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To view the full PNG size resolution click on any of the below image thumbnail. License Info: Creative Commons 4. Train your golden retriever, spend time with your golden retriever and you will get hours and hours of pleasure from this breed. Are you maximizing your golden retriever potential? You have to maximize your golden retriever, because this breed has unlimited potential. Do you really give him the training he needs? A golden retriever will go to training like a duck in the water. This breed also aims to please you, so bring your full potential with training. Most breeds of dog yearn to belong to a group and have to interact with their own species to remain safe. However, through breeding, Golden Retriever are more people-oriented. Most people associate Golden Retriever as guide dogs, but they are suitable for younger children as well as assistants like hunting dogs. They must frequently associate with people to satisfy their instincts caused by their breeding. The fact that they were one of the first three dogs to win the Obedience Trial Championships is further proof that Golden Retriever intend to please. It is very important to include Golden Retriever in any family business, because they are so people oriented and have to live with the owners. A Golden Retriever will enjoy numerous activities, such as hunting, hiking, ball games and any number of physical activities once grown. Perfectly suited as companions for children, they will become faithful friends as they grow up together. No matter how friendly Golden Retriever are, they can be unintentionally harsh when playing, so they can always be supervised when they are with young children. Golden Retriever. Stay organized with collections Save and categorize content based on your preferences. Google image SEO best practices Google provides several Search features and products that help users visually discover information on the web, such as the text result images , Google Discover, and Google Images. While each feature and product looks different, the general recommendations for getting images to appear in them is the same. You can optimize your images to appear in Google's search results by following these best practices: Optimize the image landing pages Help us discover and index your images The technical requirements for getting your content in Google's search result applies to images too. Since images are a substantially different format compared to HTML, it means there are additional requirements for getting images indexed; for example, finding the images on your site is different, and the presentation of the images also influences whether an image is indexed at all, and for the right keywords. This allows you to use CDNs content delivery networks to host images. If you're using a CDN, we encourage you to verify ownership of the CDN's domain name in Search Console so that we can inform you of any crawl errors that we may find. Responsive images Designing responsive web pages leads to better user experience, since people can access them across a plethora of device types. Refer to our guide to responsive images to learn about the best practices for handling images on your website. However, some browsers and crawlers do not understand these attributes. We recommend that you always specify a fallback URL via the src attribute. The srcset attribute allows specifying different versions of the same image, specifically for different screen sizes. It offers a fallback approach so the browser can choose the right image depending on device capabilities, like pixel density and screen size. The picture element also comes in handy for using new image formats with built-in graceful degradation for clients that may not yet support the new formats. Per section 4. It's also a good idea to have the extension of your filename match with the file type. You can also inline images as Data URIs. For more on this, refer to the section on pros and cons of inlining images on our web. Optimize for speed and quality High-quality photos appeal to users more than blurry, unclear images. Also, sharp images are more appealing to users in the result thumbnail and can increase the likelihood of getting traffic from users. That said, images are often the largest contributor to overall page size, which can make pages slow and expensive to load. Make sure to apply the latest image optimization and responsive image techniques to provide a high quality and fast user experience. Analyze your site speed with PageSpeed Insights and visit our Why does speed matter? Optimize the image landing pages While not immediately obvious, the content and metadata of the pages where an image is embedded can have a great influence on how and where the image may appear in Google's search results. Check your page title and description Google Search automatically generates a title link and snippet to best explain each result and how it relates to the user query. This helps users decide whether or not to click on a result. Here are two examples how the title links and snippet might look like on a Google search result page: We use a number of different sources for this information, including information in the title and meta tags for each page. You can help us improve the quality of the title link and snippet displayed for your pages by following Google's title and snippet guidelines. Add structured data If you include structured data, Google can display your images in certain rich results , including a prominent badge in Google Images, which give users relevant information about your page and can drive better targeted traffic to your site. Follow the general structured data guidelines as well as any guidelines specific to your structured data type; otherwise your structured data might be ineligible for rich result display in Google Images. In each of these structured data types, the image attribute is a required field to be eligible for a badge and rich result in Google Images. Here are two examples how rich results might look like on Google Images: Use descriptive filenames, titles, and alt text Google extracts information about the subject matter of the image from the content of the page, including captions and image titles. Wherever possible, make sure images are placed near relevant text and on pages that are relevant to the image subject matter. Likewise, the filename can give Google very light clues about the subject matter of the image. When possible, use filenames that are short, but descriptive. For example, my-new-black-kitten. Avoid using generic filenames like image1. If your site has thousands of images, you might want to consider automating the naming of the images. If you localize your images, remember to also translate the filenames, keeping in mind the URL encoding guidelines if you're using non-latin or special characters. The most important attribute when it comes to providing more metadata for an image is the alt text text that describes an image , which also improves accessibility for people who can't see images on web pages, including users who use screen readers or have low-bandwidth connections. Google uses alt text along with computer vision algorithms and the contents of the page to understand the subject matter of the image. Also, alt text in images is useful as anchor text if you decide to use an image as a link. When writing alt text, focus on creating useful, information-rich content that uses keywords appropriately and is in context of the content of the page. Avoid filling alt attributes with keywords also known as keyword stuffing as it results in a negative user experience and may cause your site to be seen as spam. Opt out of Google Images inline linking If you choose, you can prevent the full-sized image from appearing in the Google Images search results page by opting out of inline linking in Google Images search results. To opt out of inline linking: When your image is requested, examine the HTTP referrer header in the request. Google will still crawl your page and see the image, but will display a thumbnail image generated at crawl time in search results. This opt-out is possible at any time, and doesn't require re-processing of a website's images. This behavior isn't considered image cloaking and won't result in manual actions. Alternatively, you can prevent the image from appearing in search results entirely. Optimize for SafeSearch SafeSearch is a setting in Google user accounts that specifies whether to show, blur, or block explicit images, videos, and websites in Google Search results. Make sure Google understands the nature of your site so that Google can apply SafeSearch filters to your site if appropriate. Learn more about labeling pages for SafeSearch. Send feedback Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4. For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies. Last updated UTC. Many prospective dog or cat owners only focus on the positive aspects of bringing a furry friend into their lives. And there are countless reasons why pets are great. Wendy Hauser, a veterinarian who founded her own consulting company. When Melissa Chavez decided to get a toy poodle named Milo in the summer of , she had an idea of the costs but was surprised by how fast they added up. Like many others during the pandemic, she saw her stay-at-home schedule as a perfect opportunity to get a puppy. Once you get them home, pets need a bed, food, leashes and harnesses and grooming supplies, among other things. While these items are fairly inexpensive individually, they can quickly add up. Knowing how much you will initially need to spend when you get a pet will help you budget. If you want to know know which items are a must, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers dog and cat supply checklist for first-time pet parents. Gelber, who lives in Marin, California, said the cost was high because she has two pit bull mixes and her dog hotel charges more for large dogs. When Sharon Simon, 64, and her husband want to go on vacation, they ask their adult children to look after their dogs. If you need to leave your house every day for work, you might also need to invest in daycare or dog walking services. Another example of an expensive breeds is French bulldogs, which tend to develop many health issues, Hauser said. Gelber ended up paying a small fraction of those amounts because she had pet insurance, which she got knowing that French bulldogs are prone to getting sick. The main one is consistently taking your pet for wellness checks. Two important things to keep track of are dental care and weight, she added. But Simon, who has had dogs for 25 years, has never gotten pet insurance and has not needed it during that time. Chavez recommends that other new pet owners not get impulsive about buying everything they see online. To save some money, she joined Facebook groups in her area where people give out pet items for free. You can cut some daycare costs by asking family members or friends to take care of your pet. If you need help with pet food, you can search pet food pantries around the country at Pet Help Finder. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.

