly whites and paws in great condition. Pugs and children Pugs adore company and really love people of all ages. They often get on well with children, especially if the Pug loves to play. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Always supervise children and vulnerable people with your Pug and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. Pugs and other pets Pugs are known for getting along well with other pets and dogs. Introductions still need to be done carefully, though, just in case. Good, kind training will also help them become well-rounded dogs that keep calm in new situations. Your vet or vet nurse will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards for breeding. See our advice on what you need to know about flat faced pets and how to choose a healthier pedigree pet. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, some centres will vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will have already neutered the dogs they rehome where appropriate. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or if your dog outgrows them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catching any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. A group of Pugs is called a grumble! Pugs are an ancient breed, dating back to Ancient China where they were bred for Emperors. Pugs were bred to be companions, which is why they love people so much. Getting a Pug Do plenty of research before you get a Pug. Although they are loveable and friendly, they are sadly likely to get a lot of health issues more so than many other breeds. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Pug. Breed-specific rescues specialising in Pugs are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any existing health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will have been well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if a Pug is the right pet for you? To understand the impacts more, the study looked at 4, pugs and 21, dogs of other breeds in the U. A pug dog stands in the exhibition hall on the final day of the annual Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre on March 13, in Birmingham, England. In addition, .However, pugs were found to have a reduced risk for seven disorders, including heart murmurs, wounds and aggression compared to other dog breeds. But ultimately the study found that pugs' predisposition to disease significantly outweighed their disease protections. It concluded that pugs have critical health challenges and that the "highly differing heath profiles between Pugs and other dogs in the UK suggest that the Pug has diverged substantially from mainstream dog breeds and can no longer be considered as a typical dog from a health perspective. And they're just as popular across the pond. The American Kennel Club currently lists them as the 28th most popular dog breed out of breeds in the U. But experts warn dog-lovers of the increased health issues brachycephalic breeds like pugs, French bulldogs and English bulldogs experience, and say to consider the health of the animal when looking for a new furry friend. Earlier this year, Norway went so far as to ban the breeding of certain dogs, including English bulldogs and cavalier King Charles spaniels, for health reasons after an animal rights group petitioned an Oslo court, according to USA Today. More from CBS News. In some cases, this may involve medications, exercise, and weight management. Problem 5: Patellar Luxation Joint Problem Patellar luxation is a common health problem in pugs, affecting the knee joint. In addition, the kneecap, or patella, can become dislocated due to weak ligaments that attach to the thigh bone. Signs: Symptoms of patellar luxation include limping and pain in the knee area. To help prevent this condition, it is important to keep your pug healthy and fit, as excess weight puts extra strain on the ligaments. Treatment: If your dog is diagnosed with patellar luxation, treatment usually involves surgery. Fortunately, many dogs that undergo surgery fully recover and lead a normal, active life. Taking preventive measures like proper diet and exercise will help keep your pug healthy and also help extend its lifespan. Cause: The disease occurs when the blood supply to the head of the femur bone becomes restricted, causing the bone to soften and die. As the bone deteriorates, it can become distorted and cause discomfort when moving or using the leg. Although there is no single cause for LCPD, genetics may be a factor, as well as poor nutrition or excessive exercise during growth periods. Signs: Dogs with LCPD often show signs of pain, such as limping, favoring one side of the body, reluctance to move or climb stairs, or an unwillingness to bear weight on the affected leg. LCPD is most commonly seen in young dogs under two years old, and pugs are particularly prone to developing this condition. Treatment: Treatment involves surgery to remove the damaged bone and insert a prosthetic joint. With proper care and treatment, dogs can recover from LCPD and live a long and healthy life. Problem 7: Hip Dysplasia Joint Problem Hip dysplasia is a common health problem for pugs and other breeds of dogs. It is a disorder that causes the hip joint to become weak and unstable, leading to pain and lameness. Hip dysplasia is a genetically inherited condition that affects how the femur fits into the hip socket. Signs: Symptoms of hip dysplasia may include decreased activity level, difficulty getting up or climbing stairs, hind limb lameness, and reluctance to move. In order to keep your pug healthy and prevent or slow down the onset of hip dysplasia, it is important to provide proper nutrition, regular exercise, and an appropriate amount of weight. Treatments: Several treatments are available for hip dysplasia, depending on the severity of the condition. Some of these treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, orthopedic surgery, and weight control. Problem 8: Phosphorus Deficiency Metabolic Problem Pug dogs are prone to various common health problems, ranging from mild to serious. One of the most serious is phosphorus deficiency, also known as hypophosphatemia. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Signs: Pugs with phosphorus deficiency may have several symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, seizures, lethargy, and anorexia. They may also exhibit signs of dehydration and depression. Treatments: Fortunately, phosphorus deficiency can be managed and treated with dietary changes and supplements. Your vet can recommend a balanced diet for your pug that includes higher levels of phosphorus-rich foods like liver and whole grains. In addition to dietary changes, your vet may also recommend supplements containing phosphorus or Vitamin D3, which can help restore normal levels of phosphorus in the body. Problem 9: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloating Stomach Problem Gastric dilatation-volvulus commonly referred to as bloat , is a common and potentially life-threatening health issue among pugs. Cause: It occurs when the stomach twists or fills with gas or fluid, blocking blood flow to other vital organs and causing the abdomen to become distended. Signs: Symptoms of bloat can include retching and unsuccessful attempts at vomiting, restlessness, abdominal pain, and excessive salivation. Treatments: Treatment typically includes stabilizing the dog, surgery to untwist the stomach and possibly other treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence. In addition, pugs should not be overfed, as this can increase their risk of developing bloat. With proper care and prevention, pugs can live a long and healthy life with minimal health concerns. Problem Obesity Metabolic Problem Obesity is a common health problem for pugs and one of the most serious pug health concerns. In order to keep your pug healthy, it is important to ensure they are not overfed and getting enough exercise. Treatments: Pugs, like all dogs, need a balanced diet that consists of quality protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your pug receives adequate nutrients to prevent obesity. In addition to a healthy diet, pugs need regular exercise to maintain weight. So ensure you provide your pug with plenty of playtimes and walks to keep them active. This will help your pug stay fit and healthy and reduce their chances of developing obesity-related illnesses. Fitting a whole lot of personality into a small, stocky package — Pugs are fun-loving, affectionate, and cheekily wilful. Well known for their lack of impulse control when it comes to food, Pugs require a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet to keep their waistlines in check. Daily exercise also helps your Pug to stay healthy, but be sure not to overdo it — just a little each day is enough. Respiratory Issues Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome BAOS occurs in dogs like Pugs with a reduced skull length, and results from excess soft tissue in their airways which may obstruct airflow. Symptoms can include your dog gasping for air and struggling to breathe during even moderate amounts of exercise. Surgery can sometimes be required; however, the impact of this condition may be reduced by keeping your pug cool in hot weather, avoiding excessive exercise, providing lots of fresh water, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Eye Problems The bulging eyes of pugs are unfortunately prone to several serious eye issues which can cause chronic irritation and pain. With their large eyes, Pugs are at a high risk of accidentally damaging their eyes by running into obstacles. Symptoms of other eye issues include bumping into furniture and other objects, a discoloured eye discharge, weeping eyes, discoloured spots on the eye, and any unusual appearances in or around the eye. Skin Disorders Pugs are prone to allergies that cause itchy skin. In addition, their wrinkled folds of skin can trap dirt and moisture, providing an inviting place for bacterial skin infections Pyoderma to develop. Pyoderma is a bacterial infection with topical symptoms such as pimples, small red bumps, and blisters filled with blood. It usually occurs near the lips, feet and skin folds in Pugs. Bone and Joint Problems Pugs have small legs that support a sturdy body, and this unique musculoskeletal structure predisposes them to bone and joint problems. Luxating Patella is a condition that causes the knee to become dislocated. Signs that your Pug is experiencing this condition are hopping, jumping, favouring one leg, and having difficulty getting up and down. Severe cases may require surgery. This condition can be brought on by excess weight, so be sure to feed your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet. Pugs may experience spinal problems, which in turn places pressure on their spinal cord, resulting in pain and possible loss of back leg function. Seizures are the main symptom of Epilepsy, which is not uncommon in Pugs, and can be treated through medication and regular vet check-ups. The main symptom of PDE is seizures, but dogs suffering from this condition may also seem lethargic, listless or display a lack of muscle coordination. In consultation with your vet, medication can be used to control the seizures and reduce associated inflammation. Most Pugs live a long and happy life, even if these health issues need to be managed through appropriate vet care and a dedicated treatment plan. Always visit your vet at the first sign of symptoms or behavioural changes in your Pug, as quick action will help ensure your furry friend can get back to being their happy, adorable selves as soon as possible. Do not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your veterinary doctor. If you think your pet may be suffering from a medical condition, seek immediate medical attention. References Bondi Vet. Love My Pet. Pug Dog Breed. Pug Village. Health Issues. Other posts you may be interested in.

