how much is it for a pug puppy

Life Span Did You Know? The Bullmastiff originated in England in the mid- to late 19th century and was known as both a world-class guardian and a valued family companion. They were bred by crossing Bulldogs and Mastiffs to create an excellent guardian that would protect the vast lands of English aristocracy from poachers. They were prized as noble gamekeepers. As competitions between the aristocracy rose to determine who had the best Bullmastiffs, the breed made the jump from being solely a working dog to being both a working dog and a show dog. By , the breed joined the Kennel Club in England. Although they can still be found as a working dog, the modern Bullmastiff is most commonly found as a family pet and companion. Although their size may make them intimidating, the Bullmastiff is known for being a docile, warm, loyal, and loving family dog. They are focused and determined while working and relaxed and affectionate while at home. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. Although they get along with children, their large size means they can easily knock over small children in their excitement. So, any playtime with children should be closely supervised. Because of their protective instincts, they are wary of strangers and strange dogs at first. Proper socialization and training early and often can help make a Bullmastiff more comfortable with strangers. A well-socialized, well-trained Bullmastiff may be initially suspicious of strangers, but they will warm up quickly. The Bullmastiff is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are best suited to larger homes with securely fenced yards. They do tend to be mellow dogs, so they can adapt to apartment living as long as they are given the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need. They do well in most climates, but are very sensitive to heat and sensitive to extreme cold. Although they can handle some alone time, they are devoted to their families and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Also, due to their territorial instincts, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Although the Bullmastiff is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. These issues include heart problems, eye issues, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on issues like this to puppies. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. As with many large dog breeds, the Bullmastiff is at a higher risk for bloat. Although a Bullmastiff tends to excel at consistent training, they tend to be strong-willed, which makes them a better fit for more experienced dog owners. Their stubborn streak paired with their guardian background, territorial instincts, and large size make good training and socialization essential. Puppy training classes are recommended for both early training as well as opportunities to socialize a puppy. This will help to establish rules and routines early on and help keep things consistent as your puppy grows into a dog. As a working dog, you can also train your Bullmastiff for dog sports to help give them a job to do. They tend to excel at rally, tracking, scent work, obedience, and even agility. The Bullmastiff has a short coat that will shed a little year-round and a little more during seasonal changes. Because they have a wrinkly face, you will also need to regularly check and wipe down wrinkles to make sure they are clean and dry. Bullmastiffs will also drool, so you may want to keep a drool cloth on hand to wipe their mouth periodically. Practicing good dental care for dogs is essential for preventing painful dental diseases later in life. This will make ongoing maintenance and care much easier as your puppy grows. The Bullmastiff has moderate exercise requirements. They may be couch potatoes at times, but they also still need some activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime or other activity are usually enough for this big dog. Although puppies finish growing at different rates, most large dog breeds that weigh more than 70 pounds as an adult continue growing until they are 2 years old. Your vet can help you determine when your Bullmastiff is done growing, so you know when you can allow them to do more rigorous activities without potentially causing damage to developing joints and bones. A fully-grown Bullmastiff usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Bullmastiff generally lives years. Featured Bullmastiff Article. An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play Any dog lover can agree that when it comes to deciding on which cuddly cutie you want to take home as your own , the options can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different types of bulldogs — American, French, Victorian, the list goes on! You could choose to invest your time and love into one of the larger breeds see: Bullmastiff , which is likely to serve as the ultimate guard dog. Regardless of the type of bulldog you pick, know that overall, they are sociable, friendly and gentle pups that make great family pets. Get to know the different bulldogs a little more: 1 American bulldog KJG Photography, Kim Guisti These loyal and self-confident cuties have traditionally been known as work dogs. After coming to America in the s, they aided farmers and ranchers as guard dogs and catch dogs. Today you can expect these athletic and agile mid-sized dogs to get along well with children and other dogs. They are also easily trainable. Most American bulldogs weigh pounds and have a year life expectancy, according to the American Kennel Club. They are super affectionate towards children, and can grow between 77 and 83 pounds. It keeps the same loyalty as the English breed, but can be a bit taller and suffer from less breathing issues. When properly socialized and trained, they can also learn to channel their energy into work. But beware, the lovable cuties do tend to slobber. The Victorian bulldog has many of the same calm, friendly and playful characteristics as the English bulldog, but can live years longer. It also is known to get along well with children. Experts say that proper training and multiple walks a day are essential to committing to the care of a Catahoula bulldog. Though their size may be intimidating, they are actually gentle giants that are great with children and highly trainable, according to the AKC. Bullmastiffs typically weigh between and pounds. It's known to be a loyal dog that gets along great with other pups as well as children. They can weigh up to pounds, and grow to about 26 inches in height. Their ability to sense danger and weariness of strangers makes them adaptable guard dogs when they have the right training. They are great for apartment living and are super affectionate. They typically weigh between 45 and 66 pound s. Because of its gentle and loving nature, it is usually touted as a wonderful family pet, according to UKC. These adorable pups are extremely loyal and love their families. They are also the perfect small breed, weighing just about 20 to 45 pounds and standing between 12 and 16 inches tall. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic American Bulldog Overview American Bulldogs are generally happy, family-loving dogs that do well in homes where they have plenty of space to roam. A big, fenced-in backyard is practically a must-have for one of these energetic dogs, though exercise needs may vary by specific type and breeding. They may be just fine with urban life, so long as they get plenty of walks, and they can even make good jogging or running buddies. They do not, however, take very well to being left alone for long periods of time, and they can feel cooped up in an apartment. American Bulldogs need experienced owners who can be patient with training and start socialization early. Whether they are used for hunting and farm work or just cuddling up with their humans, the American Bulldog makes for an excellent, loyal companion and a competent watchdog. American Bulldog Highlights Temperament: They are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and affection toward their families. American Bulldogs are often described as gentle giants, making them good family pets. Intelligence: These dogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can also be strong-willed. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training are crucial to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. Exercise Needs: American Bulldogs are an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like daily walks, playtime, and even agility training. Lifespan: The average lifespan of an American Bulldog is around 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, diet, and overall care. Family Compatibility: American Bulldogs can make excellent family pets when raised in a loving and consistent environment. They are known for their patience with children and are protective of their human family members. Guardian Instinct: Due to their protective nature, American Bulldogs can be good guard dogs. They are naturally watchful and alert, which makes them capable of providing security. These two lines may have slight differences in appearance and temperament. Always check local laws and regulations before acquiring one of these dogs. American Bulldog History The ancestor of the American Bulldog is the Old English Bulldog, which was brought to North America by working class immigrants who wanted to keep their working dogs to help on the farms. Rather than being concerned with maintaining breed purity or certain genetic traits, early farmers bred the dogs with the best working qualities for all-around farm work. Wild pigs were an invasive species not native to the American south that had no natural predators, and the strong jaws and muscular build of the American Bulldog was perfect for hunting them down. They were originally used in the barbaric sport of bull baiting. By the end of World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct until a few breeders scoured the south for specimens to revive the breed. Today, the American Bulldog is in no danger of extinction and is mostly a family-friendly companion. Adorable American Bulldog puppies will grow to 20 to 28 inches in height and 60 to pounds by the time they reach adulthood. Although these sizes are considered to be standard for the breed, American Bulldogs can be quite a bit larger or smaller. American Bulldog Personality American Bulldogs are friendly, intelligent, and affectionate , though that affectionate nature often leads them to be territorial and overly suspicious of strangers. This makes them lovely family dogs and watchdogs, even for families with children, but they will need socialization training, especially as puppies to get along with unfamiliar humans or other dogs that stop by for a visit. Luckily, their intelligence makes them highly adaptable and trainable. The American Bulldog is a playful breed that has some high exercise needs, and they do well in families that are able to stay active with lots of walks and play time. They can develop in American Bulldogs and may require surgical removal for treatment. It can lead to itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Treatment typically involves medicated baths and sometimes oral medications. This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, skin issues, and other health problems. It is usually managed with lifelong medication. It can lead to lameness and discomfort, and severe cases may require surgical intervention. Elbow Dysplasia : Elbow dysplasia is another developmental disorder affecting the elbows. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected limb. Treatment may involve medication, weight management, and in some cases, surgery to correct the condition. American Bulldog Care Most of the care that is necessary for the health of an American Bulldog is meeting their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. Failing to do so can result in anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior. So long as those needs are met, the rest is fairly standard. Maintain normal vet visits, check their ears weekly, keep up with monthly nail clipping and normal dental care. One of the issues you may face is the potential for drooling that is common among bully breeds. You should take care to wipe your dog as needed unless you want a generous amount of slobber all over your home. American Bulldog Feeding An American Bulldog diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed, and their high energy level should be taken into consideration. Their needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood. You should discuss with them how to form an appropriate diet for your dog. Traditionally they are white with patches of brindle, red, or black, but there are quite a few more color variations to the breed in modern times. They may have patterns that include shades of black, red, brindle, brown, or fawn. American Bulldogs usually have black on the nose and the rims of the eyes, but they may also have shades of pink. Their eye color is usually brown. Although these are breed standards, some American Bulldogs have been known to be merle or have coats that contain shades of blue. Weekly brushing should keep it under control with baths as needed. So long as they are trained properly, American Bulldogs are great with children and are very loyal to all members of the family. It is also important to train children on how to properly handle and treat animals to avoid incident. American Bulldogs are large animals, and overly energetic play can cause injuries. The same can be said for interactions with other pets. So long as American Bulldogs are socialized and trained, they usually get along with other dogs just fine. Play should be supervised, especially with smaller dogs that can easily get hurt when playing with a large, muscular American Bulldog. You can also check local shelters near you, or you can use our adoption page that lets you search by breed and zip code for adoptable dogs. American Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. More Info For You. This breed is descended from the ancient Mastiff and was used in England for bull baiting and bear hunting. Today's British Bulldogs are a popular family pet and show dog. They are gentle, loving animals that make great companions. They're also adorable! In their dedicated GB blog, we will discuss the history and characteristics of the British Bulldog breed. They have a short, thick coat that is typically brindle, fawn, or white in color. They have a wide head and short snout. Their tail is thick and short, and their legs are muscular. British Bulldogs typically weigh between 40 and 50 pounds. Their short coat is easy to care for, and they do not require a lot of exercise. Diet British Bulldogs are a hearty breed, and their diet should reflect that. They should be fed a high-quality, meat-based diet. A British Bulldog's diet should also include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Your British Bulldog's diet can also be supplemented with vitamins and minerals, as well as joint supplements to keep their joints healthy. A moderate amount of exercise is all that is needed to keep them healthy and fit. A short walk or play session each day will suffice. British Bulldogs are a generally healthy breed. However, there are some health conditions to be aware of. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, and respiratory problems. The best way to keep your British Bulldog healthy is to feed them a nutritious diet and exercise them regularly. You should also take them to the vet for regular check-ups. If you're not particularly fond of check-ups and veterinarian trips but you still want a British Bulldog yourself, then Gage Beasley's British Bulldog Puppy Soft Stuffed Plush Toy can and will do just the trick. They're just as cute, fluffy, and.Just like the real one! The majority of British Bulldog puppies are born via cesarean section. Due to the size of their heads and the shortness of their snouts, British Bulldog puppies often have difficulty passing through the birth canal. This can lead to serious health complications for both the dam and the puppies. For this reason, it is important to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with healthy, well-bred British Bulldog puppies. When choosing a breeder, be sure to ask about health testing and c-section rates. They are also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. If you are interested in owning a British Bulldog, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Conservation Photo: monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images The British Bulldog is not currently considered an endangered breed. However, their popularity means that they are often bred without regard for health and welfare. This can lead to health problems in the breed as a whole. For this reason, it is important to be an informed consumer when choosing a British Bulldog breeder. Only purchase puppies from breeders who health test their dogs and practice responsible breeding. This will help to ensure the health and welfare of the British Bulldog breed as a whole. The British Bulldog is the national symbol of England. British Bulldogs are excellent swimmers. British Bulldogs can be trained to do tricks. Winston Churchill was a fan of the British Bulldog breed. British Bulldogs make great therapy dogs. Final Thoughts The British Bulldog is a unique breed with a long and interesting history. Today, they are a popular family pet and show dog. Their gentle nature and loving disposition make them excellent companions. British Bulldogs are also relatively easy to care for, and do not require a lot of exercises. If you are looking for a loyal and loving furry friend, the British Bulldog may be the perfect breed for you! Do you have a British Bulldog? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! And don't forget to share this post with your friends who love dogs! Thanks for reading! However, these dogs are so adorable as puppies that many people often adopt them without giving it the proper amount of thought. The food costs are exorbitant, though, and you should expect a whopper of a vet bill every now and then. They can also be prone to behavioral issues if not properly trained and socialized. Just keep in mind that your home will get smaller after you bring one into it. You better know how to swim, because these dogs drool. When you combine two breeds that are already known for having overactive salivary glands, you get a mix that can flood your entire house. It may sound adorable and it often is. They have no idea how big they are. However, they generally weigh well over pounds. Also, they have no idea where their feet are at any time, and they will definitely step on you. They love being the center of attention. They constantly crave affection — and at their size, they have no problems getting it. They make up for it by being incredibly sweet, though. Masti-Bulls are fun-loving and affectionate, but they can quickly get serious if they perceive a threat. They will not hesitate to protect their families, making them great guard dogs and equally good babysitters. Despite their agreeable nature, they have sad-looking faces, especially their solemn eyes. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, that protectiveness can sometimes be an issue, especially if your kids have friends over who like to roughhouse. Also, these dogs have no idea how big they are. If they get rambunctious, they can easily step on or bowl over a small child. You need to teach them to be aware of their surroundings; you also need to teach your kid how to act around the dog. They have formidable barks that broadcast just how big they are; there are few criminals brave enough to risk entering a house with one of these monsters inside. However, both parent breeds were originally bred as fighting animals, and there may be residual violence left in their DNA. Also, be careful about resource guarding with these dogs. They may get along great with other animals — until somebody gets too close to the food bowl, a favorite toy, or even you. Avoid anything with animal by-products. Portion control is important with larger breeds, as many of them will eat until they run out of food. A brisk walk, lasting minutes, is often all they need. They love to play, and they can spend hours pulling you around the house with a rope toy. Be careful not to overdo any exercise regimen you put them on. That means avoiding activities like agility training or anything that involves running and jumping especially on hard surfaces. Swimming is great for them, though. Introduce them to new people and places, and build up their confidence. You need to pay special attention to their ears too. Other than that, their grooming needs are fairly basic. Brush their teeth every day , bathe them every few months, and trim their nails as needed. Unfortunately, the breed is prone to a variety of health issues, both large and small. Minor Conditions. Is a Bulldog a Mastiff? What Are Their Differences? Some dog breeds have significant similarities, leading people to wonder if they can be considered variations of the same breed. To this end, people might wonder whether a Bulldog is a Mastiff.Yes and no. A Bulldog is classified as a molosser, so many people consider a Bulldog a Mastiff. But they are two separate breeds. If you are wondering why all the confusion, even the dog world is not in agreement. Technically, a Bulldog and a Mastiff are not one and the same. They are somewhat closely related, both being molossers. Molossers are a category of large and solidly built dog breeds that all come from the same ancestor. Molossers also have specific characteristics that set them apart in terms of appearance. Generally, they have dense bones, short muzzles, pendant ears, and relatively short and well-muscled necks. They can also be categorized in two groups—flock guardians, which are the light-colored breeds, and home guardians, or the darker-colored dogs. When people refer to the Mastiff, they are generally talking about the English Mastiff. This is a large molosser dog that is very well known for its size and strength. In everyday conversation, terms such as "the Mastiff" and "the Mastiff group" have become synonymous with the term "molosser. As a matter of fact, almost too many to count. If you want to see a complete list, check out this website. Because Bulldogs are molossers, they can also be considered Mastiffs in the colloquial sense. However, using the term "Mastiff" properly, Bulldogs are not Mastiffs. The only dog breeds that can truly be considered Mastiffs are the ones that have the word "Mastiff" in their name. Click here to see photos of different Mastiff breeds. How Are Bulldogs Related to Molossers? The term "molosser" comes from Molossia, which is an area of Epirus, which was an ancient Greek state. There, the large shepherd dog was commonly known as a Molossus. The Bulldog, on the other hand, is actually a descendant of the Asiatic Mastiff. Bulldogs and Mastiffs were both used in bull-baiting in England. These dogs share certain personality traits that made them good fighting dogs and guard dogs. When the New World was colonized, Bulldogs came along with the colonial people. Even though Bulldogs are quite a bit smaller than most molosser breeds, they are still considered to be molossers. How Are Bulldogs and Mastiffs Similar? These dogs have many similarities in terms of personality. They were used to fight and guard because of their strong guarding instincts. If you have a Bulldog or Mastiff, you will probably notice his strong guarding instincts as he protects your home. Bulldogs and Mastiffs both tend to be great with children as well, and both are excellent family dogs when you have trained them well. In addition, they have notable physical similarities. Both the Bulldog and the Mastiff have wrinkled faces. They have loose facial skin that fall in folds around their eyes. How Are Bulldogs and Mastiffs Different? Bulldogs and Mastiffs may be somewhat closely related. They also may have some appearance traits in common. However, they are also very significantly different. Size Differences Probably the most notable difference between Bulldogs and Mastiffs is their size. Mastiffs are much larger than Bulldogs. The Mastiff is one of the largest breeds that is recognized by the American Kennel Club. A male Mastiff is usually at least 30 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are typically at least .Males typically weigh around pounds but can grow to be more than , while female Mastiffs usually weigh about pounds. Bulldogs also have sturdy builds, just like Mastiffs; however, they are much smaller. Typically, they are about half as tall as Mastiffs while standing on their hind legs, going up to only 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Male Bulldogs usually weigh between 53 and 55 pounds, while female Bulldogs weigh between 49 and 51 pounds. Bulldogs typically have short legs that keep them low to the ground as well. As many dog owners know, the size of the dog is often inversely correlated with his lifespan. The Mastiff, which is a giant dog, will often only live to be 6 to 10 years old. The Bulldog has a somewhat longer lifespan at 8 to 12 years. Facial Appearance Mastiffs have large, square heads with muzzles that are about half as long as their skulls. They usually have hazel or dark brown eyes surrounded by black masks. They also have an underbite or scissors bite, but their teeth typically don't show when their mouths are closed. Bulldogs have broad heads with flat, pug faces. Typically, Bulldogs also have pronounced underbites, with their lower teeth showing a lot of the time even when their mouths are closed. Physical Strength Bulldogs are pretty strong, but Mastiffs are even stronger. If you want to know why, remember the relative sizes of these two dog breeds. It makes sense that Mastiffs would be stronger, given how much bigger they are. Mastiffs have significantly more energy, and they require more exercise as well. Color Differences Typically, Bulldogs have more variety in their coloring than Mastiffs do. They can be shades of white, brindle, solid red, fawn, yellow, piebald, fallow, or any combination of these colors. In contrast, Mastiffs generally have short and flat coats in solid colors. These could be golden fawn, apricot, or light van. They can also have brindle coats, according to the Mastiff breed standard. Both of these breeds have short coats that are relatively low-maintenance. However, the Bulldog is easier to groom than the Mastiff. Final Thoughts… As you can see, Bulldogs and Mastiffs have quite a bit in common. However, they are by no means the same dog. They are very different in terms of both how they look and everything you need to do to take care of them. They are two separate breeds. If you're considering getting one of these dogs, you should learn as much as possible about both breeds. This way, you'll be able to make an informed choice when you decide to get either a Bulldog or a Mastiff. Dogs of both of these breeds can make great pets, but it's a matter of learning what's a good fit for you and your home. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content.