What Is A Merle Pug? The merle Pug is just as much Pug as any other specimen of this breed. Merle puppies are still Pugs with the same body and temperament characteristics as fawn or black Pugs. The issue with the merle coat is that it does not occur naturally with this dog breed. The merle coat is a result of gene manipulation either by accident or on purpose. Those patches are often blue or gray, and appear a bit washed-up. You may recognize them as blue merle Pugs. The base coat is not a solid color. Although merle is simply a stunning coat pattern, it brings along many potential problems, and a wide list of hereditary genetic conditions. Now, I want to discuss the origin of merle Pugs. When did they first appear? Do we know who the first merle pug was? Pugs are an ancient breed. These days, planned breeding is what breeders use in order to achieve the desired coat. Merle Pugs are all the rage. And, let me tell you something — this business is booming! About The Merle Color The merle color is a result of specific genes. Canine experts call those genes M genes. Remember when I told you that the merle coat pattern can occur naturally with some dog breeds, like Collies? So, how does the merle gene occur with the Pug dog breed? Are those Pugs really purebred dogs? The merle gene has to be introduced from another dog breed. Dogs that are carriers of the merle gene were probably used in the breeding process some time in the past, which has resulted in merle Pug puppies. This is a long process, and it does not guarantee success every time. Also, merle Pugs can be crossed with other Pugs to achieve a spotted coat. Transferring The Merle Gene Photo from: patternedpugz When it comes to the merle gene, we can tell apart two different merles: the big M and the little m. The entire merle coat depends on the combination of these merle genes. The m gene from the other parent does not have to be present. Also, two M genes are of a certain merle coat — sadly, a double merle. You can avoid the merle coat if your puppy inherits two sets of the m gene and no M genes at all. How Healthy Are Merle Pugs? Pugs are small dogs with thin legs, and yet, a sturdy body. The first thing that many dog owners notice about Pugs is their smushy face. This condition stands for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome , and it affects the upper airways. But, this is something that all Pugs experience. Are there conditions specifically linked to merle Pugs only? One of the biggest potential health issues for merle Pugs is deafness. Hearing problems can affect one or both ears. They can vary in intensity from partial deafness to complete loss of hearing. Hand in hand with deafness comes blindness. The same rules apply to blindness: one or both eyes, and partial or complete blindness. These are conditions that your merle Pug can live with. Pugs are known for having many skin hot spots. Their coat is super short and sleek, wrinkly, and prone to infections. Because of the lack of melanin in the spotted areas, merle Pugs are highly prone to hypersensitivity to sunlight. Merle Pugs can easily get sunburns, which can, unfortunately, lead to skin cancer. Applying sunscreen on your merle Pug is not ridiculous. I encourage you to do so every time you go out in the sun, when the UV index is super high. When we talked about breeding merle Pugs to non-merle Pugs or standard Pugs earlier, we mentioned that those dogs may or may not turn merle. When breeding two Pugs that are merle, you increase the chance that the puppies will be merle, too. Breeding of two merles results in puppies that are known as double merles. Double merle Pugs are almost always ill. Rarely does any double merle puppy end up being happy and healthy. Double merles are born with severe vision impairment, some are even missing their eyes altogether! I would never recommend getting a double merle Pug puppy. How Rare Are Merle Pugs? Of all the Pug colors including apricot, black, silver, and fawn, the non-recognized color is the rarest. As I mentioned earlier, it takes a lot of effort, time, and dedication to get a merle dog. And, for what? For having a Pug that may or may not be severely ill? No, thank you! PupVine promotes health over physical appearance any time. Good luck finding a merle Pug whose owner is ready to breed him or her. Are Merle Pugs Expensive? Well, this is a surprise! Merle Pugs are usually more pricey than other Pug colors. I find it hard to believe why someone would price potentially ill puppies higher than perfectly sound dogs of standard colors. The only reason I can see such an approach is profit, and profit only. Adding the adjective exotic always plumps up the price of the puppy, and makes people want it more. In fact, such people are very proud of having merle Pugs because they believe all the other dog owners envy them. Being proud of the merle coat is a bit ridiculous. Every dog owner wants a healthy puppy to spend lots of happy years with. So, to sum up everything: please avoid the merle Pug and pick any other approved Pug color. Sociability The Earliest Records of the Merle Pug in History The Pug is an ancient breed of dog that most likely originates in China where it was bred as a companion pet for wealthy individuals. It is believed that they date back to B. This means that they have the ideal temperament for a companion dog, being generally happy, and always happiest when they are allowed to spend as much time as possible around their humans. They did not require a lot of exercise, were small and easy to keep, and they were generally amenable little dogs. This led to the Pug not only becoming popular with everyday people but also with some prominent figures. Formal Recognition of the Merle Pug Pugs are generally recognized by most kennel clubs, but the Merle Pug is not, because it cannot be a purebred Pug and there are some concerns over the health implications of breeding the merle gene into the dog. The Kennel Club accepts silver, apricot, fawn, or black colored pugs. They Have Been Life Savers Pugs have long been kept by members of royalty from around the world and, in at least one case, even saved members of the royal family. In , Spanish soldiers attempted to kill Prince William of Orange, the Dutch prince, but his Pug, Pompey, heard the assassins approaching and started barking. This alerted the Prince and his men to the presence of the soldiers and his life was saved. As a result, the Pug became the official breed of the House of Orange. They are the epitome of lap dogs. In reality, the breed originates from China, however, and is more closely related to the Pekingese than any Bulldog. Pugs generally make excellent pets. They are loving and loyal and enjoy spending as much time as possible with their owners. And, they are not only understanding of children but they enjoy the attention and especially enjoy spending time with kids that are old enough to be able to throw a ball or toy around for them. However, it is worth noting that Pugs are somewhat prone to certain health conditions , most of which are related to the brachycephalic face. Pugs may also suffer from weeping eyes. Conclusion Pugs are popular pets and are an ancient breed that originate from around B. Their prowess as companion dogs saw their popularity spread throughout Asia before the dog headed to Europe, where its popularity also spread. Today, the dog is still bred as a lap dog. While the Merle Pug is popular with some owners, it is not recognized as a Pug by kennel clubs because the merle coloring is not naturally occurring in the Pug breed, and it is believed that intentionally breeding it into Pugs can cause health problems. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. The Earliest Records of Merle Pugs in History Pugs were first bred and honed into perfect companion dogs around BC, making them one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world. They were first bred in China, and the flat-face dogs were the chair warmers and close companions of Chinese royalty and the elite. Everyone in the upper circle of society, from Tibetan Monks in their temples to Emperors in their Palaces, the Pug was so revered that they had guards and servants of their own! Then, the breed was refined and resided with British celebrities and royalty. Finally, in the 19th century, the Pug made its way to America, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .They were immediately popular when the breed first emerged in China, and their lovable faces made them a curiosity to the traders who shipped them to Europe. The Pug began to take off in England when the monarchy adopted the breed, with Queen Victoria owning several and passing them down the family line. In the US, the breed was slow to gain popularity. However, with the founding of the Pug Dog Club of America in , the Pug has slowly crept up the ranks. However, only the following colors were accepted by each club: Black Apricot Silver Merle is not a recognized color in any of the major kennel clubs because it does not occur naturally in the breed as it does for others like the Cardigan Corgi. The merle gene is semi-dominant, meaning only one must be inherited from a parent to produce a merle coloring. In addition, double Merle Pugs can also be born with eyes much smaller than normal called microphthalmia , which can leave the dogs blind. These health issues are why breeding merle dogs is a controversial topic, and kennel clubs will never register a double merle dog. Image Credit: Virginia Blount, Shutterstock 3. Pugs also often have trouble giving birth, so the number of puppies could be less than those of another breed. Instead, merle has to be bred in from a breed that can pass on the merle gene, and two purebred Pugs will not be able to produce a merle puppy. Merle Pugs can make loyal, loving, and carefree pets to the right owner, as long as the owner is aware of and able to deal with some of the potential illnesses they can have. Pugs have other well-documented health issues due to having flat faces, including breathing and eye problems. However, owners knowledgeable about what the breed needs regarding care and exercise can have a fun-loving and loyal companion in the Merle Pug. Image Credit: Virginia Blount, Shutterstock Conclusion The Merle Pug is an anomaly in the dog world since the breed does not usually carry the patterning. Merle is a genetically inherited trait