hip dysplasia in golden retriever puppies

By Chris Labradoodles are amazing dogs, and Labradoodle colors are just as interesting! Labradoodles come in many different shapes, sizes, and coat shades. Labradoodle Images — our favorite Labradoodle photographs Some Labradoodles have black coats with white spots on their chest or paws. Others have brown coats with golden highlights around their eyes. But no matter what color labradoodle you have, they all make great companions for all! A chocolate medium Labradoodle enjoying a park visit Labradoodles with chocolate coats are such pretty dogs! There is a Labradoodle with a chocolate coat that lives in my neighborhood pictured above on a walk with my Labradoodle Max that I see every day walking all over the place. When he sees me, he actually jumps up on me and starts licking my face! He is a medium-sized Labradoodle dog. There are three sizes of Labradoodles, standard, medium, and miniature. Occasionally you will find a LAbradoodle that does not take to the water — but they are few and far between. The golden-brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach Labradoodles are more than just pets, they become part of our family. Labradoodles are friendly, social animals that love to play and run around with their human friends. Some Labradoodles like to be outdoors, and you will find them rolling in the grass, chasing butterflies, or just plain relaxing. This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. White coat Labradoodles can get pretty stained and dirty. White Labradoodles are especially prone to this. My labradoodle gets dirt all over his coat after she plays outside! Luckily basic grooming and shampoo do the trick. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Black Labradoodle puppies normally have black eyes too see the photo above. This actually makes it quite difficult to capture photographs of them. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members Labradoodles are amazing friends! Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some Labradoodles are thin while others are more stocky. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Friendly, energetic, playful, social, cuddly, smart. AKA — the Labradoodle. Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. Labradoodles get on well with other dogs. It is important to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. If you live in a city, this will be easy because there will be lots of dogs everywhere. You can find out about off-leash dog parks and dog walking groups in your area and try going along to meet the Labradoodle owners and their Labradoodle friends. This can be done in a professional setting, but many owners prefer to take the job on themselves at home. You will need a Labradoodle-specific brush, labradoodle shampoo, scissors, and nail trimmers. Before you start brushing your Labradoodle put, it in a comfortable position in front of you on the floor or sitting on your lap. Brush their fur from head to tail with a Labradoodle-specific brush picking up any tangles as you go. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! Even though they have long coats, Labradoodles can still get sunburn or suffer from sun damage. Give them plenty of opportunities to cool off away from the sun. A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Some Labradoodle will have two shades in their coats. Black and white two-shade Labradoodles are common. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Labradoodles love running through the snow, playing with their family, rolling around in the white stuff, barking at the sound of someone nearby, or just relaxing. Labradoodles are also found in many climates. The Labradoodles can be found living on islands such as Hawaii or Australia or on the cold mountainsides of Europe. It will help make bath time easier for life. It can even save money because some Labradoodles shed a lot of hair and need to be groomed more often and DIY grooming saves a bunch. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Non-shedding small dogs are popular. So are shedding small dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and more A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Miniature Labradoodles Images This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max wearing his usual harness Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Giving a labradoodle puppy a bath can be challenging. Bath time is much easier if Labradoodles are groomed early on. Labradoodles, like other dogs, need to be brushed often. A non-shedding dog coat still needs regular brushing, even when it is cut short like the photo above we shaved our Labradoodle Max before a beach holiday to help prevent coat knotting with daily swims. Before taking a puppy to the beach be sure you have a plan, and safety in mind. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish raincoat Dogs rarely need raincoats. We got one just because it looks great. It does help during walks in cold rain or when there is wind and I am worried that Max will get a chill. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Labradoodles will often hang out with their tongues out. A Red Labradoodle enjoying time in the snow. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Where have the years gone? Hope all is well with you and yours, Didi Hi Gail! Marley is 11 years old now and doing great!! He is the best dog with the best temperament, living his best life! I cannot tell you how many people have complimented his behavior as well as his good looks. Thank you for a wonderful dog! We are thrilled beyond words. He is booked in for his next vaccinations already. His big brother seems to approve. Thank you so very much for our adorable new family member. Ziggy superstar Good morning Gail! We just wanted to send you a photo of our Jak and tell you that we are in love. He is full of personality, loves the farm and is adored by all our family. He is growing by leaps and bounds weighing almost 13 lbs. Thank you again, Gail! Hi Gail! It's been awhile since we've sent an update. Rufus turned three on August 19th.He is the absolute LOVE of our family! We go to Discovery Park every day for an hour to play fetch we've moved to Magnolia and it's the highlight of his day! We are still working on the swimming though - he's still a little tentative to go in the water fully, though he ADORES the beach lol! I can't tell you how many times folks say to us they want a dog just like Rufus - I'm always passing on your info! I just peeked on your site to see your latest available pups! Seriously thinking about another sooner than later - we just couldn't be happier! Thank you!!!! Summer Hi Gail, Everything is going great with Maddie. She just had the next round of vaccinations and we are introducing her to other puppies for socialization. Here are a few of your beauties! Great family members. Annie did not know what to think of him. Danielle is really good with working with them together. The other pictures are from today. We all love Ollie so much and of course Annie. Thank you for our furry family. Hi Gail, I love looking on your website at all the pups. Thought I'd share a current picture of Zoey 6 years old and Albert 5 years old. We love these two so much! Sincerely, The Rizvi family Good morning to you Gail. Have a good rest of the week. As it turns out it was worth the wait. Maddie is a very special dog. She loves our home and we adore her. She moves quick but I was able to snap this picture of her this morning. She is very smart and a real people lover. Thank you so much for everything including the wonderful packet with the records and recommendations. All the efforts you put in surely bring happiness to many people and dogs!! She is a delight. Aspen Joy What a fun box for me to play in. I love boxes. Happy Fourth of July to everyone! Hi Gail, I hope all is well! I hope you have a great holiday weekend. Cassandra Hi Gail, It's been a long while since I have written you to share with you the happiness that our Besa has brought to our family. Our kids were in middle school when we got her from you in .Today they are young adults living on their own, but what our dog has brought to their life and ours is indescribable. The obvious joy and love the dog expresses for our kids every time they come home is so beautiful to watch. Today Besa is 14 and we still call her puppy. As so many dogs have, she has truly enjoyed the pandemic and spends every day sleeping in a bed in the office both my wife and I work from. In general, Besa is still in excellent health but is not immune from aging. She has some bladder leakage when she sleeps and has had a heart murmur for many years. We feel so incredibly blessed to have her as part of our lives and will treasure every day we get to spend with her. I'll add yet another thank you to the mountain of them you have received. You have bred such beautiful dogs, and we are deeply grateful for Besa. Thank you Gail! She is such a wonderful puppy!! She is so calm and so snuggly and so beautiful!! She is such a joy!! She loves to play with our grandsons, they absolutely adore her!! We are asked about her all the time, in fact our neighbors, Jerry and Nancy B are now on your waitlist for a puppy! I hope you are staying cool during this heat wave! Brenda Naps are wonderful after having a busy, fun morning. He settled in without issue from day one. He never had an anxious night or a bad appetite. Thank you for our little guy! Some photos of Aspen Joy before her haircut and after. She is full of life and joy and very confident of herself. She fills our days with much laughter and joy. She certainly know how to work a room with her smile. She is loved by us and everyone who meets her. Thank you. Peggy and Patsy Sweet Marley.

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. Final Thoughts A German Shepherd is an iconic breed. These dogs are best friends, companions, and workers. They are very intelligent, hard-working, and loyal. However, they need a lot of care and attention while raising. If you are a happy owner of a 10 month old GSD puppy, you need to consider the many things we are talking about in this article. Your task is to do your best to raise your dog to be healthy, strong, and admirable. Of course, its growth is not completed. These dogs continue growing until they are 1. Moreover, they are still filling out. Usually, a male dog is obviously bigger than a female. The height is measured at the withers. It is in the back section above the shoulders. The females are 49 cm 19 inches tall. Males are also heavier — pounds .The measurements can differ among dogs due to their heredity and keeping conditions, though the parameters should not differ too much. Practice weighing your puppy every week to know whether it develops properly. Teething usually ends at the age of around months, so now your Shepherd has all its 42 adult teeth. Ears stand upright, steady by about 8 months. You may need to talk to your veterinarian about the possible reasons for it and proper correction or think about the purity of the breed. The coat is double-layered and entirely adult. Your pup is an adolescent, very curious and exploring. It may lead to getting into trouble if not managed properly. Interactive games, proper training, and stimulation can help it burn off the excess energy and get controlled. Your puppy becomes more independent and even tries to test your authority. On the other hand, it gets more protective and eager to guard its territory. It likes socializing with dogs and other animals, but a male can grow aggressive and competitive if another male enters its realm. A female experiences its first heat ovulation. Further on, it will come into it twice a year or every 18 months. Every cycle lasts for about 3 weeks. It can make your girl anxious, uncontrolled, and seeking mating with a male. She becomes sexually mature and can produce offspring if you are not careful enough. Your pup needs a lot of sleep now because it continues growing. Provide your pet with comfortable bedding for its nap times. You may also notice that your doggy does not want to sleep too much during the daytime. It is because of the immense energy it needs to burn out. However, if you suspect that your pup does not get enough sleep, you may need to correct its exercise routine. Your German Shepherd needs much time for running and playing, too. Provide it with just two hours of intensive exercise per day. However, give it one rest period between the sessions not to overload it with physical activities. Several walks or play sessions will be ideal if you have enough time to do that with your pet. Walking time can be counted by adding 5 minutes to the number of months of age. So, your puppy needs at least 50 minutes of walking per day. The rest of the time can be spent playing fetch or Frisbee. Provide your pet with sufficient mental stimulation, too. Choose a proper place for walking and let your friend explore the environment or train it to behave properly outdoors. Use interactive toys, nose work, and puzzles to provide enough exercise. Your doggy will become destructive and disobedient if it does not get much physical and mental stimulation. Buy durable and specifically designed toys. Avoid small sizes to prevent choking. So, it may resemble a bird or a small animal to make playing more interesting. They can help keep teeth clean and healthy; playing with them is always entertaining. Balls and tug toys are also good choices. You can use balls for fetching and tug toys for interactive games. It does not need any vaccination sessions at this age, provided it got all the necessary vaccines when it was 5 months old. The next vaccination will only take place when it is a year old. However, you had better be aware of possible health issues your doggy may be prone to due to its breed or heredity. This list includes the following: Arthritis. This condition is age-related and can cause joint pain and stiffness. The causes of allergies can differ, but all of them lead to hair loss, itching, ear problems, and redness. They can appear at any age, so you must be alert. Hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition is common for Shepherds and can cause pain and lameness. Large dogs like GSs are immensely susceptible to this condition. Gastrointestinal problems. They may include vomiting and diarrhea. Your large dog has a fast metabolism, so you need to be careful about any changes in its feeding behavior. German Shepherds are prone to specific types of this life-threatening disease, like bone cancer and lymphoma, at any age. Talk to your veterinarian if you see any signs of possible health disorders. Proper nutrition and care can help avoid many of these issues. You also need to think about spaying for girls and neutering for boys at this age. It is a surgical removal of the reproductive organs. The procedure is safe, and it has many health-related benefits. It reduces territorial roaming, aggression, and risk of cancer. You can prevent uncontrolled litter production and risks of life-threatening behaviors. You can opt for it if you do not intend to mate your dog with a purebred partner. Feeding The dietary needs of your 10 month old GSD differ from those of a small dog. It needs the proper combination of minerals, fats, and vitamins for healthy growth. When your pup reaches the age of 10 months, continue feeding it twice per day. If the diet is natural, give preference to animal sources of proteins, like chicken, fish, lamb, pork, beef, and eggs. You can also include vegetables and grains in the diet if your doggy does not have allergies. You may also prefer to feed your pet with dry food called kibble. It is more cost-effective, but the food has to be high-quality. You can also give your pup dry and wet food in turn. This amount should be spread between the two daily meals. Your dog needs to have access to fresh water all the time, so keep a bowl of water at its feeding place all the time. Training Training is essential for your 10 month old German Shepherd because it is very curious and intelligent at this age. It is a quick learner, though a bit stubborn. It may already know the basic commands, like come, stay, and sit. Try to be positive while training your doggy. Use treats and praise, but never force your pup to do anything. You must be consistent with all the commands and reinforcements, or your pet will get confused. The attention span of your puppy is very short at this age due to hormonal changes, so you need to make out some individual ways to keep its attention. Use interactive toys to do that. Give it more time to acquire new skills. They have to be small, soft pieces that are easy to eat. Too many treats can cause weight gain. The most common treats dogs love include cheese, chicken meat cut into small chunks, and vegetables, like carrots or green beans, also chopped properly. Your doggy needs at least 2 hours of exercise per day at this age. You can spread it between two or more sessions. Walking can take about 50 minutes 5 minutes for every month of age. Do German Shepherds grow after 10 months? Even if it seems to you that your pet looks like an adult dog, it will continue to grow after 10 months. Most dogs reach full physical maturity at the age of two, and some even continue growing until they are three. They need this time to fill out and build their muscles. However, when we speak about a 10 month old German Shepherd, you need some more knowledge because you deal with an adolescent influenced strongly by hormones. So, taking care of it requires even more accuracy and consideration. We hope that the information provided in this article will help you a lot to ensure that you are doing everything correctly and your doggy will grow up healthy, strong, intelligent, and obedient. You need to follow them and always talk to experts to enjoy a happy life with your perfect furry friend. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. All right. Is the dog potty trained? If not, that's your priority 1. Get her socialized asap with both dogs and humans. You want her to be comfortable with both strangers AND dogs. Keep her entertained when everybody is away. With something to chew on for example. When puppies are bored and alone they might chew on things. Including the couch, the carpet, cables, controllers. Dogs have short attention spans. She will not know what she did was wrong nor associate it correctly. For that matter, minimize punishing corrective behavior and opt for positive ones. It might be harder, but it will do good in the long run. Trust me when I say the early punishing behavior I did on my dog eventually caught up with me and I had to learn to stimulate positive developments to get rid of negative behaviors he caught up on. First alone puppy mistake from a single guy, do not want others to repeat it. There's debates on whether you should train dogs to use a kennel, I would recommend to do so. At least get her comfortable to see the kennel as her 'cave' or bed so in situations she has to be in a kennel due to medical, travel, or hotel reasons she has some experience with it and hopefully can do so more peacefully. You have a big dog on your hands now. You also have a dog classified as an aggressive breed. Bad news? This means you need to do a bit more investigation when it comes to renting apartments and moving to cities. You will also have to pay deposits and likely pet fees each month. Good news in this particular regard? You have a german shepherd. You will still find places who place blanket bans on aggressive breeds, but many places focus on pitbulls and variations. This is a pain in the ass to deal with. But I love him. Get dog insurance as soon as you can if possible. There's a certain period you need to pay prior for the insurance covering issues such as hip dysplasia and other conditions these dogs may develop. Better to have it than not. Find a good vet, keep your dog up to date on her shots, and get her on preventative pills if doable. Keep on with the analogy and wait until your baby becomes teenager. The adolescence phase lasts usually month an starts between 8 and 12 months. Appearance and Average Size Technically, he looks more like and adult dog then the puppy, but he will continue growing until almost 1,5 years. Male German Shepherd should weight about 72 lbs. But your pup can be bigger or smaller, genetically or due to feeding style and nutrients he gets. Important things are — he looks grown and healthy. They are much more strong and clever than before, but they completely lack agility. The behavior also starts to change. The dog at this age can behave, well, exactly like teenager. Be crazy, or not wanting to move from his place. Destroying everything, forgetting the skills he seemingly already mastered, eating too much, not eating, becoming too suspicious, biting. Whatever the symptoms are, at month age German Shepherd can be a handful. The best thing you can do is to try to relax, screaming at the dog or getting nervous each time he does something bad is not going to improve your mood. Stay zen and the dog will feel that atmosphere around lost its electric charge, then he will behave better. Training What to do with all this? He just tests waters and tries to stretch his borders. If you stop exercising now or change things according to what the dog wants to do — it will be much harder to fight the stubbornness and lack of obedience later, when the character if fully formed. Schedule There are more complaints about teenage phase in winter than in summer. If your dog seems to be more destructive at home and mischievous, think if your routine schedule changed because of the weather. Do you still take him out as much as you used to? Does he get enough playtime to burn all this crazy energy he has? Limping One thing many dog owners notice at this moment is that the puppy starts limping suddenly, without any sign of trauma. This is a bone inflammation that appears without a reason in adolescent dogs. It can bring him quite a lot of pain. All you can do is to check with the vet, to rule out other possible sicknesses, and then use the painkillers and steroids to help the dog to feel better while this goes away. Physically, they will have reached their full height but will still be filling out. German Shepherds are a medium to large breed and are usually still growing, reaching their full adult size by 18 months to 2 years of age. In most cases, a male German Shepherd is bigger than his female counterpart in both height and weight. That is the back section just above their shoulders at the bottom of their neck. The average size and height of a German Shepherd at ten months is 55 to 60 cm for males and 49 cm for females. Usually, male German Shepherds weigh between 63 to 73 pounds, while females weigh between 57 and 62 pounds. Some individual dogs may range in size, but most will fall within this range. Nutrition for a Month German Shepherd German Shepherds are large dogs with different dietary needs than smaller dog breeds. They should get the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and fat. It would be best to feed your German Shepherd at least two meals a day when they reach 10 months old. Choose high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, pork, chicken, lamb, fish, and eggs when feeding your German Shepherd. You can also include plant-based proteins like legumes and grains. German Shepherds are prone to joint problems, so ensure that their diet contains enough omega-3 fatty acids for joint health. Dry food is the best for your German Shepherd, and the most cost-effective, even with a high-quality brand. To bring in variation, you can feed your dog both dry and wet food alternately. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, pay close attention to his eating habits, making sure to meet the changing needs of his diet. Physical and Behavioral Changes By this age, our German Shepherd will have essentially finished growing. They will, however, continue to fill out and increase in muscle mass until they reach around 18 months old. You may also notice that their coat becomes glossier and thicker during this time. They are often full of energy and enthusiasm because they are now entering adolescence. They are also very curious and may be more prone to exploring and getting into mischief. As a result, providing them with plenty of stimulation through interactive games, training , and walks to help burn off excess energy is vital. They will become more independent and may start to challenge your authority, even becoming more protective of their territory. Though, they like socializing with other dogs. Females generally come into heat ovulate twice a year, although some may only do so once a year, or as infrequently as once every 18 months. Each heat cycle lasts approximately three weeks. During this time, the female German Shepherd will be receptive to mating with males. In this stage, they have already reached their sexual maturity, meaning they can produce offspring. A vet does the procedure, and it is considered to be a safe and routine operation. There are many benefits to spaying or neutering, both for the animal and for the owner. For example, the procedure can help reduce territorial aggression, roaming behavior, and the risk of some types of cancers. Spaying or neutering also helps control the pet population, preventing animals from producing unwanted litter. German Shepherds are quick learners, but they can also be stubborn. Your dog should already master the basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. You should also begin to introduce more advanced commands such as heel and rollover. The best way to train your dog is to use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise. However, be consistent with your commands and rewards during obedience training, or your dog will quickly become confused. You should find creative ways to keep their attention during dog training sessions. For example, you might want to try using food puzzles or interactive toys to keep your German Shepherd engaged. Give them plenty of time to practice new skills. You should avoid giving your dog too many treats, leading to weight gain. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. A few small, healthy treats per session will do the trick. Chicken — Another popular option among dogs is a lean protein that is easy on the stomach. You can offer cooked chicken pieces or shred some raw chicken into small chunks. Vegetables — Dogs may not be as fond of vegetables as meat, but most will still enjoy the occasional carrot or green bean as a treat. Toys for Month German Shepherds Look for toys that are durable and specifically designed for dogs. Avoid small toys that could pose a choking hazard, and opt for ones that will encourage your dog to be active. One option is to select a toy that encourages your dog to use its natural predatory instincts. For example, you might want to choose a toy that resembles a small animal or bird. These toys can help your German Shepherd burn off excess energy and stay mentally stimulated. There are a variety of chew toys on the market that are specifically designed for German Shepherds. Other good toys for German Shepherds are balls and tug toys. Balls are great for fetching, and tug toys can help your dog to burn off excess energy. Here are some of the most common health problems of this breed. Allergies can cause various symptoms, including itching, redness, hair loss, and ear infections. Arthritis: Arthritis is a common age-related condition that can cause joint pain and stiffness. If your dog shows signs of arthritis, such as limping or difficulty getting up, take him to the vet for treatment. Cancer: Cancer is a severe health problem that can affect any age. However, German Shepherds are more susceptible to certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and bone cancer. Gastrointestinal Issues: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting, are common in dogs. Large breeds are particularly prone to gastrointestinal problems due to their large size and fast metabolism. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are common joint problems that cause pain and lameness. A German Shepherd is particularly susceptible to these conditions due to their large size. Exercise Needs for Month-Old German Shepherds Once he reaches this age and beyond, your German Shepherd should have at least two hours of exercise per day, which can be divided into several walks or play sessions. German Shepherds love to run and play, so activities like fetch or Frisbee are usually a hit. However, make sure that your dog is getting enough mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Interactive toys and games, such as puzzle toys or nose work, can be a great way to give your dog the mental stimulation he needs. It may seem like a lot, but they must grow and develop properly. You should provide them with a comfortable place to sleep during their nap times, such as a dog bed or a blanket. German Shepherds are very active dogs and often have a lot of energy to burn off. As a result, they may not always be able to sleep during the day. If your dog is not getting enough sleep, you may need to adjust its exercise routine. Make sure they have plenty of time to run and play with at least one period of rest during the day. Also read:. Final Thoughts A German Shepherd is an iconic breed. These dogs are best friends, companions, and workers. They are very intelligent, hard-working, and loyal. However, they need a lot of care and attention while raising. If you are a happy owner of a 10 month old GSD puppy, you need to consider the many things we are talking about in this article. Your task is to do your best to raise your dog to be healthy, strong, and admirable. Of course, its growth is not completed. These dogs continue growing until they are 1. Moreover, they are still filling out. Usually, a male dog is obviously bigger than a female. The height is measured at the withers. It is in the back section above the shoulders. The females are 49 cm 19 inches tall. Males are also heavier — pounds .The measurements can differ among dogs due to their heredity and keeping conditions, though the parameters should not differ too much. Practice weighing your puppy every week to know whether it develops properly. Teething usually ends at the age of around months, so now your Shepherd has all its 42 adult teeth. Ears stand upright, steady by about 8 months. You may need to talk to your veterinarian about the possible reasons for it and proper correction or think about the purity of the breed. The coat is double-layered and entirely adult. Your pup is an adolescent, very curious and exploring. It may lead to getting into trouble if not managed properly. Interactive games, proper training, and stimulation can help it burn off the excess energy and get controlled. Your puppy becomes more independent and even tries to test your authority. On the other hand, it gets more protective and eager to guard its territory. It likes socializing with dogs and other animals, but a male can grow aggressive and competitive if another male enters its realm. A female experiences its first heat ovulation. Further on, it will come into it twice a year or every 18 months. Every cycle lasts for about 3 weeks. It can make your girl anxious, uncontrolled, and seeking mating with a male. She becomes sexually mature and can produce offspring if you are not careful enough. Your pup needs a lot of sleep now because it continues growing. Provide your pet with comfortable bedding for its nap times. You may also notice that your doggy does not want to sleep too much during the daytime. It is because of the immense energy it needs to burn out. However, if you suspect that your pup does not get enough sleep, you may need to correct its exercise routine. Your German Shepherd needs much time for running and playing, too. Provide it with just two hours of intensive exercise per day. However, give it one rest period between the sessions not to overload it with physical activities. Several walks or play sessions will be ideal if you have enough time to do that with your pet. Walking time can be counted by adding 5 minutes to the number of months of age. So, your puppy needs at least 50 minutes of walking per day. The rest of the time can be spent playing fetch or Frisbee. Provide your pet with sufficient mental stimulation, too. Choose a proper place for walking and let your friend explore the environment or train it to behave properly outdoors. Use interactive toys, nose work, and puzzles to provide enough exercise. Your doggy will become destructive and disobedient if it does not get much physical and mental stimulation. Buy durable and specifically designed toys. Avoid small sizes to prevent choking. So, it may resemble a bird or a small animal to make playing more interesting. They can help keep teeth clean and healthy; playing with them is always entertaining. Balls and tug toys are also good choices. You can use balls for fetching and tug toys for interactive games. It does not need any vaccination sessions at this age, provided it got all the necessary vaccines when it was 5 months old. The next vaccination will only take place when it is a year old. However, you had better be aware of possible health issues your doggy may be prone to due to its breed or heredity. This list includes the following: Arthritis. This condition is age-related and can cause joint pain and stiffness. The causes of allergies can differ, but all of them lead to hair loss, itching, ear problems, and redness. They can appear at any age, so you must be alert. Hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition is common for Shepherds and can cause pain and lameness. Large dogs like GSs are immensely susceptible to this condition. Gastrointestinal problems. They may include vomiting and diarrhea. Your large dog has a fast metabolism, so you need to be careful about any changes in its feeding behavior. German Shepherds are prone to specific types of this life-threatening disease, like bone cancer and lymphoma, at any age. Talk to your veterinarian if you see any signs of possible health disorders. Proper nutrition and care can help avoid many of these issues. You also need to think about spaying for girls and neutering for boys at this age. It is a surgical removal of the reproductive organs. The procedure is safe, and it has many health-related benefits. It reduces territorial roaming, aggression, and risk of cancer. You can prevent uncontrolled litter production and risks of life-threatening behaviors. You can opt for it if you do not intend to mate your dog with a purebred partner. Feeding The dietary needs of your 10 month old GSD differ from those of a small dog. It needs the proper combination of minerals, fats, and vitamins for healthy growth. When your pup reaches the age of 10 months, continue feeding it twice per day. If the diet is natural, give preference to animal sources of proteins, like chicken, fish, lamb, pork, beef, and eggs. You can also include vegetables and grains in the diet if your doggy does not have allergies. You may also prefer to feed your pet with dry food called kibble. It is more cost-effective, but the food has to be high-quality. You can also give your pup dry and wet food in turn. This amount should be spread between the two daily meals. Your dog needs to have access to fresh water all the time, so keep a bowl of water at its feeding place all the time. Training Training is essential for your 10 month old German Shepherd because it is very curious and intelligent at this age. It is a quick learner, though a bit stubborn. It may already know the basic commands, like come, stay, and sit. Try to be positive while training your doggy. Use treats and praise, but never force your pup to do anything. You must be consistent with all the commands and reinforcements, or your pet will get confused. The attention span of your puppy is very short at this age due to hormonal changes, so you need to make out some individual ways to keep its attention. Use interactive toys to do that. Give it more time to acquire new skills. They have to be small, soft pieces that are easy to eat. Too many treats can cause weight gain. The most common treats dogs love include cheese, chicken meat cut into small chunks, and vegetables, like carrots or green beans, also chopped properly. Your doggy needs at least 2 hours of exercise per day at this age. You can spread it between two or more sessions. Walking can take about 50 minutes 5 minutes for every month of age. Do German Shepherds grow after 10 months? Even if it seems to you that your pet looks like an adult dog, it will continue to grow after 10 months. Most dogs reach full physical maturity at the age of two, and some even continue growing until they are three. They need this time to fill out and build their muscles. However, when we speak about a 10 month old German Shepherd, you need some more knowledge because you deal with an adolescent influenced strongly by hormones. So, taking care of it requires even more accuracy and consideration. We hope that the information provided in this article will help you a lot to ensure that you are doing everything correctly and your doggy will grow up healthy, strong, intelligent, and obedient. You need to follow them and always talk to experts to enjoy a happy life with your perfect furry friend. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. 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. Keep on with the analogy and wait until your baby becomes teenager. The adolescence phase lasts usually month an starts between 8 and 12 months. Appearance and Average Size Technically, he looks more like and adult dog then the puppy, but he will continue growing until almost 1,5 years. Male German Shepherd should weight about 72 lbs. But your pup can be bigger or smaller, genetically or due to feeding style and nutrients he gets. Important things are — he looks grown and healthy. They are much more strong and clever than before, but they completely lack agility. The behavior also starts to change. The dog at this age can behave, well, exactly like teenager. Be crazy, or not wanting to move from his place. Destroying everything, forgetting the skills he seemingly already mastered, eating too much, not eating, becoming too suspicious, biting. Whatever the symptoms are, at month age German Shepherd can be a handful. The best thing you can do is to try to relax, screaming at the dog or getting nervous each time he does something bad is not going to improve your mood. Stay zen and the dog will feel that atmosphere around lost its electric charge, then he will behave better. Training What to do with all this? He just tests waters and tries to stretch his borders. If you stop exercising now or change things according to what the dog wants to do — it will be much harder to fight the stubbornness and lack of obedience later, when the character if fully formed. Schedule There are more complaints about teenage phase in winter than in summer. If your dog seems to be more destructive at home and mischievous, think if your routine schedule changed because of the weather. Do you still take him out as much as you used to? Does he get enough playtime to burn all this crazy energy he has? Limping One thing many dog owners notice at this moment is that the puppy starts limping suddenly, without any sign of trauma. This is a bone inflammation that appears without a reason in adolescent dogs. It can bring him quite a lot of pain. All you can do is to check with the vet, to rule out other possible sicknesses, and then use the painkillers and steroids to help the dog to feel better while this goes away. Physically, they will have reached their full height but will still be filling out. German Shepherds are a medium to large breed and are usually still growing, reaching their full adult size by 18 months to 2 years of age. In most cases, a male German Shepherd is bigger than his female counterpart in both height and weight. That is the back section just above their shoulders at the bottom of their neck. The average size and height of a German Shepherd at ten months is 55 to 60 cm for males and 49 cm for females. Usually, male German Shepherds weigh between 63 to 73 pounds, while females weigh between 57 and 62 pounds. Some individual dogs may range in size, but most will fall within this range. Nutrition for a Month German Shepherd German Shepherds are large dogs with different dietary needs than smaller dog breeds. They should get the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and fat. It would be best to feed your German Shepherd at least two meals a day when they reach 10 months old. Choose high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, pork, chicken, lamb, fish, and eggs when feeding your German Shepherd. You can also include plant-based proteins like legumes and grains. German Shepherds are prone to joint problems, so ensure that their diet contains enough omega-3 fatty acids for joint health. Dry food is the best for your German Shepherd, and the most cost-effective, even with a high-quality brand. To bring in variation, you can feed your dog both dry and wet food alternately. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, pay close attention to his eating habits, making sure to meet the changing needs of his diet. Physical and Behavioral Changes By this age, our German Shepherd will have essentially finished growing. They will, however, continue to fill out and increase in muscle mass until they reach around 18 months old. You may also notice that their coat becomes glossier and thicker during this time. They are often full of energy and enthusiasm because they are now entering adolescence. They are also very curious and may be more prone to exploring and getting into mischief. As a result, providing them with plenty of stimulation through interactive games, training , and walks to help burn off excess energy is vital. They will become more independent and may start to challenge your authority, even becoming more protective of their territory. Though, they like socializing with other dogs. Females generally come into heat ovulate twice a year, although some may only do so once a year, or as infrequently as once every 18 months. Each heat cycle lasts approximately three weeks. During this time, the female German Shepherd will be receptive to mating with males. In this stage, they have already reached their sexual maturity, meaning they can produce offspring. A vet does the procedure, and it is considered to be a safe and routine operation. There are many benefits to spaying or neutering, both for the animal and for the owner. For example, the procedure can help reduce territorial aggression, roaming behavior, and the risk of some types of cancers. Spaying or neutering also helps control the pet population, preventing animals from producing unwanted litter. German Shepherds are quick learners, but they can also be stubborn. Your dog should already master the basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. You should also begin to introduce more advanced commands such as heel and rollover. The best way to train your dog is to use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats or praise. However, be consistent with your commands and rewards during obedience training, or your dog will quickly become confused. You should find creative ways to keep their attention during dog training sessions. For example, you might want to try using food puzzles or interactive toys to keep your German Shepherd engaged. Give them plenty of time to practice new skills. You should avoid giving your dog too many treats, leading to weight gain. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. A few small, healthy treats per session will do the trick. Chicken — Another popular option among dogs is a lean protein that is easy on the stomach. You can offer cooked chicken pieces or shred some raw chicken into small chunks. Vegetables — Dogs may not be as fond of vegetables as meat, but most will still enjoy the occasional carrot or green bean as a treat. Toys for Month German Shepherds Look for toys that are durable and specifically designed for dogs. Avoid small toys that could pose a choking hazard, and opt for ones that will encourage your dog to be active. One option is to select a toy that encourages your dog to use its natural predatory instincts. For example, you might want to choose a toy that resembles a small animal or bird. These toys can help your German Shepherd burn off excess energy and stay mentally stimulated. There are a variety of chew toys on the market that are specifically designed for German Shepherds. Other good toys for German Shepherds are balls and tug toys. Balls are great for fetching, and tug toys can help your dog to burn off excess energy. Here are some of the most common health problems of this breed. Allergies can cause various symptoms, including itching, redness, hair loss, and ear infections. Arthritis: Arthritis is a common age-related condition that can cause joint pain and stiffness. If your dog shows signs of arthritis, such as limping or difficulty getting up, take him to the vet for treatment. Cancer: Cancer is a severe health problem that can affect any age. However, German Shepherds are more susceptible to certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and bone cancer. Gastrointestinal Issues: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and vomiting, are common in dogs. Large breeds are particularly prone to gastrointestinal problems due to their large size and fast metabolism. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are common joint problems that cause pain and lameness. A German Shepherd is particularly susceptible to these conditions due to their large size. Exercise Needs for Month-Old German Shepherds Once he reaches this age and beyond, your German Shepherd should have at least two hours of exercise per day, which can be divided into several walks or play sessions. German Shepherds love to run and play, so activities like fetch or Frisbee are usually a hit. However, make sure that your dog is getting enough mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Interactive toys and games, such as puzzle toys or nose work, can be a great way to give your dog the mental stimulation he needs. It may seem like a lot, but they must grow and develop properly. You should provide them with a comfortable place to sleep during their nap times, such as a dog bed or a blanket. German Shepherds are very active dogs and often have a lot of energy to burn off. As a result, they may not always be able to sleep during the day. If your dog is not getting enough sleep, you may need to adjust its exercise routine. Make sure they have plenty of time to run and play with at least one period of rest during the day. Also read:. All right. Is the dog potty trained? If not, that's your priority 1. Get her socialized asap with both dogs and humans. You want her to be comfortable with both strangers AND dogs. Keep her entertained when everybody is away. With something to chew on for example. When puppies are bored and alone they might chew on things. Including the couch, the carpet, cables, controllers. Dogs have short attention spans. She will not know what she did was wrong nor associate it correctly. For that matter, minimize punishing corrective behavior and opt for positive ones. It might be harder, but it will do good in the long run. Trust me when I say the early punishing behavior I did on my dog eventually caught up with me and I had to learn to stimulate positive developments to get rid of negative behaviors he caught up on. First alone puppy mistake from a single guy, do not want others to repeat it. There's debates on whether you should train dogs to use a kennel, I would recommend to do so. At least get her comfortable to see the kennel as her 'cave' or bed so in situations she has to be in a kennel due to medical, travel, or hotel reasons she has some experience with it and hopefully can do so more peacefully. You have a big dog on your hands now. You also have a dog classified as an aggressive breed. Bad news? This means you need to do a bit more investigation when it comes to renting apartments and moving to cities. You will also have to pay deposits and likely pet fees each month. Good news in this particular regard? You have a german shepherd. You will still find places who place blanket bans on aggressive breeds, but many places focus on pitbulls and variations. This is a pain in the ass to deal with. But I love him. Get dog insurance as soon as you can if possible. There's a certain period you need to pay prior for the insurance covering issues such as hip dysplasia and other conditions these dogs may develop. Better to have it than not. Find a good vet, keep your dog up to date on her shots, and get her on preventative pills if doable.

Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. Australian Labradoodles are dogs that have a very interesting history. They were first bred in the s by a member of the Australian Guide Dog Association who set out to produce a hypo-allergenic guide dog, for a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. They can be considered to be six in one, as six different breeds were used to create what I believe is the ultimate dog. They are gentle, smart, loving, playful and obedient. An extra bonus is that they have an allergy friendly coat and do not shed! Tootsie is a cuddly and very loving dog who adores children. She is very intelligent and has proved easy to train. Her gentle temperament means her puppies will be perfect for first time dog owners! She is an exceptionally pretty dog with a gorgeous thick and curly coat. Tootsie comes from my breeder friend from Poland, a wonderful lover of dogs who is respected and well known all across Europe. The dad of both sets of puppies is Miles, our amazing stud who comes from Spain. He is a wonderfully calm and gentle boy! He loves to play with other dogs, whether they are smaller, bigger, older or younger! Miles adores his family and enjoys learning new tricks as he is extremely obedient. He is a very pretty boy with a luxurious, thick brown coat. The Pups are now ready to go home! A deposit is required to reserve your puppy, please do get in touch for more details : - All of our dogs are extensively health checked, having passed all their hip, elbow and annual eye tests. As well as having extensive genetic DNA tests. We have done extensive remodelling to suit the needs of the little puppies as well as the mums! The puppies have an outdoor area built and designed exclusively for them and their needs. They are also potty trained and know basic commands. I will always be reachable for any questions! Please feel free to contact me or any of my other extremely satisfied customers who have welcomed one of my puppies into their homes. These organisations contain the most amazing group of breeders who only pick the best dogs to breed. Please check out my website which has links to all the popular social media!

After all, puppies and human newborns have a lot in common. Your French Bulldog puppy will require companionship, exercise, and a high level of engagement from your first night forward. They will also cry and cause mishaps as they learn how to navigate the world. When you initially bring your new French Bulldog puppy home, expect that they will whimper at night. After all, when a young puppy is removed from its pack for the first time, its natural instinct is to make as much noise as possible. For the first couple of nights after you bring your French Bulldog puppy home, they will most likely cry , yelp, and whine. Since your puppy is anxious to sleep so far away from home, the behaviour is, unfortunately, likely to persist for the next several days or weeks. Similar to the experience of bringing a newborn baby home, you may expect numerous restless nights spent consoling the new, essentially baby dog at this time. Expect the first night in your home to be the most fearful period for the young puppy and the most difficult time for a new dog owner. The bladders of young puppies are tiny. In any case, you should wake your Frenchie puppy up at night to go potty. Unfortunately, this will have to occur every night for a few months. However, by the time a French Bulldog puppy reaches the age of months, it should have a full-sized bladder and will, therefore, be able to retain pee for more extended periods of time. After all, crate training your Frenchie puppy will most likely be necessary at some stage. So, when you bring your new pup home, why not start allowing them to get used to this safe space on the first night? Arranging Their Bed During the first few nights at home, your French Bulldog puppy will moan and cry. This is understandable because it is their first time away from the mother dog. Be prepared for this circumstance when you obtain a French Bulldog puppy and recognize that it will pass. For the first few nights, cover their crate with a warm blanket and place it near your bed or in another nearby room. Settling Your Frenchie Before Bed While the first night may be difficult, establishing a pattern can help your puppy understand what to anticipate when the rest of the family goes to bed. Make sure your dog has enough mental and physical stimulation during the evening and before bedtime. Before going to bed, owners should spend 10—20 minutes playing with their French Bulldog pups. This will not only exhaust them, but it will also provide them with the crucial stimulation they need to keep them asleep. Spending Time with Your French Bulldog Your French Bulldog puppy was originally attached to its mother, siblings, and breeder, but now you and your puppy are attempting to form a relationship. If you want to bond with your puppy, spend as much quality time with them as possible, especially when you first bring them home. For example, if you work long hours, attempt to pick up your puppy during the holiday weekend or take a few days off when you bring a new puppy home. The key goal is to spend as much time as possible with the puppy so that you can get to know one other and form a bond. When your new French Bulldog puppy bonds with you, it can make bedtime routines easier and lessen whimpers overnight. Ignoring your whiny Frenchie is the most effective approach to get it to stop crying overnight. However, you should first check to see whether your French Bulldog puppy is attempting to communicate with you for any other reason. As a result, if you know your new puppy has been fed, watered, and eliminated before night, they are begging for your attention. Eventually, your pup will realize they are safe, quiet down and fall asleep. Puppies have a small bladder and will, therefore, need to excrete regularly during the day and night, so anticipate on taking your puppy out to the yard on a regular basis. Remember that a puppy may roam around and eliminate multiple times before being finished, so make sure their tank is empty before bringing them back into your home. If this occurs, do not reprimand your Frenchie puppy, since this will just make the puppy more fearful. Simply catch the dog in the act and lead them outside to their allocated yard spot. Make sure to take your French Bulldog puppy out to do their business before settling in for the night to avoid accidents. As previously said, pups have tiny bladders, so expect to be awakened at least once throughout the night to take the puppy out to pee or poop. For example, if your Frenchie puppy was previously calm and has suddenly begun making noise, it will most likely have to go to the toilet. Final Thoughts The first 24 hours with your new French Bulldog puppy will be challenging. Puppies and human babies, after all, have a lot in common. As your Frenchie puppy learns to navigate the world, expect them to cry and cause accidents. However, if you and your French Bulldog puppy make it through the first day, you and your dog will ultimately form a routine. Call Vic Kasser or Email! Puppies usually go to new homes between the age of eight and sixteen weeks, depending on their size and when they have had their first vaccinations. Until this age have had the company of brothers and sisters to snuggle up to for company and warmth. The first day in the new home the puppy is cuddled, played with, and made the center of attention. Life is wonderful. At some point during the evening the family will put the pup to bed. The house becomes quiet. The puppy feels alone and there is no warm body of a brother or sister next to it. It is a natural reaction for the puppy to cry and whine to register a protest and the usual result is that one of the human family will stagger out of bed to console it for a few minutes and go back to bed. The pup will continue to cry, often louder, and again someone will get out of bed to console the pup or even to chastise it. The pup has learnt its first lesson- cry and you are rewarded with company, if only momentarily. Dogs learn fastest by rewarding them for certain actions and continuing to go to the crying puppy will reinforce the lesson that crying brings company. Hearts must be hardened for pups first night home. The decision must be made as to where the pup is going to sleep and the area made ready for it. The area must not be too large, remember that the pup is used to having other bodies close to it. The area must be warm and cozy in the cooler climates and bedding must be provided. Supper should be given and the pup taken outside to relieve itself and then it should be put to bed with a kind word. The crying will commence softly at first but may build up to a crescendo as the pup calls louder. With a bit of luck it may cease after a short time but some pups will continue for the first night. Remember that if at any time you go to the pup you have rewarded the behavior and you will have to start all over again. Naturally you must be sure that the puppy is not crying because it is stuck or hurt but you will recognize the difference in the crying. It is natural that the pup will wake early in the morning and you should be ready to be greeted with exuberance and to respond with love and cuddles. Put the pup out to relieve itself, lavish it with praise for "performing" and then serve puppy breakfast after which, outside for toilet opportunities again, and then you are ready to spend the second day with your best friend. Pin2 2 Shares Once the excitement of bringing your French Bulldog puppy home for the first time is over, the reality will soon start to bite as will the puppy. I remember my wife and I wondering what we had let ourselves in for on that first night of crying and howling! Bringing our French Bulldog puppy home to meet our son for the first time was an amazing experience. Bringing your French bulldog puppy home am: Paid via online bank transfer It was the morning of the pick-up! I transferred the money via online banking, then called the breeder who confirmed receipt you can see how much it costs to buy a Frenchie here — it was now time to go pick up our Frenchie puppy! Injections and vaccinations are super important, and I explain more about it in the questions you should ask a breeder before you buy a Frenchie. We were now the proud owners of a French Bulldog and were ready to bring him home! Ideally any dog should be properly restrained in your car when driving, and now Claude is older we use his own car booster seat. Claude the puppy was fine with the drive, but in some cases Frenchies can get car sick. This meant my wife and I had until 3pm to get Claude settled into our house so he was ready for his first day home. The things that I remember very clearly are how he wanted to run around the house sniffing at everything and getting used to his new surroundings. And then, we had to introduce him to our cat! Claude was a lot smaller than her, but being a puppy, he just wanted to run up to her and find out what she was all about. As you would expect, he wolfed it all down in super quick time! For guidance on how much to feed a Frenchie puppy, take a look at this feeding chart. I went to pick our 3-year-old up from nursery — he had no idea we had bought a dog! In the video below you can see the moment when my son met Claude for the first time! This is all because of their vaccinations, with public walks only advisable 2 weeks after their final set of injections which is around the week point. You can read more about how this work in this guide to when your puppy can go outside. He also had his third and final feed of the day at around .He was quite happy to snuggle up to us Frenchies are very cuddly , but we did make sure to take him downstairs every hour to try to get him used to peeing in the same place. You should try to get your puppy into a routine as soon as possible. Bringing our French Bulldog puppy home for the first time had proven to be an exhausting experience. It was now time for us to go to sleep, and we were hoping Claude would too! And, oh, how mistaken we were. What we did was place his crate in the corner of our bedroom. We put him in the crate, shut the door, and switched our lights off. Within 10 seconds he started crying and howling. It was heart-wrenching. We let him cry in his crate for a few minutes before we could take it no more. Handy Hint: Read my guide about French Bulldog crying and how you can start to stop them whining in their crate at night. We got him out and let him come back onto our bed for another 45 minutes then tried again. Frenchies really do suffer quite badly with separation anxiety , and at this age need you so much. We let him come back onto bed for another cuddle and gave him lots of reassurance. He had a comfy blanket in there and lots of cuddly toys here are the toys we used and this time fell to sleep… success! But it does get better… over time he will forget about his mother and siblings and start to view you as his family. The crying will stop over time, and a regular sleeping pattern will develop. In the graphic below you can see what to expect as your Frenchie gets older and how many hours they will sleep a day. The following days… Over the following days we tried to get Claude to sleep in his crate downstairs. It was impossible to do without lots of crying. In the end we gave up and kept him in his crate in our room for about 8 weeks. After two months we decided it was time for his crate to go in the kitchen. We had to be quite tough at first, as he cried the first couple of nights, but soon developed into his routine — him and our cat actually now share a bed! Claude would constantly be attacking our feet, chasing our shoelaces, chewing things like tables, door mats, shoes, and we would have to hide everything away out of his sight! Prepare to puppy-proof your home Firstly, prepare your home. You almost need to chew-proof everything. Also make sure that any potential escape routes and sealed off! We got a 42 inch one knowing that it would be ok for him as he got bigger and older. Inside his crate we placed some soft bedding and a few toys, plus laid down a puppy pad view on Amazon in the corner for him to pee on in the night. Get some toys and things to play with Frenchies love to play. We bought Claude a couple of stuffed toys, a Kong for teething on , and a few balls. You can see all the toys he still loves to play with here. It contains all the nutrition growing puppies need, plus… and this is a biggie… is said to reduce their terrible farts! You can buy Royal Canin Frenchie puppy food on Amazon. Be prepared to give him your undivided attention and be prepared for lots of crying at night. The sooner you can get this behavior ingrained into them, the quicker they will learn. Expect your puppy to cry for the first few nights. Plan where your puppy will be sleeping, ideally somewhere close to your own bedroom for the first few nights. Use a puppy crate. A crate is a safe, comfortable area that also makes housetraining easier in the long run. Ask your breeder for a blanket that smells like their mother. Your puppy may have accidents during the night. Puppies between weeks can only hold their bladder for a few hours at a time. Resist letting your puppy sleep in the bed. Always put the safety of your pup first and avoid any potential accidents. Your puppy will not likely be potty trained either. Check your puppy is safe but avoid attention-seeking behavior. Try to avoid teaching your puppy that if they cry you will come. Make sure the area is warm, dry, and in a quiet spot, such as in a spare room. After taking your puppy to use the bathroom, take them back to bed straight away with minimal fuss to help them understand that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing. Letting your puppy sleep in your bed can put your puppy in danger of falling out or being smothered. How long until a puppy can sleep through the night? As a rule, puppies can hold their bladder for 1 hour for every month of age. So, for example, an 8-week-old puppy can go around 2 hours without needing to potty Where should your puppy sleep? Puppy crate The best place for a puppy to sleep is inside a dog crate. Not only does a crate make housetraining your puppy considerably easier, but it also provides your pup with a secluded space they can unwind. When your puppy is stressed or anxious, they will naturally gravitate toward their crate. Fill it with blankets or a dog bed, as well as some toys and treats. Place a blanket over the exterior of the crate to make it feel more den-like and secure. Encouraging a positive association with the object is key as, otherwise, your puppy will be naturally fearful and wary of it. This can be done by praising and rewarding your pup for simply investigating the crate. Once your puppy is comfortable being around the crate, they might be brave enough to go inside it, especially if there are some exciting toys or treats that await them. Start closing the door on the crate while your puppy is inside for a short period, making sure to reward them afterward. You can gradually increase the duration until your puppy is happy being in the crate for at least 10 minutes with the door closed. Now you can begin leaving the room while your puppy is inside the crate alone. Only leave for a minute or two, then slowly increase the time you are away until your puppy is fine being by themselves for at least an hour. Create a nighttime puppy schedule Alongside crate training your puppy, creating a nighttime schedule is another great way you can help them sleep at night. Dogs thrive on routine as it lets them know what to expect each day. Keep noise to a minimum — no yelling, playing loud music, blasting the TV on the highest volume, etc. If possible, dim the lights to help your puppy chill out. Try not to overstimulate your pup just before bedtime. Spend some quiet time with them, then take them out to use the bathroom before popping them in bed. Doing so could make them more likely to cry at night. The first night The first night is usually the most challenging for puppy owners. Being in an unfamiliar place without their mother and siblings is bound to be stressful for your new pup. Fill their crate with blankets, toys, and some puppy pads in case of any accidents. The heat will be reminiscent of the warmth of their mother. Your presence will help them feel a bit more reassured. Doing so will only encourage them to make more noise. Make sure you only go over to your pup when they are quiet. Set some alarms as your puppy will need to relieve themselves during the night. Even at 8 weeks old, puppies can only hold their bladder for around 2 hours. This will help them get used to the nighttime routine. Calming pre-bedtime puppy activities As mentioned earlier, bedtime for your puppy should be as calm as possible, so make sure their last meal is at least an hour before they go to bed. You can also play relaxing music or keep the TV at the lowest volume. Instead, cuddle up with your pooch or massage them to help them unwind. However, with time and patience, your companion should be able to sleep without the need to cry or bark! Crate training your puppy will make things considerably easier, as will wearing out your puppy each day with exercise and fun activities. For at least the first few nights your puppy is with you, consider letting them sleep in the same with you and put the crate close to your bed. Once your puppy has had time to settle in, you can then move their crate to a separate room. Should I leave my puppy to cry at night? Hearing your puppy cry at night can be concerning, and your natural instinct will probably be to check on them! This is actually the correct thing to do. Besides, ignoring your puppy will only shake their confidence and may make the behavior worse. Take your puppy outside as they may need the toilet, then calmly put them back inside the crate. You can reassure your puppy, but