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. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. 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 Pug 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. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : 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, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. 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. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. 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. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Pugs grow to between 10 and 13 inches tall, weighing in between 14 and 18 pounds. Character: The Pug temperament is friendly, loving and adaptable - Pug puppies are the perfect best friend to their humans and have been for centuries. The short, glossy coat is prone to malting, so a quick, weekly brush should do the trick, along with regular nail trimming. Pugs experience chronic dry eyes which can often lead to corneal ulcers, plus like many flat-faced dog breeds, they suffer from breathing problems. With a happy-go-lucky disposition, Pugs should be trained with positive reinforcement which these dog training treats are particularly handy for , and should never be harshly punished like any pooch, of course. Energy levels: Well-established lap dogs of the human world, Pugs and Pug puppies would happily snuggle up with their pack all day long with the odd playtime , if they had their way. But due to their short snouts, Pugs are prone to snoring, so if your pooch sleeps near you, you may want to invest in ear plugs! Below is their slightly unfortunate squashed snout which sadly causes various health issues , along with an endearing over-shot jaw, whereby the lower teeth jut out slightly further than the top. Around these unmistakable Pug features are a set of adorable wrinkles that set in rather early! Now onto that stout, stocky body. And when it comes to Pug colors, white Pugs are incredibly rare, while black Pug puppies along with fawn and sometimes brindle are much more common. How to take care of a Pug puppy Pug puppies when not napping or pining for snacks , like their adult counterparts, will happily follow you around the house between naps. Due to their snooze-loving nature, Pugs are pretty low maintenance, mainly after pet parents who are willing to share the love and attention they crave. Along with TLC, what about feeding and training your Pug puppy? And feeding your puppy Pug is no exception. So, how much should you be feeding your puppy Pug? As a general rule, try to stick to around one ounce of food per one pound of body weight. So, a positive reinforcement-based potty training regime will be your best bet. A good potty training routine starts the night before - to avoid any unwanted accidents, take your puppy outside right before bed to remind them that the outdoors is where the toilet is. Then in the morning, take your pooch out first thing so that they associate the outdoors with going to the toilet. Then during the day and especially in the early puppy days , take your pooch outside every 30 minutes to an hour. This will help your new pup to understand that going to the toilet happens outside. Many parents will opt for puppy matt training, which can be useful in the early stages of puppyhood. Well it helps your pup to understand that only parts of your living area are right for toileting. Some pet parents will also opt for crate-based toilet training. This can be effective for teaching your puppy to avoid going to the toilet in the space they associate with sleeping and relaxing. And while each pooch is different, there are a few you can look out for. And while this might be their downfall in some ways, it can be beneficial for training scenarios. So when puppy training , take a positive reinforcement-based approach, rewarding your pup when they behave in the way you intended. Getting a Pug puppy Like with any pooch, welcoming a Pug puppy into your home is a forever responsibility. Before making the decision, be sure to learn as much about the breed as possible, making sure that you, your home and the rest of your pack are right for these spunky little cuties. The result? Many cute Pug puppies and adults are waiting in shelters for forever homes. When do Pug puppies calm down? Do Pug puppies sleep a lot? If you thought adult Pugs liked their sleep, puppy Pugs are on a whole other level! For the first five months or so, Pugs will sleep between a whopping 18 and 20 hours per day. How much exercise does my Pug puppy need? Great question! Especially for new pet parents, gauging how much movement your pup needs can be challenging. Find out their exercise needs and balance it with meals, snacks and training for a happy, healthy Pug pup. The Ultimate Guide to Pets Share Sure, pugs are adorable, but they also have some unique characteristics. Here are some things to consider before you adopt one. When I first saw Rosie, I knew we were soul mates. She came bounding into the kitchen, tongue lolling and eyes bulging, and gave me a big wet pug kiss on my nose. I was hooked. Fast forward two days and I learned what a lot of new pug owners discover quickly: she never leaves my side. A few months later, I learned the breed has some other unique traits. So, before you decide to go pug wild here are 10 things you should know. They will follow you around everywhere. If you're someone who would get irritated by lap dog behaviour, think twice about getting a pug. Whether I'm taking a quick jaunt to the kitchen or a trip to the bathroom, Rosie is right by my side, curly tail wagging. And then when I sit down, she wants to be right up on my lap. They're prone to health problems. Pugs aren't health nightmares but "they can have a variety of health issues, which, if you're not familiar with, can lead to devastating results," says Blanche Axton, president of the board at Pugalug Pug Rescue in Toronto. Things to be watch for include: - eye scratches - a higher-than-normal tendency to react to vaccines - eye- and nose-fold care - breathing problems In short, pugs can be high-maintenance canines. Get familiar with their health issues and research their breeder before you adopt Fido. They need a lot of attention. Any