that must be bred into Pug lines from other breeds that can pass the gene on naturally. If they are bred responsibly, merle dogs often live normal and happy lives without health issues. Regardless of the controversy surrounding them, Merle Pugs make excellent pets for responsible, caring owners. November 11, 1. Merle is a very interesting and exotic looking fur pattern present in some dogs breeds. It is a pattern in the fur rather than a fur color. This pattern expresses itself as random dark patches of fur over a lighter solid or piebald coat. Merle is not a naturally occurring color for pugs. The merle coloring is not a naturally occurring color and it needs to be bred in over generations to maintain the pug look but with different coloring. That trophy goes to brindle. Most pugs are usually either fawn or black. Merle Pugs are not purebred If you breed two purebred pugs together you will never be able to produce a merle puppy. So, for pugs to be merle they must have one or more ancestors who have been bred with another dog breed that does have the merle gene. Some people may think that merle pugs are purebred because they still look the same as other pugs but this is just due to the careful introduction of the merle gene and selective reproduction to maintain the pug look, but with the merle fur pattern. If you consider this is for a healthy, purebred fawn or black pug, then a merle pug should not cost more than this! However, there are some dishonest and tricky sellers out there who market merle pugs as exotic, rare and trendy to try and get a higher profit. Merle Pugs do not have additional health problems compared to regular pugs Merle pugs are just the same as regular pugs but with different color fur. This is a standard merle pug with the genes Mm. These pugs do not have any additional health problems however, the presence of the merle gene does increase the chances of pugs developing the health conditions usually associated with them. The pug breed alone has some significant health conditions that should be taken into consideration. These health concerns may include: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS : This can cause severe breathing difficulties due to their flat faces Eye problems: including dry eye and corneal ulcers Hip Dysplasia Skin Infections Pug Dog Encephalitis: This condition can cause blindness and a host of other ailments and can eventually be fatal If you wanted to take a look at this in more detail check out the PDSA website. All of these health concerns are for any pug, including merle pugs. Double merle is what happens when you breed one merle dog with another merle dog. In any case, double merle dogs have a much greater chance of developing health conditions. It usually involves blindness and deafness due to a lack of pigment in the eyes and ears. Some extra splotches of dark fur on their back. Regular fawn or black pugs are expected to live between 12 and 15 years, however, the presence of the merle gene does increase the probability of pugs developing some serious health conditions and it can exacerbate some conditions that pugs already surfer from. However, a double merle pug would certainly pose some ethical problems due to all the health issues that they have. Breeding for color When you start breeding dogs for a specific color or a rare color, you start running into some issues. So, what is the verdict? Should you get a merle pug? Is it ethical? Are they rare and exotic? Ultimately, you should never purchase a dog just based on its aesthetic appeal anyway and you should always do your research to figure out if choosing a certain color means that animal will have a poorer quality of life.

References 1. Clinical and pathological effects An understanding of the anatomy of the normal spine of the dog is useful in understanding this condition. Figure 1. The regions of the spine. The spine or spinal column of dogs is made up of many bones, called vertebrae and it is divided into 5 different regions. There are 7 bones in the neck cervical region, 13 in the chest thoracic region, 7 in the lower back lumbar region and 3 fused together to form the sacrum at the hips. Lastly, there are the tail coccygeal bones, and their number varies. In English bulldogs and other screw-tailed dogs there are relatively few coccygeal vertebrae. Vertebrae are numbered according to region of the spine, starting from the head and working towards the tail. Thus the first cervical vertebra is called C1, the second C2 and the first thoracic vertebra is T1 etc. Intervertebral discs are found between the vertebral bodies. The body of each vertebra is positioned ventrally towards the lower side. Dorsal towards the back of the dog to the vertebral body each vertebra forms a hollow tube of bone, called the vertebral canal. Through this tube created by the column of vertebral canals the spinal cord passes, connecting the base of the brain with peripheral nerves. This tube of bone protects the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of delicate nerve tissue which transmits the messages between the brain and other parts of the body excluding the head. Figure 2. Diagram showing the shape of normally-formed vertebrae in the spinal column and how the spinal cord runs through them. Each vertebral body develops in the foetus from two separate parts which fuse together and then ossify turn to bone. Hemivertebrae occur when this fusing process fails to happen correctly so that the vertebral body of one or more vertebra is malformed and wedge-shaped LeCouteur and Child .Often the fusion or ossification is asymmetrical Jeffery et al .The malformations vary, with the apex of the wedge pointing dorsally, ventrally or medially towards the middle of the animal across the midline LeCouteur and Child .These abnormally-shaped vertebrae often lead to alterations and deformities in the shape of the spine such as kyphosis curving upwards of the central spine , scoliosis deviation to the side in the central spine or lordosis curving downwards in the central spine LeCouteur and Child .This angulation of the spine is often moderate to severe and can lead to displacement of the vertebrae LeCouteur and Grandy .The deformity or instability in the spinal column can then narrow the vertebral canal, compressing and damaging the spinal cord, and this can lead to serious clinical signs LeCouteur and Child .This spinal deformity and the consequential clinical signs often progresses as the dog grows or, sometimes, happen secondary to mild trauma because of the spinal column instability LeCouteur and Grandy .Figure 3. Abnormal development of vertebral bodies results in formation of hemivertebrae. Unlike the normal shape of vertebrae shown in Figure 2, in which the opposing faces of adjacent vertebrae are at right angles to the line of the spine, wedge shaped vertebrae as shown here can lead to distortion of the spine with health and welfare effects. Figure 4. Radiograph of a hemivertebra in the thoracic region of a Pug. The wedge shaped vertebra has caused lordosis of the spine, which in turn can cause compression and damage to the spinal cord. Image property of Helen McDonald, to whom we are grateful for permission to reproduce it here. Hemivertebrae can occur in any breed but are most common in brachycephalic, screw-tailed dogs such as English bulldogs also Pugs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers. This is because the kinked tails that many find desirable in these breeds result from hemivertebrae in the tail region of the spine and these breeds have genes that tend to cause the formation of hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column as well as in the tail LeCouteur and Grandy .The commonest region of the spine to be affected by hemivertebrae, in brachycephalic screw-tailed dogs such as the English bulldog is the chest the thoracic area LeCouteur and Child .Figure 5. Hemivertebrae is the cause of kinked or screw tails in some breeds of dog, such as the Boston Terrier and Pug shown here. This condition makes them prone to developing hemivertebrae elsewhere in the spinal column also. Image sourced from Wikipedia at www. Hemivertebral abnormalities commonly occur without clinical sign of disease Done et al .However, if the spinal cord becomes damaged or compressed signs appear. Signs include posterior paresis abnormal functioning of the hindlimbs , muscle wastage, an abnormal shape to the back and back pain. If the problem is severe then the dogs can lose all use of their hind legs and can have urinary and faecal incontinence inability to control passing urine or faeces. Signs can be gradual or rapid in onset and sometimes are progressive Colter .In a number of cases, however, signs may be mild and non-progressive and stabilise once the dog has stopped growing at about 9 months of age Jeffery et al , though the deformity will remain. In these cases no treatment may be necessary. Skin infections and other skin problems can occur in skin folds if the tail is very tightly coiled. In severely affected individuals the only hope is major surgery of the spine to attempt stabilisation and to stop the spinal cord being compressed. This is not straightforward, needs specialist veterinary treatment and may not always be successful. Some dogs which are completely paralysed in their hind legs may not recover use of them after surgery. Paralysed dogs have long-term care needs which many owners find difficult and some dogs will be euthanized because of this. It is an ethical dilemma whether these permanently paralysed dogs should be euthanized or if their quality of life may be sufficient to justify supported living with paralysis and incontinence. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Some dogs with hemivertebrae suffer no apparent ill effects however others have major welfare problems such as pain, loss of function of the hindlimbs and incontinence. Pain from spinal cord compression can be significant and severe and difficult to control using drugs. Along with pain, the spinal cord damage in severely affected individuals leads to the need for rapid veterinary treatments including major surgery. Some animals may not recover and may need to be euthanized. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact The condition usually first manifests in young growing dogs and worsens as growth proceeds. In a case study by Jeffery et al , all three dogs described were less than 7 months of age. Though some may be mildly affected, all affected animals will have permanent deformity unless surgical intervention is used. The disease problems can develop rapidly over hours or more gradually. Though some dogs with hemivertebrae do not develop signs, others develop severe problems which will not improve unless surgical intervention occurs. Some dogs with severe signs may not improve after surgery and may need to be euthanized. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected The numbers affected are not known, but it is considered a common problem in English bulldogs and other brachycephalic short-nosed breeds that have screw-tails, as the deformity is connected to the screw-tail phenotype physical shape which is a breed characteristic. From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are English bulldogs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 50, Return to top 5. English bulldogs are considered to be predisposed to hemivertebrae because of the breed having a screw-tail Jeffery et al .The condition may be suspected in any English bulldog with spinal deformity or with the characteristic clinical signs because it is commonly seen within the breed. A diagnosis can be made using plain and contrast radiography x-rays, with or without dye, which shows up on the x-ray being injected around the spinal cord , however, Jeffery et al believe MRI magnetic resonance imaging scans are needed prior to surgery to help decide on exact surgical requirements. The presence of hemivertebrae seen on x-rays may also be a confusing finding. Older English bulldogs may have spinal disease from other causes and detection of hemivertebrae may make diagnosis of the real cause difficult. Return to top 6. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? All English bulldogs are potentially prone to the problem because the breed has a screw-tail. Without x-ray images of the spine, definite absence of hemivertebrae cannot be confirmed. However, a mature animal without signs has a lower chance of developing clinical problems than a puppy which has yet to undergo its period of significant growth. Currently no advice can be given on how to ensure a healthy individual, free from the condition, is not a carrier. This may become clearer when the genetics of the condition are better understood. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Not known, though whilst the breed standard includes a screw-tail the condition seems likely to persist. It seems likely, since the screw tail is caused by hemivertebrae in the tail, that out-breeding to dogs with straight tails, then selection for a straight tail might be a way forward to eliminate this welfare problem. Return to top 9. Return to top .References Colter S Congenital anomalies of the spine. New research from the Royal Veterinary College RVC has revealed that English Bulldogs in the UK have lower health overall and are more likely to suffer from certain health conditions, particularly those related to being flat-faced, than other dogs. As such, the breed remains compromised by major health issues that have been recognised in Bulldogs for more than a century. The findings indicate that urgent action is required to reduce the high rate of health issues related to extreme body shape currently seen in English Bulldogs if the future of the breed is to be protected. It is hoped that the results of this research will discourage breeding and purchasing of animals with extreme conformations and instead promote a shift towards acceptance by the public of more moderate conformation with improved natural innate health. The English Bulldog has risen sharply in popularity in the UK over the past decade. However, its distinctive and exaggerated short muzzle, protruding lower jaw and stocky body shape has been linked with several serious health and welfare issues, including breathing problems, skin and ear diseases and eye disorders. Overall, English Bulldogs were found to be more than twice as likely to have one or more disorders in a single year than other dogs. A list of the 43 most common disorders found across both groups of dogs was compiled with English Bulldogs identified to be at a higher risk of suffering from 24 out of the 43 .This demonstrates a much higher risk of health issues in English Bulldogs than in other dogs. Other key findings included: The average age of English Bulldogs assessed in the study 2. Only 9. Top disorders with highest risk in English Bulldog included: skin fold dermatitis x.The disorders with the lowest risk in English Bulldogs included: retained baby teeth x0. Despite substantial recent efforts by members of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group BWG to discourage extreme exaggerations, these new findings suggest further progress is needed to reduce the high rate of health issues in the overall UK population of English Bulldogs. This new VetCompass evidence supports widespread calls to the public to follow the example of progressive breeders, and to support moving the English Bulldog away from its current extreme body shape. In the future, the English Bulldog should become recognised and loved for having a longer face, smaller head and non-wrinkled skin, representing a more moderate and healthier conformation. Owners who already have an English Bulldog are encouraged to monitor them carefully for breed-related health issues such as eye problems, difficulty breathing and skin fold infections, and to seek veterinary advice early if worried. For breeds such as English Bulldogs where many dogs still have extreme conformations with poor innate health, the public have a huge role to play by demanding dogs with moderate and healthier conformations. This new research provides strong evidence that modern Bulldogs remain troubled by many diseases linked to their body shapes, most of which have been recognised for more than a century. It confirms the need to follow the example of more responsible breeders who prioritise health in breeding decisions to improve the welfare of this popular and iconic breed in the future. A collaborative approach to tackling these issues is crucial; we must continue to work together with breeders, vets and welfare organisations to reduce and ultimately eliminate the health problems faced by brachycephalic breeds, as well as reduce mass demand for these dogs. We acknowledge that there is a large percentage of breeders that do not breed to the standard or use the Bulldog Breed Council Health Scheme. Our aim is to educate the public, with the help of The Kennel Club, to research thoroughly and buy only from the conscientious breeders that use the tools available to encourage the breeding of healthy dogs. The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire. Abstract Background The English Bulldog has risen sharply in popularity over the past decade but its distinctive and extreme conformation is linked to several serious health conditions. Using multivariable analysis of anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this study compared the odds of common disorders between English Bulldogs and all remaining dogs in the UK during .Results From , dogs under veterinary care during , the analysis included a random sample of 2, English Bulldogs and 22, dogs that are not English Bulldogs. English Bulldogs had 2. These included: skin fold dermatitis odds ratio [OR] .These included: retained deciduous tooth OR 0. These included: congenital disorder OR 7. These were: dental disorder OR 0. Conclusions These results suggest that the health of English Bulldogs is substantially lower than dogs that are not English Bulldogs and that many predispositions in the breed are driven by the extreme conformation of these dogs. Consequently, immediate redefinition of the breed towards a moderate conformation is strongly advocated to avoid the UK joining the growing list of countries where breeding of English Bulldogs is banned. However, its distinctive and extreme conformation has raised concerns because many of these physical features render the breed prone to serious health conditions. There are increasing international efforts to either reform the breed towards a more moderate conformation or, in the absence of such change, to ban the breeding of these dogs on welfare grounds. This VetCompass study explored random samples of anonymised veterinary clinical records from 2, English Bulldogs and 22, dogs that are not English Bulldogs from an overall population of , dogs under veterinary care during in the UK to identify all health disorders recorded for each dog during .The most common disorders in each group were identified and the risks for the most common disorders overall was compared between the English Bulldogs and dogs that are not English Bulldogs. English Bulldogs were younger 2. The results of this study suggest that the overall health of the English Bulldog is much lower than dogs that are not English Bulldogs. Many of the disorder predispositions reported in this study are intrinsically related to the extreme conformation of English Bulldogs. Redefining the body-shape of the breed away from its current extreme conformation and towards a moderate conformation is advocated for urgent action to avoid the UK joining the growing list of countries where breeding of English Bulldogs is banned. Background The English Bulldog was originally a muscular and athletic animal bred and used to attack bulls for sport, broadly similar in conformation to the modern Staffordshire Bull Terrier [ 1 ]. After this activity was banned in , the Bulldog breed became associated with the Victorian underworld, but was repurposed as a show dog at the end of the nineteenth century. Dog showing was a fashionable pastime at that time and was largely regulated by The Kennel Club from onwards [ 2 ]. Consequently, during the s, the combined influences of the breed standard and show-ring fashion drove a dramatic physical transformation of the Bulldog. This refashioned Bulldog had more exaggerated conformation than its ancestors — in particular, a shorter face with a protruding underjaw, heavier build and bowed forelegs [ 3 ]. Because this physical transformation was both dramatic and rapid, it triggered considerable controversy among breeders at that time [ 3 ]. They described many disorders then that are still reported as common problems in modern English Bulldogs, such as short lifespans, heat and exercise intolerance, dystocia, skin disease and noisy breathing [ 6 ]. While these historical accounts are inevitably subjective, lack quantitative data and are largely grounded in superseded understandings of pathology, they nevertheless demonstrate that, over a century ago, the English Bulldog was already showing a variety of health problems that correlate with those still reported in the breed today, and that, even then, Bulldogs were widely considered less robust than many other breeds [ 7 ]. Moreover, they also reveal that the fashion for extreme English Bulldog conformation has persisted for over a century despite widespread awareness of the linked health issues [ 8 ]. Because of the preexisting significance of the breed as a nationalistic icon, the