Depending on the laws where you live, you may need to apply for a license from your local government. To find out if you need a license, inquire with your local law enforcement or animal control office. In many places, breeders of hunting dogs are exempt from licensing. A whelping box is a large box where your female dog will birth and nurse its puppies. Your whelping box should be 2 feet 0. Your female lab and her puppies will spend the first three weeks after birth in the box. Afterwards, the puppies and mother dog will be able to move into a cage or similar enclosure. In addition to a whelping box, you'll need cages to house your grown dogs, juveniles, and any other dogs you plan to keep as breeding stock. Grown dogs will need cages that are 42 inches cm long and 30 inches 76 cm high. Juveniles and younger dogs will fit in smaller cages, but make sure to move them into large cages when they are mature. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source The dogs should be able to easily stand up, turn around, and lay stretched out in their cages. If they can't, the cages are too small. Collect towels and sheets from friends or family. If you can't get enough, you can purchase new towels or sheets to use as bedding. Then, spread them out in your whelping box and cages. This will turn the whelping box and cage into a comfortable place for your dogs. In addition to cages, your dogs -- mature and juvenile -- will need access to open space. As a result, you should create two or three at least 20 by 40 foot 6 by 12 m fenced areas in your yard. This way, you'll be able to have dogs of different sexes and ages outside at one time. When your puppies are weeks old, you need to take them to the vet for an examination and their first set of puppy shots. If you don't take them to the vet for vaccination, you could put them at risk of contracting dangerous illnesses. Ultimately, a responsible breeder will stay in touch with their vet throughout the breeding process. Go to source Advertisement. Male Labradors A male Labrador becomes fertile after six months of age and reaches his full sexual maturity once he's 12 to 15 months old. An adult male Labrador can mate at any time. If the Labrador is healthy, he may be able to keep his fertility and be sexually active until old age. It's pretty straightforward with male dogs. However, several other factors come into play when we try to breed a female Labrador. So let's talk about breeding female Labradors in detail. Female Labradors A female Labrador will have her first heat cycle after she's six months old. This is the phase in which she can get pregnant. It reoccurs around every six months until late in life. We'll talk more about the heat cycles of Labradors in the next section. You should never breed a female Labrador during her first heat cycle. She is quite young at this point, and you don't want to impose the stress of pregnancy and lactation on her as she's still growing. Even though she may be sexually active, she isn't completely mature physically. Mating during the first heat cycle increases the chance of pregnancy and other health-related complications. We shouldn't breed the female Labrador until she's physically mature. Since Labradors fall into the category of large breeds, they mature around the age of 18 to 24 months, so it's best to avoid breeding until the third heat cycle or until she's around two years old. Litter Sizes Explained Understanding Female Heat Cycles Understanding the heat cycles of your female Labrador is essential to avoid failed breeding attempts or unplanned litter of pups. When we say that a female Labrador goes into heat, we mean that her body is preparing itself for possible conception. It's your dog's reproductive cycle. Phrases such as heat cycle, breeding cycle, and periods, all refer to the same thing. A Labrador stays in the heat for around three to four weeks; there's no exact number of days, though. Although your pet may stay in the heat for up to four weeks, the days when she's most fertile begin after days into the heat cycle. This high-fertility period lasts for around five days, so you should mate the Labradors between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle. This heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, anestrus. Let's briefly discuss each of them. Proestrus: The female dog is getting ready for pregnancy. Male dogs will start getting attracted to her, but she won't allow breeding as of yet. This stage typically lasts for nine days. You'll see physical signs such as the swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Estrus: At the beginning of this stage, the ovary releases eggs. The estrogen levels in your dog's body decline, while the progesterone levels go up. The female dog is fertile in this stage, ready to mate, and she will follow her bodily instincts and accept a male. This stage also lasts for around nine days. Diestrus: This stage lasts for two to three months or until the female Labrador gives birth if she's pregnant. She will no longer be accepting males. A bloody discharge may still be present, but it gradually stops. By the end of this stage, the hormonal levels in your dog become normal. Anestrus: This is the final stage of the heat cycle of your female dog. There's no sexual activity during this phase. Most female Labradors go into heat twice a year. The ovarian activity of a female dog starts to decline in the sixth year of her life. Most of them stop conceiving after they're seven years old. We've discussed that we should wait till the third heat cycle of a female Labrador before breeding. But what are the health concerns if a Labrador gets pregnant too early? You need to allow your Labrador's body to grow up. If the female Labrador gets pregnant before maturing physically, it'll put extra strain on her. The physical strain of carrying extra weight is a burden on the growing joints. Apart from that, pregnancy will suck out nutrients from your dog. Since the female Labrador is young, her immune system isn't fully developed. This means that she's more vulnerable to diseases and infections than an adult dog would be. Various bacteria can infect her reproductive tract, causing abortions, stillbirths, miscarriages, and even the death of the newborn puppies. Your dog may even end up dying while giving birth to the puppies. Because she hasn't fully grown, her pelvic canal may not be large enough for the puppies to fit through without endangering their own lives and the life of the mother. Here, she must go through surgery, which increases the chances of health complications for her. Since she is also not mature biologically, she is more likely to abandon her puppies than an adult mother. She may fail to care for them, which lowers their chances of survival. Performing Health Checks Before Breeding Both parent Labradors require long-term care to produce beautiful, strong puppies. They need to be physically and mentally healthy. The female Labrador should have decent muscle tone and a balanced weight before breeding. Apart from physical health, they also need to be in good mental condition. A mentally stable female Labrador will make a better mother than one that's insecure or has an unstable temperament. A month before breeding, the female Labrador should go through pre-breeding physical examinations by a vet. You need to get her checked for common health problems, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders. The vaccinations of both parent Labradors should be current, and the female Labrador should be tested for parasites as well. DNA Testing Another health check that I would highly recommend for any dog owner, but especially for one that is considering breeding, is to have DNA testing done. In recent years human DNA testing has become extremely popular with companies like 23andme emerging. People are interested in understanding their background, health sensitivities, etc. This is no different for dogs! This kit tests for over health conditions and uses over , markers to identify and build a complete genetic profile. It is simple and non-invasive. All you have to do is perform a quick oral swab and mail it in! Conclusion We've just talked about a lot of different things. Here are the important points from this article: Male Labradors reach full sexual maturity after 12 to 15 months of age. Female Labradors have their first heat cycle after six months of age. We should wait until the third heat cycle before breeding, which happens after 18 to 24 months of age. The mating should take place between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle, as she's most fertile during this period. Conception before physical maturity can cause health complications. We also need to perform pre-breeding health checks to ensure that the female Labrador is healthy and ready to conceive. What happens if you breed a female Lab at a young age? As a responsible breeder, you should be patient and wait for the natural breeding age of both male and female Labradors. When you plan to breed your dogs to get Labrador puppies, you will need to have a complete understanding of the heating cycles. A brief discussion on breeding age. Male Labradors can mate within 12 months of their age. While on the other hand, you should wait for the third heat cycle of your female lab before putting her into mating. It will be good to wait for two years to let the female lab mature enough to carry a large litter. At what age can a male Labrador mate? Soon after 6 months of age, a male Labrador is mature enough to breed and start the mating phase of its life. There is the recommendation to wait until two years because, in the 12th month, Labradors are sexually mature adult dogs. What is the best age to breed a male labrador? However, several factors play a role when you are about to allow a Labrador to breed. Male dogs of the medium to large breed need to be full size, so breeders should not put them into the stud services before two years. Some heart problems, along with hip and elbow dysplasia, may take place in them. Also, for the owner of the female Labrador, there is advice to confirm the age of the male lab before allowing any breeding. At what age can a female Labrador mate? The heat cycle phase comes after the completion of six months each year until late in life. Now again, here is a tip for you to never allow breeding during the very first heat cycle of the lab; otherwise, she may suffer from complications. At this age, she is quite young, and you should not impose the pressure of lactation and pregnancy because she is still going through her growing age. Even though female Labradors may be sexually active, she is not mature physically enough to carry multiple puppies in the womb. When is a female labrador ready to mate? Since Labradors are a large dog breed they hit their proper maturity level between 18 to 24 months. This is why you need to wait until after the third heat cycle for the female lab for them to have a large and healthy litter. Critically, not all dogs and breeds are similar in their cycle; some go into the cycle once every year. Some dogs may have their cycle multiple times each year. Abrupt changes may prompt a trip to the vet to guarantee that all is going great and in excellent condition. Female labrador heat cycle The cycle itself lasts 3 to 54 weeks. When is it too late to breed Labrador? But, with their growing age, some health issues and a reduction in litter size make it too late for the lab to breed. There is a possibility that female Labradors may suffer from genetic problems. If you are allowing the female to breed later in life, there are chances of getting serious uterus infections. However, there are some different opinions; if your female lab is healthy, you can safely let her breed over her lifetime. According to the research, Labradors usually have six puppies in each litter which reduces to four with her growing age. According to the American Kennel Club, there should be no breeding or mating when the lab is more than 8 years old. Moreover, the professionals never register the older females at the time of mating. In older age, male labs may face some difficulty in mounting, and age arthritis makes the overall mating painful. Therefore, the rule of thumb for the females is to pause breeding soon after noticing a decrease in the litter size. While on the other hand, male Labradors freeze the quality semen rather than allow breeding at the 13th year of age. As discussed above breeders should wait till the third heat cycle of the bitch Labrador before putting her into the mating phase. A 6-month-old Labrador with a healthy body can feed 4 to 12 puppies. Her immune system is not fully developed to tolerate this sudden reduction of minerals and nutrients. Furthermore, your darling lab may end up dying if you are careless to allow her to breed within the first heat cycle. One fine day you have an adorable Labrador puppy in your hand, and then the very next year, you have a fully grown muscular Labra who is nearly ready to fill your living room with more of his cute canines. But when truly is your Labrador prepared to breed? Is waiting for a specific time necessary? Or Breeding before Sexual Maturity can lead the Labrador into trouble? Well, no matter what question you have, we present answers to all of them. A Male Labrador becomes fertile as they reach the age of 1 year 12 months. Whereas a Female Labrador is fertile slightly later, around the age of 2 years 18 to 14 months. For breeding a Labrador pair, dog owners and breeders must wait until the female experiences her third heat cycle. It is when a female Labrador develops fully, especially with her reproductive organs. She, by then, has gained enough physical powers and abilities to mate, conceive and birth her little canines. What to expect as your Labrador dog sexually matures? When your Labrador starts maturing sexually, you may be able to notice several signs. When they reach their sexual maturity, male Labradors will start marking their territory. Some of them even start forgetting the basics of their behavioral training. Even the simplest things, including toilet training, potty training, or walking on a lead, may appear as heavily confusing. Male Labradors even start looking eye to eye with their owner or every human in general. They will stop enjoying the puppy privileges and will begin following female dogs from the same or even different breeds around. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity slightly later and become reproductive not more than twice a year. It is when she is the most fertile and will probably conceive if mate. She does not bleed precisely like humans but has a red vaginal discharge for a week or 10 days. Following the smell of her vulva, male dogs often approach or even land them upon the female. Yes, even though the maximum work of reproduction is dependent on a female dog, the age ad physical health of a male dog too matters when breeding. Only male dogs who have reached their sexual maturity age and can produce sperm can breed. And unless they suffer from a very major illness, male dogs remain fertile for their entire life. They may have low quality and lower sperm count, but given the right circumstances, the male dog can impregnate a female dog regardless of their age. However, old male dogs may not have the same sexual drive as young male dogs due to their age. Male Labradors become fertile near the age of 8 to 10 months. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity around the age of 2 years. Some might experience it near 16 to 18 months of age; however, for breeding, wait until the female dog turns at least 24 months. For many dogs, the first heat cycle usually arises at the age of 6 months. However, large dogs like Labradors may experience their first heat between the period of 9 to 12 months. Given their breed size, there have been instances when a female Labrador got her first heat at 18 months or even as late as 24 months. This delay may be a result of several factors, including environmental and, more specifically, dog genetics. Labrador Heat Cycle Chart. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But why is this? Many studies performed have shown a resulting increase in aggression, over-reactivity, learning problems, fearfulness and anxiety in puppies removed too early. The puppy may throw a tantrum and feel hard done by, but the mother will be stern…although they always follow the discipline with a little nuzzling and some love :- This early and regular dishing out of discipline teaches the puppy about right and wrong, that actions have consequences and bad behavior is punished. If this learning is taken away, the puppy may develop behavioral issues and not accept direction and commands from its owner later in life. This can making training harder and ultimately lead to a less controllable dog. Also, the puppy will itself be the victim of too hard biting, so it gets some first hand experience of how painful it can be. This teaches the puppy that biting too hard hurts and results in bad consequences, so they slowly learn to control their bite. If taken away before these lessons are learnt, the puppy will bite too hard not knowing any better and this can be very dangerous as the puppy matures into a larger and stronger dog. You would have to go through the process of teaching bite inhibition yourself and this can be difficult and even painful work! They learn about hierarchy, canine body language, posturing and vocalizations barking, growling etc. They also learn about things like chasing and how to play correctly with other dogs, also how to interact fairly and safely with other dogs. By removing a puppy too soon, it will miss out on this vital education, will be under-socialized to other dogs and this can easily result in the puppy being fearful of other dogs or just plain not liking other dogs later in life. They Learn Tolerance To Touch A dog needs to be tolerant to touch for health and hygiene reasons and the safety of those around it. And a vet will need to touch a dog all over during a medical examination. So you really need your Labrador to be tolerant of humans touching it all over. A puppy will constantly be bumped, nudged, pawed and climbed all over during its time spent with its litter-mates. This teaches the puppy not to be afraid of touch, to get used to it and be more tolerant. But if a puppy is taken too young it misses out on all this touch and could grow up disliking touch in certain areas of its body. This can result in behavioral issues and even aggression when being touched which for obvious reasons is very undesirable. The things a puppy is socialized to during its first 12 weeks have a profound effect on its level of confidence and levels of fear later in its life. From about 7 weeks onwards, the puppy is very inquisitive and its willingness to approach unknown things and people is at its peak. This period declines at about 12 weeks of age and almost completely ends at 14 weeks where fear begins to creep in as a natural trait essential to survival if it lived in the wild. This is also the time when a Labrador puppy will form their strongest bonds with the humans they spends their time with. Bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks gives you just 4 weeks to do this, bringing one home at 10 weeks gives you only 2! A lack of decent socialization can result in the puppy being fearful of things, places and of human contact. This will put the puppy at greatest ease with the people and places where it will spend its future life. You may wish to bring your puppy home earlier than 8 weeks, but for all the reasons above, you should avoid this entirely. So be very suspicious of the breeder if this is their wish. This is so they themselves can provide a further week of socialization during this critical time and for the puppy to spend more time with their mother and littermates. So for the benefit of you and your Labrador, leave them with their mother and litter-mates until 8 weeks of age. Most dogs will happily bond with and love a new family if given the chance and can be valuable and loving companions. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Healthy female Labradors can have puppies between eight months and eight years old. When a female is around eight months old, she will experience her first heat cycle — a fertility cycle during which a dog can get pregnant. Most vets recommend waiting until your female is at least on her second heat cycle before you start breeding — this is somewhere between 18 to 24 months. Labradors experience heat cycles twice a year, and they last between two to three weeks. You will know your female Lab is entering the heat cycle when she has bloody vaginal discharge and a swollen vulva. A female will ovulate between the 10th and 14th day of the heat cycle. To ensure successful breeding, let your dogs mate after the tenth day every other day, for up to six days. Healthy male Labradors are ready to mate after 12 months of age. Males are fertile after six months old but reach full maturity between 12 to 15 months of age and are ideal for stud between those ages. However, the AKC specifies that dogs must meet certain conditions for optimum pairing and breeding. Labradors must look and behave a certain way. Breeders must strive for health, longevity, even temperament, and breed improvement. A Labrador judge or experienced breeder can help you make such an evaluation if you feel unqualified or uncomfortable. Once you can make this determination, you must take the following steps to meet the right breeding conditions: Step 1 — Whether you own the sire, dam, or both, you must evaluate the compatibility of the two mates. Both dogs could be excellent breed specimens but a terrible pairing if bred together. The objective is to improve and not weaken the bloodline. Keep in mind that genetic diversity has its advantages and disadvantages. Labrador retrievers are usually healthy but are prone to specific health issues. Health problems include elbow and hip dysplasia and retinal atrophy, so genetic testing is necessary. Though the sire and the dam may not display any symptoms of chronic diseases, they may still carry the gene, which could afflict the litter. Both owners must sign the contract to clear up any complications or ambiguity. Step 4 — Mate both dogs in a private location. No more than two people must be present. This is to ensure that the dogs are safe without being overwhelmed. If either dog is uncomfortable or the male is disinterested, wait and try another day. Step 5 — Take the dam to the veterinarian for pregnancy confirmation and develop a nutrition plan for optimal prenatal care. Step 6 — Get a decent whelping box for your female Lab; ensure the box is draft-free, clean, and large enough to accommodate puppies for several weeks of their infancy. You will require supplies such as replacement bedding, water, scissors, and floss to cut the umbilical cord. Step 7 — When the time comes to deliver the puppies, you will know the dam is entering labor because her temperature will drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit. She will also lose her appetite, and she will begin nesting. How Often Should Labradors Breed? Reproductive experts suggest that continual breedings are better for your female dog. Skipping cycles can increase the likelihood of reproductive issues, cancer, and pyometra. With that said, the health and well-being of your dog must be at the forefront, and you must consider when is the best time to stop breeding your female. Legally, female Labs cannot have more than four litters in their lifetime. If she has produced healthy litters in the past, it can be tempting to keep breeding her, but even an incredible Labrador cannot sustain so many pregnancies. Most experts advise against breeding Labradors beyond the age of seven. Complications can arise, such as organ failure, calcified pubic region, and fewer pups. Seven may be the general cut-off point, but some female labs need to retire breeding earlier. Consider the following health problems older dogs experience: Old Age Pains And Aches As humans age, our bodies ache from wear and tear over the years, which can hurt. Pain can make dogs aggressive, and this can happen to the most mild-mannered dogs. Pregnancy is exhausting, and it can push your girl to her limits. If she is too old, one of her major organs could begin failing. Calcified Pubic Girdle The pelvic girdle is designed to help younger dogs give birth by expanding and extracting to make room for puppies. Dementia And Blindness Labradors are at high risk of having eye problems that can limit their eyesight or leave them completely blind. Miscellaneous Health Issues Aside from the issues mentioned above, there are other possible risks for your Labrador as she ages. These include miscarriage and failure to lactate. Labradors from the age of seven are considered seniors — this may seem young for many owners. You must consider that Labrador Retrievers have an average lifespan of around ten to twelve years. You may have retired your female Labrador, but she will need continued care and support to the end of her life. Consider the following ways you can support your female Lab to enjoy her life and be healthy in her senior years: Nutrition For Senior Labradors Dog foods for older dogs are formulated with fewer calories. If your dog enjoys strenuous exercise and work, there is no need to change his current diet. The best way to ensure your Labrador is on a low-calorie diet is by giving him his usual food in smaller portions. Supplements For Senior Dogs Chrondroitin and Glucosamine are supplements that show evidence of delaying joint problems, especially arthritis. You can try breaking up his exercise into two or three shorter walks. Pain Relief Pain relief is something to give your older Lab if he is in chronic pain. Final Thoughts So, what is the oldest age a female Labrador can have puppies? Labradors age quickly and become seniors almost in the blink of an eye; however, aging is unavoidable. Table Of Content. What is the best age gap between dogs? Have you loved raising your Labrador, and now started considering the best age gap between Labradors if you get another? You might be worried that he will be lonely, or that he needs a playmate as he grows. But what is the right age gap between Labradors in the same family? Should I get two dogs close together in age? Last week I received a question from the owner of a four month old puppy. The lady in question was thrilled with her beautiful dog and considering getting a new puppy as a friend. And wanted to hear my thoughts on the subject. Every family is different Before we go any further, I think we need to acknowledge that every family is unique. The dynamics are different and the dogs are different, from those in any other family. I can only tell you about probabilities. And point out that there are certain problems that commonly arise when two puppies are the same age, or quite close in age. Should I get two puppies from the same litter? Some people think it is a great idea to get two puppies at once. After all, they will be company for one another. If you are a very experienced dog owner, or very lucky. This may work out just fine. But, and it is a big but, the probability is, you will struggle. Not especially at the beginning, when two puppies are company for one another, but later, as they need training and guidance. What about staggered puppies? The lady who wrote to me last week is proposing a slightly different approach. Her current puppy has settled in and is progressing nicely. These two puppies would be staggered in age. So one puppy will be half grown, whilst the other is very small. In this situation, there are a number of areas for concern, and the dynamics of this two dog family are potentially even more challenging than with litter brothers. And here is why. Size and strength of puppies Two same age puppies are similar size and weight. They have similar reserves of energy, and like to play in a similar way. A five or six month old puppy plays in different way from a two month old puppy. Size difference alone can be an issue when puppies of the same age but different breeds, play together. But