try to keep attention to a minimum. This will make them likely to associate crying or barking as a way to receive attention. How long should puppies sleep? Puppies, especially those younger than 6 months of age, sleep for a considerable amount each day. Young dogs need lots of rest so they can grow up big and strong! Most puppies will happily sleep for between 18 to 20 hours a day. Once a puppy reaches their half birthday, they will typically sleep for around 16 hours a day. Adult dogs, on the other hand, nap anywhere from 8 to .Do you want your Frenchie to sleep with you in the bed or not? Where will he or she sleep? Where can he or she pee? The best is to agree on these rules with the family and make the kids follow them too. You can tell them that they help your puppy by giving clear instructions. Your Frenchie needs to have clear rules and boundaries to become a healthy and happy French Bulldog. They are still very young to understand it from instructions. Remove carpets from the house as puppies pee on it and later it will be very hard to re-train him or her. The final aim is to get them to pee outside. Finally a few tips on how to be effective with training your Frenchie: Start it as soon as your pup arrives. Tell your pup right away when he or she did something bad, never punish later as the puppy will be confused. The tone of your voice matters more than what you say. Use body language to express who is the leader of the pack: stand tall and use your hands to show the instructions. Give plenty of praise when he or she does something good. You can also give them treats based on how satisfied you are with what they did. Please find here more details on training a Frenchie. The article was written based on the experience of the TomKings Puppies Team. TomKings Puppies have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and show a puppy from their breed. Check their available puppies here , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. New born puppies are very helpless. They are born blind and deaf and unable to regulate their body temperatures, so we have to use an external heat source when the puppies are not in direct contact with mom. During this time period, their mothers have to stimulate them in order for them to urinate and have bowel movements. This is a very busy time for us and we are usually very sleep deprived because we assist the mothers every 3 hours around the clock to make sure that all puppies are latching on well, growing, and being stimulated to urinate and defecate. It is a critical time in which the puppies are so small that an unaware Frenchie mother could accidentally smother one or more of her pups, so we monitor them very closely. Lacey takes a video of each litter at 3 weeks of age and posts them on our website under New Puppies so that our clients near the top of the list, as well as other clients and prospective clients, can get a early look at them. They continue to gain weight rapidly over the next several months of their lives. At two weeks age their ears open and they are able to hear, and another big part of their new world opens up. Prior to this event, about all they do is grunt or mew, but afterward their vocabulary includes yelps, whines, and even little barks. At three weeks of age the more advanced puppies start taking their first shaky steps; prior to this their basic mode of transportation is basic army crawling. They are now able to urinate and defecate on their own and will move away from their sleeping area to do so. Up to this point it is strictly the mothers and us Donna, Lacey, and Bick who have handled the pups with lots of hand sanitizing before and after and they have been kept in their kennel. Even though it is hard on the kids, we do not let them or their friends handle them until 4 weeks of age. At four weeks we start introducing them to solid food initially crushed and moistened. By the end of the 4th week they are eating their crushed puppy food, with no water added, three times a day. Because they are not nursing as long or as often, we provide fresh water for them at all times. The kids are allowed to hold them now closely monitored and with clean hands and we allow the puppies to run around and explore our large main room in the house. At 5 weeks of age they are starting to run around all over the place when they are let out to play, and, when they are in their kennels, they play sometimes rather roughly with litter mates. It is during this time when some of their adult personalities will start coming out. By the end of this week their puppy teeth are all in, and they love to chew on things, including fingers if you let them. However, even at this age, they will spend most of their time sleeping, probably close to 20 hours per day, with only short times between naps when they are alert and active. By the end of the 6th week they are completely weaned from their moms and eating solid food well. We frequently take them out of their kennels to scamper around. They are full of energy and love to play with their litter-mates and the kids. This is the time that we really focus on socializing them and we even start their paper training. By 7 weeks they have already passed through most of their puppy milestones and are continuing to grow rapidly; they are generally in the 4 to 6 pound range. This is when their personalities really start coming out! It is so fun to watch them play with the kids and their litter-mates and observe their new fascination with toys. They have become somewhat accustomed to going potty on pee pads so that when they are out running around the room they often recognize them on the floor and will go potty on them. Though they are fast, active, playful little puppies at this point in their lives, they still are like babies and require lots of sleep probably over 18 hours per day and are still quite fragile. This video will show the color and conformation of each puppy, in addition to its personality. Their their third DAPP and 2nd Bordetella vaccinations are given at 12 weeks and then a yearly booster thereafter. The rabies shot can also be given at 12 weeks no later than 16 weeks. They are also regularly de-wormed and given a medication for the prevention of coccidia and giardia. Occasionally we hold onto puppies a little longer if we do not feel they are quite ready to go to their new homes. Our clients are encouraged to come to our home to meet their fur babies if this is feasible. When this is not possible, we arrange for one of our responsible puppy chaperones to hand deliver our puppies to meet their new owners at their nearest major airport. In fact, even as adults they will sleep at least half of the day in a series of long naps, and probably closer to 14 hours per day. Have More Questions?

German Shepherds, like other dogs, have a day gestational period. It is approximately nine weeks of total pregnancy, but a female German Shepherd can give birth as soon as 58 days or as late as 68 days. This day difference in the average length of German Shepherd gestation may vary depending on the number of puppies and the size of the mother. To put it simply, the more puppies there are, the longer it takes, and vice versa. In some cases, a pregnant German Shepherd may only have one puppy, while huge litters might produce up to 15 puppies. Generally, in canines, preterm delivery is uncommon, and most pregnant dogs deliver their puppies at full term. However, being a few days earlier or later is normal and is frequently caused by a wrong assessment of the date when a female German Shepherd becomes pregnant. Furthermore, if you know when your German Shepherd has mated, you can use a dog pregnancy calculator to acquire an accurate estimate of its due date. Many breeders or even seasoned owners find it difficult to tell if their German Shepherd is pregnant, especially in the early pregnancy stages. Furthermore, unlike humans, there is no at-home pregnancy test for animals. Veterinarians perform ultrasounds between 25 and 35 days of gestation. They will analyze the levels of relaxin , a pregnancy hormone that is taken throughout the breeding process, using a blood sample from dogs. The veterinarian will determine the exact number of German Shepherd puppies in the womb 55 days or more after breeding. Abdominal Palpation: It is a traditional way to detect pregnancy of German Shepherds. It is done around the 28 to day mark by looking for uterine swellings that indicate the existence of developing puppies. Although German Shepherds are independent during pregnancy, there are still a lot of preparations you must make before the puppies are delivered. Generally, the average age for a German Shepherd to get pregnant is around two years old, but it can be as early as five months old. Additionally, because German Shepherds are a large breed, it takes them a while to fully mature before getting pregnant. So, they must be at least 18 months old if you plan to breed them. Once they reach full maturity, German Shepherds can be pregnant during the fertilization period in the second stage of their heat cycle. The heat cycle of female dogs consists of proestrus , estrus , diestrus , and anestrus. During the proestrus stage, female dogs begin to attract males, which will last for nine days. Meanwhile, during estrus, a female dog is marked as available to a male dog, usually lasting for three to four days. Then, the diestrus is the final day of the reproductive cycle when the female dog will no longer permit mating. However, like other large dog breeds, a German Shepherd Dog has its first heat cycle in the latter months. Thus, there is no precise date at which it can get pregnant. Yet, you can expect your dog to be pregnant when it is six months old because it is when the anestrus phase occurs. It is the time elapsed between one heat cycle and the next. That said, knowing the four stages of the heat cycle is important for estimating how long German Shepherds are pregnant. Week 1 Within a few days after breeding, the sperm reaches the eggs, and fertilization occurs. Week 2 Fertilized egg cells will begin to develop, separate, and descend towards the uterus for implantation between the 12 and day mark during the second week. There will be no physical changes to the German Shepherd, but it will become either more affectionate or irritated. Therefore, getting your female dog groomed is advised to lessen its stress. Week 3 During the third week, the embryos will begin to travel to the uterine horns to embed themselves in the uterine wall. The embryos will continue to develop while receiving essential nutrients within the womb through the uterine lining. Some body parts, including the placenta and nervous system, will develop on the 18th day. The placenta will be fully formed by the end of this week. In addition, your German Shepherd may gain weight, and its abdomen might begin to swell. If you notice these changes, confer with your veterinarian, who will provide veterinary advice about the right food and diet plan for your pet. Week 4 This week is the most critical stage when a fetus develops facial features, limbs, and vital organs. So, your German Shepherd must avoid rough play and serve its food in smaller portions. This is also the optimal time to bring your German Shepherd for an ultrasound after the 25th day to know how many puppies your dog expects. Week 5 The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to resemble actual puppies during this period. On day 35, all major organs of the puppies should already have developed. Thus, a pregnant GSD might increase her weight by 20 to 50 percent as it has growing puppies in its abdomen. Therefore, it will need more calories and nutrients than usual. Furthermore, it will avoid normal routines like walking and become more sensitive because of discomfort. Week 6 The puppies develop more rapidly and should have their skin colors. Their eyes remain closed but have lids, claws form, and their heads begin to grow hair for the first time. Furthermore, your female dog will be more uncomfortable and may occasionally vomit because of the increased pressure on its stomach. There will also be clear vaginal discharge, which is completely normal. It will also decrease appetite and produce a clear and odorless vaginal discharge. Furthermore, preparing a whelping box for your female dog to nest in and give birth within the next few weeks should be done during this period. Week 8 Puppies have grown fur and are swarmed into the uterus, moving towards the birth canal. Also, your German Shepherd Dog will spend the majority of its time in the whelping box digging in the bedding. It will also feel restless as its body grows, so give your dog the comfort and attention it needs, especially when it is in pain. You can also get an X-ray examination to determine how many puppies your German Shepherd will have. Week 9 During the last week of pregnancy, the puppies are now fully developed and ready to be born, moving toward the birth canal. You will notice that your German Shepherd may appear uncomfortable, restless, or anxious during this stage. Keep an eye on your dog as it seeks a safe place to give birth. To make your dog feel at ease and to avoid stress, keep your house clean and quiet. Afterward, you must start taking its rectal temperature every 12 hours. In this way, you always obtain the best possible outcomes and perhaps get to meet your litter of healthy puppies. German Shepherd Pregnancy Signs Apart from the fact that conception is unpredictable and varies from dog to dog, no noticeable physical changes occur during the early stages of pregnancy. Nevertheless, similar to people, there are some early signs and symptoms that can indicate if a German Shepherd is pregnant: Change in appetite. Final Thoughts How to Prepare for Your German Shepherd Giving Birth German Shepherds are truly great pets, and preparation for your dog giving birth will be one of the most important things you do for her throughout the birth process. But first, take a look at this incredible 3-minute video of a German Shepherd giving birth. Nature is truly amazing: German Shepherd giving birth incredible video Even though dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to the actual birth, there are still plenty of things you will need to do to get her ready and get the area ready where she will be giving birth. Talk to Your Vet The best way to be proactive in the success of your German Shepherd giving birth will be to have frequent discussions with your vet and maintain an open line of communication with them. In any case, once you suspect your dog is pregnant, you will need to take her to your vet for regular check-ups. Ensuring her overall health is the crucial first step. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam and alert you to anything you need to be aware of. As with pregnant humans, health concerns are elevated during gestation, so be sure to take your mom-to-be to the vet straight away and continue to monitor her throughout the pregnancy. Be sure to ask your vet any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your German Shepherd during the coming months and the birth itself. They will give specifics for your dog and anything else you need to be aware of. The third trimester is when the pups develop rapidly, and your girl will need more calories for energy, depending on how many pups she is carrying. You should gradually transition this, and the feeding schedule should be little and often aid digestion. But if your vet specified anything additional due to an individual circumstance for your GSD, always adhere to their instructions. Having the checklist ready is an essential step to making sure you are ready. And remember, you will want this checklist to include everything you may need before, during, and after the birth. That will also include emergency items that you hopefully will not need but should have ready. Standard Supplies: Clean sheets, towels, and blankets You will want to have some of the blankets around the mom. They will help keep her warm and feeling safe and secure. If she has a favorite blanket or an old shirt of yours that she loves to snuggle up with, use those. But you will also need additional towels and blankets ready for the little pups after birth. Ensuring they are all warm and cozy after the birth will be, first and foremost. A pile of German Shepherd puppies bundled up with mom surrounded by comfort blankets is also just really adorable. Heating Pad or Heat Lamp Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature. The new mama understands this and will do her best to keep her pups warm using her body temperature and cuddling them close. But having a heating pad or lamp ready to go will help keep the space warm for the newborns. If you opt for a heating pad, you can place it underneath the towels and blankets where the puppies lie. It also has loads of temperature settings and timer settings, giving you plenty of options. If you opt for a lamp, be sure it is far enough away not to be too hot and burn the puppies. Place your hand underneath it to gauge where it gives a subtle warmth without causing your hand to feel hot. I prefer a heating pad as it just seems the safer option. Whelping Box and Mat To prepare for whelping, a whelping box will be required for the German Shepherd puppies to snuggle up in after the birth while the mom is recovering. You can purchase a large basket or make one yourself using a large cardboard box. German Shepherd puppies, on average, weigh around 0. As we know, German Shepherds seem to go from adorable 2-pound pups to majestic pound protectors in the blink of an eye. So, knowing how much they weighed after birth and monitoring their weight gain throughout their infancy is an essential step to proper health. There is no need to take them directly from mom and plop them onto a scale straight away. Give them time. But have it ready to take their weights within the first day or so. According to VCA Hospitals, the area where the puppies are kept should be between degrees for the first four days. Then gradually decrease the temperature to 80 degrees by the 7th — 10th day, and finally, 72 degrees by the end of the fourth week. Emergency Supplies: Baby Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes newborn puppies have built-up mucus around their nose, and the mucus causes breathing troubles. The mom will do her best to lick it away, but if you see one of the German Shepherd puppies still struggling with taking breaths, you need to have a baby nose suction bulb , such as this one from Amazon, ready to go. Gently swaddle the puppy and use the bulb carefully to suction the mucus out and hold him for a while after, massaging his chest very gently. Gloves, Sterilized Scissors, Thread, and Antiseptic Solution Typically, the mom will cut the umbilical cord herself by biting through it. Once tied off, ensure the end of the cord is cleaned with antiseptic. Cleanliness during this is critical, so a pair of medical gloves and a clean workspace are essential. Soft Travel Crate Hopefully, the birth goes smoothly, and there is no need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during it. But if there is an emergency or you have any concerns, always call your vet or nearest animal hospital immediately. Have the crate by the door with plenty of cozy blankets and familiar smells ready to go if you need to transport your GSD. This is never an ideal situation, so it should be avoided whenever possible, but under emergency circumstances, you may need an impromptu trip to the vet. Pro Tip! Use the buddy system. If you need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during birth, it will help to have someone with you. Consider asking a few close friends or relatives. They can drive while you sit in the back with your girl to comfort her. This is going to be a scary moment for your German Shepherd, and she will appreciate being able to have you by her side. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting You will take much of this care during the prep stage. You will be placing clean towels down, ensuring everything is sterilized and ready for the momentous occasion. But during the birth itself, you will want to help maintain that environment. Here are a few things to consider that will help you make this a comfortable environment for your German Shepherd: Have familiar sights and smells around, such as toys, soft clothing, and blankets that she likes. If there are open windows and loud noises, shut the windows and do everything you can to limit the amount of noise and distractions around her. Give words of encouragement occasionally in a soft and soothing voice, letting her know she is doing great. In between puppies, she will need a breather. Make sure she is supported and comfort her during these breaks. Your German Shepherd will begin nesting behavior during the onset of labor, and her temperature will drop. She will become restless and may refuse food, pant, pace, shake, or vomit. But how do you know when the birth is imminent? You will see clear fluid from her vulva before the first birth. The first puppy should be delivered within minutes of hard straining. Giving Your German Shepherd Space During the Birth Oddly enough, one of the best ways to care for your German Shepherd during her birth journey will be to leave her alone. All dogs are instinctual in ways that amaze us mere humans. GSDs are also incredibly smart. So, between their instincts and intelligence, they have a knack for understanding what to do during and after giving birth. They will know what is best for their health, as well as the health of their newborns. Interfering too much during birth can cause frustration and even anger in your German Shepherd. While she will most likely understand you are trying to help — she knows best, and she will need her space. Once you have completed all preparations and have done all that you can from your end, the best thing you can do is sit back and enjoy the incredible experience of watching your German Shepherd Dog give birth. Be Ready When She Needs You Part of sitting back and watching as your German Shepherd gives birth is also knowing that she may need you, and, if so — be ready. If you have done the proper preparations, everything will be ready in case of an emergency or even a small hiccup. Here are some warning signs to be aware of as you watch the process and when you need to intervene: Your GSD has shown signs of going into labor, including a temperature below degrees, and does not end up going into labor within 24 hours. A puppy has only come halfway out, and mom seems to be struggling. She appears to be in pain, and is yelping or crying. One of her breaks in between puppies lasts more than 4 hours, and you know there are more pups to come. Typically, a long break will happen halfway through, which can be up to 4 hours. But past that, there could be something wrong. She is having contractions for more than 45 minutes without another puppy coming. If there is something more complicated, you will need to take your girl to the vet. This is another reason the buddy system is a great step to take. Now what? A big part of the preparation is to ensure that everything is ready for the new mom and pups once she is done. She is going to be exhausted, needing lots of rest and love. And the newborns will be adorable little helpless creatures that need their canine mom and their human mom or dad too! Making sure they all stay home, clean, and healthy is the number one priority after birth. During your discussions with your vet, this should be something that is covered. Your vet will offer specifics if there are particular health concerns for your German Shepherd. But otherwise, they will have general guidelines to keep the new family safe and sound. Once your German Shepherd has had enough time to recuperate and seems to be doing well after the last birth, take her outside to urinate and get some fresh air. She may not want to, as she wants to stay with her newborns, but encourage her to go outside for a quick pee and move around. Next, try to get her to drink some water and see if she has an appetite. At this point, all the puppies should be warm and snuggled in the whelping box. Let Mom join them and begin nursing them. They are going to be hungry, sleepy, and hungry again. Your job is to make sure the pups are getting enough food from Mom, and that mom is getting enough rest to care for them properly. If your German Shepherd stops producing milk for a while, you will need to have supplements and formula on hand so you can feed them yourself from a bottle. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are smart, instinctual, and fiercely protective. They also make amazing moms. And they know exactly what they need to do during the birth of their puppies. We hope this article has given you confidence in knowing what to do when your German Shepherd is giving birth. You will know when you are needed, and you will have everything ready to go from your checklist if she tags you in. You will soon be hugging those little bundles of joy and wondering what to name them. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. When your German Shepherd gives birth, it will be the happiest day of your life! But first you should learn about how to help and what to expect. German Shepherds typically deliver between 63 and 70 days after conception, or roughly 10 to 12 weeks from the time of ovulation. During that time, the female dog will often become quieter and less active than usual as she spends more time lying down and resting. You might also notice her nipples growing larger and darker as your German Shepherd prepares to feed her newborn puppies. What will my pregnant German Shepherd weigh? On average, pregnant German Shepherds are likely to gain anywhere from pounds during their pregnancy. Not all of that weight will come at once, but most owners report their dog gaining more weight towards the end of her pregnancy. There is a good chance that your puppy will weigh over pounds by when she is ready to give birth. Because of her larger size, some risks are associated with giving birth to large dogs like German Shepherds. If you notice any signs your pet might be in labor, make sure you take her immediately to a veterinarian. Make sure that both mom and puppies are healthy after she has given birth. Can I tell my dog is pregnant by looking at her belly? Most veterinarians can tell if a dog is pregnant by examining her abdomen. Typically, female dogs will experience some physical changes during pregnancy. For example, the vulva will become larger and more prominent, and she may leak clear or yellowish fluid. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, such as leaking vaginal fluids or waddling like a penguin, take her to your veterinarian for an examination. What is the maximum number of puppies that a German Shepherd can have? A purebred German Shepherd generally gives birth to fewer puppies owing to its genetic makeup. According to a Norwegian Kennel Club study conducted in , the average litter size for a German Shepherd is 5. A German Shepherd generally only has a couple of fertile days; the mating period during those two days goes a long way in determining the number of puppies that a single litter shall yield. What should you feed your pregnant German Shepherd? Your pregnant German Shepherd will require nutrition that it might not receive through traditional dog foods. Regardless of the kind of food that you feed your German Shepherd during pregnancy, you must not take any chances with the nutrition. Dog owners often think that there is not much difference between canine and human nutrition; the truth is that dog nutrition is a lot more complicated and might not be fulfilled using supplementary pills. If you are unclear about the diet you should feed your dog, it is best to consult professional breeders. Can you play with your gestating German Shepherd? Your German Shepherd can and should be played with throughout pregnancy. By exercising, your dog will maintain their strength and health. In addition, make sure that your dog does not run around too much, as it might impact the birthing region of the body. First, we would like to sign off by stressing the importance of working with a capable veterinarian throughout this phase to minimize the risk of complications. Discover how to create a joyful, healthy home for your pet. Subscribe to your weekly rundown of practice, real life ideas and training tips straight to your inbox. We offer practical, real life ideas and training tips for a joyful experince, with your pet. All rights reserved.

Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach maturity. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Medium Dog Breeds: Medium-sized dogs weigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day , but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. Days 8 to Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from our experts , visit our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. The general rule is to switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food once they reach physical maturity. For Golden Retrievers this is between the age of 12 to 18 months. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adults and need to stay on puppy food until they stop growing. Switching too early can have a negative effect on the growth and development of your pup. Golden Retrievers are considered a large breed and reach their physical maturity much later than small breeds do. All dogs differ as to when they reach maturity, which is why there is no one size fits all answer to this question. Can switch to adult food at 9 to 12 months. Medium Breeds: 20 to 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 14 months. Large and Giant Breeds: Weigh more than 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 24 months. He will continue to fill out until the age of 2 when he reaches his adult weight. Keeping your Golden Retriever pup on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months is a good guideline to follow. But, there are other ways to tell if your Golden is ready to make the transition. Here are some other signs that will let you know your pup is ready for adult food: Skipping Meals or Leftover Food Puppy food is designed specifically for growing puppies. It is higher in fat, calories, protein and nutrients to help support growth and development. Once your puppy reaches adulthood, he no longer needs as many calories. You may notice that your puppy is skipping meals or leaving food in his food bowl because he is still full. This is a good indication that your puppy is ready to make the switch. Puppies typically eat 3 meals a day, when you make the switch to adult food, you can also reduce the number of meals per day down to 2. Decreased Activity Level We all know that puppies have a ton of energy, and Golden Retriever puppies seem to have even more! But, with age comes a decrease in activity level. Once your puppy starts to mature, you will notice they also start to calm down. Weight Gain Once your Golden Retriever puppy is fully grown, they no longer need high-calorie food. If you continue feeding puppy food to your adult Golden Retriever, you may notice excessive weight gain. Weight gain is a clear indication that your Golden Retriever is past the puberty stage and is ready to switch to adult food. The transition to adult food is important, as puppy food can quickly pack on the pounds. Weight gain is usually seen in Golden Retrievers who are spayed or neutered because owners continue feeding them the same amount of food as before. The age of spay or neuter lines up to around the time your Golden Retriever should transition to adult food, which is when they are finished growing. Puppies require a higher amount of calories, protein, nutrients and fats in order to fuel their growth. While puppies need the proper food to grow and develop, adult Golden Retrievers require food to maintain their bodies. Puppy food is: Smaller in size, making it safer to chew and swallow. Softer in texture, catering to the softer and smaller teeth of a puppy. Contains nutrients and fats essential for bone growth, muscle development, and energy. Carefully balanced for growing puppies. Feeding properly balanced puppy food is important, and large breeds like Golden Retrievers benefit from specially formulated large-breed puppy food. Most vets and nutritionists consider a pup a large breed if they weigh between 55 to Lbs when fully grown. Large breed puppy food is lower in fat and calories than regular puppy food, and it has a carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This allows for slow and steady growth, supporting joints and bones. For more information on large breed puppy food, check out this article from PetMD. Different quantities and ratios of nutrients are ideal for different life stages. Keeping your adult Golden Retriever on puppy food can lead to obesity and other health issues such as faster growth, which can lead to hip and elbow dysplasia. Puppy food is too rich and dense in nutrients which not only causes significant weight gain in adults but could result in stomach upset and diarrhea. It could also lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food contains nutrients that are suited for dogs who are passed their growth stage. Adult Golden Retrievers need food that helps them maintain their optimal health and weight. The switch to adult food needs to be gradual, over a period of 7 to 10 days. This will prevent any stomach upset in your pup. Basically, the best way to transition your puppy to adult food is to buy a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food. Gradually mix the two foods together, increasing the amount of new food over a period of 7 to 10 days. By day 9 or 10 your Golden Retriever should be eating his new adult food. If at any time during the transition period your Golden Retriever experiences an upset stomach or diarrhea, or simply resists the adult food, you can extend the transition time as needed. Final Thoughts So, as you can see there is a right time and a wrong time when you should switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food. Golden Retrievers grow and mature at a slower pace than smaller breeds do, and require the essential nutrients found in puppy food for much longer. It is recommended to keep your Golden Retriever puppy on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months. You want to gradually introduce the new food in order to avoid any stomach upset. Is your Golden Retriever puppy ready for adult food? At what age did your Golden Retriever start eating adult food? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Check Price Why do we need to switch from puppy food to dog food golden retrievers? They will need more high source of nutritional needs so they can stay healthy and preserve they well-being. But the first few weeks of the transition period are not that easy. Your golden retriever might experience tummy issues. You got to make an extra effort to identify the right food for your puppy during his period of becoming an adult dog. That said, you need to regularly consult with your vet and strategize about the week of the transition period so your dog will become safe with no gastrointestinal tract issues. At first, it may be hard to tell which can be mistaken for health issues or others. But these tell-tale signs are most likely that your puppy is no longer a pup but a developing adult reaching its maturity. Although we, dog owners, hard to accept that they are becoming adult golden retrievers, we still need to prepare for those inevitable events. What we need is to support them and we need to identify these signs. While those new teeth are coming in, you will need some chewing sticks or chew toys for your growing Golden puppy. This is also the time where you need to consider switching from puppy food to dog food which can be done slowly and through a discussion from your vet. Meaning that your puppy is becoming more responsible and matured. They are comparable to any highly active dogs because of their endless energy which makes them want to play all day long. But over time when your puppy is beginning to become less playful, this may be a sign that he is leaning towards adulthood. They may want to play with you every five minutes. He eats slower and eats less Puppies are known for their being voracious eaters. But when they hit their adulthood or while in their transition period to their full-grown dog, they will eat less and you will also notice how slower they eat than they are before. The puppy begins to physically mature Upon reaching 9 months of age, your golden retriever puppy is along its way to becoming mature. There are different kinds of maturity when it comes to dogs and they are largely affected through their gender. For the female dogs, they may have changes in appetite, may appear anxious than normal, and will experience a vaginal discharge of blood. You may not see it happening in an instant, but by the time and as weeks go by, you will realize that your puppy becomes a dog. Usually, the signs are, they listen attentively and responds to you and the other dogs from social cues, they can read if you are angry or happy to them, and they can easily settle down. So watch out for these signs. When he stops growing When your golden retriever has fully grown both physically and emotionally, this is definitely the obvious sign that your dog turned into a full-grown adult dog. This happens when your dog is already 1 to 3 years of age. This is the time where your dog will be needing an adequate source of protein-based nutritional needs such as whole meat mainly with first meat as their main ingredients when buying an adult dog food. Also, you may want to match their type of activity to the dog food you are considering. A general guide for feeding the golden puppy and adult Puppies who are in their first months will develop a built-in timer. This prompts him to eat based on schedule because they are a creature of habit. You should give your golden puppy at least three times a day of meals for the first three months. Prior to that, by the time he reaches four months, feed him at least twice a day permanently. Puppies ages 12 months more or less The above mentioned is the general rule. Yet, there are different cases of how puppies grow depending on their breed size. For golden retrievers, they belong to a medium-sized breed. Their age of maturity will hit by the time they are 9 months of age. While large breeds will hit their maturity when they are 18 to 24 months of age. Transitioning from puppy food to dog food golden retriever After you are completely aware and decided to shift your dog from puppy food to dog food. But be very careful to suddenly give your dog food. The key is to slowly introduce your puppy from puppy food to dog food. Let your golden retriever taste the dog food slowly so that he can get accustomed to the taste of the dog food. Normally this transition process will take about 7 to 14 days. That said, you can start the transition period by giving 75 percent of puppy food and a 25 percent adult food formula for at least 2 to 3 days. After the succeeding days, you can try increasing the adult dog food ratio to 10 percent until it becomes percent adult dog food. As a result, within 10 to 14 days, your golden retriever will somehow liken the adult dog food. If not, you can just go slower with the kibble food ratio until your dog is fully satisfied with the taste. This is among the important process during their transition period. One of the best and appropriate dog food for your golden retriever is this particular Royal Canin. Because it's breed-specific. That said, its nutritional value is specifically curated for a specific type of breed. This is to ensure that what you are getting meets the standard diet of your Golden. There's more than that, this particular dog food has a heart-healthy recipe. And because golden retrievers are vulnerable to heart problems, this will help them prevent any heart disease. Added the fact that it's also made to reinforce the skin of the dog. One of the main ingredients includes Brewers rice, brown rice, chicken by-product, oat greats. It's also packed with adequate vitamins like taurine and DHA for strong vision and helps cognitive ability. All the more, each kibble has a different design and even shape and size which is suited for the dog's jaw structure and biting patterns. This is well suited for a golden retriever because of specific nutrients and dietary needs added. Also, it supports some of the most health problems that the golden retriever commonly faces. So, this is actually worth buying for. Pros Specifically designed for golden retrievers Unique shape and sizes Grain-free. They are also known for their love of food, which can lead to weight gain and health issues if not properly managed. In a recent forum post, I saw someone asking about when to transition to less meals, which sparked this post. As puppies, Golden Retrievers require a specific feeding schedule that changes as they grow older. In this article, we will discuss when to switch a Golden Retriever puppy to two meals a day and provide a feeding guide. After four weeks, puppies can start to transition to solid food. We transition ours with our own mush. At four weeks, it is recommended to feed puppies at mimimum four small meals a day. The meals should consist of high-quality puppy food specifically formulated for Golden Retrievers. Prior to our pups going home at eight weeks, I start transitioning from 4 meals to 3 meals a day. That way they are prepared when they go to their final homes. During this stage, puppies are growing rapidly, and their nutritional needs are higher. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and health issues later in life. I have a growth chart to compare weights of your growing Golden Retriever. The meals should consist of a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for Golden Retrievers. Your vet may recommend going to an adult food at 6 months. Follow their advice as they can cater to your pups needs. However, it is important to note that some dogs may still benefit from two smaller meals a day. I personally still two meals a day for all my goldens. Plus my goldens love me more for it. One meal a day can be beneficial if you need to keep their weight down. Their bodies will burn more fat during the time they do not eat. It is important to note that the feeding schedule for Golden Retriever puppies may vary depending on their individual needs. Consultation with a veterinarian can also provide additional guidance. When feeding a Golden Retriever puppy, it is important to choose a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for Golden Retrievers. The food should contain a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The protein should come from high-quality sources such as chicken, lamb, or fish. The fat should come from healthy sources such as fish oil or flaxseed oil. It is important to provide plenty of water and to avoid feeding the puppy table scraps or human food. In addition to a proper feeding schedule and high-quality puppy food, Golden Retriever puppies require regular exercise and socialization. Daily walks and playtime can help to keep the puppy healthy and active. Socialization with other dogs and humans can help to prevent behavior problems later in life. Summary Golden Retriever puppies require a specific feeding schedule that changes as they grow older. From eight weeks to six months of age, puppies should be fed three meals a day. Between six and twelve months of age, puppies can be switched to two meals a day. After twelve months of age, Golden Retrievers can be switched to one meal a day, however 2 meals are still preferred. Consultation with a veterinarian can provide additional guidance on the best feeding schedule for your Golden Retriever puppy. Sources: American Kennel Club. How much to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Feeding a puppy — a complete guide. How to feed your puppy. Feeding your puppy: What, when and how much? By following these feeding guidelines and consulting with a veterinarian, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever puppy receives the proper nutrition they need for optimal growth and health. Remember, a well-fed and well-cared-for puppy is a happy and healthy puppy.

As a quality breeder, the dogs live in our home or with a guardian and are part of our family. Australian Labradoodles are funny, intelligent, loving, sociable, eager to please and oh so much fun. They are wonderful with children of all ages. They love people and are happiest cuddled up with a beloved family member. Our labrodoodle adoptions are available to dog owners across Manhattan and Long Island. Contact us today to learn more about these wonderful little puppies. The number to dial is: .Future dog owner families are invited to visit with both the mommy and her puppies. At 6 weeks of age, we want you to have the opportunity to experience firsthand how very special the Australian Labradoodle breed truly is. Admittedly, we are prejudiced, but personally we think you'll never find a more wonderful and loving family companion! Each puppy comes with their lineage that goes back to Australia. Our multi-generational dogs all maintain the integrity of the breed. All of our breeding dogs are tested by a Veterinarian and are hip, elbow, heart and eye certified by OFA. At 8 weeks old, the puppies have been weaned and are ready to join their new family. They leave Labradoodles of Long Island with 1st vaccination, Dewormed, Micro chipped as well as a blanket with the familiar scent of their litter, toys, bowls, leash, collar, food, information on their milestones and a plethora of other tips. Our puppies were featured on Animal Planet's "Too Cute. We aim for a personal touch in our relationship with our puppy families and are happy to answer any questions you might have about the breed, about our dogs and about what you might expect from an Australian Labradoodle puppy. Please do not hesitate to ask us anything! It is just an hour east of New York City. All Labradoodles of Long Island families are encouraged to join our Facebook group to share pictures and stories of their pups. It is heartwarming to follow each puppy's growth and progress. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near South Suffolk Virginia and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. But there is some logic here! Cream Labradoodle Genetics With so much variety in the cream coat color spectrum, you may be surprised to learn a single color pigment is driving all of them. This pigment is called phaeomelanin. It controls the red spectrum of coat colors. It is yellow or gold. Phaeomelanin is running the show in determining whether a Labradoodle will grow up to have a cream coat. But there are lots of other genes working behind the scenes to influence how creamy that coat will look. Phaeomelanin is a form of pigment, or melanin. Melanocytes have the job of adding phaeomelanin to each hair as it grows out. Sometimes they may add in a bit more color pigment at first and slack off later. This is why some but not all cream Labradoodle dogs will grow up to have adult coats that are darker at the hair tips than they are at the hair roots. This Causes the Variations This is one way — but not the only way — that a cream Labradoodle can grow up to have a darker cream or a lighter cream coat. These are the hair follicle cells responsible for giving this Labradoodle their lovely coat color. But what is telling each melanocyte how much of which pigment to add to each developing coat hair? A collection of genes is called a genotype. How those genes appear or show up is called their phenotype. So a cream Labradoodle has the genes for a cream coat phenotype. When it comes to coat color, eumelanin black is dominant and phaeomelanin red is recessive. When a gene is dominant, a puppy only needs to get that gene from one parent dog to have it show up express. But when a gene is recessive, the puppy needs to get that gene from both parent dogs to express it. Now you are probably starting to see why breeders can spend a lifetime studying the genome just for their own breeding dogs. This is especially the case when you consider that a Labradoodle is a breed that is still rather early in their evolution. F1, F2 and Beyond! In early stage F1, F1b breeding programs, the breeder may be working with the coat color genotypes of two completely different purebred dog breeds. This gets more complicated still when you consider that both parent dogs must contribute the cream coat genotype in order for a puppy to inherit the cream coat. In other words, only two true cream Labradoodle parent dogs will be able to breed cream Labradoodle puppies. Eumelanin is responsible for black and the various shades in that color spectrum. Nose color: Depending on the breed association you consult with, a true cream Labradoodle will have either a black, brown, or rose pinkish nose. Eye color: Cream Labradoodles will usually have dark brown eyes. Skin color: Cream spectrum Labradoodles will have black eye rims and lips. Nail color: Generally, this color Labradoodle will have black nails. Labradoodles are large dogs that will generally fall somewhere between the sizes of their two parents. While color genes are the primary driver when a Labradoodle puppy inherits a cream coat, there can be other factors at work as well. Diet, exposure to ultraviolet light, type of shampoo, overall health. This is why cream Labradoodles can be quite rare. Not only do they need a very specific set of genes, but they also may change color as they grow older. If coat color is really important to you, rescuing an older cream doodle might be a better route. Cream Labradoodle Temperament Just like their coat color, Labradoodles will inherit temperament traits from their parent breeds. In general, you can expect your creamy doodle to be friendly, intelligent, energetic, and eager to please. These mix breeds need plenty of energy too, no matter what their color. Cream Labradoodle Health Labradoodles are a very new breed, so predicting health concerns that could affect them is still quite tricky. Also, learn more about the health issues that can affect the two parent breeds — Labs and Poodles. Mixed dogs can inherit health problems from their parents, so can be at risk of the same problems. Only ever choose reputable breeders that health test their dogs. This will minimise the risk of your puppy growing up with heritable health problems. Finding a Cream Labradoodle Puppy Cream puppies can be quite hard to find, as this color is recessive. So, puppies need to inherit the right genes from both parents. And, as we learnt earlier, breeders can label the same shade in different ways. To some, a puppy might be off-white, but to others, it could be light caramel. This can make your search harder. But, no matter how you go about it, make sure to only choose reputable breeders that look after their animals and health test. Never choose puppies from puppy mills or pet stores. If color means this much to you, you might want to consider choosing a rescue Labradoodle, whose color will be more stable. Are you caring for a cream Labradoodle or hoping to add this beautiful dog to your family? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! References and Resources Lewis, L. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article.

December 6, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Not only this, but the Boxer dog is also one of the most popular breeds in the United States due to such colorful and all-in-one sort of personality. Boxer dogs can light up every dark room with their happy, animated, and high-spirited nature. And no, they are not over-friendly with strangers and are considered excellent watchdogs. Despite having a human-loving personality, these canines know whom to bond with! Do you know that they were originally bred to hunt deer, wild boar, and bears? Due to their aggressiveness, courage, determination, and unparalleled intelligence, Boxer dogs are also the favorite working dogs of police and military groups. About the Breed This breed comprises medium-large sized dogs which pack in loads of energy. At first glance, these dogs might seem a serious type of canine that is always ready to bite you, but after knowing them a little, you get to learn about their sweet and, sometimes, silly personalities. Speaking specifically of the Boxer dog breed, it originated from the cross between Bulldog and a now-extinct breed, the Bullenbeisser dog. Depending upon their bloodlines, this breed is further divided into seven different types. German Boxers German Boxers are considered the official, purebred Boxer dog breed. They tend to have a larger, denser body frame, making them look more muscular and more robust than other types. The more interesting point is that American Boxers were the last to develop from its other variants. American Boxer, although, resembles German Boxer a lot, but still, you may differentiate both types by their facial features American Boxers have fewer or no wrinkles on their faces 3. They possess sleek, slender, yet muscular bodies with which they can easily pass through narrow areas and dense bushes. The most distinctive aspect of English Boxers is their small stature, making them the smallest Boxer variant. Despite this small size, they possess remarkable speed, strength, and agility. Brindle Boxers As the name implies, this type of Boxer is separately classified from other Boxers due to its unique coat color, Brindle. This coat color is considered the standard Boxer color. Color striping is also present, which could be either in light or dark shades. Based on the striping shade, Brindle Boxers are further divided into three classes; reverse brindle, mahogany brindle, and tiger brindle. Another rare type, flashy brindle, also exists, which contains striping in bright white markings. Resultantly, these dogs appear true black. White Boxers Both fawn and white male Boxers are found, but the white Boxer is considered inferior to those completely fawn and brindle Boxers. According to experts, white Boxers are more prone to catching severe diseases, like skin cancer, than other variants. Although they are white, most of the time, they might have fawn or brindle patches around their tails, ears, and eyes. Fawn Boxers Besides brindle, Fawn is considered the standard color in the Boxer breed. Some of them might come up with prominent white patches on paws, chests, and tails, making them the truest fawn and white Boxers. Boxador Besides these seven types of Boxer dogs, another eighth type is also there, known as Boxador. These dogs are developed by the crossbreeding of Labrador Retrievers and Boxers and share the golden traits of both dog breeds. History of the Boxer Dog This dog breed belongs to Germany and is believed to be a descendant of a hunting Mastiff dog, the Bullenbeisser. For centuries, this German Bullenbeisser was used by hunters to catch and entangle prey, but soon, it got replaced by other dogs that were newer and faster hunting. After this, these Bullenbeisser dogs began to work for farmers as guard dogs. In the 19th century, a Munich named George Alt bred a local dog with a brindle female Bullenbeisser. This modern female Bullenbeisser was then coupled with a Bulldog, resulting in the birth of the very first modern Boxer, Flocki. Flocki was the first boxer to win the Munich show and to record his name in the German stud book. In , three Boxer admirers decided to work for the promotion and preservation of this breed, for which they enrolled Boxers for dog shows. In , the very first Boxer club, named Deutscher Boxers club, was founded. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the same breed was brought to the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively. However, it was not before that Boxer was considered a recognized breed by the National Breed Club of America. Soon after this, the First World War erupted, in which Boxers were used for military operations as attack dogs, guard dogs, pack dogs, war dogs, messengers, and therapy dogs. However, this breed became popular after World War ii when the returning soldiers took these dogs with them to their homes and introduced them to many new people. With their enchanting temperament and cute looks, this dog became the favorite of millions very soon. Considering the increasing popularity of this breed, the American Boxer Club was founded in , drawing a new standard list for the Boxer dog breed in .The average life expectancy of Boxers is years. However, Boxador may live for up to years due to having high resilience against genetically transmitted diseases. In a single litter, Boxer may deliver up to puppies. On the other hand, the gestation period of Boxers is of about days. Even right after birth, the consistently whelped puppies make your place sounds like a fish market. The good thing here is that as the young dogs reach adulthood, they develop deep barks, with low barking tendencies. However, the most distinctive features of Boxers include distinctively shaped, tight skins, boxy heads, deep chests, undershot jaws, brachycephalic, short noses, and big, dark brown eyes. In addition to this, their tails are high and cropped, whereas their ears might be folded or cropped when standing upright. Size Like other dogs, Boxer males stand taller than its female. Generally, a male Boxer could be 24 inches tall, whereas a female Boxer could stand between inches. Considering this size range, Boxers are categorized as a medium-large-sized breed. Weight Weight depends upon size and gender. Generally, a fully-grown Boxer dog may weigh around kgs, whereas an adult female may weigh about kgs. The canine may weigh even heavier after not getting adequate exercise or a high-calorie diet. Coat Boxers feature glossy, short, flat, and single-layered coats, which feel super smooth and silky to the touch. Color As stated before, two coat colors that are considered standard for Boxers are fawn and brindle. Both of these colors may have bright white markings that could appear on the chest and belly and then extend to the neck and face. However, these flashy markings are unacceptable if they cover more than one-third of the entire body. Fawn Boxer dogs may appear in a variety of shades, including dark honey blonde, stag red, mahogany, reddish tan, light tan, and yellow. On the other hand, Brindle Boxers possess black or dark-colored stripes against a fawn background. Boxer Dog Temperament and Personality Boxers are even-tempered dogs that tend to stay cheerful and loving around their owners but rageful and alert around strangers. These dogs can be the most dangerous canines out there since they have taken so many precious lives up till now. Since their ancestors used to perform the duties of the guard dog, modern-day Boxers have guarding instincts which is the main reason for their protective nature. They may feel jealous of seeing their owners getting closer to someone else. Likewise, they tend to choose one member as their favorite human towards whom they shower all of their love and loyalty. And when the same human begins to avoid Boxers, these dogs grow insecure and aggressive. Sharing a hunting bloodline, these dogs will require thorough attention, time, practice, and socialization to get along with other dogs conveniently. Since they belong to the group of working dogs, these high-energy dogs need to be involved in suitable canine sports and vigorous exercises. Otherwise, boredom may trigger unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, stubbornness, etc. Considering this, Boxers are not for those who have super strict routines. Most importantly, never leave your Boxer out in the backyard alone since it will put his physical and mental health at