new body shape of the English Bulldog was widely depicted in patriotic imagery from onwards, and became firmly established in popular culture thereafter [ 3 , 9 ]. Indeed, brachycephalic breeds, including the English Bulldog, are currently experiencing a surge in popularity, paradoxically despite increasing evidence and awareness of serious health problems linked to their physical appearance, such as respiratory compromise [ 12 , 14 ], spinal defects [ 15 ], dystocia [ 11 ], ocular disorders [ 13 , 16 , 17 ] and skin disease [ 18 ]. As small animal practice gained political influence during the s, leaders of the newly-formed British Small Animal Veterinary Association BSAVA undertook a pioneering survey of breed-related disease in pedigree dogs, which provides some limited quantitative data on Bulldog health at that time [ 20 ]. In , English Bulldogs were the 34th most numerous breed registered by the Kennel Club, comprising 0. Despite the methodological limitations of this early survey, it provides strong evidence that, sixty years ago, English Bulldogs were disproportionately affected by several conformation-related diseases, which, like those that were already being mentioned half a century earlier, broadly mirror those still reported as common in the breed today [ 6 ]. Using anonymised clinical data from primary care veterinary clinics in the UK, the VetCompass Programme [ 24 ] has previously reported high levels of skin and ear disease, ophthalmological disorders and respiratory issues in English Bulldogs [ 10 ]. Although previous research, historical evidence and anecdotal experience all support a general conclusion that English Bulldogs suffer extremely high levels of conformation-related disease, there remains a need to provide reliable supporting evidence to quantify this conclusion. Growing concerns about the welfare of dogs with severely brachycephalic conformation promoted the formation of the Brachycephalic Working Group in the UK in , followed by the International Collaborative for Extreme Conformations in Dogs in [ 27 , 28 ]. Legislative action has also been taken in countries such as the Netherlands where breeding of 12 brachycephalic dog breeds was banned in [ 29 , 30 ] and Norway where breeding of English Bulldogs was banned in [ 31 ]. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme [ 24 ], this study aimed to report the most commonly recorded disorders in English Bulldogs and to compare the odds of common disorders between English Bulldogs and all remaining dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK during after accounting for major confounding variables. Based on prior evidence of frequent health issues in the breed [ 10 ], the study hypothesised English Bulldogs would show more predispositions than protections among common disorders overall. The study also hypothesized that the disorders with the highest levels of predisposition in English Bulldogs are closely linked to the extreme conformation that defines the English Bulldog breed [ 8 ]. These results could assist breeders, veterinary practitioners and owners with a robust evidence base on the health of the wider general population of English Bulldogs to predict, prevent and manage key health and welfare opportunities for the breed. Methods The study population included all available dogs under primary veterinary care at clinics participating in the VetCompass Programme during .Dogs under veterinary care were defined as those with either a at least one electronic patient record EPR free-text clinical note, treatment or bodyweight recorded during or b at least one EPR recorded during both and .VetCompass collates anonymised EPR data from primary-care veterinary practices in the UK for epidemiological research [ 24 ]. Data fields available to VetCompass researchers include a unique animal identifier along with species, breed, date of birth, sex, neuter status, insurance status and bodyweight, and also clinical information from free-form text clinical notes, summary diagnosis terms [ 32 ] and treatment with relevant dates. A cross-sectional study design was used to estimate and compare the one-year period prevalence of the most commonly diagnosed disorders in a random sample of English Bulldogs and a random sample of all other dogs. Breed information entered by the participating practices was cleaned and mapped to a VetCompass breed list derived and extended from the VeNom Coding breed list [ 32 ]. Dogs recorded as English Bulldog were categorised as English Bulldog and dogs recorded with any other breed term were categorised as dogs that are not English Bulldogs. Neuter status was defined by the final available EPR neuter value and was combined with sex female entire, female neutered, male entire, male neutered. Adult bodyweight was defined as the mean of all bodyweight kg values recorded for each dog after reaching 18 months old. Mean adult bodyweight was reported overall and broken down by sex for all breeds with adult bodyweight available for at least dogs. Veterinary group attended was categorised as 1—5, based on the 5 practice groups involved in the study. Veterinary group describes aggregations of individual veterinary practices within consolidated larger consortia and were included in the current analysis to account for confounding effects that might have arisen from the owners' choice of individual practice to attend. The veterinary groups included in the current study were assigned a code during analysis to ensure anonymity and included practices that were distributed throughout the UK. Insurance status was categorised as insured or not insured as recorded by the final available EPR. The list of unique animal identification numbers for all dogs under veterinary care in was randomly ordered and the clinical records of a randomly selected subset of animals were reviewed manually in detail to extract the most definitive diagnoses recorded for all disorders that existed during [ 34 ]. Elective e. No distinction was made between pre-existing and incident disorder presentations. Disorders described within the clinical notes using presenting sign terms e. The extracted diagnosis terms were mapped to a dual hierarchy of diagnostic precision for analysis: specific-level precision and grouped-level precision as previously described [ 34 ]. Briefly, specific-level precision terms described the original extracted terms at the maximal diagnostic precision recorded within the clinical notes e. Grouped-level precision terms mapped the original diagnosis terms to a general level of diagnostic precision e. The sex-neuter status, age, adult bodyweight and insurance status for English Bulldogs and dogs that are not English Bulldogs under veterinary care during were described. One-year period prevalence values were reported separately for English Bulldogs and dogs that are not English Bulldogs to describe the probability of diagnosis at least once during .The final combined list of common disorders included the 30 most common disorders in English Bulldogs and the 30 most common disorders in dogs that are not English Bulldogs. Categorical data were summarized with number percent and continuous variables were summarised using median, interquartile range IQR and range. Multivariable modelling using binary logistic regression was used to report the odds of each disorder in English Bulldogs compared with dogs that are not English Bulldogs. A separate model was created for each specific-level and grouped-level disorder. Information theory was applied to generate a list of confounding variables that was consistently included alongside the breed variable in each model [ 36 , 37 ]. Confounding describes the mixing together of the effects from two or more variables on an outcome such as disorder occurrence [ 38 ]. Breed was an a priori variable of interest and was therefore included in all models. Results The study population of , dogs under veterinary care during in the UK included 8, English Bulldogs 0. Data completeness were breed .Descriptive results were reported on 2, English Bulldogs and 22, dogs that are not English Bulldogs Table 1. The median age of English Bulldogs 2. The median adult bodyweight of English Bulldogs .Consequently, understanding the development of conformation-related disease within the breed, and accurately documenting the disease burden and predispositions within the current breed population [ 6 ] are key to assessing and, if possible, redressing some of the main health issues in English Bulldogs. This evidence supports calls for urgent action to redefine the English Bulldog away from its current extreme conformation and instead to move the breed rapidly towards a moderate conformation on welfare grounds. The results of the current study support the study hypothesis that English Bulldogs show more predispositions than protections among common disorders overall. In line with prior evidence of frequent health issues in the breed [ 10 ], these current results support the previous assessments of poor health in English Bulldog populations dating back over a hundred years. More recently, Kennel Club surveys of English Bulldog mortality in and respectively reported median and mean ages of death of just over six years [ 48 , 49 ]. Analysis of mortality data from primary-care veterinary clinical records reported a median longevity of 7. Supporting a shorter lifespan overall in English Bulldogs, the current study reports the median age of English Bulldogs surveyed in 2. This could be partly explained by a population that skews towards young animals because of a growing popularity of the breed, as seen in steadily increasing Kennel Club registration figures over the last decade [ 21 ] and reported in primary-care veterinary practice [ 50 ]. However, given that only 9. Likewise, the disease predispositions reported in the current study for English Bulldogs show striking parallels to those previously attributed to the breed. For example, the disorder with the highest predisposition in the current study of English Bulldogs in was skin fold dermatitis, which was also the most frequently reported disease for Bulldogs in the BSAVA survey [ 20 ]. Similarly, the predisposition of the English Bulldog to prolapsed nictitating membrane gland and to entropion was recognised by veterinary ophthalmologists in [ 51 ]; these conditions were respectively the second and seventh highest disease predispositions in the current study of English Bulldogs in .Mandibular prognathism was the third highest predisposition of English Bulldogs in .Thus, the leading predispositions for disease in English Bulldogs, as determined by the current analysis of data, broadly correspond to disorders that have been long associated with the breed. This provides strong evidence supporting the validity of previous qualitative