when there is an age gap too, the problems are exacerbated. Emotional maturity of puppies Adult dogs unless poorly socialised are usually very tolerant of puppies. There is an unwritten rule amongst them, that puppies under four months old can do pretty much what they please. He will allow the puppy to bite him and swing on his ears without retaliating A five or six month old puppy does not usually have the maturity to do this. He plays rough, and you can like it or leave it. In short, many pups, are bullies. Of course, there are exceptions. Some pups are quite gentle. In any case, an experienced owner will cope. Largely by supervising and separating to ensure that the smaller pup makes it through the next couple of months without too many bruises or too much damage to his confidence. But coping is not really the aim. This should be a time of pleasure and enjoyment. Bonding with two puppies If the two dogs are the same breed, the size difference will become less of an issue as the weeks go past, and the younger puppy grows. Unfortunately, there are other problems that now arise. In many cases a small puppy will bond fiercely to his bigger, rougher, older brother. So fiercely that he may have little time for his human friend. This is always a risk in a two dog household, but is more so when the older dog is still a pup and so willing to engage the younger dog in long bouts of play. The only way to combat this, is to ensure that the new puppy spends more time interacting with you, than he does with the other puppy. But this is not generally what people have in mind when they bring a second puppy home. House-training two puppies If you get a new puppy before your older puppy is six months old, there is a chance that he will regress in his house training. But it is something to consider, especially if you have just begun to allow your older puppy onto your carpets Two puppies will need two crates Most Labradors have not grown out of the chewing stage until they are well over a year old. This means that your older puppy will probably need crating at night, and when you leave the house. New puppies need small crates. This means you will need two crates in your home. Unless you have plenty of floor space, this could be a problem for you Obedience training two puppies Early training has to be done in a one-to-one situation until the youngest puppy is able to begin coping with distractions. You cannot train a six month old puppy with a two month old hanging onto his ears and biting his tail. You cannot train important behaviours like walking nicely on a lead, with two dogs at once. If you have a great deal of spare time and are happy to spend much of it on separate dog training sessions, then this may not be an issue for you. But in some families, it can mean that neither dog gets properly trained. And being dragged along the street by two unruly Labradors is more than twice as miserable and dangerous, as being dragged along by one. So what is the right age gap between dogs? By the time your dog is two, you should have him pretty well trained. A two year gap also gives the older dog a chance to reach maturity, and to develop the patience and tolerance for young puppies that so many well-socialised adult dogs have. At the other end of the scale, if you aim to get your next dog before your older dog is six, provided he is adequately socialized with puppies the older dog may still be willing to play with your new arrival. Watching an adult dog gently play with and become fond of, a new puppy is a real pleasure. And one that is worth waiting for. Bear in mind that elderly dogs can become irritable with young puppies, so it is best not to wait too long. So the ideal age gap between Labradors strike a balance between too small, and too big. People worry that their only dog will be lonely, or find it difficult to make friends later on. But raising a dog is not like raising kids in this respect. Dogs have to adapt to living with another species, and to crossing the communication barrier between us. This is definitely easier to achieve, when a dog is the only dog, at least for the first year of his life. Try not to worry that he is missing out, or needs a playmate. What he needs, is your attention, which will be halved if you get another puppy. He needs to form a deep and unshakeable bond with his human family. Short periods of play with tolerant friendly older dogs from time to time, will ensure that he grows up knowing how to be a dog. When he is older, and trained, he will be a much better mentor and friend for you next pup. And it will be far easier to manage the two of them. The best breeding age for Labradors, to be short and to the point, is the third heat cycle. I will explain why below. If your female gets pregnant too early, there are some health complications that you may run into. See below for health concerns in an early pregnancy. Lady was just over 2-years-old when she had her first litter. That will be somewhere between 18 and 24 months old. But I think your dog should be at least 2 years old before breeding. So the best breeding age for Labradors might not be until the third heat cycle. Let me explain why. If your Labrador is old enough to start breeding, you should also know how often to breed her and when to stop breeding her. Wait for Health Checks Before Breeding I would suggest, that to be fair to the families where you will be placing your puppies, you should wait until at least two years old. When a Labrador is 2 years old you can have them checked for the common health issues. If you find out that your female or male has bad hips, it is not fair to pass that gene onto another generation of puppies. It is also unfair to the family that will have to go through the trauma associated with a dog experiencing hip or knee dysplasia. Notice the malformed socket and ball in the dysplastic hip. Check out the specific health clearances you should get when your dog is 2-years-old below. Not getting these clearances can bring some pretty serious consequences. The families that buy your puppies will go through unexplainable grief when they have to deal with the reality of putting their best friend down years too early. It was devastating. In some circumstances, you might even leave yourself open to legal action if a family feels you did not do everything possible to ensure that their dog would not get hereditary diseases that can be tested for. It is just not worth the risk. That is why I say the best breeding age for Labradors or Golden Retrievers is after two-years-old. Things you need to consider before breeding your Lab or Golden Retriever There are so many questions that swirl around being ready to have a litter of puppies. I wish I had found this article before I bred my Labrador the first time. Of course, I am writing this largely because of the things I learned. Looking back, I would have still decided to breed her, but I would have done some things differently. Let me share what I learned from that experience. Should I breed my dog? Not all dogs should be bred. Let me say that again. So, the first thing for you to do is consider the following questions honestly. Why am I considering a litter of puppies? Am I aware of what having a litter of puppies entails? Am I willing to pay for the necessary health examinations to see if my dog is healthy enough to have a strong litter of puppies? What would I do if something went wrong while my dog is delivering her puppies? If you love your dog so much, or you are so bent on the fact that you want to have a litter of puppies, or even worse you think this is your way to pay for Christmas in Cancun, then you need to get a third opinion. If you fit one of those descriptions, you will not be able to answer them honestly. Below I will tell you the worst reasons to have a litter of puppies, but for now, just keep your mind open to the possibility that the best age for breeding Labradors in your case may be NEVER. Maybe you should leave that to someone that knows how to handle an emergency. You are turning your dog into a money machine. You are so greedy. That is why we have breeders. They have gone to school and stuff to learn these things. People on those social media sites and other forums are trolls and they can be downright nasty. You may leave one of those sites doubting whether you want to remain a part of the human race. Below are some bad reasons to breed your Lab or Golden Retriever. There is nothing that I can find in veterinary science that suggests any benefit to a female from having a litter of puppies before she is fixed. There are pros and cons to fixing your dog, but there is absolutely no advantage to having a litter of puppies first. As dogs get older, they typically calm down with age. That has certainly been the case with Lady my 5-year-old Labrador. She had a litter of puppies three years ago, and now after the litter she is calmer than before the litter. The problem, however, is attributing the cause of her calming down to the litter of puppies. It is not the litter that calmed her down, but her older age. I Want to Make Some Money There seems to be an idea that breeding dogs will make the breeder an enormous amount of money. This is because you must wait until your dog is 2-years-old before you can get some very important health examinations. You will need to get your Labrador checked for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye disorders. There are other tests that you can have done as well such as the Optigen test. These experts will assess the hip from nine different angles such as shape, angles, clearness, etc. If any feature deviates from the ideal, it is given a mark for the degree of deviation. The ideal hip will score a 0 and the worst score possible is 53 Think golf—lower scores are better. Each hip is given a score and the panel of will return the results on a certificate showing a pair of numbers one score for each hip. You should be looking for a score of 10 or lower if you hope to breed your dog. Eye Test for Labrador Retrievers There are five hereditary eye diseases that Labradors can pass onto their puppies. The tests for these diseases are simple. You take your dog to specialized ophthalmologists and they can perform the necessary tests in about 20 minutes. They will administer some eye drops and then check the simple mechanics of the eye. They can almost always tell you the results immediately. This site has an example of the eye certificate that you will need to get following the exam. This is basically arthritis in the joint that keeps the ball joint from rolling smoothly causing your dog mild to serious pain. In serious cases, the joint can actually catch and momentarily stick in place. Elbow Dysplasia in Labradors is almost always a heredity issue. So, if your dog has it, it is likely that she will pass it on to her pups. The same goes for males. Unlike the hip scores, the elbow scores only range from 0 to 3. Like the hip score and golf the lower the score the better. You want to shoot for a perfect score in the elbows because there is not much room to play with. Health Concerns If Your Labrador Gets Pregnant Too Young It is not unheard of for puppies to have puppies, but if your female gets pregnant too early there are some steps you should take to make it go as smoothly as possible. You will probably hear some people talk about young dogs requiring C-sections if they are too young. In other breeds, however, C-sections are more common and may become necessary if the female is too small when she gets pregnant too young. Not just the physical strain of extra weight, which is a concern for growing joints, but also the nutrients that a pregnancy will suck out of your dog. To accommodate for this extra nutritional burden, some vets suggest that you stick with the puppy dog food for an extra 6 months until the dog is two years old. Make sure you are using a high-quality food that will give your dog the nutrients and other building blocks she and her puppies will need. It is also a good idea to include a supplement that will provide extra glucosamine and other nutrients that will fortify the joints. Some people will recommend calcium to make up for any bone density, however, there are vets that believe calcium will cause metabolic issues more serious than any deficiency it might alleviate. As always, check with your vet regarding any specific supplement or brand and get a professional opinion. You do not want to use a vitamin that will help momma, but, at the same time, hurt the baby. It is important that you are familiar with what should happen following the birth of a puppy. And, if you are considering a litter of puppies, just know that when the time comes, you must be there with your dog to help her if necessary. If, for some reason, your female does not respond to her puppies, help her by gently rubbing the puppy with a warm, damp cloth. Then, when the puppy is starting to move around and is cleaned off, place it near mom so it can begin to nurse. Because your dog is so young, however, you will need to watch her and make sure she is taking care of the puppies. It will take several days before your puppies can manage their own body temperatures. They will rely on mom for heat and if she scoots one away in the middle of the night, the puppy could die. I strongly suggest that you sleep in the same room with mom and her pups for the first couple nights. This saved one of my puppies on the second night. Somehow, this little girl got away from mom. Lady was too tired to go get her. I heard the whimpering and got the little one back to momma before she got too cold. That is a fair question, and you should know that answer before you decide to breed. In addition to knowing the best breeding age for Labradors, there are other things to find out. Like: How long will my Labrador be pregnant? How should I feed my Labrador during pregnancy? How will I know my Labrador is about to deliver? What should I have on hand when the delivery day arrives? What should I expect when my Lab has the puppies? How can I best help my Labrador after the puppies are born? Resting in the middle of delivery. The gestation period of a Labrador Retriever is roughly 63 days. This can be a day or two shorter or longer, but that is a good average. You should already be feeding your dog a good quality brand and for the first few weeks, after your dog is bred, you will continue feeding her the normal amounts. After 5 weeks, you should begin increasing the amount of food. She will require at least twice the normal amount. After the puppies come and your girl is nursing, she will need to eat around three times as much food as normal. Get a rectal thermometer and margarine or KY jelly. Insert the lubricated thermometer about one inch and leave it there for three minutes. You may want to have another member of the family help by distracting your dog by petting and talking to her while you do this necessary task. When the temperature drops below F, labor will start within the next 24 hours. It is really important that you pay attention to her temperature every day. You do not want her trying to deliver the puppies on her own. Although many litters have come into the world without supervision, it would be tragic if something happened and you were not there to intervene. There are several things that you need to have before your dog goes into labor. There will not be time to run to the store if you do not already have them on hand. Some of them will already be lying around your house. You may need to make a quick trip to the store to get the others. Warm, Damp Cloth There are some things that you should just have ready. She will eat this and then vigorously lick the puppy. If your female gets too tired she may not have the energy for the later pups to get this job done. In that situation, you will need to be ready to step in and fill that role. Notice how Lady is cleaning her puppy from top to bottom in the video. That is what you will need to replicate. Dental Floss This was an interesting suggestion that I got from a nurse about three weeks before our dog delivered her first litter. The floss will create the seal and the puppy will be fine. I was so grateful for the tip when that exact thing happened to puppy number 7. My son held the puppy while I tied a square knot in the cord and all was well for one of the healthiest pups of the whole litter. Heating Pad Your new litter of puppies will not be able to moderate their temperature for the first couple of days. Momma will provide the necessary heat, but in the case that a puppy gets away from mom in the night, some people like to use a whelping heating pad. A Whelping Heat Pad will help keep your puppies safe and warm in the early days. This is a pad that will go in the whelping box and will provide a safe, direct heat to protect a puppy that might wander in the night. The first stage of delivery is the longest. The contractions will not be as easy to identify as in human, but your dog may appear restless, uncomfortable, and thirsty. She may pace or shiver. It can last six to eighteen hours. Your job is to keep her as calm as possible. When the cervix is completely dilated, the placental water sack will break and you should see fluid pass from the birth canal. This is an important bonding moment for mom and pup. A placental sack will follow each puppy. It is not uncommon for mom to eat that—yeah, gross and I am so glad that is not a trait common among human deliveries. According to my vet, there is no benefit from eating the sac, so feel free to remove it before she gets a chance. You can expect between 30 minutes and an hour between puppies. It is possible, however, for up to 4 hours to pass between puppies. You should have had your dog examined by a vet around day 45 of the pregnancy. With an ultrasound, the vet should have told you how many puppies to expect. If more than 4 hours pass without a puppy and you know there are more to come or if your female pushes for more than an hour you need to get her to a vet immediately. Your Labrador will expel the remaining placental material, blood, and other fluids in the final stage of delivery. Now it is time to praise and let your Lab rest with her little ones. Dogs can pass diseases by sniffing and licking each other. While many of these diseases will not do anything to an adult dog, they can kill puppies. When you puppies start biting and chewing, you can introduce them to solid food. You may need to water it down, soften it to a mush, and then smear a little on their mouths. By 4 or 5 weeks, they should be eating solid food regularly. Normally, mom will clean up the puppies pooping issues. The puppy stool should not be watery. So, watch for diarrhea. It might be loose, but not watery. If you notice that a puppy might be constipated, you can lubricate a clean rectal thermometer and slightly insert it as needed. This will usually get things going. Check out this page to create the perfect whelping area for birth and raising the puppies. Whatever you decide to use, make sure that momma can come and go as she pleases while keeping the puppies contained in a specific area.

Video of Pug Mixed with English bulldog Puppies Temperament Dependable and affectionate, playful and fun-loving, just like its parents, the Pug mixed with English Bulldog is a great family pet, loving to be in the company of its near and dear ones. However, they are not clingy and can even spend a considerable amount of time without your attention. They are perfect couch companions just as their parents because of their relaxed and laidback nature. Having a gentle demeanor, they are a perfect pet for homes with small children, mingling playfully with the little ones. They would also get along well with other canines mainly when brought up together, though the company of strange dogs could make them wary and shy. They might be extremely friendly to any unknown person like their Pug parent, or a little cautious at first and then amicable or ignorant as the Bulldog. Care Exercise Because of their calm and laid back nature, their exercise needs are not too high, sufficing with a minute walk on a daily, alongside ample playtime. When indoors, you could divert its attention and keep it engaged by giving it a toy or puzzle to solve. Grooming Being an average shedder, they need to be brushed daily or once in every alternate day to remove the dead or loose hair. Brushing its teeth on a routine basis would help in controlling plaque buildup. Health Problems The English bulldog and Pug mix are likely to inherit the health issues of their parents like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, skin ailments, yeast infection, and eye problems. If it has a long snout like the Pug, then it can suffer from respiratory disorders. Training The English Bulldog Pug mix could be stubborn and strong-willed like its English bulldog and Pug parents, thus needing firm and tactful handling. However, since they are a product of two of the most intelligent breeds, training would not be too much of a problem once you have a grip on them. Obedience training is a must to keep their stubborn nature under control. Feeding Feed your Bull Pug with good quality dry dog food. You can also include a homemade diet simultaneously that can have cooked vegetables such as asparagus, spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes as well as fruits like apples, bananas, cantaloupe, and mangoes. However, make sure you remove the pit and seeds. Protein like meat and cheese could also be added. However, all these should be given in moderation and not before you consult your veterinarian. Also known as the Bull Pug, this medium-sized dog has a stocky and muscular build that is brought about by crossbreeding. Oftentimes, it is referred to as a miniature Bulldog because it is the spitting image of its parent. Note that this is just a nickname. This Pug Bulldog mix is the offspring of two popular dog breeds. You may be familiar with the English Bulldog and Pug because they are unique in terms of their physical appearance. English Bulldog History You probably know the English Bulldog as it is quite remarkable because of its wrinkled face. This medium-sized Mastiff-type dog traces its roots back to England, as its name suggests. Originally bred for bull-baiting in the s, the naturally nice English Bulldog was forced to be aggressive to fit this extreme sport. In bull-baiting, a dog is pitted against a bull inside a ring. After the ban of this sport in , breeders changed their attitude towards this breed and started to care for English Bulldogs so they may be good canine companions. Fast forward to the present, the English Bulldog is now known as a sweet and dependable dog great for families and children. Gone is its former aggressive reputation. Pug History The Pug is just as remarkable as the English Bulldog because of its similarly wrinkled face and sociable and charming temperament. Known as the pampered pets of Chinese rulers, the Pug breed was brought to Europe in the sixteenth century. This breed was equally treasured by nobles throughout the Western continent. It was popularly bred with one goal: to be a companion dog. To date, it is still a popular companion dog as it was centuries before. One thing is for sure, though. Putting together its two parent breeds was intentional, thus making it a designer breed. The English Bulldog and Pug were so popular that breeders wanted to have the characteristics of both breeds in one canine. The result of this crossbreeding is a playful companion dog with a wrinkled face which is known as the Pug English Bulldog mix. Some breeders and dog owners also wanted to have an English Bulldog that is smaller in size. One way for breeders to develop smaller versions of purebred dogs is to mix them with a smaller breed. Other examples of this crossbreeding practice are the miniature Rottweiler and the miniature Collie. Many names have been given to this hybrid like the mini Bulldog and Bull Pug and they are recognized by canine organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and Designer Breed Registry. As I mentioned earlier, the English Bulldog Pug mix is sometimes called a mini Bulldog and one look at this pup will tell you why. Most Bull Pugs come with a round head, broad shoulders, and a muscular and stocky body like that of their parents. In terms of its face, it has the signature wrinkles of both parents, a medium muzzle, and eyes that are black and shaped like almonds. It falls under the brachycephalic breed group which means that because of its skull, it will have a flat face and squished nose. This mix may even come with an underbite! The English Bulldog is medium-sized, typically 14 to 15 inches in height, while the Pug is around 10 to 13 inches. Putting these two together will give an offspring smaller than a regular Bulldog but bigger than a Pug. Your English Bulldog Pug mix may grow as tall as 10 to 14 inches and as heavy as 20 to 45 pounds. It does not need much space to move around. For as long as you take it on walks, it is good to go. These are coat color traits they inherit from their parents. A litter of five to seven can have a mix of these coat types. Fawn is light tannish yellow that may manifest in a wide range of shades. Dogs with this coat color may have a light shade like pale tan, dark shade like deep deer-red, or other shades in between. There are crossbreeds with fawn coats that have black areas around their muzzles like that of Pugs. There are also Pug English Bulldog mixes that have black coats. Mixed dogs with black coats typically have a solid black color throughout the body. The usual patches of piebald Bull Pugs are white with a red or fawn backdrop. There are dog owners who use the term piebald to refer to two-toned or bi-colored coats. The crossbreed that inherits this coat from the English Bulldog parent has a colored base with a striped pattern that resembles tiger stripes. Usually, brindle coats come in color groups like black and fawn, white and red, and other combinations. Both parent breeds of the English Bulldog Pug mix are great for families, making their crossbreed offspring a perfect family dog. Playful, affectionate, and sweet best describe the English Bulldog Pug mix as it enjoys being in the company of its loved ones. If you are a dog owner of this crossbreed, expect to have a loyal companion who loves having you around. In fact, it can go on without getting any attention from you for a certain period of time. If you have a laidback and sedentary lifestyle, this pup is for you because it does not move around so much. While it can get playful and energetic especially during playtime, this dog also enjoys chilling on the couch with its fur parents. Take a look at this video of a Bull Pug playing calmly with a bug: English Bull Dog Pug mix playing with Bug When it comes to children, this mix is also a good choice. Its English Bulldog parent has a reputation for being aggressive. However, this is just a misconception due to its bull-baiting history. The truth is that the English Bulldog is sweet-natured and gets along with kids. The Pug breed is also sociable which makes their mixed pup good with the little ones. Aside from kids, the English Bulldog Pug mix also enjoys mingling with other dogs. To ensure that your dog will be as friendly, start introducing other people and dogs even at a young age. Early socialization can help them turn into nice-mannered dogs. This pup may need a little bit of time for adjustment, though, when meeting strangers. Its parent breeds handle stranger dogs and humans differently. The English Bulldog may be wary of strangers and exercises caution when being approached. Quite the contrary, the Pug is friendly, sometimes to an extreme level. How your pup will react will depend on its training and the inherited temperament. Your crossbreed pup may get more temperament traits from either of its parents, but rest assured, you will get a pleasant-tempered pup that is a perfect addition to your family. To give you a peek of what an English Bulldog Pug mix is like, here is a video compilation done by a fur parent. English Bulldog Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues As fur parents, we all want our beloved pooches to live healthy lives and spend more years with us so we should be well-aware of the health risks that come with their breed. Several health issues concern the English Bulldog and Pug which their crossbred offspring might inherit. Most conditions are related to the respiratory system, bones and joints, and skin. The result is a pain in the limbs which may cause your dog to start limping. Patellar Luxation: Another orthopedic issue, patellar luxation concerns the patella or kneecap. Dogs with patellar luxation experience discomfort in their knees and in some cases, loss of function. This is because during knee-flexing, the patella rides outside the femoral groove. Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome: The Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome is a common health problem in brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs. Both parents of this mix have this flattened skull so they are prone to this. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, vomiting, and loud snoring. Pug Dog Encephalitis: The neurological disease called Pug Dog Encephalitis happens when brain tissues are inflamed causing pups to experience seizures, behavioral changes, disorientation, and more. This usually hits Pugs that are two to three years of age but may also occur as early as six months or as late as seven years old. No known cause has been found for this kind of encephalitis. Cherry Eye: Dogs have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane. Diabetes: Diabetes is a common problem in dogs, but there are more incidents in Pugs. Because diabetic dogs are unable to regulate sugars in their bodies, they need insulin shots to help them do so. Canine Atopy: Getting allergies is common to Pugs and in some cases, they have a hypersensitivity reaction when exposed to allergens called canine atopy. Affected areas are usually the paws, abdomen, face, ears, chest, armpits, and flanks. Basic needs for canines are food, shelter, grooming, and training. However, these needs vary from one breed to another. What the Chihuahua needs may not exactly be the same as what your English Bulldog Pug mix needs. Knowing what your pup needs allows you to give it the best care possible. Feeding and Diet To ensure that you have a healthy pup, only give good quality dry dog food to your Pug Bulldog mix. On a daily basis, this crossbreed needs about calories to be served in two split meals. You may also consider giving homemade food. Cooked vegetables like spinach, carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes are good for your crossbreed dog. You may also give fruits like bananas, apples, and mangoes. Always remember to remove pits and seeds before serving. Besides giving your English Bulldog Pug mix the right kind of food, you should also monitor its food intake. Both parents are prone to obesity. While a chubby pup looks very cute, it is not healthy and may lead to many problems and complications. If you are starting to notice that your pup is getting underweight or overweight, consult your vet to get a diet recommendation. Cleaning and Grooming Short coats can be seen in both the English Bulldog and Pug and the same for their crossbreed pup. Use a soft brush to keep the coat beautiful and healthy and to avoid hurting your dog. Aside from its coat, you should also pay attention to the wrinkles on its face and body. Bacteria may start to build up when left unclean so be sure to wipe and bathe when necessary. This is also to avoid infections and allergies which they may be prone to. On top of that, regularly trim the nails and clean the eyes and ears. Brushing is also important and should be added to your grooming routine. Doing all these will help prevent infections and keep your dog healthy and happy. Training and Exercise English Bulldog Pug mixes are laidback and chill. If you do not enjoy too much physical activity, this crossbreed is for you because its exercise needs are not too high. A minute walk is already enough for this mixed breed plus enough playtime and bonding. Early morning and evening are said to be the best time for walks and exercise. Remember that both parent breeds are brachycephalic which means their offspring will be too. They cannot handle heat well and are prone to overheating. When walking, ensure that you have drinking water ready. In terms of trainability, this mix can learn tricks and commands. However, you need to have patience during training as it can get a little too stubborn. This is probably a trait inherited from its parents. Be firm when you train your pup but also not too strict. Have fun and consider training as bonding time. Do you know that the secret to successful training is positive reinforcement? Dogs listen and obey more when they are rewarded for good behavior. Prepare those treats for your training time! There may also be more expensive ones especially when you buy from a reputable breeder. Factors that may affect cost include size, health, breeder reputation, and lineage. There are also mixes from champion bloodlines but prepare to shell more. When choosing a breeder to buy a mixed pup from, consider a lot of things such as the affiliation of your breeder. Puppy mills are everywhere and they have poor practices and little care for their dogs, thus, low prices. Avoid them as much as possible. Caring for a pup entails other expenses aside from the cost of the dog itself. Prepare for one-time costs such as a leash, harness or collar, bed, toys, and the like. You also have regular expenses such as food, treats, and grooming items. For new pups, you have to spend for neutering or spaying, vaccinations, and deworming. However, they are also not highly common so you have to check the availability of this crossbreed: Greenfield Puppies — Fur parents have been trusting Greenfield Puppies since .They connect reputable breeders with interested soon-to-be owners and carry both purebred and mixed puppies. Adoption is also another option for those looking for an English Bulldog Pug mix. There are mixed breeds, puppies and full-grown dogs alike, that need a home. They have been saving Pugs and Pug mixes and helping them find a family that will give them the love they deserve. This group also provides education and guidance to adoptive families. Adoptable breeds include Pugs, English Bulldogs, Frenchies, and their mixes. Petfinder — With their vast database of dogs and cats, Petfinder can link you with animal shelters and adoption organizations so you can find your furry companion. Before buying or adopting a Bull Pug, you must know what you are getting into. Caring for a dog is hard work but more than that, it requires love and attention. Check out these dogs that you may want to consider. Frug: The name may sound funny but the Frug is an actual crossbreed. Both crossbreeds share some physical characteristics and low exercise requirements. Puggle: A mix of the Pug and Beagle, the Puggle is a smart crossbreed that likes playing. It is also good for families because it gets along well with kids. Unlike the Bull Pug, the Puggle does not enjoy staying put and is highly active and energetic. Poxer: The Poxer is the offspring of a Pug and a Boxer. This medium-sized designed breed is charming and lively. Fit for those with active lifestyles, this crossbreed loves physical activities. Both parent breeds of this mix are brachycephalic which also makes this dog one. There are some costs that might be covered by some pet insurance policies , and the costs will vary based on the dog and the services you choose. You can save money upfront by adopting or rescuing as well, although many rescue dogs do come with some medical costs attached. Fitting a Bulldog Mix Into the Family Dynamic Bulldog pug dog mixes are great family dogs, especially if you have small children. They are also great dogs for elderly folks as they do not require a lot of exercises. Bull pugs are really gentle and fun with small kids, but once the kids grow up, they will not be able to go on all of the adventures that kids want to go on, so keep that in mind. Bull pugs are great if you live in an apartment. You will have to have your bull pug be a mostly indoor dog as they do not do well in the heat for extended periods of time. However, due to their small size even smaller than a bulldog , bull pugs are the perfect breed of dog to have as an indoor dog. Bull pugs are not hypoallergenic, so if you or anyone in your family has any pet or dog allergies, I would steer clear of the bull pugs. Bull pugs are fairly good with being left alone for a day. Bull pugs can be obstinate when training, and, like bulldogs, they are a stubborn breed. However, if you keep consistent, short, reward-based training sessions, then you will have a trained bull pug in no time. Health Concerns for Both Bulldogs and Pugs and What that Means for Bull Pugs The biggest commonality bulldogs and pugs share in the health issues department is their potential for obesity. Both Bulldogs and pugs have great appetites I can relate and if you feed them too much, they will get fat. Bulldogs have a short, broad skull, and that leads to them having shortened nasal passages. Pugs also have breathing issues, so watch out for your bull pug. In addition, bulldogs are vulnerable to cancer and pugs are prone to eye issues. Mixed breed puppies may inherit some or all of these health problems. However, mixed dog breeds are usually healthier than purebreds and develop fewer problems. The History of Bulldogs and Pugs Bulldogs were originally bred in England for the purpose of helping to herd horses and cattle on farmland. After bull baiting was made illegal, bulldogs turned into a designer breed and got shorter and stockier. The former being short and stocky and the latter looking more like the original bulldog. Pugs came from China and they were dogs preferred by the royals. Pugs were often given as gifts to royals or as gifts from returning soldiers to their families. They almost went extinct until Queen Victoria kept a few and made them popular again celebrity culture has been around for a while. The popularity of pugs skyrocketed after this. Both breeds are designer breeds, so it made sense to breed the two together for the ultimate, low maintenance, family, designer dog breed. Related Questions Are bulldogs good family dogs? Bulldogs are laid back and gentle, so they are great dogs to have around young children. They do not require a lot of exercises and cannot go on grand excursions, but they are loved as family dogs. They are known to do very well with small children and in small apartments or houses with small yards. Are pugs good family dogs? Pugs were never meant to be anything besides companion dogs, so they are great dogs for elderly couples and young families. They are gentle and fun loving. However, they are not the healthiest breed of dog, so they do need an owner that is willing to take the time to take extra good care of them. Post Views: 1, Frug Description The Frenchie Pug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Their mother is a brindle French Bulldog and their father is a fawn Pug. He enjoys play dates with his best friend Ginger who is a Corgi. They play for hours chasing playing tug of war and wrestling. Banx is a cuddler, and loves being by my side. What a gift, a true blessing. He was the best birthday present for me. He also thinks he is a guard dog, but warms up very quickly to the guests; he will even sneak a kiss in if he can. He loves to go rollerblading and running like a wild man with other dogs in the park, but his favorite things to do are eat and sleep. When he passes out, he snores very loudly, and there's no waking him up. She is very devoted, and hasn't got a drop of aggression in her. Very balanced dog. Very clever too. Robber the second-generation white and black Frenchie Pug puppy at 4 months old See more examples of the Frenchie Pug. Puppies need something to chew on to reduce the discomforts that come with teething. You may also like: Best Dog Bones Reviews and Comparison By this time, you know the importance of exercise and socialization for your puppy. You need to purchase a collar and leash so you can take him out with you. While you are out, start training your pooch young. Go easy on the treats though. Here are some of them: Greenfield Puppies greenfieldpuppies. They have a contact form on their website where you can make a reservation in case they have available Bull Pug puppies for sale. Animal Kingdom animalkingdomaz. They carefully check each breeder through surprise on-site inspections so buyers can be sure that the available Bulldog Pug Mix puppies for sale are not products of puppy mills. Keystone puppies keystonepuppies. In case you find Pug and Bulldog Mix puppies for sale, they have a pet shipping service. Adopt a Pet adoptapet. Pug Rescue of Austin austinpugrescue. Their mission is to find loving homes for abandoned Bulldogs. You can send them a message and ask if they have available mixed Bulldogs up for adoption. Are you searching for Pug English Bulldog Mix for sale? We will provide you with links to Bulldog and Pug breeders and hopefully, they also have designer breeds like the English Bulldog and Pug Mix for sale. Huskerland Bulldogs huskerlandbulldogs. Mixed dog breeds similar to Bull Pug A Bulldog is one of the most charming dog breeds to have. Aside from their signature wrinkled faces, they are smart and funny, more so when you start to hear them honk. This is perhaps the reason why breeders mix a Bulldog with an equally loveable purebred dog such as a Pug. Aside from a Pug and Bulldog Mix, here are some breeds that have similarities with a Bull Pug mixed dog. To begin, a Puggle is a product of two purebred dogs namely a Beagle and a Pug. A Beagle is an active dog breed that does not tolerate laziness. Instead, Beagles love to run and dig around which is the exact opposite of a Pug. Now if you mix a Puggle with an English Bulldog, the resulting breed is now called a Bull Puggle dog. The personality of an English Bulldog mixed with Puggle is affectionate and friendly to people of all ages. Since the English Bulldog Puggle carries the gene of a sporty Beagle, he may require a moderate exercise level. Taking him out for a long walk is advisable. Otherwise, he can get destructive if his pent-up energy is not used. Training a Puggle English Bulldog Mix can be challenging not because he has a low IQ but because of his stubborn personality. That said, early training is necessary, if not, he will establish himself as the alpha of the family. The active and intelligent nature of a Jack Russel Terrier combined with the laid-back and loving nature of a Pug produces a hybrid dog that is active yet possesses a gentle personality. As crossbreeds, the physical traits can be hard to predict but typically, most of them retain the looks of a Chihuahua with those erect ears but with a shorter muzzle and a wider jaw such as those of an English Bulldog. Also read: Chihuahua with Floppy Ears? The appearance primarily depends on which parent has a more dominant gene, but generally, Bullmation looks like a Bulldog with dark or light spots on its coat. This pooch is a social butterfly and loves to be around people and other animals. Bully Basset Fortunately, this hybrid dog is not a bully at all, rather he has a sweet and gentle personality, making him a good family pet. Each one of them has its positive and annoying traits that can make you either love or dislike them, and a Pug mixed with Bulldog is no exception. In a nutshell, here are some of the positive and negative traits of a Bulldog and Pug Mix that may help you decide if you are willing to share your life with this adorable mixed dog. The Bull-Pug is dependable, sensitive and great with children. This dog strongly attaches to people, is very well-mannered, and has a sensitive nature. It is a breed that does not do well when left alone for long periods of time. The Bull-Pug relishes attention from its owner but also has a willful side. Bulldogs are known for being strong-willed, so you need to begin training as a puppy — and the best type of training for this breed is using positive reinforcement. As long as you maintain a firm and gentle hand in training, your Bull-Pug should learn quickly. Discover more about our Bull-Pug puppies for sale below! Temperament Bull-Pugs have a lot of energy as puppies but calm down a lot as they get older. They can be messy eaters: they tend to slobber and even snore, but these are traits that bulldog owners usually find endearing. The Bull-Pug will make a great family pet as they are wonderful with children and do well in apartments since they only have a moderate need for exercise. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Hybrid Club.

Pumba is our one year old 55 lbs. English bulldog. For the last 3 weeks he has been limping on his left front leg. He is still very active, sometimes he does not even limp and runs and jumps like crazy. Other times the limp is very obvious. We took him to 2 different vets, and it looks like nothing is broken since there is no sign of pain when feeling his leg. He starts limping a bit more when he plays rough or starts jumping off the sofa or sidewalk. We got an anti-inflammatory for 7 days, and some joint chews, but nothing has worked. My girlfriend does not agree with me buying a crate in order for him to rest for a couple of weeks. She suggests we buy a pet gate instead to keep him in the kitchen area which is roughly 8 by 5 feet; I'm just concerned that he will not get enough rest as being in a crate. Do you think the kitchen area rest would be enough for him? Or should I just get a crate for his leg to heal properly for 2 weeks? Click to expand.Crate or gated is fine as long as he stays calm. You have to rest him for a minimum of 2 weeks if not more. If so, then crate. The main thing is running, jumping, etc. So no couch, bed, etc. Also, if possible no long walks, etc. Just quick potty breaks in yard if possible. If he runs around when he goes out, then leash him for back yard. He is such a handsome boy, I'm sure he just sprained or bruised something. The rest will definitely help, and I would still continue the joint supplements, going forward. One of the more common problems can be them limping on the back leg or front paws or showing signs of lameness. Some limping happens after sleeping and it will gradually wear off. No matter what the situation, you should always call your own vet for professional advice if your English Bulldog suddenly starts limping. Why is my English Bulldog limping? Some of the more common reasons why your English Bulldog has started limping will be strains to a tendon, ligament, or muscle — this is the soft tissue injury I referred to earlier and will happen after your English Bulldog has been exerting himself; the limping will start suddenly afterwards. Given time to recuperate, rest, and stop jumping and running, your English Bulldog should be better in just a few days. That means no walkies or indoor play! Check there is no visible bleeding or cuts on the paw. Check for any splinters or foreign objects in the paw. Check to see if your English Bulldog is lethargic and not eating. Check for any visible signs of swelling. When you call your vet, make a note of what you see, if anything. This is particular important if your English Bulldog wakes up from sleeping with a limp and shows no sign of the limp going inside of 30 minutes. Your English Bulldog might start limping after sleeping, laying down and just waking up. Keep scrolling down for the more serious English Bulldog lameness symptoms. Over-exertion: Your English Bulldog could be limping after some particularly excessive exercise. English Bulldogs get worn out very easily and will be exhausted after heavy exercise of just a few minutes. The limping could be due to utter exhaustion so give them water and time to recover. Injured claws: Your English Bulldog might have broken a claw. This injury can be extremely painful, especially if the tear in the claw gets to the nerve ending. Wound to the paw or insect sting: Your English Bulldog might have a splinter in his paw making him limp. It could be an open wound, a stone, chewing gum, or even a insect bite or sting so do a thorough check. Strain or muscle injury: Your English Bulldog might have strained a leg, joint, or muscle whilst playing or even just going about his day to day business. But there are more serious health conditions that limping legs are sometimes attributed to. Breaks, fractures, and dislocations: English Bulldogs are prone to leg injuries due to their genetics and can easily hurt themselves when active. Torn ligaments: Ligament damage will occur after your English Bulldog twists and jumps. It can be very painful but can be treated easily by a vet. Hip or elbow dysplasia: English Bulldogs are prone to these health conditions, being common with brachycephalic breeds. The hip dysplasia can occur in their back leg with elbow dysplasia in the front legs and paws. Luxating patella: This is the medical for a kneecap dislocation. It occurs on the back legs and you will notice your English Bulldog skipping or limping in pain. Inflammatory disease: Also known as panosteitis, English Bulldog puppies will often have this inflammation on their leg bones. You might see your English Bulldog shifting from leg to leg to balance the weight with this lameness condition. Your vet can check for it with a simple blood test. It can be fixed with an operation surgery, and your English Bulldog might even be back and walking inside of 60 days. Arthritis: This condition is most common in older English Bulldogs, where limping is a gradual thing as the joints become more swollen over time. Vets can prescribe therapy and medication for the pain. It can be treated with antibiotics. Valley fever: This is a fungal disease found in the United States and can either make an English Bulldog puppy limp, or an older dog. It is not related to how old your dog is. Neurological disorders: This will often occur after damage to the spine where a disc will touch against the nerves, leading to potential lameness in your English Bulldog. English Bulldog limping on front leg or paws Many of the reasons I have already listed for English Bulldog lameness and limping will happen with the back and front legs. But there are some conditions which will only cause limps to one of the other. For example; elbow dysplasia front legs or hip dysplasia rear legs. Elbow dysplasia front leg limping : This is very common in English Bulldogs and happens due to bone abnormalities in the elbow joints on the front legs. It happens due to cartilage fusing to the bone resulting in an elbow joint being pushed out of place. It will be very painful to your English Bulldog, with obvious swelling. Handy Hint: To keep your Bully free from injury you should not walk them too much. Here are guidelines for daily exercise limits. How vets diagnose lameness and limping Once you have booked an appointment in with your vet, they will do a manual check of your English Bulldog using just their hands. They will press and pull to see what the cause could be. The check will go something like this: Examine the paws for obvious signs of injury. Pull the legs stretched out to check for a reaction. Do gentle massage on all four legs. Lightly apply pressure to the spine to see if the English Bulldog puts up resistance. Talk to a Vet Live Now As we mentioned earlier, there are many reasons why your English Bulldog could be limping either on their back or front legs. To help you understand the causes, we have broken them down into categories to help pinpoint a potential diagnosis! It can be caused by several things, ranging from these common causes to rare and serious conditions! Remember, if you have any concerns, to speak to a vet immediately, as they can offer you tailored advice for your dog. Commonly, any of the following can cause back leg limping: Over-exertion Excessive exercise or even intense playtime can leave your English Bulldog tired and limping. These dogs can get worn out easily and, after a few minutes of heavy exercise, can feel exhausted. Their limping could be due to exhaustion, and usually, some water and time to recover will help with this limping. If it does persist or becomes worse, then be sure to consult a vet. Injured claws Limping can also be a sign of an injured or broken claw. These injured claws can be incredibly painful, especially if the tear in the claw is near the nerve ending. A wound or insect sting Your English Bulldog could have a splinter in their paw, making them limp. An open wound, a stone, chewing gum, or even an insect bite or sting could cause a limp. Be sure to check the paw thoroughly for any signs of a wound or sting. In these cases, you will need to see a vet to clean and dress any wounds and offer medication if needed. Strain or muscle injury Another common cause could be a strained leg, joint, or muscle while playing or even just daily walking and playing. But what about the more serious conditions a limp could be a sign of? Breaks, fractures, and dislocations English Bulldogs are prone to leg injuries, unfortunately. A break, fracture, or dislocation can be extremely painful for your dog, and you must seek medical help. Ligament damage Torn ligaments or ligament damage can occur when your dog twists and jumps. Ligament damage is incredibly painful for your English Bulldog, but thankfully can be fixed easily by a vet! Hip or elbow dysplasia As with other brachycephalic breeds, English Bulldogs are also prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is seen in the back legs, whereas we commonly see elbow dysplasia in the front legs and paws. Luxating patella It sounds like a scary medical term; luxating patella refers to a dislocated kneecap. Inflammatory disease Inflammatory disease or panosteitis is commonly seen in English Bulldog puppies. The inflammation is usually concentrated on their leg bones, and your puppy will be shifting from leg to leg to balance their weight. To find out if your dog has cancer, the vet can perform a simple blood test, and the results are often back quickly. ACL tears often affect the back legs, and you should notice it first when your dog starts to lift their leg. An operation will be required to rectify this tear. The recovery time varies from dog to dog, but you might see your English Bulldog up and walking again within 60 days. Remember to follow the advice of your vet carefully so your dog can recover fully. Arthritis Arthritis is commonly seen in older dogs, where limping becomes a gradual thing. The joints will swell over time, and your English Bulldog can find walking and playing more difficult. Thankfully, it can be treated with antibiotics. Valley fever Valley fever is a fungal disease found in the United States. It can impact English Bulldog puppies or older dogs and leave them limp. Neurological disorders Neurological disorders are often caused when the spine has been damaged. A disc will touch nerves, leading to lameness in your English Bulldog. An injury usually causes this, although it can be caused by too much playtime or a dodgy jump and landing. Limping on Front Leg or Paws, Why? These can be caused by cartilage fusing to the bone, pushing the elbow joint out of place. As you can imagine, that is very painful for your dog and will result in obvious swelling. They will need medical attention to rectify this issue. Hip dysplasia can be quite painful for your English Bulldog, so be sure to take them to a vet if you are concerned about this. What the Vet will do Vet appointments can be traumatic for dogs and owners alike, so having a heads up of what to expect can go a long way to calm your nerves and help you keep your Bulldog calm. When a vet examines your English Bulldog to understand why they are limping, they generally use just their hands. They will press and pull on your dog to see what the cause could be. Often the inspection will follow this pattern: The vet will examine the paws for any signs of injury The legs are pulled to stretch them and see if there is a reaction All four legs are gently massaged to check for abnormalities or signs of pain Pressure is lightly applied to the spine to see if your Bulldog shows any signs of resistance. Generally, this examination is enough, and your vet should be able to offer you a diagnosis and treatment plan. If not, more in-depth tests can take place to diagnose your English Bulldog. It is rare that after these tests have been carried out, a diagnosis has not been found. Be aware that you might need to wait a few days for blood test results to come back, and during this waiting time, your vet will instruct you on how best to care for your English Bulldog. How can I stop my English Bulldog from getting leg injuries? None of us like seeing our dogs limping or in pain, and will do anything we can to avoid it. These can all be incorporated into your daily life easily to keep your dogs from harm. Avoid overworking or over-exercising your Bulldog, especially in hot weather. As you can see, English Bulldogs are prone to limping injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Kerry Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles. Read on to find out why your best friend may be limping and how to remedy the situation. Afterward, hold your pet close and try to feel the leg gently while keeping a close eye on the limb that seems to be affected. That initial observation and examination can let you establish the reason why your pet is limping. Some cases of dog limping can be sudden, while others may be gradual. Below are possible causes of limping. Injury One of the most common causes of dog limping is injury. Sometimes dogs get into fights and end up hurting each other, and that can easily lead to limping. The dog may also be involved in some other unfortunate incident that causes injury to the paw, ankle, or leg. Some dog injuries happen right in front of you, making it easy to tell the cause of limping. However, some happen when you are not around, and there may not be any visible injuries to help you ascertain the cause of limping. In such a case, you should consult a veterinary officer for examination and diagnosis. However, severe injuries require veterinarian care. Bone Disease Bone disease generally refers to any condition that affects the bones. This can include diseases such as hip dysplasia and panosteitis. Canine hip dysplasia occurs when bones do not fit correctly into their joints. The result is painful sensations, lameness, and even difficulty in getting up. Panosteitis is a condition that causes inflammation but does not necessarily last for a long time. The condition can make it quite painful for your pet to walk, which causes the limping. Another type of disease that may cause limping is bone cancer, or osteosarcoma. Cancer can affect any dog breed , but it is prevalent in English bulldogs. It is usually quite aggressive, and while there are treatment options, the prognosis is usually bleak. In most cases, limping caused by a disease develops gradually and gets worse as the condition becomes more severe. It is quite difficult for you to tell what disease is affecting your dog, which is why you should seek veterinary advice immediately. Arthritis Just like in humans, dog arthritis is more common in older English bulldogs than younger ones. Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of one or more joints. It usually causes pain and stiffness. When a dog has arthritis, they tend to be reluctant when it comes to going up the stairs or even getting out of the car. They also sleep more and may start gaining weight. With close observation, you may notice that the animal is somewhat unsteady in the morning. This is because the pain from arthritis is more severe in the mornings. Dogs with arthritis tend to walk slowly and lose interest in playing. Lyme Disease Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and spread by deer ticks, as explained by PetMD. The tick generally does not cause the disease unless it is able to attach to your bulldog for 48 hours. If infected, your dog may start limping two to five months afterward. This limp usually develops gradually. Common symptoms of the disease include swollen lymph nodes, swollen joints, and a loss of appetite. Your pet may also be lethargic and can develop a fever. If not treated on time, the condition may become worse. Nonetheless, Lyme disease can be treated effectively using antibiotics. Foreign Object Issues If your bulldog starts limping suddenly, take the time to carry out a careful physical examination. Check for any foreign object stuck in the paw or on any other part of the legs. If the foreign object is on the outer part of the paw or leg, take it off gently to avoid causing injury. However, if the foreign object is embedded, it may be better to let your vet take it out. Neurological Disorders Some neurological disorders can end up causing your dog to start limping. A slipped disc in the spine can put extra pressure on nerves that ultimately makes it difficult for your pet to walk without experiencing pain. Medial Patella Luxation is another condition characterized by poorly aligned muscles, tendons, and bones. This can lead to limping and pain. A vet can examine your dog to determine the exact issues that are affecting them and give a conclusive diagnosis before initiating treatment. Ruptured Anterior This injury occurs when the dog accidentally twists on their hind legs. When it happens, you will notice your pet raising his back leg off the ground and barely touching the ground with it when walking. A ruptured anterior can even affect English bulldogs that are as young as six months old. This condition is usually corrected with surgery. Infections Dog infections can occur when a wound or bruise is not treated carefully. Yeast dermatitis affecting the paws is a condition that can create complications. It is advised to clean any open wounds or bruises and cover them to prevent such unfortunate incidents. The good news is that yeast and other infections can be treated easily. Joint Disorders This is a general term for conditions that affect the joints. Elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder involving multiple abnormalities that can include poor weight distribution and slowed bone growth. Another joint disorder is cranial cruciate ligament disease which can occur due to a variety of reasons including genetics, obesity, aging, and poor physical fitness. The vet can carry out various tests to determine the exact culprit and start treatment accordingly. For instance, if the dog steps on a hot surface, they may limp as they go across the hot surface. Another reason may be that your dog slept on one of their legs, thus putting too much pressure on it. Pulled, strained and torn muscles caused by overstretching or accidental falls are also a temporary issue that may cause limping. Such situations usually resolve within a few minutes or hours without any outside intervention. In Conclusion For minor injuries or foreign objects stuck in the paws, you can always use the above-noted remedies to get the situation resolved. The vet is likely to ask a few questions that can help establish the possible causes. The vet is also going to carry out physical examinations and, if necessary, take an x-ray scan of the affected area. Once the root cause is established, treatment will begin immediately, and your dog is likely to recover soon. There are several reasons why your English or French Bulldog might be limping. Limping could be a sign of a paw or leg injury, a substantial injury like a broken bone, fracture, or sprain, or a less noticeable injury such as a dislocation, ligament tear, joint trauma, or spinal injury. It could also be caused by a luxated patella. There are some more serious causes that we will explore, but as I always recommend please be sure to have your dog checked out by your vet. This article is meant to help you investigate possible causes not give you medical advice! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. After all, they have short stout legs and sometimes a lot of body weight to carry on those little legs. Bulldogs come with their own unique set of problems when it comes to their health and wellness. Because there are so many possibilities as to why your Bulldog is limping the best way to find out is to have your dog examined by your vet. Dogs are often very good at hiding pain and may only give clues about the pain they are in when it gets unbearable. There are some things you will need to consider when trying to figure out why your dog is limping. There will also be similar to the questions your vet will ask you when you take your Bulldog in for an exam. Did the limping start all at once, or did it come on gradually? Sudden limping is usually a sign of trauma or injury whereas gradual limping can be a sign of a condition such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. Is it worse during a particular time of the day? Some owners notice that their Bulldog starts limping after they wake up from a nap or a period of sleeping. Where has your dog been walking recently? Hot pavement, broken glass, rocks, thorns, bee stings? Has your dog recently been very active? Did your Bulldog jump from a significant height? Is there swelling or tenderness to the touch? Does any part of the leg feel warm or hot to the touch? If your dog has an obvious trauma, dislocations, breaks, change in the natural position of their leg, any bleeding, or swelling you should seek medical attention for your dog immediately. Depending on how serious the injury is you may be able to address it at home. Your Bulldog may also try to lick the spot that is causing pain. Licking is a way for dogs to try and nurse the wound, but they should be kept from doing it. You can learn more about your Bulldog Licking and what to do in this article! If your Bulldog was stung by a bee then remove the stinger, apply a paste of baking soda and water and then ice the spot. Talk to your vet about giving your dog an oral antihistamine. Superficial injuries can affect any of your Bulldog four legs so whether they are limping on their front leg or back leg, just do a thorough and careful inspection to see if you can find any signs of injury or burn. Trauma or Injury Non-Superficial If you have an energetic fun-loving dog, or maybe a clumsy dog they may be more prone to a deeper trauma or injury. Dogs especially young dogs often ignore their limitations and will jump from high surfaces, run too hard, or try to turn too quickly. This may lead them to overextend themselves which can cause a range of sprains, break, or tears. If Your Bulldog is like my dog I had growing up I swear she had 9 lives just like a cat she may get stuck in a fence, shut in a door, or accidentally run into a wall. The possibilities are endless! Some possibilities include but are not limited to. A pulled tendon or muscle A fractured or cracked bone A sprain Joint Dislocation Bruising Some injuries that may cause your dog to limp may not be so apparent. It will often take a vet exam as well as possible x-rays, or other specialized equipment to understand what is going on. Some deeper injuries could be caused by trauma are. This injury can only happen in the back legs of your Bulldog. A torn ACL requires rest, immobilization, and sometimes surgery. It may be possible for your Bulldog to recover from an ACL tear by wearing an orthopedic brace and getting supplemental support, but depending on how severe the injury is they may need surgery. Luxated Patella Limping in Rear Legs Luxated Patella displaced kneecap is more common in small dogs, but Bulldogs can also be affected. If your dog is overweight they are more likely to develop this problem. Keeping their weight in check can help to prevent it. Depending on the severity your dog may be able to heal from this with rest and an increased nutritional diet. If the condition keeps occurring or gets worse it may need surgery. This is a problem in more common in large breed dogs, but small breed dogs are not immune. Hip Dysplasia causes the hip joints to form improperly and leads to arthritis. If your Bulldog is limping on its back legs or having trouble using its back legs or struggles to get up after lying down it could be a sign of this disease developing. Bone Cancer — Normally appears in the front legs, may make your dog lame and unable to walk. It will be diagnosed by an x-ray and biopsy. Arthritis— This usually happens in more than one leg and in older Bulldog. Your dog may feel stiff and have trouble getting up and down, as well as may not want to jump or go up and downstairs. This happens more subtly and will be diagnosed by a physical exam with your vet. Lyme Disease — If your Bulldog has been bitten by a tick even months ago this could be the cause of their limping. You will see lameness which may seem to move around from one leg to another. Still and Swollen joints, possibly fever. Reduced energy and loss of appetite. Your vet will do a blood test to check for Lyme and if positive start your dog on a course of antibiotics. Vally fever — Another tick-borne illness. You may see lameness of their legs, swelling, coughing, lack of appetite, and low energy. This illness can be dormant in your Bulldog for up to 3 years after a tick bite. Your vet can test for this with a blood test. Treated with anti-fungal medicine. Other signs of these disorders can be circling, excessive pain, dizziness, disorientation, seizures, sudden inability to use legs, or stumbling. Treatments will vary and may include surgery or physical therapy. Treatment for a Limping Bulldog From their Teeth to their Tails we want our Bulldogs to live the longest healthiest life possible, that is why getting treatment sooner rather than later is important. Many of the problems we discussed in this article if caught early and taken care of by your vet will hopefully not leave any long-lasting problems for your four-legged friend. If your dog is showing any other signs or symptoms with the limping such as any in this list please call your vet right away. Pain and discomfort.

Black Black and tan Once the breed becomes standardized, these coat colors may become official. But, for now, the goal is to create the blue version as much as possible. Blue Bay Shepherd Temperament Though Vicki was aiming for the lupin look with these dogs, she will sacrifice the look for the temperament. Her primary goal was to create a family pet though getting them to look like wolves was a close second. Regardless, she succeeded at both. Blue Bay Shepherds have a sweet, loving temperament without the aggression and aloofness of their wolf ancestors. But the dogs naturally tend to be sociable, gentle, affectionate, and playful. You can even trust them around livestock and other animals! Can you trust this dog that looks so much like a wolf with other pets? Owners report that their Blue Bay pups have done well with other dogs and cats. They should be properly socialized and raising them with other pets is best. However, this is common amongst dogs in general — not just ones that look like wolves. Their sweet, affectionate nature makes the Blue Bay Shepherd a great family pet. But they will do best in a specific type of home. They also tend to be huge. So a home with a large yard and lots of space to run is an ideal place for them. Are you looking for a simple way to keep track of your dog's daily activity? It has never been easier to monitor your dog with the Fi smart collar. With this slender, smart collar, you can count your pup's steps and set daily, weekly, and monthly goals. You can keep an eye on Fido's fitness routine with it, almost like a FitBit for your dog. Blue Bays can also be prone to separation anxiety, so an active family that will be spending lots of time with the pup is best. Homes with small children may not be the best choice for them purely because of their size. They are gentle, but they are still big and energetic which means they can accidentally harm tiny family members. Wondering if your home would be a good fit? The best way to find out is to ask Vicki herself. However, because the breed is so new, there are no established health patterns and no way to know if there are common problems. Dogs with wolf blood in general tend to be healthy and have a long life expectancy. However, counter this with the tiny gene pool. All Blue Bays come from the same place and the breeders at Southern Breeze Ranch have to be cautious to avoid inbreeding and the problems this can cause. Vicki specifically used the old-style German Shepherds to avoid the modern GSDs' sloped back and the hip dysplasia that commonly comes with it. Plus, the Shepherds she used may still pass down issues like epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, pituitary dwarfism, and eye abnormalities. To help prevent this, avoid feeding within 30 minutes of exercise — either before or after. You may also consider using a slow feeder bowl if your dog tends to eat too fast. And wolf dogs are exactly the same. A Blue Bay Shepherd requires daily brushing during the worst seasons to keep this shedding under control. The rest of the year, you can get away with brushing them times a week. Regular brushing will also help keep their long hair free of tangles and give it that shine that makes them so beautiful. Regardless, brushing your dog is a great way to bond with him and helps him to feel safe and loved in your home. Since they are so active, Blue Bay Shepherds will generally wear down their own nails running around on hard ground. If not, you should have clippers on hand to keep them from overgrowing. Note that ear infections are common in German Shepherds. Since there are so few and the breed is still in development, there is commonly a one or two-year waiting list for these pups. The pups can also be quite pricey, though less than you might expect from an exclusive breeder. This innovative collar offers real-time GPS tracking, ensuring that you can easily locate your furry companion whenever needed. It goes beyond just tracking by providing valuable insights into their daily exercise levels and sleep patterns. With its sleek design and durable construction, the Fi Smart Collar seamlessly integrates into your dog's lifestyle. Prioritize your peace of mind and strengthen the bond with your Blue Bay Shepherd. Invest in the Fi GPS Smart Collar and the Fi app today and experience a new level of connectedness and care for your beloved furry friend. Final Thoughts Do you love the idea of adding a blue wolf German Shepherd-type dog to your family? The gorgeous Blue Bay Shepherd could be a great option for you. Plus, you would become part of the development of a new breed! Vicki keeps in contact with all the owners of her pups to monitor their development and behavior over time. She wants to create and maintain a standard with her new breed and well as make improvements with each new generation. If you become the lucky owner of one of these pups, you will join a new adventure that is more than just getting a new dog. Plus, you will be the lucky recipient of more love and loyalty than you might have bargained for! The link has been copied! You might also like. The German Shepherd resembles a wolf in appearance, to begin with, so you can count on the hybrid to be large, with a long face, thick coat and pointed ears. The coat of the Wolfshepherd can be gray, sable, white, black, or a mixture of these colors. It will most likely inherit the thick fur that is standard for both parents and is known to shed heavily. You can take a closer look at this Wolfdog mix in the video. Is a Wolf Shepherd dangerous? If a Wolfdog is uncomfortable, it can attack out of defense. This has earned them a reputation for being dangerous and they are banned in several US states. Wolves build dens and roam frequently. They also have a strong pack and predatory instincts. These traits translate into destructive behavior for the Wolfdog, such as digging holes in the garden and chewing up wooden furniture. They also may urinate more frequently than other dog breeds to mark their territory. It takes one who is passionate and willing to devote time and energy to a German Shepherd Wolf dog. Because of its unpredictable nature, it is advised that this crossbreed should not be left alone around other pets and especially children. Black German Shepherd Wolf mixes in particular, are known for being less tolerant towards children. They have been known to react by biting and shaking. This is a natural response of the Black GSD when correcting puppy behavior. With rigorous training, a Wolfdog makes a protective and loyal companion. They are strong, intelligent, playful, and affectionate towards family. Are Wolf German Shepherd Mix health issues common? As we mentioned above the life expectancy of a German Shepherd Wolf Mix is up to 14 or even .However, the German Shepherd breed is vulnerable to serious genetic diseases that can get passed down to this particular Wolfdog hybrid. Hip Dysplasia : A painful hip joint deformity that causes loss of mobility and lameness. Elbow Dysplasia: A joint deformity that affects the elbows and can cause pain and loss of mobility. Bloat: A build-up of gas in the stomach that can cause it to twist and lead to shock or even death. Cancer: Abnormal cell growth that can spread throughout the body. Feeding time Since the Wolfshepherd is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia , it is important to keep her on a strict feeding regime to avoid obesity. Aim for 2 to 3 cups of meat-based dog food divided between meals each day. Remember that every dog has different health needs. Exercise time The German Shepherd Wolf hybrid needs daily activity to thwart destructive behavior and keep physically fit. A house with a large fenced-in yard is the most suitable environment for this crossbreed. They need room to stretch their legs and roam. If you live in an apartment, you might want to consider a smaller dog breed or perhaps a dog that resembles a wolf. Not only is an apartment too small a space, but this mix prefers to spend time outdoors, like its Wolf parent. Playing fetch with a ball or tugging games can help get that chewing habit under control. Can you train a Wolf Shepherd? This is the only way to lessen the inclination towards aloofness, fear, and an unpredictable temperament. Training needs to start at the puppy stage to be effective. Be prepared, because Wolfdogs are not easy to train and require time, patience, and consistency. Dominance is one of the main German Shepherd Wolf mix characteristics that you will have to focus on. As the owner, you must be confident and assert that you are the leader of the pack. If attention wanes during a game or your Wolfdog decides to ignore commands, stay positive yet firm and above all — do not let them dominate you. Socialization is key to helping a Wolfdog accept other pets in the household. Walks around the park can help, but always keep your pup on a leash. Supervise them when other dogs are present. When searching for reputable German Shepherd Wolf mix breeders, look for someone that is open to you visiting and will provide health clearances. They should be able to answer questions about the parents, especially regarding medical history. This results in a high number of them being left at rescue shelters. Here are 3 Wolfdog rescues where you can look for a German Shepherd Wolf mix along with other Wolfdogs. As their name suggests, this mix is made up of a German Shepherd and a Wolf, these hybrids crossbreeds are often called Wolfdogs or Wolf-Shepherds. Whilst there are many types of German Shepherd Wolf mixes, the Saarloos Wolfhund is the most notable. They were created by Leendert Saarloos back in when he crossbred a German Shepherd with a Eurasian wolf. The aim of this cross-breeding was to bring back the natural traits the GSD had lost when domesticated. You should also keep in mind that they are illegal in several areas across the US, so do your research before keeping one. The German Shepherd already resembles a wolf, so this hybrid does not look hugely different. Due to the genetic diversity, there is no way to tell what a specific pup will look like when they mature. However, there could be a pup that will look more like their German Shepherd parent, rather than their Wolf parent, and vice-versa. Wolfdogs tend to have smaller skulls than the common wolf, they have pointed ears and brown almond-shaped eyes. Height and Weight A German Shepherd can weigh around lb male and lb female. Males stand at around inches and females between inches. So depending on age, sex, diet, and genetics, the German Shepherd Wolf mix can weigh anywhere from lbs. Colors Pups can be found in a number of colors as the classic German Shepherd has 11 different official colors, with the most common being black and tan. But they can also have colors such as sable, black, white, and gray. Wolves can be mottled gray in color, but occasionally can be nearly pure white, red, brown, or even black. Coat German Shepherds have a thick double coat that is medium length. They have a dense outer coat with straight hair that lies close to the body. They have short undercoats and long, coarse outer coats. The GSD and Wolves have very similar coats, so it is fairly likely that their mix will have a double coat and medium-length fur. They will also shed annually, getting rid of their winter coat when the days become warmer. It is safe to say that this crossbreed should not be kept in warmer climates. German Shepherd Wolf Mix Personality and Temperament Both German Shepherds and Wolves have very different personalities, so it can be difficult to predict what their mix will be like. But we will do our best below to explain some behaviors which should be expected. Wolves are pack animals, meaning they are very protective and loyal to their family — they will do anything to protect their kin. They are den-dwelling animals, meaning that your mix is likely to dig anywhere they want. Being wild animals, Wolves are reserved when it comes to unfamiliar surroundings, people, and inanimate objects. They may be very protective but will cower at the sight of strangers. It should be said that the German Shepherd Wolf will be unpredictable in social situations, they can become aggressive when fearful. This can be avoided by giving them lots of socialization as a young pup. They are also very curious and will try to escape whenever opportunity strikes, so make sure to keep your backyard securely fenced. This hybrid will have a strong prey drive, as the GSD was bred to herd livestock and the wolf is a natural predator, so your Wolfdog mix will chase anything and everything that moves. They are also prone to howling as this is how they communicate in a pack. This is not a dog that should be living with small children. This dog should be kept by experienced keepers who are firm and disciplined with their pooch. If they favor their German Shepherd parentage, they will be eager to please dog training will be easy. Either way, you should be training them with positive reinforcement. Give them rewards when they follow your command or when they stop unwanted behavior. Many people believe that dominance training is the way forward with this dog as wolves are pack animals, but studies show that this training method leads to further aggression and reduces the quality of your relationship with your doggy friend. This is a dog for someone who has experience training strong-willed dogs before — you need to be firm and consistent. Do not let them think they are the boss of you. Socializing a dog like this is very important as the wolf can be reserved and unpredictable. Make sure to socialize them with a range of people and different situations. Mental stimulation is very important if you do not want your Wolfdog to get bored and chew everything in sight. You can give them lots of toys and play with them, playtime can decrease their stress levels and make them more confident. Caring for a German Shepherd Wolf Mix Owning a German Shepherd Wolf mix is not something you should take lightly, there are specific laws on owning Wolfdogs, so you should check your state regulations. This cross breed needs an owner who is experienced in training difficult dogs that need lots of attention and care. You will also need a large backyard which has very secure fencing. You should not own a Wolfdog in heavily populated areas, as