dog needs your time and attention to be a happy pet, but many pugs require more face time than other dogs. They're not couch potatoes mostly. While they do enjoy naps, pugs thrive on activity, including regular playtime and walks. So if you work hour days, find a dog walker because a pug can't hold its small bladder for that long. They shed—a lot. Need proof? Come to my home and take a look at the carpet, couch, chairs, kitchen, clothes and bed…. They can be intrusive. Pugs are what I like to call "space invaders. They're smart. Just because they haven't been bred to be work dogs, doesn't mean pugs are stupid. Pugs can be trained just as easily as other dogs, including agility, scent detection, tracking and working with seniors. Axton recounts that she had a pug named Pete who, "ended up being a palliative dog, working with people who were at the end stages of their life. They can take time to house train. Pugs aren't fond of inclement weather, so you may have to deal with a dog that refuses to go to the bathroom during a snowstorm. Take the time to reinforce outdoor pottying, no matter how much they resist going outside Sticking to a schedule will help your pug learn what he or she should be doing. Remember, pugs respond to positive reinforcement, not punishment. Pugs are motivated by food, so give yours a treat and lots of praise when he or she goes potty outside. They will eat almost anything. I've seen Rosie eat sticks, gum, doughnuts, pasta noodles and even lollipops wrapper included. Pugs are food driven and they won't give up their treat easily if you're trying to get them to drop it. To avoid a trip to the vet, make sure not to leave food lying around. They're total love bugs. Once you get a pug, he or she will be your bestie for life. They love belly rubs, head scratches, giving kisses and snuggling with their human, and they will gaze at you as if you're the best person in the world. Give them the love they deserve and they will love you forever. I've had Rosie for two and a half years and despite her quirks, I don't regret having her in my life for a second. You could say she has me wrapped around her little paw. If you're looking to adopt or buy any dog, research the breed to avoid heartaches and headaches. Head over to the Pug Club of Canada, recommends Axton. Come prepared with questions, such as what the dog's temperament is like, what kind of health testing they've done and if they've seen any health problems with the parents. Or if your cat is anxious? Our pet experts reveal what your pet's feeling. Pugs Are Royalty In ancient times, pugs were bred as companions for Chinese emperors. Later, they lived with ruling families in the Netherlands. Get a Lint Roller Pugs shed… a lot! Some pugs even come with double coats, meaning they have both an undercoat and topcoat of fur. Make sure you stock up on lint rollers, and invest in a good vacuum cleaner. See here to learn how to deal with a shedding pug. On your lap, in your bed, even at your feet while you use the bathroom. Get used to never being alone again, and forget about your personal space. Feeling Hot Hot Hot Like all flat-faced breeds, pugs sometimes have breathing issues. They do best in moderate temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Here are some tips on how to help them stay cool. Their big eyes can lead to corneal ulcers or dry eye, their smushed face can lead to breathing issues, and their wrinkles must be cleaned. Trips to the vet for general check-ups are a must, along with regular grooming nail trims, wrinkle wipes, and ear cleanings. They live to eat, and are prone to obesity. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are super important, as is watching their weight. Always use positive reinforcement when training them, but definitely expect some push back. Learn to Love the Pug Symphony Pugs wheeze, snort, sneeze, and snore. These creatures will keep you laughing, and put a smile on your face every single day. They give unconditional love, and make great family dogs. Their size, temperament, and great personalities make them the perfect pet. Photo by Pets by Petra Do you have a pug? If so, what makes them great? November 19, iStock. Just look at them! These little dogs have wrinkly, happy faces and delightful personalities. Instantly recognizable for their smushed-in faces, expressive bug eyes and curlicue tails, the Pug dog breed can be traced back more than 2, years when they were the highly regarded pets of Chinese emperors. While Pugs undoubtedly are adorable and popular dogs, knowing a bit about the breed before bringing one home is essential to ensure that the pup will be a good fit for you and your family. While cute, their face shape requires some maintenance and are responsible for some of the health issues that Pugs tend to face. Pugs also are known to be prolific shedders, so managing their coats takes a little extra work. Invest in a good de-shedding dog brush and consider bathing your Pug with shed-control shampoo, like the Shed-X dog shampoo. Pugs Can Suffer From Breathing Problems Pugs can suffer from breathing issues associated with brachycephalic syndrome. Dogs with this syndrome have shorter noses than most dogs, and while this gives Pugs their adorable smushy-faced appearance, it also means that they must work harder to breathe than their longer-snouted brethren. Brachycephalic issues can include shortened airways, a narrowed trachea and nasal passages, as well as issues with the soft palate and voice box. Wylie says. Wylie also recommends walking Pugs on a dog harness to limit pressure placed on the upper airways and trachea. If a Pug sounds like the right fit for your family, Dr. Wylie recommends establishing a relationship with a veterinarian early on to see if your dog may need surgery related to brachycephalic syndrome. Pugs Are Prone to Weight Gain Pugs are hearty, muscular little guys, and they are prone to weight gain. There are foods, like the Royal Canin Pug dog food, specially formulated for Pugs to help them maintain a healthy weight. Wylie adds. By Kate Hughes.