assessments of breed-related disease in English Bulldogs, but also revives the perennial question of why, since these diseases have been repeatedly documented as impairing Bulldog health for over a century, the breed nevertheless remains so commonly affected by these problems. In assessing which predispositions and protections to disease particularly differentiate English Bulldogs from the remaining general canine population, it is helpful to focus particularly on ultra-predispositions by breed: i. At the specific disorder level of analysis, the English Bulldog population in the current study showed ultra-predispositions to nine recorded disorders. Of these, four concerned diseases of the skin skin fold dermatitis, interdigital cyst, demodicosis and pododermatitis. These various dermatological conditions were necessarily differentiated by the different descriptors used by the originating primary care clinicians. When processing the data, each disorder was recorded once to the greatest possible level of clinical precision. However, these descriptors will inevitably potentially refer to similar or overlapping pathologies, and the certainty of the clinical diagnoses will not necessarily have been equally rigorous or precise in all cases. Therefore, it may be more justified to consider these linked and overlapping conditions at the grouped-level of skin disorders, where .These findings confirm that English Bulldogs carry substantially increased risk of skin disease compared with other dogs. While not all skin disease is directly related to exaggerated conformation, skin fold dermatitis, which by definition only occurs in folded skin, was the specific-level disorder to which English Bulldogs were most predisposed and showed a dramatically increased odds ratio of .Three ophthalmic conditions featured among the nine ultra-predispositions in English Bulldogs at the specific level of disorder: prolapsed nictitating membrane gland, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and entropion. A predisposition of English Bulldogs to entropion in-turned eyelids has been reported for over a hundred years [ 51 ]. This finding was confirmed by the current study, where 3. Entropion, like skin fold dermatitis, is commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds and is generally attributed to the excess facial skin that results from a foreshortened facial structure; hence, it is usually considered a conformation related disease [ 55 , 56 ]. Both prolapsed nictitating membrane gland and keratoconjunctivitis sicca were also reported in the current study as ultra-predispositions in English Bulldogs. A diagnosis of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland was .Yet, despite the greatly elevated odds ratio of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland in English Bulldogs, the 5. It may also reflect under-recording of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland in primary care clinical records. Consequently, dogs might be treated for this condition before sale or without the knowledge of primary care practices, potentially resulting in under-recording or under-diagnosis of this disorder in this study. Moreover, although several aetiopathological pathways are proposed for keratoconjunctivitis sicca, one possible cause is following the surgical treatment of a prolapsed nictitating membrane gland, particularly if the tissue is excised rather than replaced because the nictitating membrane gland contains secretory cells that contribute to lacrimal production [ 58 , 59 ]. Therefore, the ultra-predisposition to keratoconjunctivitis sicca noted in the current study may also reflect previous sub-optimal surgical treatment of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland. Thus, the ultra-predisposition of English Bulldogs to these two disorders in this study may be causally linked; further investigation of this association would inform future recommendations for the treatment of prolapsed nictitating membrane gland. The predisposition of English Bulldogs to BOAS is well documented [ 14 , 60 ], and is of sufficient clinical concern that The Kennel Club and the University of Cambridge have jointly launched a Respiratory Function Grading Scheme to facilitate selective breeding away from this condition in English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds [ 61 ]. In the current study, despite a striking odds ratio of .While it is possible that this reflects biological difference between surveyed populations in different studies, it is much more likely that this discrepancy is chiefly due to normalisation of the condition in primary care practice [ 63 ]. Mandibular prognathism constitutes a different type of ultra-predisposition in the English Bulldog population surveyed and raises the thorny question of why a conformation that would be considered a serious health issue in one dog breed can be actively selected as a desirable trait in another. Although mandibular prognathism was the third highest predisposition recorded in the current study, with .English Bulldogs showed predispositions for .In comparison, French Bulldogs showed predispositions for .These results provide strong evidence supporting substantially poorer overall health in English Bulldogs and French Bulldogs compared to Labrador Retrievers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Although dogs had long been divided into loosely-recognised types, the concept of clearly differentiated and strictly delineated breeds was an invention of the Victorian era [ 2 ]. In consequence, the modern breeds that we know today can be ranked along a spectrum from mild to extreme conformational exaggeration, ranging from canine-typical mild conformational exaggeration to canine-divergent severe conformational exaggeration [ 13 , 14 ]. The combined proportion of predispositions and protections to disease within a breed could be used as a measure of overall health divergence between that breed and the mainstream canine population. Using this measure, English Bulldogs showed health divergence from other dogs for .French Bulldogs showed a similarly high level of health divergence, differing in .In comparison, Labrador Retrievers differed from other dogs for .The two Bulldog breeds with extreme brachycephaly thus both showed notably higher predispositions to disease as well as more disease divergence from other dogs than either Labrador Retrievers or Staffordshire Bull Terriers, although predispositions were relatively higher among English Bulldogs and protections among French Bulldogs. In contrast, neither Labrador Retrievers nor Staffordshire Bull Terriers showed any ultra-predispositions to disease at all, with their highest predispositions being an odds ratio of 2. Overall, therefore, these measures of disease predispositions, divergences and ultra-predispositions seen in English Bulldogs reveal a worrying story of a breed with more disease predispositions than other dogs, which differs widely from other dogs in their patterns of disease and is characterised by several ultra-predispositions to disease. With many of these ultra-predispositions to disease in the English Bulldog being linked to their characteristic extreme physical features, these results broadly confirm an unchanging link between exaggerated conformation and disease first flagged as a concern over a century ago [ 3 ]. All breeds, by definition, are different in some ways from the average for the canine population and therefore are likely to show some breed predispositions to, and protections from, disease [ 6 , 8 ]. It is also surprising that a breed with a high prevalence of many other descriptors for skin disease has an apparent protection for pruritus: perhaps this descriptor was subsumed within other more clinically precise descriptors, such as dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, and hence appears artefactually low. It may be that the recorded protection for periodontal disease and dental disorder is linked to the normalisation phenomena described above, but this conclusion is speculative. Other apparent protections for heart murmur and lipoma may indicate true disease protections in the breed, which could be explored in future studies. Over recent years, The Kennel Club has made concerted efforts to alleviate drivers for extreme conformation from the show-ring. Moreover, The Kennel Club breed standard for the English Bulldog has undergone iterative revisions over recent decades, intended to modify its wording to encourage the selection of dogs towards less extreme conformation [ 8 ]. Given that only a third of UK dogs are estimated to be registered with The Kennel Club [ 21 ]; and that even among this registered subset only a very small proportion are specifically bred for the show-ring [ 75 ], the impact of these measures on the general population of English Bulldogs is likely to be minimal. Although show-ring practices have undoubtedly had a profound historical influence in determining the shape of the modern English Bulldog [ 3 ], and most dogs described as English Bulldogs today will ultimately be descended from dogs bred for the show-ring in the past, it is easy to overstate the current significance of the show world and Kennel Club breed standard among English Bulldog breeders. While breed standard modifications are to be welcomed, they directly drive change only in the show population, and even then only if judges abide by them [ 76 ]. The show Bulldog community argues that its enthusiasts now discourage ultra-extreme conformation and that judges are instructed not to award prizes to dogs with obvious physical compromise. Further research is needed to investigate the social factors and local subcultures that drive and differentiate these breeding priorities, and how best to encourage behavioural change in each group. The current study had some limitations in addition to those previously reported for the application of primary care veterinary data for canine research [ 39 , 77 ]. This study relied on the breed identifications recorded on veterinary practice databases. The English Bulldogs in the current study included dogs registered with The Kennel Club as well those that are not. The study dogs are therefore likely to show a range of conformations, ranging from ultra-extreme to relatively moderate, that are consistent with our current acceptance of what constitutes an English Bulldog. Disorder risk for English Bulldogs was compared against all remaining dogs that were not English Bulldogs. Given that .This may have led to a masking effect for disorders linked to the brachycephalic conformation in the current study and suggests that the true levels of predisposition to disorders linked to brachycephaly in the English Bulldog could be much higher than reported here. Future work