they have a habit of howling a lot. There are many other responsibilities that you will have when owning this hybrid so keep reading to learn more… Exercise Requirements This is a very energetic dog, as wolves can travel up to 30 miles a day. They will need around hours of exercise each day to keep fit and healthy. Not getting their exercise will result in them destroying your furniture and anything else they can bite. It is also recommended to let them roam around in a fenced backyard, so they can play, dig and explore. You should not take your Wolfdog to dog parks and make sure to keep them on a leash and harness. They will need regular brushing to avoid matting and tangles, and more when shedding season comes along. Do not bathe this dog too much as it can strip away the natural oils that make the coat healthy and shiny. As with every dog, dental hygiene is important so brush their teeth once a week. You should also cut their nails, to avoid overgrowth and splitting. Feeding and Diet Deciding what to feed your Wolfdog is not an exact science, but you should be feeding your dog a diet rich in protein. Avoid buying traditional store-bought dog food as these are rich in carbohydrates and artificial ingredients. You will need to do research into what type of meat-based diets you would prefer your dog to eat. Be mindful of how much you are feeding your dog, too much food can lead to obesity. Keep an eye on their weight by using a body condition score. Known Health Problems Wolfdogs are generally healthy animals, but they are still prone to certain health issues. Having pet insurance could save you from the headache of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! A German Shepherd Wolf Mix is exactly what it sounds like — it is a purebred German Shepherd dog mixed with a wild wolf. Also known as a Shepherd Wolf or simply a Wolf Dog , the German Shepherd Wolf Mix has been rising in popularity amongst animal lovers intrigued with the idea and aesthetic of a wolf-like companion. Unfortunately, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix often winds up being much more than most people bargain for. Sadly, many of these dogs wind up in shelters or sanctuaries within their first year or two of life, surrendered by overwhelmed owners who were unprepared for what this type of dog could bring to the table. Because the German Shepherd Wolf Mix is a mix between a domesticated dog and a wild animal, qualities like temperament, health, and even appearance are left up to chance. However, according to the average German Shepherd Wolf Mix, there is a standard we can go off of when it comes to giving you a brief overview. First, this hybrid tends to be beautiful and exotic-looking. Another reason the German Shepherd Wolf Mix is highly sought after is due to a few common myths and misconceptions. Sadly, these myths and misconceptions are commonly realized too late by owners, who in turn wind up surrendering their dogs. The German Shepherd Wolf Mix is inherently shy and skittish, especially around people he does not know. This, in turn, makes him a poor guard dog. In fact, these dogs can be very stubborn, standoffish, and sometimes even aloof with people. The German Shepherd Wolf Mix can still be prone to the same number of serious genetic health issues as both of his parents. Although a German Shepherd Wolf Mix may be aloof and independent, this is also a dog that is highly social by nature both on his wolf side and his domesticated dog side. Overwhelmed owners who resort to keeping their rambunctious or unmanageable wolf-dog outside for the majority of their lives are likely to wind up with a dog that is distressed, temperamental, and potentially aggressive. Wolf dogs like the German Shepherd Wolf mix are often turned over to shelters or sanctuaries due to being high maintenance or unpredictable. In fact, recent studies have shown that domesticated dogs are born with an innate understanding and desire to be near and develop a relationship with human beings. Wolf pups, even when born in captivity, possess a natural distrust for human beings and do not possess the same ability to read human body language or pick up on queues the same way their dog cousins do. So while dogs do come from wolves, a wolf-dog could be considered a step back in the evolutionary process of canine domestication. But where did wolf dogs come from and, more specifically, where did the German Shepherd Wolf Mix originate? It is likely that wolf-dog hybrids have been around for centuries, with the breeding of these two animals beginning around .Although one of the first recorded instances of a German Shepherd Wolf Mix being born was the Saarloos Wolfdog, also known as a Wolfshepherd. The goal of this was to create a dog that was larger, stronger, and more independent than most other purebreds. While many of these goals were met, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix also exhibited other traits as well. These included the traits of their wild parentage, such as a skittishness of man, an incredibly high prey drive, an incredible energy level, and potential aggression. Still, throughout the years the German Shepherd Wolf Mix has been growing in popularity. In fact, today the Wolfshepherd is considered one of the most popular wolf-dog hybrids in the United States. Are you considering a German Shepherd Wolf Mix? There are a few things you should know first. Raising a German Shepherd Wolf Mix could be an incredible and rewarding experience, but just because your friend found favor with a German Shepherd Wolf Mix does not mean you will. Remember, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix is a cross between a domesticated dog and a wild wolf. This means a number of his traits will be left up to chance, including temperament. For the most part, wolf dogs are considered to be shy, devoted, wary of strangers, energetic and overall high maintenance. Social by nature, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix requires plenty of attention from his owners. He will view them as his pack, and as such will deem them his family. Without consistent interaction, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix could become depressed, anxious, temperamental, and even aggressive. This is not the ideal dog for a home with children and smaller pets, though he can do well with other larger dogs. If you do have young children in the home, refrain from leaving them alone with your German Shepherd Wolf Mix. Work with youngsters , family members, and outside friends on basic canine body language, and be watchful of your German Shepherd Wolf Mix around children, pets and company. You should also note that the German Shepherd Wolf Mix is highly intelligent and independent. While this could make training exciting for the owner who enjoys a challenge, it also means that the German Shepherd Wolf Mix could become bored easily. He does best with lots of interaction, exercise, mental stimulation and attention to ensure he is happy and healthy throughout his life. Like a standard German Shepherd, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix will be a heavy shedder that sheds year-round and most heavily twice a year during shedding season. The shedding season occurs during spring and fall, and during this time it is suggested that you brush your German Shepherd Wolf Mix between two to three times a week to help remove loose hair. Outside of shedding season, we suggest brushing your German Shepherd Wolf Mix at least once a week. This is a quality deshedding comb that works to combat the buildup of debris and loose hair, pulling it from the undercoat. Not only can this reduce the amount of loose hair around your home and on your clothing, but it can also help reduce doggy odor as well as the potential build-up of yeast and bacteria in the fur. We like that this brush is a self-cleaning brush that allows you to remove the loose hair using a small button without ever having to stop brushing. We also recommend investing in a slicker comb and dematting comb for your German Shepherd Wolf Mix. Along with brushing, your German Shepherd Wolf Mix will also need other care regimens added to his grooming routine. These include bathing, dental care, ear cleanings, and nail trimming. In fact, overbathing this hybrid can lead to skin issues and sensitivities. Instead, try to keep to a routine and bathe your German Shepherd Wolf Mix once every six weeks or so, and only more frequently if needed. When you bathe your German Shepherd Wolf Mix, be sure to use a quality shampoo free of dyes, alcohol, or parabens that could strip your dog of the natural oils his skin produces that help to keep his coat healthy. Instead, stick with a shampoo that is specifically designed for use on dogs and that is made with high-quality ingredients. Just like people, dogs can develop serious dental disease and tooth decay, which can lead to other serious health issues down the road. You might also consider seeing your veterinarian annually for a routine dental cleaning to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while also preventing dental disease. This can lead to infection down the road if not thoroughly dried. At least once every few weeks your German Shepherd Wolf Mix will need his nails trimmed or ground down to help keep them from cracking or splitting during play or exercise. As we did mention briefly above, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix can be unpredictable when it comes to a number of temperamental traits. Socialization will include introducing your dog to new environments, places, people, sounds, sights, smells, and animals as often as possible. Try and help your German Shepherd Wolf Mix see these experiences as positive, and refrain from forcing your dog to do something that is clearly frightening or stressful for him. This could only exasperate fears down the road and lead to worsened behavioral issues or fear-based aggression. Socialization should not stop when your German Shepherd Wolf Mix is an adult. He should be around his family as often as possible to help ensure he remains mentally and physically sound. In fact, German Shepherd Wolf Mix dogs are highly intelligent, and with the right motivation, they can build a strong bond with their owner and be eager to please them. This can lead to anxiety and stress for your dog, which in turn can lead to aggression down the road. Instead, stick with positive reinforcement techniques that utilize treats, praise, and patience. We like the above training treats by Innovet Pet because they are simply freeze-dried liver treats. They are rich in protein and can help ensure that your dog is not only paying attention to you but also staying healthy while training. The ideal owner of a German Shepherd Wolf Mix is going to be someone who is very educated on the crossbreed and who understands the importance of proper exercise, mental stimulation, socialization , and training. An ideal owner should also understand that the German Shepherd Wolf Dog may exhibit behaviors more akin to a wild wolf than a dog, and these behaviors will need to be worked with. This could include skittishness, shyness, wariness, and even aggression. As such, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix is not ideally suited for homes with children and smaller pets, as we discussed above. These dogs are very brainy and athletic, and they will need a good hour or so of dedicated exercise each and every day to ensure they are not only healthy and fit but also happy. Routine exercise could include long walks, hikes, jogs, or runs. Along with this dedicated exercise time, your German Shepherd Wolf Mix will also need some free playtime as well. The front clip harness is also ideal for teaching good walking manners and is more highly recommended for strong, athletic dogs with a tendency to pull than choke chains or prong collars. German Shepherd Wolf Mix dogs will also thrive in homes with lots of securely fenced land or a large yard in which they can run and play freely. An owner should also be able and willing to commit time to training, and an ideal owner may be one with a flexible schedule or an owner who works from home. Remember, the German Shepherd Wolf Mix may be part wolf, but this is not an outdoor-only dog. If left to his own devices in a backyard all day, you are sure to wind up with a hybrid that develops some very serious behavioral issues down the road and that may even become unmanageable. The German Shepherd Wolf Mix could be prone to destructive issues, depression, and anxiety if he becomes too bored day after day. You can reduce this behavior by ensuring your dog is not only properly exercised and socialized, but that he has plenty to do on those occasions when you are not there. Avoid going through backyard breeders, online sellers or those with a poor understanding of responsible breeding practices to obtain your German Shepherd Wolf Mix. If you are very concerned about obtaining a German Shepherd Wolf Mix with behavioral issues, we suggest investing in a dog that comes by way of an experienced wolf dog breeder and a dog that is at least a third or fourth generation wolf dog. Of course, do keep in mind that there are countless German Shepherd Wolf Dogs currently in shelters and sanctuaries due to overwhelmed owners. For this reason, you might consider rescuing a German Shepherd Wolf Mix from a shelter that specializes in these types of dogs instead of buying a puppy from a breeder. Many shelters will also have had their dogs undergo behavioral testing and some basic training before placing them with their new owner. If you prefer to go through a breeder, be sure to ask plenty of questions. To get a better understanding of your area and the legalities of owning a German Shepherd Wolf Mix, we recommend looking into Breed-Specific Legislation in the United States. Although the idea of owning a wolf dog can seem exciting on paper, in reality wolf dogs are not the ideal dog for most owners or households. Getting a German Shepherd Wolf Mix should be done carefully and the decision should be given plenty of forethought long before you commit. There are plenty of owners who have had wonderful experiences with their wolf dog hybrids. If you are put off by this information, there are other breeds you might consider that look like wolves, but are actually domesticated dogs with more predictable temperaments. Some dogs we suggest you take a look at include:. Many places have laws against owning any sort of wolf mix, including a German Shepherd-Worf hybrid. This is because, unlike dogs, wolves are completely wild animals, and while they can be domesticated to a certain extent, that wild streak is likely to live on. It just means that in extreme circumstances, these dogs are likely to be less predictable than those without wolf DNA inside them. The appeal is undeniable, but you still need to do your homework before adding one to your pack. Most experts would contend that a wolf mix is one with a purebred wolf in its bloodline within four or five generations. They act just like canine puppies for the most part. However, once they start to grow up, the wolf-like tendencies begin to emerge. They can start slowly in adolescence before becoming extremely apparent in adulthood. Many people have fallen in love with a wolf mix puppy, thinking that it has the features of a wolf but the sweetness of a dog. That may be true in some cases, but in others, the animal grew up to be quite a fearsome pet indeed. They Can Be Quite Unpredictable You would think that a wolf mix would be proud and fearless, never backing down from anyone or anything. The fact of the matter is that while these dogs can certainly be ferocious, they also tend to be extremely shy and skittish. Wolves are scared of people and for good reason, sadly. That means that while your German Shepherd Wolf mix would readily sacrifice their own lives to protect their family, they usually also prefer to cower and hide when strangers arrive. That can lead to dangerous situations, especially with children. If you push these dogs past their breaking point, the wolf will eventually come out — and that can have tragic results. Some of these animals take after their canine parents, while others favor their wolf lineage. Generally speaking, though, you can expect your German Shepherd Wolf mix to be fiercely loyal and protective of their families yet wary of outsiders. Due to the wolf in them, these dogs tend to be more pack-driven than other pups. You may even want to give them a canine companion, although this can have its own set of challenges. That intelligence makes them capable escape artists, though. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Little ones will often push a pet too far, and you never know when the wolf will come out. If you do bring one of these animals into a home with little kids, never leave them unsupervised. You should also teach your kids how to deal with the dog, making sure they know not to mess with their food or toys or abuse them in any way. Older kids may be able to get along with them, though, so if your children are a little more mature, you might be able to bring one of these dogs home without issue. All of this assumes that you know how to handle one of these animals, of course. They get lonely easily and may become depressed if left alone for long periods of time. However, they may be prone to aggression with other dogs as well. Pack culture is a much bigger deal for wolves than for dogs, so your mix may be prone to dominance. Other pets, however, are likely a bad idea. Cats and smaller animals will most likely be seen as food rather than friends, so you should keep your German Shepherd Wolf mix as far away from them as possible. All of this also means that you need to be absolutely certain that your mix is kept on a secure leash and collar or harness during walks. You may not feel up to the task once you realize how much is involved with raising one of these animals. That will affect how much they eat, but you can expect them to have a healthy appetite regardless. These are energetic pups, so they need as much long-lasting energy as they can get. Avoid problematic ingredients like soy, wheat, corn, or animal by-products, as these can make your dog fat without giving them much in the way of nutrition. Many dogs have trouble processing these ingredients as well. In addition to feeding them a proper diet, you should exercise strict portion control and never allow them to free-feed. As a result, expect to provide your pet with plenty of exercises. They can easily destroy your entire lawn if not properly tuckered out. Long walks are a good idea, but you should also play fetch or something that requires more energy every day. Just be careful not to make them run and jump too much, as it puts quite a bit of strain on their spines. Mental stimulation is equally important. You can give them puzzle toys, play hide-and-seek, or put them through extensive training sessions. They respond best to positive reinforcement, so try to convince them to cooperate by offering them treats or affection. The problem with this is that eventually, those emotions will boil over. That could lead to unpleasant consequences for you. The shedding becomes extreme twice a year when the dogs blow their coats. You should only need to bathe them if they get visibly dirty, but you will need to brush their teeth and trim their claws regularly. Be sure to keep their ears clean as well, as they can be prone to infection. This reduces the risk of spinal issues later in life. Still, there are a few things to be aware of. Minor Conditions. Wolf vs. While these are generic numbers, they can still give you a better understanding of the ideal size to expect. Of course, note that your German Shepherd has to be a purebred, and the mating needs professional intervention. Below is a photo of a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog , which was initially bred from working line German Shepherds and Carpathian grey wolves in .This hybrid has a special diet requirement. Look for high-quality dog food that contains real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Some options include: Dry kibble: This is the most common type of dog food and is convenient and easy to store. Look for brands that offer high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Wet food: This type of dog food is more palatable than dry kibble and can be a good option for picky eaters. Look for brands that use real meat and avoid fillers. Raw food: Some dog owners prefer to feed their GSD-Wolf Mix a raw food diet, which consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. But why do I stress it under the diet section? Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and mobility issues. To help prevent hip dysplasia, make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight and gets regular exercise. To help prevent these issues, feed your dog a high-quality diet and avoid table scraps and other human foods. Joint problems: Because of their size and activity level, GSD-Wolf Mixes are also prone to joint problems like arthritis. Multivitamins: A multivitamin supplement can help ensure that your dog is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Here are some tips to help you keep your GSD-Wolf hybrid healthy and happy. Grooming Your German Shepherd-Wolf Mix has a thick, dense coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind: Brush their coat at least once a week to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Bathe them as needed, but not too often, as it can strip their coat of its natural oils. Trim their nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort. Clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. These are only a few tips. Ideally, once you get a German Shepherd Wolf Mix, you may encounter new requirements based on their health conditions as well. Nevertheless, regular grooming is mandatory! Combining the power and strength of a German Shepherd and a wolf, this mix is inherently stronger. Here are some exercise tips to keep in mind: Aim for at least 2 hours of exercise per day, including walks, runs, and playtime. Provide plenty of mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training sessions. Consider enrolling your dog in agility classes or other activities to keep them engaged. Training Your GSD-Wolf Mix is a smart and independent breed that needs consistent training and socialization to thrive. In fact, they can understand and grasp commands faster than usual because of their mix. Here are some training tips to keep in mind: Start training and socialization early to prevent behavior issues. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. Be patient and consistent in your training approach. Consider working with a professional trainer if you need help. Maintaining a German Shepherd Wolf Mix requires a bit more effort than other breeds, but with the right approach, you can keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. By providing them with plenty of exercise, training, and health care, you can enjoy a strong and rewarding bond with your unique and beautiful German Shepherd Wolf Mix. They have a natural instinct to protect their loved ones and can be fiercely loyal to those they trust. Your German Shepherd Wolf Mix is a smart and inquisitive breed that thrives on mental stimulation. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. Similar to their parents, your GSD-Wolf hybrid is an independent breed that can be stubborn at times. They may not always follow commands or listen to their owners and may prefer to do things their own way. However, this hybrid needs early and consistent socialization to prevent behavior issues. They may be wary of strangers and other animals if they are not properly socialized from a young age. Your GSD-Wolf Mix has a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals like squirrels and rabbits. A German Shepherd Wolf Mix is safe for people professionally trained to handle wolf dogs but is not safe for ordinary pet owners, first-time dog owners, and families with children. Three primary reasons move people to interbreed wolves and German Shepherds, or any other dog breed: The desire to create the attractive wolf look in a wolfdog. The expectation is that breeding a German Shepherd and a wolf will produce an exceptionally hybrid pup with a balanced blend of the domestic and the wild traits in the two canines. The attempt to tame the wild in the wolf and create a fiercer guard dog than the purebred German Shepherd. Unfortunately, these expectations rarely materialize. Instead, German Shepherd Wolf hybrids can manifest extreme aggression and stubbornness for several reasons. Dogs sexually mature by 6 to 8 months, but they also have less aggressive hormonal changes and a more stable behavioral pattern in the years of sexual maturity. In contrast, wolves only mature sexually at around 1 to 4 years. The species-specific roles that come with sexual maturity, such as fighting their place in pack roles, can generate aggression and stubbornness and make their behavior patterns extremely unpredictable. Inheriting the unpredictable behavior of a wolf can make German Shepherd Wolf Mixes challenging to manage. And pruning out the wolf traits in the Wolf Shepherd can be tricky, even with training. That means having to deal with a difficult-to-manage pet. A Wild Prey Drive Prey drive is the instinctive tendency of carnivores to pursue and capture prey, also known as predatory behavior. Both the wolf and the German Shepherd have a strong prey drive , the first more than the second. This behavior can make your wolfdog threaten the safety of livestock and other animals when you walk with them or even try to escape to meet this instinctual hunting drive. Territoriality Wolves are a territorial species, a trait that German Shepherd Wolf Mixes can inherit. Wolfdogs often show territoriality through urine marking. But being territorial especially means that the wolfdog will be possessive of things and spaces in the home. As a result, the Wolf Shepherd will tend to be aggressive and defensive when other animals and people approach areas and things they consider to belong to them. Winter Wolf Syndrome Winter wolf syndrome, or seasonal aggression, is the aggression that characterizes wolves and wolfdogs around the mating season. The manifestation of the winter wolf syndrome can vary from wolf to wolf or wolfdog to wolfdog. Some wolves and wolf dogs may just show a bit of grumpiness, while others can show outright aggressiveness and extreme possessiveness. In German Shepherd Wolf hybrids and other wolfdogs, the extent of the winter wolf syndrome behaviors may vary with: Wolf content: The amount of wolf in a German Shepherd Dog. Sex: Males show protective behavior towards females, and females may show aggression towards their fellow females. In both cases, the wolfdogs can direct this aggression toward the owner or other persons. According to the Colorado Wolf Sanctuary , because of the natural element in the winter wolf syndrome, wolves and wolfdog owners should be aware that it is unsafe to interact directly with their pets in the five months or more around the mating season. The resulting question from the discovery that wolfdogs can be unsafe is whether governments allow people to own wolfdogs, even though they can turn violent. In some states, owning a wolfdog is illegal. Others regulate the ownership of wolfdogs with the same laws set for the ownership of wild animals, while others regulate wolfdogs in the same way as dogs. When owning a wolfdog is permitted by law, some states and local laws may specify the permissible wolf content in the wolfdog or require owners to get additional permits. A good number of states, including California, Montana, Idaho, and Florida, have both local and state restrictions on wolfdog ownership. Fewer states like Alaska, Georgia, Michigan, and Illinois completely outlaw wolfdogs. No state in the US is without restrictions on wolfdog ownership. As laws are constantly changing, please contact your city, county, and state governments before purchasing a wolf dog. In other countries like the UK, you require a license to own first-generation F1 