risk and be impelled to escape in the hope of getting human interaction. Boxers might show fiercely energetic temperaments during their puppyhood, but as they mature, they grow calm and quiet. Yes, these dogs show affection but not by giving you wet kisses or tight hugs. Instead, Boxers express their love by pawing at your back. Having a mind of their own, they can take action on sensing threats without needing a go-ahead from the owner. Besides, inappropriate breeding practices are also increasing the ratio of genetic diseases in new Boxer generations. Still, if you notice an abnormal breathing pattern, take your Boxer to a veterinary cardiologist as soon as possible. Hip Dysplasia Many Boxers get affected by this disorder due to their excessively large needs for exercise and activity. In the early stage, this problem can be treated by physiotherapy; however, if diagnosed at the last stage, the only way to cure this ailment is via surgery. In the earlier stage, your dog loses control of his rear paws, followed by gradual dysfunction of the digestive and excretory systems. Cancer All the light-colored Boxers, especially the white ones, carry tons of chances of catching skin cancers. Their bright skins catch harmful UV rays, which in turn expose them to the risk of skin cancers. Grooming Needs Boxer dogs should be bathed at least once a month to prevent hygiene-related conditions. Similarly, their teeth should be brushed almost daily to prevent cavities or tartar buildup. Due to low-shedding coats, they require very little grooming. Just remove the loose strands using the hound glove and check for skin infections almost regularly. The only reason why Boxers are called high-maintenance dogs is their insane exercise needs. They need long daily strolls and enough mental stimulation to function correctly. Boxer Dog Training Even the Boxer puppies contain huge brains with which they can learn things super quickly. The best time to socialize with your Boxer pup is when he is eight weeks old. However, keep your dogs away from other dogs until their vaccination is completed. In other words, stuff your pockets with delicious treats so your Boxer will feel more encouraged to learn. Related Guide:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Welcome to the Sergeant's Boxers website! Thank you for stopping by! We are Cassie and Luke! First off, Boxers are the absolute best family members imaginable. Luke and I gained our first boxer family member in .From the very beginning, we were hooked! We then gained our newest addition, Diva and boy does her name fit her well! We were overjoyed with our family fur-members and wanted to provide joy to other families. That is when we decided we wanted to breed Boxers and bring love and happiness to other families, just as our Boxers brought love and happiness into ours. Our family continued to grow, as did our happiness and joy! We now have 8 boxers and one spayed boxer mix. All are our fur-kids come first and foremost! Diva and Sergeant had their first litter in .Since then, we have learned so much about the breed and about producing healthy puppies. A lot of thought and research goes into each and every breeding. In the early part of , we started showing. This was such a new experience for us, but we enjoyed it so very much! Bailey was our first girl to show and she had a blast! Her face would light up when trotting around the ring. She obtained her International and National Champion Title that weekend and we were so very proud of her! Remington and Diva were a little hesitant at first, but ended up doing very well by the end of the weekend. By the 4th run, they were so excited to get out there and perform! They ran their hearts out and smiled while doing so. It also helped that daddy was there the second day and waiting at the finish line for them : Captain and Benelli went to their first show in June of .Benelli was just 3 months old and competed in the baby class. She did so very well! She gained great ratings that first day and caught the eyes of everyone there! Captain also did very well! He strutted around the ring and smiled the entire time! It was not hard to see that this was something he enjoyed so very much! We couldn't wait to get them back out there for the next show! In September of , we went to 2 shows! The first show was a UKC show. Captain and Bailey competed and had a blast. Captain obtained his UKC Champion. Bailey obtained all of the points needed and is now only waiting for her competition wins. We cant wait to call her a UKC Champion too! Captain gained his National, International and Honors Ch. At only 3 months old, Dawn made it to Best of Show during this show! It is the best feeling in the world to see the smiles on their faces and their eyes lighting up! They all had a blast! Captain obtained his Honors Bronze Champion Title. Both girls did well. They both won first in each of their classes and Dawn won Reserve Best of Breed in all four shows. We were unable to attend due to puppies being at home, but didnt want the girls to miss out on a great weekend of showing! Dawn got first in class for all three shows. Benelli got first in class all three shows. Benelli also got Reserve Best Female in two show and Best female in one show. For being at a show without mama and dad, the girls did so good! Im so proud of them and a special thanks to Angie for talking the girls! We look forward to the upcoming shows and we are so very excited!! Benelli gained another competition win and many points to add towards obtaining her UKC Champion Title! I have no doubt she will obtain the rest of the needed points and competition win needed to obtain her title soon! The girls did great, even with the judges all wearing masks! We can not wait until the next show!! This was Sergeant's first show and he surprised us all!! We had a blast! Results will be posted in each of their files. Sergeant, Harley, Captain and Dawn participated and did very well! Captain even made it to the Best of Show on Sunday! Dawn and Remi did absolutely wonderful! Harley struggled a bit. She wanted to catch the line instead of the lure! Anyways, they all had a great time and we will certainly be back for more! Harley and Captain got to attend the Norman show! Harley won Reserve Ch x3 shows. Captain and our friend Junior handler Alicia Hood won x1 best Junior class! They both did great! Can't wait until the next show! Remi also came out to the show for her very first time! Dawn and Harley also attended and both did well. Captain, of course, tagged along too! Results will be posted once they are posted on UKC site, as I completely forgot to write down results while at the show! Such an exciting sport. Watching them be so excited to chase the lure is absolutely fun times!! We traveled all of the way there to be a part of this amazing show! We earned a total of 9 titles in both Dock Jumping and Precision Coursing! Harley showed in a couple of shows there, but did not place she was too busy worrying about diving and Captain got to strut around in the TOP 10 Boxer ring! Huge Congratulations to these girls!! Information to come! This means that for every litter, Sergeants Boxers will go down the list and offer puppies to the families in order of deposits received. The family may choose a puppy from the current litter or may pass to wait for a later litter. Even if the family initially expressed the desire for a puppy from a future litter early in the conversation, they will still be asked if they would like to select a puppy when the current litter selections start. Selections start at each litter's 6 weeks of age mark. This allows the families to not only pick from color, but also from personality. Please know that these can change at any time and are only listed for reference. This is non-negotiable. Apart from complete medical records, their Boxer package comes with: Three-year guarantee against genetic defects AKC reunite microchip with prepaid lifetime registration AKC litter birth certificate, day pet health insurance, and AKC limited registration Continental Kennel Club registration and birth certificate Puppy kit including a dog bed, treats, teething bone, and chew toys Blanket their mother has slept on All photos taken from birth given to you on a flash drive Currently, they have three females and one male of breeding age. The order of deposit is followed in choosing from the litter. Convenient, right? They give discounts for military personnel, veterans, law enforcement, emergency workers, and school teachers. All the Boxer breeders included on our list passed our standards. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. You can easily see the availability of puppies which can cut down your searching time. There are two ways to find breeders through this organization — you can either contact their Breeder Referral Chairman for recommendations or you can contact or visit their registered members within your state. Good Dog — This is an online community whose mission is to connect dog lovers to reputable breeders. Another awesome thing about this platform is that dog lovers can get tons of tips about canine health and care through the guides they have published. PuppyFinder — This is a puppy search engine with over 1, breeds available for purchase. There are many considerations when it comes to this pricing such as lineage, breeder reputation, appearance, etc. Meanwhile, Boxers for shows are also more expensive than companion pets at home. Even though buying a Boxer puppy from professional breeders comes with a steep cost, this can actually give you peace of mind. How so? These reputable breeders only charge higher due to their AKC credentials, pre-testing for genetic conditions, administered vaccinations, health guarantees, and other add-ons to their service. Unlike backyard breeders and puppy mills that charge less due to the poor quality of their dogs, you are more assured of the quality of expensive Boxers bought from these professionals. When choosing your Boxer breeder, consider transport costs. The average initial cost of owning a Boxer puppy is summarized in the table below: Type of Expense. Aug 18, Share Boxers were originally bred in Germany as guard dogs in the 18th century. This medium to large-sized dog was bred as a cross between the Bullenbeisser dog now extinct and the Bulldog. The Boxers we know and love today for their silliness and energy have emerged from a Molosser-type dog that was used in hunting. It is important to note that officially there is only one type of Boxer breed that has different bloodlines. Sometimes, these bloodlines are mixed, while other times they are absolutely pure. There are no variant types or official sub-categories in the official sense. However, there are plenty of morphological differences among Boxer breeds to consider. Below are the different types of Boxer dog breeds and their differences. The 3 Types of Boxer Dogs 1. The dog is preferred for its slightly larger frame as compared to the UK and American Boxer. The bones are dense and large, which helps give the musculature a slightly more pronounced definition. The width of the thigh in this breed is slightly wider as compared to others. A feature typical to German Boxers is the length between their skull and snout. The length is exactly in the ratio of in German Boxers with a pure bloodline. The snout, in comparison to other types, is smaller than the American Boxer and wider than the UK Boxer type. United Kingdom Boxer Dog A post shared by Boxergone boxergone Defining characteristic: Considered the most elegant among all Boxers, owing to its high knuckles atop small feet This breed is also called the English Boxer or British Boxer. The UK Boxer stands out for being more lithe, sleek, and athletic as compared to other Boxer breeds. It has a slender musculature and a stylized body that allows for further agility and precise movements. English Boxers have the highest knuckles of all other variants. They are also thought to be the smallest with thinner and shorter legs. However, this does not mean that they lack strength or speed. However, it was the first one to be given official recognition in by American Kennel Club. The breed is the easiest to recognize among all other variants, thanks to the lack of wrinkles in adult dogs. Their coat is also denser, brighter, and stronger than English and German Boxers. The American Boxer stands differently from the English Boxer. This is because of the shape of its ankles, paws, and knuckles. However, it is easy to confuse American Boxers with German Boxers since both of them have the same stance. The Greatest!!! The answer is easy. The Boxer who won the most, sired the most Champions and changed the look of the breed was the great CH. Bang Away Of Sirrah Crest. Boxers came to the US early in this century. The first Champion was the imported German Sieger Dampf v. Dom Von Dom was the kennel name of the Stockmanns. Check v. Hunnenstein in .From to , Boxers became very popular, and the Boxer entry was quite often the largest entry in the shows. The first great Boxer, CH. Warlord was followed by CH. Mazelaine's Zazarac Brandy who was BIS at Westminster in , and also set a record for all breeds by winning 61 BIS --no small feat in those days when there were so few shows, and nobody flew dogs around the country. Boxers surely were having their heyday. I was just starting in Boxers and was thrilled because the Boxer that lived behind us in Dearborn was a Brandy son. The fact that he was a plain brindle had no effect on my awe of him because of his great and famous sire. Little did the Boxer world know that the best was yet to come. Frau Stockmann came to the US to judge a show and toured the country looking at Boxers. She judged a match and placed a young fawn dog BIM. After the show she placed the puppy on the crate he had won for BIM and went over him again for the interested crowd. After all, she was the mother of the breed. She proclaimed him as the "best Boxer in America today. Bang Away Of Sirrah Crest lived up to this lofty praise. Prior to this he was shown under John P. His first time out as a special he was BIS. Bang Away was a great show dog. When he was in the ring everyone went to ringside to watch him -- he was always a contender for BIS. In he broke Brandy's record of BIS wins. Shortly after breaking the record he was retired back to California. Then another great show dog appeared on the scene, the English Setter CH. Rockfall's Colonel. This dog, much like Bang Away, had a glow about him and he began racking up an impressive number of BIS wins. This was when I was lucky enough to see Bang Away. I was showing Brittanys, helping a handler at the Berrien County show. As I was unloading our station wagon of dogs and crates this was well before vans came onto the scene , I saw a young lady walk across the parking lot some distance from me with a Boxer on lead. Even from a distance I knew I had never seen a dog this good. I ran up to where she had gone and then saw Nate Levine Bang Away's handler. Of course, then I knew who this wonder dog was, and every minute I had that day was spent watching Bang Away in his pen, in his crate, and in the ring. All the knowledgeable people were telling me he was older now, he had gone BIS the day before, he had bred a couple of bitches, so he was kind of tired. When he was in the ring you could not take your eyes off of him, you couldn't look at anything else in the ring. He easily won BIS, winning a large washing machine. I remember wondering how Nate was going to get it home. Bang Away retired with BIS wins. The English Setter retired with .These were out of sight numbers in those days. I am still thrilled just reliving this show as I write this. I only wish everyone could have seen him; his photos are nothing compared to the dog in the flesh. Bang Away not only set the dog world on it's ear, but he completely changed the look of the Boxer breed. Compared to the good dogs that went before him, he was streamlined and he added more style and more flair to the breed. Naturally, everyone flocked to breed to him and he became the top producer of the breed. I was stumbling around trying to find a good Boxer to show and learning to show dogs by showing some that were lacking in quality. In those days the Boxer ring was filled with top handlers and the young fellow without much knowledge was facing a tough road. It was obvious to me that I needed better Boxers to compete with these handlers. Utopia Chaparrel, who they bred to Bang Away. They ended up with a big stylish dark red fawn dog Bon Gay's Dash Away. This dog had everything, except that he had a locked stifle joint on both rear legs that prevented him from moving properly. When bred to CH. Capriana's Renegade and CH. Capriana's Apache. Finally, thanks to Bang Away, I had something good enough to compete with the top handlers. I never saw another locked stile hock like Dash Away's and he is in the background of over a hundred Champions. Bang Away was probably the most published dog of any breed. He appeared in Life, Colliers, Esquire, and many dog magazines, as well as in many newspapers. He became famous enough that the airline pilots knew him and he rode up top in the plane. The pilots would brag to each other that Bang Away was on board. He was defeated only 5 times. One of these defeats resulted in a riot by the gallery. They threw everything, including the chairs, requiring a police escort to get the judge out of the building. The show was later found to have been fixed and the judge was disbarred by the AKC. Arriba's Prima Donna in .We are due for another BIS at the Garden. Bang Away was the dog that had the most impact on the American Boxer. I would be surprised if every Boxer in America today doesn't trace back to him. Learn more about Dante - Click Here for additional information History of the German Boxer Dog While there are many theories as to the origin of the boxer, the breed is said to have reached its perfection in Germany within the past century. Most believe that the boxer comes from European line of dogs that have been around since the 16th century. Some evidence suggests that the boxer is one of the many descendants of the old fighting dog found in the high valleys of Tibet. It is also accepted that this breed is a cousin to just about all breeds within the bulldog type. The Dogue de Bordeaux of France is a breed that is similar in appearance and size to the old Tibetan Mastiff. The Bouldogue de Mida found in the south of France was apparently developed from the Dogue de Bordeaux, and it shares many of the same characteristics of the boxer. While it is generally believed that all the European breeds previously mentioned are in some way related to the boxer, this favorite breed of Germany was developed to retain all of its older qualities with a more attractive look. Other sources claim that the boxer was derived from two breeds of dog found in central Europe that no longer exist: the Danziger bullenbaiser and the Brabenter bullenbaiser. In this account, it is believed that in the s German hunters tried to create a new breed by crossing the bullenbaisers with mastiff-type dogs and bulldogs. This resulted in a tough yet agile dog that featured a streamlined body and a strong grip. This origin states that by , the new breed, called the boxer, had been established. The exact origin of the name boxer is rather obscure, but it may have taken from the German boxl. In addition to being related to the Bulldog, it is said that the boxer is also influenced by a strain of terrier. Others think that there is reason to believe that English Bulldogs were imported into Germany at one time, as evidenced by Reinagle's Bulldog, which was done in .This work of art depicts a bulldog that is very similar in appearance to the boxer. One of the first dogs to be used in military and police work, the boxer became better known as a family pet and show dog by the s. The boxer was first registered with the AKC in , but the first championship