could include prospective cohort studies that compare disorder predisposition between English Bulldogs with moderate conformation and English Bulldogs with extreme conformation to evaluate potential welfare gains from conformational change within the breed. Repeating the current study design at defined intervals could also monitor real-world changes in the health of the English Bulldog over time following efforts by UK national groups such as the Brachycephalic Working Group [ 27 ]. Conclusions In providing further evidence that English Bulldogs experience unusually high levels of disease and show multiple predispositions and ultra-predispositions to disease, much of which is intrinsically related to their conformation, this study broadly confirms long-standing assertions that the health and welfare of English Bulldog is heavily compromised. Yet, despite extensive evidence and wide dissemination of the health issues and their serious negative welfare impacts for these dogs, it seems that many prospective owners are still not discouraged from English Bulldog ownership [ 41 , 42 ]. Members Area Buying a Puppy First of all, before buying a puppy, research the breed thoroughly, there are lots of books published about owning bulldogs check out our library and there is a wealth of information on many individual websites. Be sure that the character and the lifestyle you lead matches up to owning a Bulldog, whose breed characteristics are a companion dog that thrives on human company, sleeping a lot is how most people view the breed but in reality a young Bulldog is every bit as active and boisterous as any breed of puppy. If left alone for long periods it can be destructive out of boredom! You'll find some good resources on our Publication page but also read the articles below. The best and recommended way is to look for the secretary of your local bulldog club on this site www. Enquire when their next shows are and go to see a show. There are two main types of show where you may meet some breeders. Open shows where the atmosphere is very informal, and Championship Shows where the dogs have serious winning potential and these are very competitive. Once there you can watch the dogs and speak to the many breeders around some of whom may be expecting a litter or have one at home. Expect to be quizzed as most caring breeders are very particular to which homes their puppies are sold. Read all you can about the breed and try to buy from someone who comes highly recommended. Reputable breeders do not have to advertise so you will not find them in the pages of the local newspaper or bargain pages, you will probably have to travel and you will probably have to wait. You are purchasing a member of your family, hopefully for the next 9 years [average] so a few months wait for the right dog will be worth it. See the puppy with its mother and its litter mates. Dog or Bitch? Things to consider before you choose: If you are thinking of showing your pet it is wise to start with a very good pedigree bitch as there are no guarantees with this breed that at 9 weeks a future show winner can be picked, a sound healthy bitch can be bred from in the future if she doesn't quite make it as a show dog. Bitches are not as impressive as dogs but if you purchase a dog and he doesn't make it in the show ring you can't move on from him without a further purchase. If, however, you want a pet, a dog can be the most faithful loving companion you could have. Bitches have seasons and this can be messy and if you have another male dog it can mean separating them for 3 weeks twice a year or spaying, this can be difficult. They carry on having seasons every 6 months for life. It is worth thinking carefully before you decide to buy a puppy. There should be no difference in the price of a dog or bitch unlike some other breeds which generally charge more for bitches. Breeding Terms Some breeders are selling bitches with breeding contracts, some of these may work out fine but if you agree to this there are proper legal forms from the Kennel Club where the terms and arrangements are laid out and signed for at the time of purchase. Do not enter into any verbal agreements not covered by these forms as in 15 months when the breeder will want you to breed your bitch you may have forgotten or disagree the terms. This can be a very stressful time and involve solicitors if you do not have the original agreement in writing. Many enemies are made in the dog world over this matter. Paperwork The pedigree is just the family tree; you need a Kennel Club registered document, make sure you see it. Ask if the puppy is being sold using a Breed Council Puppy Contract. Vet Check Take your new puppy to your own vet within 48 hours of purchasing it and have it health checked, inform the breeder immediately if there are any problems. It is advisable that your new puppy has already received its first vaccination before it leaves the breeder where it should have already been checked for general health. Join your local Bulldog Club you will receive independent help and advice if you run into problems and you will make new friends who share your love of this wonderful breed.Important Information When you buy a pedigree puppy you need and are entitled to be given the Kennel Club Registration Document by the seller which ensures the details of the puppies parents are verified at the Kennel Club. It is, at present, a green document with the Kennel Club insignia on it. As a pet it may not seem important but cross bred puppies are often sold as pedigree, which really is only the 'Family Tree' All pedigree breeds of dog have certain breed specific problems, responsible breeders are aware of these and will hopefully try to breed to minimise the problems by having their breeding stock checked by a veterinarian before breeding puppies. However with the best care possible sometimes things crop up from the ancestors so all we can do is our best with what we can see. The mother of the puppies and the ancestors will have a huge input too!! The utmost importance is the temperament of the mother and the general attitude of the puppy. Bulldog mums are very protective of their tiny defenceless puppies but by the time the puppies are ready to sell she should be outgoing and friendly towards you. A properly socialised puppy should, after first weighing you up, be approachable and keen to play and be petted by you. At this age if they are not sleeping or eating they are chewing, nipping in play, this is normal and can be quite boisterous, a toy or chew to bite should be offered in place of your hand or feet as this behaviour on skin has to be curbed. Bulldog puppies are usually sold at weeks of age. They should have received their first immunisation, been examined by a veterinarian and been micro chipped. The breeder should offer you a puppy contract on which should be detailed advice on feeding, worming and general problems in the breed. The pedigree family tree of the dog and its registration at the Kennel Club should be available for inspection. Characteristics to look for: Wide Open Nostrils, this will enable better breathing and reduce much of the noisy breathing bulldogs have bad press about. A small nose roll or a split one is preferable. Heavy nose rolls and folds all increase the risk of skin problems as bacteria grows in sweaty folds, big nose rolls look cute but can become infected, they requires daily care as the puppy becomes an adult. However even large nose rolls can reduce as the puppy grows. Watch the bulldog run in the garden. It should move freely and not be unduly breathless. This may produce problems later in life such as infection as it is difficult to clean under a tight tail. The ideal is a straight tail. Eye problems are quite common in the breed. Beware of the puppy that blinks a lot or has heavy tear stains at weeks although the staining may be aggravated by sweating. The construction of the puppy should be nicely balanced with a good neck length [for breathing] and a back of moderate length. As they approach 5 months of age, they should be showing some shape, active puppies become more muscular and less flabby which will be better for their health. Big framed bulldogs does not mean obese so weight guides are all in proportion to the skeleton of the dog in question, if the mother is large there is a possibility that the puppy will be of good size when full grown. Depending on why you are buying a dog should decide whether you buy a dog or bitch puppy. If you want to start showing, buy the best possible bitch with as good a pedigree as you can find. Study the bulldog standard and learn what the show ring requires. If you buy a promising dog and he does not turn out you must make another purchase whereas with a bitch you have the chance to breed something better. For a pet, one cannot beat the male bulldog. He will be more impressive to look at as the breed characteristics of males mean their heads are larger and they are extremely faithful loving and companionable. You need to see its official registration and have the dog signed over to you. His chipped and comes with a cage, bed, bowels n stand, lead, harness, training lead, toys, paw n wrinkle cream, jabs records. .Read More Olde English bulldogge Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 8SH Hi all so unfortunately we are having to rehome our beautiful girl we rehomed her ourselves due to not getting on with the owners other dogs we have now realised she is not good at all with younger ch.Read More Beautiful kc registered English bulldog puppies Weoley castle, West Midlands B29 5LA Beautiful English bulldog puppies looking for their forever homes We have 5 girls and 2 boy left they are fully health checked, microchipped, Flea and dewormed and had their first injection get second.Read More 10 week englsish bulldog Swanssa, Swansea DA2 6LL Beautiful chocolate and tan engliah bulldog her name is coco brought up in family home she has had first injection and has been microchipped we have kc paperwork and she uses puppy pads please only en.Read More English bulldog puppies Birmingham, West Midlands B98 9AE We are proud to announce our loverly bitch has gave birth to 7 outstanding puppies 5 boys and 2girls all outstanding puppies mum is our loving family pet and dad is a stud from a friend of mine both a.Fully vaccinated and microchipped, wormed and flead. Read More British bulldog puppies kc registered ready 13th may Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 8JU Stunning chunky British bulldog puppies ready for there forever loving homes 13th may Both mum and dad are fantastic family pets Puppies will be Kc registered Micro chipped Wormed to date and flea tre.Read More.