wolf dogs, which are regulated by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act .However, it is legal to own a wolfdog as long as it is 3 generations F3 from the parent wolf. In other words, you can own a German Shepherd wolfdog if it is born of second-generation wolfdogs or a second-generation wolfdog and a German Shepherd. Going forward, you should check the safety and legality associated with the mix before you decide to get one. Even if you possess adequate knowledge in raising one, this hybrid is pretty challenging and can pose complexities on the go. Related Posts You May Like:. Prone to shedding. Lifespan: 12 - 14 years. They can have several health issues including joint problems and cancer. No - definitely not recommended for families with young kids. Unpredictable temperaments. Although GSDs are easily trainable, wolves are wild animals. These hybrids should be reserved for very experienced dog owners. They need a ton of exercise, which is easier said than done. Once they reach a certain age and level of strength, walking your wolfdog in public can be difficult. In most places in the United States, it is illegal to own a wild animal like a wolf unless you have a special and expensive wildlife permit. GSD-wolf mixes walk a tightrope between being considered wild animals or domestic pets. Because of the wolf parent or grandparent, the law considers the resulting mix not reliably domesticated, and thus prone to acting dangerously. Therefore, if you want a wolf-dog mix, you may have to do a lot of research to even find a place in the world that will let you do so. Some proponents of wolf-dog mixes claim that some dog breeds have more grey wolf parent DNA than other dog breeds. If these breeds are allowed, then so should GSD and wolf mixes. According to Science Trends. These breeds include the Finnish Spitz, the Shar-Pei, the Siberian Husky another breed often crossed with wolves , and the Greenland dog. However, the ancestors of these breeds branched off from wolves thousands of years ago, and not simply one or two generations ago. Over one hundred years ago, German shepherds were popularly called Alsatian Wolf Dogs, since they were bred in the Alsace region of what is now France and looked like wolves. However, no wolves were actually involved in creating German Shepherd mixes. Other breeds mistakenly thought to have wolves in their recent ancestry include Siberian Huskies and the Alaskan Malamute. Although descended from wolves, the last wolf in their pedigree was thousands of years ago. Even puppies in the same litter can act in vastly different ways. Wolves tend to ignore people and do what they want. Any wolf-dog mix will be prone to unpredictable behavior at times, and will tend to act more like a wolf than a dog. Wolves are intensely territorial creatures. They attack any predator in their home range, including wolves not in their packs. This behavior has convinced some people that GSD-wolf mixes make better guard dogs than dogs. This, however, is a myth. According to the International Wolf Center, dogs have been bred for thousands of years to bark when intruders appear. Wolves on the other hand stay silent. This is because large dogs age faster than small dogs. Why this happens in dogs and not other species is not known. The future health of a wolf mix is harder to predict than the health of a purebred dog. After decades of study, it is now known what health problems certain breeds are prone to. Because German Shepherd — wolf hybrids are a genetic toss of the dice, you have no way of knowing what health problems these animals will be prone to. A wolf mix needs to be well-behaved in order to be treated for an illness, but the mix may even be too dangerous to treat. Never assume that all vets will be willing to take in a German shepherd wolf mix as a patient. All the vets in your area may refuse to work on such an animal, and this is not due to prejudice against wolves. Although all vets are trained to help domestic animals like dogs, very few are trained in the care of exotics. One problematic area for vets and exotic animal owners is that of vaccination. Rabies vaccines are crucial for dog owners. Because of the threat of rabies and the problems of the rabies vaccine working on wolf-dogs, any wolf-dog that shows signs of rabies or has been exposed to a rabid animal needs to be euthanized. The two most common medical problems with any wolf-dog mix are complications from being overweight and hip dysplasia. Being overweight can also contribute to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is very common in German shepherds and in most large dog breeds. Hip dysplasia symptoms like limping start when the dog is young, and gets worse over time if left untreated. This is a very painful and chronic condition that may require surgery to treat. Depending on the genetic roll of the dice, a GSD wolf puppy may be looking at a very short, unhealthy life. GSDs are also prone to a deadly and incurable condition called degenerative myelopathy that hits GSDs seven years of age and older. However, this can become quite complicated since wolf-dogs cannot be walked and played with like normal dogs. Puppies may be able to walk on a leash in the beginning. Sadly, a lot of wolf-dog hybrids wind up staying permanently in an outdoor pen because they cannot be walked or trained. Despite the endless unknowns surrounding a GSD wolf mix, their size is actually predictable. The smallest hybrids will be as small as a GSD — roughly 49 pounds. The largest will be about pounds, which is the size of a large male Mackenzie Valley wolf, the largest known wolf species. As is common in most wolf species and dog breeds, females tend to be smaller. GSDs are as tall as small wolves, but wolves can actually reach heights of 34 inches tall at the shoulders. GSD wolf mixes come in a wide variety of colors, but most have two or even three tones to their coats. Common two-toned colors include black and tan, grey and white, silver and white, brown and grey, and tan and grey. Puppies of dogs, wolf-dog mixes, and even wolves can be trained and easily handled. However, once the wolf-dog hybrid becomes physically and sexually mature, all bets are off. Just when a GSD wolf mix matures differs from puppy to puppy. Dogs mature a lot faster than wolves. A German shepherd wolf mix could mature as early as six months, when a GSD matures, or as late as four years old when a wolf typically matures. However, these are not wolves. However, if you want an animal that obeys commands all the time, why not just save yourself the time and money, and go with a dog? They also ask people for affection. They have to be taught to hunt by their older pack-mates. They grow accustomed to being given food at predictable times. All wolf hybrids, including GSD wolf mixes, have severely bitten or attacked people and pets in the United States. Wolf-hybrids often attack children more than adults because children make noises resembling small prey animals. More often, wolf-dog mixes will attack other pets than people. These are very territorial animals. If any other animal is perceived as being on their turf, a GSD wolf mix may not only attack but kill a dog, cat, or other animal. Not only will you have to pay restitution and possible court costs, but depending on your local laws, your GSD wolf mix may be confiscated and euthanized. Your chances of appeal are very small, and will involve significant legal expenses. The only known factors are that this is a large animal with the ability to inflict serious damage on pets, livestock, wildlife, and people, especially children. You may have to keep the animal in a pen for the rest of its life. You may never be able to find a vet willing to look after the GSD wolf mix. You may have laws banning the ownership of such an animal where you live. A GSD wolf mix puppy or adult costs thousands of dollars. You will need plenty of land, fencing, and legal advice in order to keep it. When it comes to any wolf-dog mix, leave it alone. Get one of the safer German Shepherd mixes instead. German Shepherd wolf mix breeds are one of the biggest dogs you can get, averaging to around 24 inches tall. In terms of weight, they average to around 60 lbs heavy when they are fully grown. While this is slightly smaller than the average German Shepherd, this is still large for a dog. Remember, their personality will make them seem even larger than they physically are. This mix breed is highly unpredictable. This means that while German Shepherds are generally bigger than the wolf mix breed, they are much more obedient. A larger and more obedient German Shepherd will seem much smaller than a GSD wolf mix that has an unpredictable and potentially dangerous temperament. Even though GSD wolf mix breeds might grow to be slightly smaller than a regular German Shepherd, the average lifespan of both is the same. They are both considered medium-large breeds, which means that they can come with a variety of health issues including joint problems and cancer. What percentage of German Shepherds are wolf? Technically speaking, every dog derives from wolves. They were never bred with wolves. It all depends on the genetics of the German Shepherd, as some might have come from a background that bred wolves into the family. Instead, German Shepherds descend from the Canidae biological family in the same way as other domestic dogs do. This biological family includes wolves, foxes, and dingoes. Other breeds of dogs like Siberian Huskies and Finnish Spitz are more closely related to wolves as their ancestors had been wolves for thousands of years. How can you tell if your German Shepherd is part wolf? German Shepherds were never bred with wolves when the breed was standardized in Germany in the s, which means that there is no element of wolf in their DNA. Still, they are part of the Canidae family in the same way as other domesticated dogs are. However, you can still commit to a genetic test to see if your German Shepherd has come from a family that attempted to breed a wolf into the genetic line. Also, when buying or adopting your GSD, the seller should make you aware of if the dog is part wolf.

What to look for in a Labradoodle By Tine Neel Oklahoman Answer: Once you have decided on a breed of pup that you want, you will need to look over all the pups you are considering for certain health conditions. First, look for a pup that is of average or medium size within the litter. The smallest, weakest pups are not always healthy and can have some congenital or genetic problems that may shorten their life. Look for a pup that is friendly and not too timid. Very shy pups may be afraid and can become fear biters in the future. The primary socialization period for pups is 6 to 16 weeks of age so pick a pup in the 6 to 8 week old age range if possible. A few of the labradoodles I have dealt with are timid so look for one that comes to you readily. If you find one that you are interested in and seems to like you too, check the pup over to see if it has any discharges from the eyes or nose. Look into the ears and be sure that there is not crusty material in them. Check and see if there is a hernia bulge where the umbilical cord would attach on the middle of the belly or between the legs. In looking for a male pup, check to be sure that both testicles have descended into the scrotum. Six week old pups should have both testicles and it is not true that they will come down later. In order to have an idea if the pup is anemic, you can lift the lips and see if the gums and tongue are pink unless the mouth is black and not white. It is possible to get an idea about the immunities that the pup may have by asking the breeder what types of vaccines were used for the mother of the pups. Also inquire if the pups have been treated with any medications at all and get the names, amounts and dates of any treatments. Ask if the parents have had any medical problems and how old the parents and grandparents are which will give you an idea of what kind of longevity they have. Be sure to see the parents if possible. Try to see the pups at the breeder's place and observe how clean and healthy the other animals look. Be ware of people that want to meet you half way to sell you a pup. Consider getting in writing that you will have hours to take the pup to your veterinarian and have it checked over completely. It may be advisable to get a statement writing that if any contagious or congenital problems are found, you will receive your money back in full and not just be given another pup from the same litter or breeder. Many reputable breeders will already have such documents available. Remember that the incubation period of many of the common puppy diseases are 6 or more days in length. This means that even if your veterinarian finds no problems during the purchase examination, the pup still could break with disease in a week or so. Discuss this possibility with the breeder and have a written agreement as to how such a problem would be handled financially. The only problems I personally have seen with these dogs are that some have allergies. Additionally some labradoodles become overweight which is a feeding and exercise issue that you will be able to control with proper guidance. Here is a link to a website called petplace. Finally, purchasing a new pup is a big commitment in time, emotion and money, so be prepared to live up to that commitment. Have a veterinarian picked out and consult with them about the purchase. Make sure you can provide for the necessary vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, heart worm prevention, de-worming, flea control and quality food that will be required for the life of your pup. Additionally have a pet safe environment for the pup and commit the time to train your new pup. You effort will be returned many time over by the attention of a great and loving pet. Curly coat: Dense, thick curls that have no odor and are non-shedding. The Labradoodle can come is a palette of beautiful colors, such as gold, apricot, caramel, white, black, red, chocolate, blue and parti-color. Curious about how to groom and trim that luxurious coat? Check out this video: 2. Medium: 20 inches 50 cm tall; up to 45 lbs 20 kg in weight. Miniature: 16 inches 40 cm tall; up to 25 lbs 11 kg in weight. No responsible breeder will guarantee that their Labradoodle puppies will definitely grow to be an exact size. Both are high energy dogs who love to fetch and swim. Both make wonderful family dogs and do well with children and other pets. Labradoodles tend to have shorter coats. The Goldendoodle has a longer, shaggier coat inherited from the Golden Retriever. Both are friendly dogs, but Goldendoodles are highly social and not afraid to run up to anyone, while the Labradoodle can be stand-offish, taking time to get used to strangers. You can compare the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle some more in this video. Bonus: Even More Doodles! These are two other popular Poodle mixes that are similar to the Labradoodle. You can learn more about the Australian Labradoodle here. This Poodle and Schnauzer mix hangs with the small-sized dogs, reaching 15 lbs 7 kg in weight. It makes a great companion or service dog. Learn more about the Schnoodle here. Though not aggressive, Labradoodle temperament can vary. Agility, quick thinking skills and a lustrous coat of hypoallergenic curls have made it an outstanding show dog, as well as a favored breed by those who suffer from allergies. The noble Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are highly popular in North America and the UK, especially for their use as service dogs for the disabled. Highly intelligent and sharp as a whip, this breed is in-tune with feelings and actions, learning quickly, displaying loyalty and taking on the role of caretaker. As a Retriever breed, the Labrador has a reputation for being a phenomenal hunter and water dog. They love to swim! This is a big dog, weighing in at up to 80 lbs 29—36 kg. Its coat is short, dense and water resistant. It can come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Watch those leather loafers! Because of their size and energetic personality, plenty of space is recommended for a Labradoodle to blow of steam. That means small apartments and long hours in a crate do not benefit this stimulated hybrid. Take your Labbidoo out for a jog or let her splash in your swimming pool if you have one. Homes with a fenced in yard are ideal for your dog to have some off-leash time to run about and frolic freely. Add in some early socialization to help curb bad habits and control over-exuberance when meeting with children or other dogs. Ear infections: Floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, leading to painful infections. Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause arthritis and lameness. Elbow dysplasia: These are abnormalities that cause degeneration of the elbow joint. Epilepsy: Seizures that result from an unknown cause. Diabetes Mellitus: A disease in which the body suffers from a shortage of insulin. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Feeding Specific nutrition requirements differ from dog to dog based on needs and size. For the Labradoodle, use high-quality dog food and divide 1 to 2. Avoid feeding throughout the day, because they have been known to suffer from gastric torsion like the Labrador Retriever. The thickness and length will determine the sort of grooming needed. Longer coats will need trimming every six weeks. Second, soaring popularity has lead to an infection of puppy mills popping up like nasty sores. These are to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, the price is cheaper. Do your breeder research thoroughly and visit the premises where the puppies hail from. With puppy mills wreaking havoc, Labradoodle rescues have become more prevalent. Check out these websites for listings:. Consider Adoption First. Check The Lineage. You can check with the breeder and get a good idea of what type of coat your puppy will develop. Most reputable breeders keep records or even scrapbooks of the puppies that come from their kennels. If you get a Labradoodle puppy from a one-litter-every-blue-moon family, there are approximate measurements to go by. There are three size variations for the Labradoodle and it depends on the size of the poodle used for the first generation. The sizes are standard, medium, and miniature. A standard male Labradoodle will be inches in height and the female will be inches. The weight for both is from 50 to 65 pounds. A medium male Labradoodle will be inches in height and the female will be inches The weight for both is 30 to 45 pounds. The miniature Labradoodle has a much wider range of sizes. Male and female can be from 14 inches to 17 inches in height and weigh between 15 to 25 pounds. Coat texture and color, as well as size, tend to stabilize in multi-generational puppies. A competent breeder will not select dogs that have these genetic traits to be used as breeding stock. The health records for the parents of the current litter should be available for inspection. Are They Aggressive? Labradoodles are gentle and fun-loving, and most of all, they are very family-oriented. They were bred to be non-aggressive and eager to please. Some breeders will make arrangements to let the family interact with the puppy before making any long term commitments. Labradoodles are traditionally high energy and active creatures and would do best in a home that has a fenced-in yard. They need about 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day to burn calories and generally wear them out. They are not suited for apartments, but as long as you can get them out for a run on the trails or play in the park daily, they should be alright. Labradoodles also crave interaction with people and do not handle being left alone for long periods of time. Take this into consideration if you will be at work and there is no one home during the day. Your new Labradoodle needs food and shelter obviously but many prospective owners forget the time to train the new addition. There is also the socialization that MUST be a part of raising your pet from day one. In many cases, the new parents need as much training as the puppy does. Here is a significant time drain — grooming. Brushing and bathing will need to be on a regular schedule, or else you will need the services of a professional groomer. Labrador retrievers are kindly and good-natured and they are very easy-going and gentle. Poodles are active, energetic, and quite lively but they are also loyal and bond easily with family members. They are very intelligent and tend to socialize and train easily. Labradoodles vary from the mini to standard size, and with each larger version comes the chance of smaller children getting unintentionally bumped around by a burst of puppy exuberance. Always remember that a puppy will grow much faster than your child will. Breeders following this protocol can provide a CHIC number for their breeding stock. You can get your veterinarian to give you their recommendations for reputable Labradoodle breeders. Consider avoiding breeders that Breed other types of dogs. Have multiple litters available at once, like in a number of kennels at a farm…this would be like a puppy mill. Sometimes the owners just found out that they cannot devote the time and care necessary to raise their fur baby properly. Whatever the reason, there are many orphaned dogs of all breeds just waiting for a loving family to welcome them home. There are usually benefits with a rescue dog, such as being already housebroken or socialized with other people and their pets. Labradoodles are very intelligent and have long memories. They will always remember being rescued…or should I say…rescuing you. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. How to Pick the Right Labradoodle Puppy In this article, we will provide tips and considerations for how to pick the right Labradoodle puppy. Researching the Breeders There are several steps you can take to research dog breeders before getting a new Labradoodle puppy: Start by searching for Labradoodle breeders in your area or within a reasonable distance. Look for breeders who are members of the Australian Labradoodle Association or the Australian Association of Pet Dog Breeders, as these organizations have strict breeding standards and codes of ethics. Look for reviews or ask for references from past customers. It can also be helpful to ask for references from veterinarians or trainers who have worked with the breeder. Look for information about the health testing and genetic screenings they perform on their breeding dogs. This will allow you to observe the conditions in which the dogs are kept and the overall health of the animals. A reputable breeder should be willing to answer your questions and provide documentation about the puppies. Look for signs of good nutrition, such as shiny coats and clear eyes. Watch how the puppies interact with each other and with humans. Look for puppies that are curious and friendly, rather than fearful or aggressive. Play with the puppies to see how they respond to handling and attention. Look for puppies that are calm and gentle, rather than hyperactive or overly rough. Look for evidence that the puppies have received proper veterinary care, such as vaccination records. Trust your instincts. If a puppy seems uncomfortable or unhealthy, it is best to choose another one. It is also important to remember to be cautious when handling the puppies to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands before and after handling the puppies, and avoid exposing them to potential sources of infection. Making a Final Decision When making the final decision on which Labradoodle puppy is right for you , there are several factors to consider: Consider your lifestyle and living situation. Choose a puppy that is the right size and energy level for your home and schedule. Think about your goals for training and obedience. Look for a puppy that is intelligent and willing to learn. Consider the temperament and personality of the puppy. Take into account the health history and genetics of the puppy. Choose a puppy from parents with good health histories and from a litter that has been screened for genetic disorders. Choose the puppy that feels like the best fit for your family. Be aware of the costs associated with owning a dog, including veterinary care, food, and training. Make sure you are comfortable with the price of the puppy and able to provide for its needs. It is important to remember that no puppy is perfect, and all puppies require time, training, and attention to grow into well-adjusted adults. By carefully evaluating the puppies and considering your own needs and goals, you can find the right Labradoodle puppy for your family. Conclusion on How to Pick the Right Labradoodle Puppy In conclusion, choosing the right Labradoodle puppy requires careful research and evaluation. By researching reputable breeders, visiting the litter to assess the health and temperament of the puppies, and considering your own lifestyle and goals, you can find a Labradoodle puppy that is the perfect fit for your family. Remember to take the time to make an informed decision and trust your instincts, as choosing the right Labradoodle puppy will set the stage for a happy and healthy relationship. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Friendly — Easy-going, Gentle, fun, and high spirited, inherited from their Labrador parent. Intelligent — Highly alert and smart, just like their Poodle parent. Loyal — Labradoodles are loyal dogs. If treated well when young, Labradoodles make loving, dependable, and amusing companions. Easy-to-train — A combination of their high level of intelligence and desire to please people makes it easy to train them. Playful — Labradoodles have a very high energy level. They enjoy playing with a passion and always up for a game of chase, fetch, or even a swim. Easy-to-maintain — With proper grooming, diet, and exercise routines, they are a pretty easy breed to care for. Secondly, take your time. Choosing a puppy that will share your home and your life for the next 10 to 15 years is a big decision. Individuals The next thing to remember is that while different Labradoodles may share many characteristics and temperament traits; each puppy also has its character, just like humans. Are you fit and active — do you want a lively, energetic dog? Or are you older and maybe live alone? If so, a smaller, more placid Labradoodle will suit you better, or perhaps an older dog that needs re-homing. Some Labradoodle puppies will run up to greet you, pull at your shoelaces and playfully bite your fingers. Others will be more content to stay in the basket sleeping. Watch their behavior and energy levels. Which puppy will be suitable? Submissive or Dominant? A submissive dog will be more passive by nature, less energetic, and also possibly easier to train. A dominant dog will usually be more active and lively. They may also need a firmer hand when training or socializing with other dogs. If he immediately struggles to get free, he is considered to be dominant. A similar test is the suspension test. A dominant pup will kick and struggle to get free. A puppy that is happy to remain dangling is more submissive. Useful Tips Here are some other important signs to look out for: Watch how he interacts with his litter-mates. Does he try and dominate them, does he walk away from them, or is he happy to play with them? How your puppy reacts with other puppies may give you an idea of how easy it will be to socialize him with other dogs. After having contact with the puppy, does he want to follow you or walk away from you? Not following may mean he has a more independent nature. If you throw something for the puppy, is he happy to retrieve it for you or does he ignore it? This may measure their willingness to work with humans. Decide which type of temperament would fit in with you and your family, and the rest is up to you. A Labradoodle that has constant positive interactions with people and other animals during the first three to four months of life will be a more stable, happier dog. In contrast, a puppy plucked from its family and isolated at home alone for weeks on end will be less happy, less socialized, and may well have behavior problems later on. Puppies are like children. Being properly raised contributes to their confidence, sociability, stability, and intellectual development. The bottom line is that a pup raised in a warm, loving environment with people is likely to be more tolerant and accepting and less likely to develop problems. This aptitude test has been developed by the highly respected Wendy and Jack Volhard who have built up an international reputation over the last 30 years for their invaluable contribution to dog training, health, and nutrition. Read the full Volhard puppy aptitude test on their website to learn how to conduct the test. Related posts:. From their friendly, playful personalities to their intelligent, eager-to-please natures, there are plenty of advantages to owning labradoodles. What Are Labradoodle Puppies? Not only was this new breed low-shedding and hypoallergenic, but it was also incredibly friendly and intelligent. Their sociable, affectionate natures make labradoodle puppies great for new owners and experienced pet parents alike. Most labradoodles require around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can be easily fulfilled by walks or games. Intelligence: Thanks to their poodle parentage, labradoodle puppies are highly intelligent. Their natural curiosity and eagerness to please makes them fairly easy to train which is why labradoodles are common candidates for therapy dogs. Most mother dogs give birth to anywhere from one to 12 puppies at a time, with the average being just a few pups around five to six. It can be hard to single one puppy out — each one is adorable! Here are a few important factors you should look out for. Size Every new pet owner wants to go home with a healthy puppy. If a puppy is much smaller than its littermates, it may have a congenital or genetic issue that could affect its lifespan. On the flip side, if a puppy is the largest of the litter, it may be stealing food, which could mean it has trouble listening to commands. Personality The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its siblings and mother dog can be very indicative of its personality. When examining a litter, watch how the puppies interact with one another. A withdrawn, shy pup that keeps to itself may have aggression and biting issues in the future. An aggressive, independent pup that bullies other dogs may be reluctant to listen to commands. Meanwhile, a friendly, relaxed pup that gets along with its littermates will likely be easy to train. Playfulness The way a labradoodle puppy acts around its littermates can tell you a lot about its personality. But what about the way it acts around you? As you greet the puppies, observe how they behave. The puppies that rush forward and are interested in playing are more likely to be sociable and friendly. See if any puppies roll over on their backs — pets that exhibit this behavior tend to be more easygoing and trusting, which will come in handy while training. Gender For many prospective owners, the gender of their new puppy is probably inconsequential. However, if you already have a dog at home, gender may be an important factor to consider. According to many experts, male and female canines tend to get along better than two dogs of the same sex. Thus, if you have a female dog at home, you should consider getting a male pup and vice versa. Appearance Many prospective dog owners have a certain look in mind when searching for a new pet. For example, some people may want a puppy with a solid-colored coat, while others like multicolored pups. If you have any appearance preferences, look for a puppy that meets those expectations. Generally, you can expect labradoodle siblings to look pretty similar. However, there may be some slight differences — for example, one may have a traditional, golden curly coat, while another has a few spots of white. The only thing you can count on for sure is that all the labradoodles will share a distinguishable curly coat. Legs: Is your desired puppy walking and running normally? Any limping indicates a paw or leg injury. If this spot is larger than the size of a dime, the puppy may experience bone problems in the future. Stomach: Check to see if there are any protrusions or hernias around the belly area. Moreover, the puppy should not be scratching its eyes and ears excessively. Reputable breeders should answer your questions thoroughly and do everything they can to help you find your perfect match. Here are some good questions to ask. How Does the Puppy Behave in General? No puppy acts the same way throughout the entire day. The breeder will let you know if the puppy is a good match or if another puppy might be better for you. Before you take any puppies home, try to get some more specific information about them. For example, you could ask what activities a puppy enjoys. If you exercise frequently and want a labradoodle puppy that can keep up with your excursions, the breeder can direct you to an active puppy. On the flip side, if you prefer to stay in, the breeder can introduce you to a calmer, lower-energy puppy. For instance, if the breeder says a puppy likes spending time with people and learning new tricks, it suggests that the puppy will be more responsive to training. What Do the Parents Look Like? Generally, standard labradoodle puppies grow to be anywhere from 20 to 25 inches in height. You can get a better idea of what your new labradoodle puppy is going to look like by observing the parents. For example, if the parents seem too large, you might want to try another litter. In some cases, you may be able to meet the parents of your new labradoodle puppy in person. Are the Puppies Health-Tested? For example, ear discharge could indicate an infection, while a dull coat suggests skin allergies. Make sure the breeder health-tests all their labradoodles for common puppy diseases. Get a Labradoodle Today! There are probably plenty of healthy, friendly puppies within a litter that would fit well in your home. The best way to find the right puppy is by observing the litter, asking the right questions and working with a high-quality breeder. All our trained labradoodle puppies go through health and coat testing, as well as obedience training and housebreaking that meets therapy dog standards. Learn more by contacting us today! Adult Labradoodle coats generally fall into three categories: hair coats, fleece coats, and wool coats. But, all of these are quite different to puppy coats! Adult Labradoodle Coat Types There are three main types of adult Labradoodle coat , and they are quite easy to tell apart from one another. However, this coat type will only reveal itself after your Doodle has shed their puppy coat. Here are the three types of coat that your puppy could have: Hair coat — straight hair, double layered, moderate to high shedding. This is the most like the purebred Labrador Retriever. Fleece coat — wavy fur, either double or single layered, low to moderate shedding. This coat feels like angora wool. Wool coat — tightly curled or corded, single layer, low shedding. This coat is the most like the purebred Poodle. These coat types look quite different from one another when your Labradoodle is an adult. But, as puppies, Doodles with these different coat types can look quite similar. So, what does a Labradoodle puppy coat look like? The Labradoodle Puppy Coat Labradoodles of all coat types look very similar when they are puppies. A Labradoodle puppy coat is always single layered, very soft to the touch, and often has a slight wave or curl. This puppy coat will start to shed from around 6 months of age. But, the amount of time it takes for a puppy to fully shed this coat and expose their adult coat can vary. For some, the full process can take as long as a year and a half! But, only when this puppy coat sheds will it become obvious what fur type your Labradoodle has. And, some breeders may be able to do so. But, in reality, it is very hard to do, especially if your puppy is a first generation mix i. This is because the puppy can inherit any mix of traits from their parents, and Poodles have very different fur to Labradors. If your Labradoodle puppy is a second or third generation, or if they have been backcrossed to a Poodle, their adult coat may be slightly easier to predict. There are plenty of tips available from breeders when trying to determine the adult coat of your Labradoodle puppy. The curlier this fur is, the more Poodle-like they suggest the adult coat will be. Others may state that you can make the same assumptions by looking at the whole coat — the wavier this is, the curlier the adult coat will be. But, you must remember that your puppy will shed this coat to allow their adult fur to grow in. And all Labradoodle puppies can look very similar in those early months, as puppy coats are very different to the three potential adult coats. The best way to predict what coat your Labradoodle puppy may grow up to have is to observe the parent dogs. The more similar their coats are, the easier it will be to predict the type of coat your puppy will have. What if the Parents Are Different? But, if the parents are quite different, such as with a first generation Labradoodle, things can be a little harder. This is because puppies can inherit any mix of genes and traits from their parents. So, even within a single litter, first generation Labradoodle puppies can look very different from one another. In these cases, you will often have to wait till your puppy is a little older to see exactly which traits they will express. If you are searching for a specific type of Labradoodle coat, it is usually best to choose later generation puppies. For instance, people with allergies often seek the wool coat Labradoodle, as the curly fur catches shedding dander and can help to reduce dog allergy symptoms. Some experienced breeders may be able to accurately predict it from a young age. But, in most cases, you will be best off looking at the parent dogs. If they have similar coats, your puppy will likely grow up to look that way too. We would love to hear your experiences with the Labradoodle coat in the comments! Readers Also Liked.

Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Known as the Empire State, New York is located in the Northeastern United States and offers many dog-friendly experiences that you and your furry companion can enjoy together. Our main objective is to connect you with the best Pug breeders and puppies for sale in New York. Our website has a wide variety of reputable breeders that specialize in raising healthy puppies. Our breeders are committed to only raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and care to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide additional support and advice after the sale to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. New York has a fantastic dog community featuring numerous dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events perfect for you and your four-legged friend. New York sits fifth among other states, with a population of over 2. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted Pug breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery. A dedicated flight nanny accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Empire State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your puppy search for the perfect Pug puppy today on TrustedPuppies. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in New York? There are lots of sites out there offering to help you meet Pug breeders New York and find Pug puppies New York, but the quality levels of each site can vary greatly. Some sites sell unhealthy pups from bad breeders and you can even find scammers operating on certain sites too. You won't have to worry about any of those kinds of problems here on Uptown. What are puppy mills and why should I worry about them? Puppy mills are basically dog factories — they're places where pups are kept in cramped and unclean conditions, sold off at cheap prices to make way for the next batch. Pug puppies for sale in New York from mills often have health issues and behavioral problems because of this troubled upbringing, leading to big vet bills and disappointment for the owners. What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeders should also be avoided when looking for a Pug for sale New York. They're basically people who breed dogs in unethical ways, often using their own backyards as breeding facilities and failing to meet the proper standards of ethics and professionalism. You won't have to worry about a single backyard breeder selling a New York Pug for sale on Uptown. Are Pugs good family dogs? They are indeed and we're seeing lots of families looking for Pugs for sale New York in recent times. These dogs have plenty of family-friendly qualities, beginning with the fact that they love kids and enjoy playing with little ones of all ages. There's also the fact that Pugs are highly portable, perfect for car rides and family adventures, and they're very friendly, loyal, and cuddle-loving too. Hybrid and designer dogs are specially-bred dogs, created by crossing two different breeds together. An example would be the Daug, which is made by mixing a Pug and a Dachshund. On their own, Pugs aren't designer dogs, but you can be interested in buying a hybrid Pug for sale in New York, such as a Daug or Puggle. Are Pugs easy to train? Pugs are more than capable of effectively learning basic commands with ease. They really like to please their owners, so they're happy to learn new things, as long as you have some patience with them and don't try to push them too far. New York Pugs for sale are therefore a good choice for those who don't have much experience with dog training. Can I have a Pug if I live in an apartment? For sure! There are many happy apartment dwellers out there who have chosen Pugs as their pets, and Pugs have a lot of positive qualities making them a good match for apartment life. They're small in stature and have low energy levels too, so New York Pugs for sale really don't need too much space to be happy. Just be sure to take them for regular walks so they don't gain too much weight. Am I limited to local breeders only? No, there are no limits when you use Uptown too search for your Pug pup! You can try to find a local New York Pug puppy for sale to make things a little simpler for picking up your pup, or you can search far and wide with trusted breeders all over the nation. If your Pug is too far away to drive, the breeder can make arrangements to fly your pup to an airport near you. How do you screen breeders selling Pug puppies? There are some amazing Pug breeders in New York. Sadly, there are also some lower quality breeders too, along with puppy mills and scammers to watch out for. How much do Pug pups cost? The average price of Pug puppies for sale New York can vary quite a lot. Well, the price tag for each pup can be affected by a range of different factors like coat color, eye color, size, and more. Here at Uptown, we aim to help you find a Pug New York that meets all of your requirements and matches your budget too.

Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. For the complete list please see our breeders info page page. However, the price may be higher depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the dog. It is important to do your research to find a reputable breeder who cares about the welfare of their puppies. When you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you are making a commitment to care for the dog for its entire lifetime. These dogs can live for up to 14 years, so it is important to be prepared for the financial responsibility that comes with owning a pet. If you are looking for a loyal and intelligent companion, a German Shepherd may be the perfect breed of dog for you. Reputable breeders will screen potential buyers and will only sell their puppies to responsible homes. This can give you valuable insight into the temperament, intelligence, and health of the pup. The breeder should also be willing to offer a guarantee on the health of the puppy. Puppies should be well socialized and should have received their shots and been dewormed. Finding a reputable German Shepherd breeder in Michigan can be challenging, but it is worth it to find a healthy and well-socialized pup. What is The German Shepherd Personality? The German Shepherd personality can vary from dog to dog. However, they are often loyal and intelligent. They can be trained to perform a variety of tasks and are known for their protective nature. These dogs make excellent companions and can be a valuable member of the family. Ask to see the location where the puppies are kept, and ask to visit with them. This is very important. Before purchasing a German Shepherd in Michigan, you should visit the breeder in person. This can give you valuable insight into whether or not they are responsible. It is important to ensure that the dogs are well cared for and that the puppies are healthy. You should also be able to get a feel for whether or not the breeder is trustworthy. The personality traits associated with any dog are in their genetics and in their upbringing which means that if one parent has characteristics that you would like to avoid i. This also means that you should try to meet all of the parents. If there is a temperament problem with a dog, it is always possible for it to be passed on even if the breeder does not believe so. Ask the breeder for references from previous buyers and contact them. Find out if the puppies were healthy if they were well socialized, and if the breeder was helpful and knowledgeable. References will also tell you whether or not the breeder is willing to work with potential buyers and answer questions. Of course, there are caveats — it is possible for a breeder to give false references — but this is rare. How to Find A Reputable German Shepherd Breeder in Michigan: Ask for Photos If a breeder has several litters available at different times, ask if you can see pictures of their dogs while they are still young or even puppies. If they refuse, consider this a red flag and avoid them. The best German Shepherd breeders will want to share this part of their lives with potential clients; after all, these are the dogs that will be part of When looking for a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to visit your Michigan German Shepherd breeder in person. This will allow you to see how the puppies are being raised and ensure that they are healthy Ask Your Michigan German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers If the breeder is reputable, they will have no problem with you contacting some of their past customers. Ask them about the quality of the puppies, whether or not they were healthy and if the breeder was helpful. References are one of the best ways to determine if a breeder is reputable; unfortunately, not all breeders have good references. Meeting past customers will tell you even more about whether or not your German Shepherd breeder in Michigan is reputable. This way your puppy can get on a preventive program from day one. You should also ask if they use Heartguard and Frontline Plus for fleas and worms. A good breeder will not hesitate to provide you with this information. The best thing about being proactive is that it prevents problems down the road. Even more important than just vaccines is having had all shots current before going home. Some of these diseases are deadly, so ask your breeder to show you the Pedigree for current health testing. How can you avoid getting caught up in such an unfortunate situation? They appear frightened and shy away from human touch. If you do encounter an unethical breeder, please contact the proper authorities. Some unethical dog breeders will no doubt try to sell you a puppy with serious health problems. Also, ask if your new puppy has received his first vaccinations and if so, what brand of vaccine was used. The best way to find a reputable and honest breeder is by word-of-mouth or through referrals from friends, family members, your veterinarian or other dog breeders. You can also check the web pages of national breed clubs for a list of inspected and approved German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Michigan. House-training can be a long process and you will probably need to invest in some training aids, which you can find at your local pet store or online retailer. Training aids such as dog piddle pads, potty bells and indoor grass mats can help speed up the house training process. Potty training takes patience, consistency and lots of love. Here are some basic potty training tips: 1 Take your puppy outside to his bathroom area after eating or waking up from a nap. Make sure you watch him until he has finished the business then praise him for doing it correctly. Try not to play with your dog during this time because it can distract them from their job. Instead, gently place your pup on the newspaper so that he can see what he has done, then praise and encourage him while taking them outside to finish their business. Your puppy or dog will still be able to smell the scent of his own urine and it might entice him to go potty inside again. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. German Shepherds for sale in Michigan Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Michigan with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Michigan. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Michigan There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Michigan, from Detroit to Flint, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in MI that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MI! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MI We like to think we've made a lot of people in Michigan happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She answered almost all our questions before bringing him home. She gave us guidance with how to raise the puppy correctly. We are looking forward to the training that comes with all of her puppies as well! Cindy loves all her dogs and truly cares for the families she works with. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. Our German Shepherd Kennels are located in Southwest Michigan and we offer to ship nationwide, and delivery services. We created this German Shepherd Kennel for the serious German Shepherd enthusiast who is committed to maintaining these world-class pedigrees, and working heritage set forth over a century ago carried on through the Verein Fur Deutche Schaeferhunde Club. Our commitment is only matched by our love for the breed and its extraordinary capabilities. In Germany, Purebred German Shepherd Breeders would be required to show their dogs at the German Sieger Shows to obtain breeding titles, which would continue to improve the breed. VA4 Taifun vom St. DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. There has only been a few stud dogs in the history of the breed that have ever produced a vise world sieger and Uran is one of them. Kolenda Kennels is a German Shepherd Breeder that is a personalized kennel and dedicated to improving the breed, located at th Ave Dorr, Michigan , located in Grand Rapids Michigan area. When buying a puppy it is a good ideal to visit the kennel. You should be able to interact with their dogs, especially the mom and dad of the puppy you are considering. This is the only way to check the temperament of their breeding dogs. By visiting the kennel you can inspect the cleanliness of the facility, and how the puppies are being taken care of. You can interact with the puppies and also, check the temperament of the puppies themselves and over all health. By visiting the kennel you will also be able to see the over all looks and structure of the breeding dogs. By doing these things this would help improve the German Shepherd Breed itself. It would make it difficult to breed and sell inferior puppies, which would help keep the breed from deteriorating. When my wife and I decided to make being German Shepherd Dog Breeders our full-time career we decided to put together a German Shepherd Kennel that is dedicated to breeding the best Imported German Shepherds. This way, we could offer this beautiful, outstanding tempered dog to the public.

This may vary depending on availability, payment method, location and other factors beyond our control. Close Additional shipping costs may apply. Product description Wholesome dry dog food for Golden Retriever puppies up to 15 months, with borage and fish oils alongside highly-digestible L. Obedient, self-confident, loyal and willing to learn - these are just some of the strong characteristics that can be found in the Golden Retriever. This devoted, trusted breed is a symbol of the family dog and requires a balanced diet from the very start in order to grow into a healthy and active family member. An antioxidant complex with vitamin E can help your puppy to build and strengthen its natural immune system. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy also contains valuable fatty acids that can help to keep coat glossy and support sensitive skin. High-quality proteins and prebiotics help to support healthy digestion and improve stool quality. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy at a glance: Breed-specific dry food for Golden Retriever puppies up to 15 months Optimal growth and development The exclusive recipe is tailored to the needs of Golden Retrievers and can support bodily immunity, appearance and healthy digestion. Tailored kibble The kibble has been specially designed for sensitive milk teeth and a puppy's jaws, making food easy to eat and encouraging chewing. Strong immune system: exclusive antioxidant complex with vitamin E to support body immunity Healthy appearance: valuable fatty acids from fish and borage oils to keep skin healthy and coat glossy Joint protection: glucosamine and chondroitin help to keep bones and joints healthy Ideal digestion: highly-digestible L. This means that Royal Canin offers your dog high-quality, balanced nutrition. Technological additives: Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources 10g. Contains preservatives and antioxidants. This may vary depending on availability, payment method, location and other factors beyond our control. Close Additional shipping costs may apply. Product description Wholesome dry dog food for Golden Retriever puppies up to 15 months, with borage and fish oils alongside highly-digestible L. Obedient, self-confident, loyal and willing to learn - these are just some of the strong characteristics that can be found in the Golden Retriever. This devoted, trusted breed is a symbol of the family dog and requires a balanced diet from the very start in order to grow into a healthy and active family member. An antioxidant complex with vitamin E can help your puppy to build and strengthen its natural immune system. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy also contains valuable fatty acids that can help to keep coat glossy and support sensitive skin. High-quality proteins and prebiotics help to support healthy digestion and improve stool quality. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy at a glance: Breed-specific dry food for Golden Retriever puppies up to 15 months Optimal growth and development The exclusive recipe is tailored to the needs of Golden Retrievers and can support bodily immunity, appearance and healthy digestion. Tailored kibble The kibble has been specially designed for sensitive milk teeth and a puppy's jaws, making food easy to eat and encouraging chewing. Strong immune system: exclusive antioxidant complex with vitamin E to support body immunity Healthy appearance: valuable fatty acids from fish and borage oils to keep skin healthy and coat glossy Joint protection: glucosamine and chondroitin help to keep bones and joints healthy Ideal digestion: highly-digestible L. This means that Royal Canin offers your dog high-quality, balanced nutrition. Technological additives: Clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources 10g. Contains preservatives and antioxidants.