did not take place until .It was about before Americans showed interest in this breed, a time when the boxer won in Group and Best in Show. The Boxer's most notable characteristic is his desire for human affection. Though his spirited bearing, square jaw, and cleanly muscled body suggest the well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is happiest when he is with people -- especially children, watching protectively over their play. His short smooth coat, handsome chiseled head, and striking silhouette never fail to excite comments from passersby as he trots jauntily by your side with neck arched and tail held erect. He is truly a "dog for all seasons", suiting the need for household guardian, attractive companion, and children's playmate and loyal friend. Here, a small, courageous hunting dog with mastiff-type head and undershot bite was used to secure a tenacious hold on bull, boar, or bear -- pending the hunter's arrival. He became a utility dog for peasants and shop owners. His easy trainability even found him performing in the circus. In the s, descendants of this type of dog were bred to a taller, more elegant English import, and the era of the modern Boxer had begun. Imported to America after the first World War, his popularity really began in the late s. His appeal in the show ring led to four "Best in Show" awards at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club between and .Adult weight may reach pounds in the male, with females about 15 pounds less. There are no miniature or giant varieties. The short, close-lying coat is found in two equally acceptable and attractive basic colors-fawn and brindle. The fawn may vary from a tawny tan to a beautiful stag red. The brindle ranges from sparse, but clearly defined black stripes on a fawn background, to such a heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn background color barely, although clearly, shows through which may create the appearance of "reverse brindling". White markings should be of such distribution as to enhance the dog's appearance, but may not exceed one-third of the entire coat. It is not uncommon to have a totally white Boxer born in a litter. An all white coat, or a predominantly white background known as a "check" may occur. In order to retain the beauty of the fawn and brindle colors, American Boxer Club members are pledged not to use white boxers for breeding. His keenest sense, that of hearing, makes him an instinctive guard dog, always alert. Although always vigilant, the Boxer is not a nervous breed, and will not bark without cause. He has judgment, and an uncanny sense of distinguishing between friend and intruder. One of the delightful qualities that sets the Boxer apart is the unique expressiveness of his face. The skin furrowing of the forehead, the dark, "soulful" eyes, and at times almost human attempts to "converse", make his replacement by another breed difficult for one who has owned a Boxer. He mimics the mood of his master and can spend hours quietly lying at his feet. Finding Your Puppy Buying From the Breeder The conscientious breeder plans a breeding to reproduce the best characteristics of an outstanding sire or dam. His guide is the official AKC Standard of the breed -- the written "blueprint" that helps keep the breed uniform for generations to come. You can find the breed standard, revised in , at the American Boxer Club website: www. The more common disappointments for pet purchasers come from commercial sources -- especially pet shops that often buy puppies from the infamous "puppy mills" that take little notice of the quality or health they are producing. The pet store or dog broker will sell you a puppy with a breeder's name attached to the paperwork -- but this puppy may easily have been born in a puppy mill. The reputable breeder, on the other hand, will not only be able to demonstrate the pedigree and registration papers, but will also show you either the sire or dam themselves, or pictures of the parent who may be owned elsewhere. Though the mere presence of "papers" does not guarantee good health, conformation, or temperament, you will most often find these attributes in the puppy that has been raised with loving care in the home or kennel of a conscientious hobby breeder. The serious breeder often strives to produce a potential "champion. Sometimes the distribution of white markings alone may make the difference between the so-called "pet" and show-potential puppy. The pet puppy will have benefited from the same proven bloodlines, nutrition, and medical care as its "champion" littermate. His breeder will have health tested the parents and done the best he can to insure good temperament, soundness, and longevity. Here is your best buy. Boxer magazines publish ads from breeders. The American Boxer Club web site www. Usually any time after weeks. Many states have regulations regarding minimum age. However, your individual circumstances must be considered. Do you have the time to spend with a very young puppy? Will someone be home to housebreak him? Would an exuberant 6-month old puppy overwhelm a tiny child? Or would he be better matched with a 6 year old youngster? Remember too that the puppy under 3 months needs lots of time to rest. Don't forget that adult dogs, already trained and generally calmer, also make ideal pets. While much can be told at six to eight weeks about the puppy's eventual looks, if you are seeking a show prospect you might be better off waiting until the pup is six to eight months of age. At that time, be prepared to pay a higher price for all the additional time and effort that the breeder has spent raising the show potential Boxer. Male or Female? This choice is a matter of personal preference. Both males and females make admirable pets. Breeding is a serious commitment of time, energy, and money, and not to be taken lightly. If breeding is not anticipated, it may be appropriate to spay or neuter your dog. This procedure is best done as your Boxer approaches adolescence. Please be aware that these surgeries should be discussed with your veterinarian as to safety of anesthesia and any long term effects other than sterilization. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in the conformation ring but may be shown in performance events. Check this list! Tails should have been docked within a few days of birth. Optional removal of front dewclaws fifth toes is done at the same time. The Boxer has no rear dewclaws. Ear cropping is customary and appropriate but not required -- it is a matter of personal preference. Uncropped ears are permitted under the breed standard. If cropped, this procedure is done under general anesthesia, usually between six and nine weeks of age. If the puppy is taken before cropping, the breeder usually makes arrangements. The breeder also advises regarding aftercare and taping if ears are not already standing. Sometimes this is a lengthy process. In the male, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum. They should be in place by two to three months of age. A dog with undescended testicles may still make a fine pet, though he would be ineligible to compete in the conformation show ring. Consult your veterinarian for advice. Avoid the unusually quiet, inactive puppy, or the one that might shy away from you. This might mean a fault in temperament or even ill health. Papers the Seller Should Furnish: a. A three or four generation pedigree signed by the seller. There should be no extra charge for this. The pedigree preferably gives the color of the sire and dam, and the AKC registration numbers of each. The registration from the AKC, which is an official document identifying your puppy's individual registration number, sex, birth date, sire and dam, and name of the breeder s. There are two ways to register puppies for the first time: 1 Limited Registration If the puppy is not to be bred, and is being purchased only as a companion pet, the breeder may check off the Limited Registration option. This does register the puppy with the AKC. However, it does not allow any registration of offspring from the mature dog. The breeder and only the breeder can cancel the limited registration should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Records the Breeder Should Furnish: a. Date and type of vaccines given. Depending on the type of vaccination program started, your veterinarian will advise you on following through. Vaccination protocols are evolving even among the medical professionals. Date and agent used for worming, if done. Do not worm your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Avoid store-bought preparations which can be dangerous. Diet your puppy has been receiving. It is well to maintain the regimen begun by the breeder, especially while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. If changes are to be made. When he is an adult it will be wise to maintain your Boxer on two smaller meals a day. Many Boxers are great successes in performance events. However, that same innate intelligence that makes him quick to learn also gives the Boxer a mind of his own. The trainer must be purposeful and patient. The well-trained Boxer is a glorious picture going through his paces in the Obedience ring, or joyously rushing through the Rally or Agility course, such trials usually being held in conjunction with dog shows. You will quickly find that your Boxer has quite a sense of humor, and may invent the most unexpected games in the course of his training and performance. Boxers are also successful in Lure Coursing, Herding, Tracking, and other performance pursuits. Service Boxers make wonderful service dogs -- therapy dogs to brighten the days of shut-ins, guides for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, even seizure alert dogs for those who suffer from epilepsy. They were used as guards and couriers during war time, and perform beautifully as narcotics detectors, police dogs, and in search and rescue operations. The Boxer has an innate desire to help those in need. The Boxer requires relatively little care, but ownership of any dog is a definite responsibility. Your Boxer should NOT be allowed to run loose. Exercise within a fenced area or on a leash should be adequate. It also prevents a potentially unpleasant encounter with a neighbor's dog or an overly effusive greeting that may frighten the small child who may not have had the chance to know how instinctively tolerant the Boxer really is. Death from automobiles, poison, or many other causes may await the Boxer who runs loose in the neighborhood. Remember, too, that improperly protected screen doors are a common mode of unexpected house exit. So-called invisible fencing is fine, but while it may keep your own dog in his yard, it will not keep other dogs out -- which can be a problem in the case of overly aggressive visitors. It is also a sad but true fact of life that your Boxer may easily be confused by many with breeds designated locally as 'dangerous dogs'. You must be your dog's best advocate and protector -- a strong leash and a good fence are musts for the conscientious Boxer owner. What about a crate? A crate is an invaluable asset to your puppy's training and well-being. It is not a prison. A crate is a safe haven for the puppy when his owners go to work or the store, a place where his owners don't have to worry about his chewing of electrical cords or furniture. Be sure that the crate does not allow your boxer to slip his head through any wire mesh, as he may not be able to retract it. Since a puppy is reluctant to soil his crate, it is a great aid in housetraining. If you leave the crate door open, you will find that the puppy will probably enter the crate voluntarily when he wants to rest. Be sure to put the crate in a warm place. The Boxer is sensitive to temperature extremes and does not enjoy drafts, summer heat, or cold. He should not be kept outdoors, but inside the house as a cherished member of the family. Collar Considerations Collars are always appropriate when going for a walk with the owner. However, be aware that your Boxer should not have any collar left on him when he is unattended. Even simple buckle collars can and do get caught on the most unexpected objects. They can also be twisted in the jaws of any playful doggy companion, with the potential for choking a very real danger. As a conscientious owner, you must beware. How Much Grooming? The Boxer requires very little grooming, and it can easily be done by the owner. Nails must be trimmed regularly unless naturally worn down on a hard surface. His neat and tidy coat does not unduly attract dirt. Tartar may have to be removed from the teeth periodically, especially as the Boxer grows older. You can learn to clean the teeth yourself, or use the services of your veterinarian. Vaccinations You will want to consult with your veterinarian as to the most current vaccination protocols for your Boxer. Some practitioners are recommending fewer so-called 'booster' shots than were formerly commonplace. You will also need to comply with your state laws regarding Rabies vaccinations. It is wise NOT to give multiple vaccinations on the same day, but to space them a few weeks apart so as not to challenge your Boxer's immune system unnecessarily. You will need to protect your Boxer from acquiring this parasitic disease, spread by the bite of the simple mosquito. Once a month preparations are available, as well as the daily pill now being manufactured by private labs. Beware that there can be serious side effects from any such medication: consult your veterinarian. The Ubiquitous Flea The annoying, persistent and fast-multiplying flea is a bloodsucking insect. It carries disease and acts as an intermediate host to the tapeworm. There are no easy solutions to controlling fleas. In addition to the dog, his environment must be treated. But remember, almost all flea products contain certain toxic chemicals and must be used with caution. So-called natural preparations may be equally toxic. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice, and pay particular attention to the safety of treatments for young puppies and adults alike. In many instances, diagnosis and treatment will effect a cure or symptomatic relief. These include congenital and inherited anomalies as well as acquired disease later in life. Boxer heart disease usually falls into two important categories: aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Aortic Stenosis This is a congenital condition, a narrowing or constriction of the outflow tract from the left ventricle to the aorta. It can be detected as a systolic murmur by your veterinarian in young puppies and older dogs. Sometimes the murmur will not show up until the dog reaches enough physical size for the constriction to become evident. This murmur must be distinguished from other types of murmurs, often so-called innocent flow murmurs that disappear as the puppy grows. There is no practical surgical treatment, and if the condition results in arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic therapy is usually instituted. Mild forms of the anomaly may go undetected and are not incompatible with a normal life span. Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is an electrical-conduction disturbance sometimes referred to as ARVC -- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy , an adult onset disease of the heart muscle itself causing abnormal electrical impulses to disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. This arrhythmia may lead to sudden death or heart failure. Arrhythmias can be brought on by certain poisons, infections notably parvovirus , severe uremia, diabetes, and heatstroke. However, in the Boxer they are most often hereditary in nature. A simple blood test is available to determine whether or not your dog is carrying the genes that may make him most susceptible to this disease. A 24 hour Holter monitor, recording the heart's activity for this period of time, may be needed to diagnose potentially life threatening arrhythmias. It is advised to begin Holters in the young adult and repeat annually thereafter. These include malignant skin lesions as well as cancers affecting the brain, thyroid, mammary glands, testes, heart, spleen, blood, lymph system lymphoma , and other organs. Benign skin tumors usually respond to simple surgical excision under local anesthesia. Malignancies require treatment specific to the cancer itself, and vary widely. As in humans with cancers, dogs are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation. Great advancements have been made in treatment protocols and survival times, but there is no way to predict whether your Boxer will develop cancer in his lifetime. It is prudent to be alert to any unusual growths or medical developments, especially as your Boxer ages. Consult with your veterinarian immediately if you notice anything suspicious. Early detection is important to long term survival. DM is a neurological disease affecting the spinal cord and nerves coordinating the rear quarters. Over time, dogs lose the ability to walk, become incontinent, and are most often euthanized at this point. DM is a sad disease in that the patient remains mentally alert; there is no pain; and yet, keeping such an animal happy poses special challenges. There are custom carts designed to allow some patients to regain a degree of mobility. Thankfully, a blood test has been developed to predict the likelihood of your Boxer developing this condition. Breeders are making every effort to insure that future generations are not affected. The head of the femur thigh bone and the acetabulum hip socket become incompatible; the joint weakens and loses proper function. Reluctance to engage in strenuous physical activity, lameness and pain are all possible signs of dysplasia, usually manifested between the ages of 4 months to 1 year. X-rays are definitively diagnostic and will show evidence of abnormal joint laxity. Hip dysplasia is thought to be hereditary, but other factors such as diet and conditioning cannot be ruled out. Dogs older than 2 years can have their x-rays evaluated and may be registered free of the disease by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA in Columbia, Missouri www. The deficient thyroid may have an effect on many organ systems, including the heart. Symptoms may include excessive hair thinning, obesity, anemia, infertility, and lethargy. Diagnosis is confirmed by a complete thyroid panel blood test. Oral doses of thyroid hormones will alleviate most symptoms and will probably need to be given for the duration of the dog's life. Luckily, thyroid therapy is relatively inexpensive and effective. Remember, many Boxers can and do live long and healthy lives. Your veterinarian is your best ally, and it is important to choose a practitioner that has a good knowledge of any breed-specific ailments that may be encountered. Individuals belonging to these clubs are dedicated to preserving the desirable qualities of the Boxer as set forth in the breed Standard. To that end, it seeks donations for educational and medical research projects to benefit the Boxer. Volunteers all over the USA are organized at the local level to take in those unfortunate dogs that need special care and placement. Sometimes, the Rescue organization spells the difference between another chance at a good life and euthanasia at a shelter. If you know a dog in need of Rescue, have one to surrender, or want to adopt click here to find a Rescue in your area. Staying in Touch It is very advisable to maintain a relationship with your puppy's breeder. The breeder can be an invaluable friend to you throughout your Boxer's life, and can advise you about care and health matters that are unique to the breed. Bringing a puppy or even an older dog into your home and your life is a major decision. It brings with it responsibility and commitment, but it also renders joy, laughter, and happiness. .No one of us who has ever shared his life with a Boxer would have it any other way.