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. The link has been copied! Is it possible to tire out a German Shepherd? This is a question many Shepherd owners have found themselves asking on more than one occasion. German Shepherds are naturally high-energy dogs and few families are physically active enough to keep up with them. This begs the question, how much exercise does a German Shepherd need? And the next one, is it possible for them to get enough? While it may not seem like it sometimes, it is definitely possible for German Shepherds to get enough exercise. Overexercising can actually instigate the hip dysplasia problems that the breed is already prone to. Thus, it is important to know how much exercise your German Shepherd should be getting — and what kind. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to get your pup some quality, healthy exercise. Originally, they were bred for hard work on the farm, herding and guarding flocks of sheep. They would spend hours each day keeping the flock together, which requires a lot of running. Plus, they were constantly on alert for danger and ready to neutralize threats to their charges. These high-energy dogs need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. For most dogs, this translates to at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. This can happen in bursts throughout the day and a wide variety of high-energy activities count. This includes taking them for walks or runs, hiking, playing fetch, agility classes, and so much more. If you're an active person looking for a running or hiking buddy, a German Shepherd is a perfect dog for you! They have the energy and endurance to keep up with you on long walks or runs. German Shepherds also make great agility dogs - they love to jump, run, and play! If you're looking for a fun way to exercise your German Shepherd and yourself! Maybe you have a hard time sitting still or concentrating on a task. You might even feel a little anxious. Whatever it is, the frustration dissipates as soon as you go for a good run. German Shepherds are like that — all the time. However, individual needs vary. These can be based on factors such as age, general health, overall fitness level and habits, and more. They may try to get your attention by barking, whining, or jumping up on you. Perhaps they pace back and forth or otherwise appear anxious. Excessive Chewing or Digging With those feelings of restlessness pushing them, dogs start to look for ways to burn off their excess energy. Unfortunately for us, this usually means they start digging up the yard or chewing on the furniture. Whatever is within a bored German Shepherd's reach has no hope for escape. Excessive Barking Another annoying method they will use to burn off excess energy is to bark at everything that moves. They may be trying to give themselves a job to do, seeking attention out of boredom, or both. Weight Gain Just like people, a lack of exercise puts German Shepherds at risk of gaining weight. This is especially true if they have free access to food. They may eat more out of pure boredom. Unfortunately, these dogs are already susceptible to problems like hip dysplasia, which is greatly exacerbated by being overweight. Thus, they need plenty of exercise too. However, they need it in shorter, more frequent doses. Playful pups get a lot of it themselves as they run around and explore their world. However, you should provide about 5 minutes of formal exercise such as a walk for every month of their age. The best exercises for German Shepherd puppies are short walks or runs, playing fetch games, and swimming. These activities will help them burn off some of their energy while learning commands and socializing with other dogs. Exercise for Senior German Shepherds As dogs age, their muscles get weaker and their joints become more sensitive. Senior German Shepherds should get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day, but no more than 60 minutes. The best type of exercise for senior German Shepherds is walking or slow jogging. Swimming is also a great exercise for a senior German Shepherd as it puts no strain on their joints. Other forms of low-impact exercise for senior German Shepherds include playing fetch and agility training. Just make sure to keep the activity level low and short, and never push them too hard. The Best Type of Exercise for German Shepherds The best type of exercise for German shepherds is a combination of aerobic activity and mental stimulation. Aerobic activity is important for German Shepherds because it helps to keep their heart and lungs healthy. Mental stimulation is also vital for preventing boredom. In addition to daily walks or runs, German shepherds also benefit from other forms of exercise, such as active games like fetch or tug-of-war, swimming, and agility training. If you have the space, it might be helpful to set up an agility course in your yard. Another great option is to enroll your dog in dog sports. If you want to really give your German Shepherd a workout, dog sports such as agility or flyball are excellent. These activities will tire your pup out both physically and mentally. You can also get dog toys that are specifically designed to be mentally stimulating for pups. These are helpful for days when you are short on time, but should not take the place of regular exercise. If you like to be active, include your pup! Take your dog hiking with you and give him a chance to explore different terrain and new areas. The Fi GPS collar is a great tool for tracking how much exercise your dog gets each day. They are equipped with an activity monitor that keeps track of your dog's walks, when they go for walks, how long they exercise, and even when they sleep. Using the app, you can check your dog's activity levels and sleep patterns in real time. German shepherds are versatile dogs that can excel at any type of exercise, so get creative and have fun with it. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! You might also like. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. It also helps to improve their mental health by reducing boredom and anxiety. Exercise can also help to prevent behavior problems from developing. There are many different ways that you can exercise your German Shepherd. You can take them for a walk, run or hike. You can also play fetch or Frisbee with them. Whatever you do, make sure that you are having fun too! Dogs are social creatures and love to spend time with their family. The age-appropriate exercise chart for German Shepherds is very important. This is mainly because they will require a different amount of exercise as they grow up and grow old. As German Shepherds age, they will generally need less exercise. This is because their metabolism slows down and they become less active overall. However, every German Shepherd is different and some may still need a good amount of exercise even as they get older. There are a few things to keep in mind when exercising an older German Shepherd. First, start slowly and build up gradually. Older German Shepherds are more likely to get injured if they try to do too much too soon. Second, focus on low-impact activities like walking or swimming. These are easier on the joints than running or jumping. Finally, make sure to give your German Shepherd plenty of breaks. They may need to rest more often than they did when they were younger. They need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy, and they love to play. Here are some of the best exercises for German Shepherds that will meet their exercise needs: 1. Walking your German Shepherd is one of the most important things you can do for them. It provides them with much-needed exercise and helps to keep their energy levels down. Additionally, walking also helps to socialize your dog and gets them used to being around people and other animals. Walking is a great way to start off with any dog, especially high-energy dogs. Start with shorter walks and gradually increase the distance as your dog ages. Running Running is also great for high-energy dogs. You can start by running alongside your dog while they walk and gradually increase the speed as they get used to it. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are also one of the most versatile, which is why they make great family pets. However, German Shepherds are also working dogs, and as such, they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Running is a great way to provide your German Shepherd with the exercise they need, and it can be a lot of fun for both you and your dog. Here are a few reasons why running your German Shepherd is important: German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, so they have a lot of energy. This means that they need plenty of exercise to burn off all that energy. Running is a great way to bond with your German Shepherd. Frisbee or fetch Frisbee or fetch is another fun exercise for high-energy dogs. Dogs love to chase after things and this will help them use up some of that energy. Playing fetch or frisbee with your German Shepherd is an excellent way to help them burn off any excess energy they might have. German Shepherds are especially good hiking companions because of their athleticism and obedience. Hiking is a great way to bond with your dog and tire them out at the same time — both of which are important for a healthy relationship. Hiking is another great exercise for high-energy dogs. It is a great way to explore new places and get some exercise at the same time. Just be sure to start off with shorter hikes and work your way up as your dog gets used to it. Hiking with your German Shepherd is also a great way to meet other dog owners and socialize with your pup. If you live in an area with limited trails or parks, hiking can give you access to new places to explore together. And of course, spending time outdoors is always good for your mental health. So next time you and your dog are feeling cooped up, consider heading out for a hike — you might just be surprised at how much you both enjoy it. Share this:. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. As the German Shepherd is such a fast growing breed compared to some other working breeds the opposite is actually more correct. The strain of over exercise on the skeletal make up of a youngster is often irreversible. The stretching of ligaments at too early an age, the strain on young growing joints, or the carrying of too much weight on the overall framework can and will do harm to the young puppy, and lead to problems in adulthood. Consider a young Shepherd in comparison to a 3 — 4 year old human child — certainly not ready to run a marathon even though the spirit may be willing! Should there be any chance that there is already some problem with wear on the joints of the hips and elbows, further advice would be sought as to appropriate exercise. Then, and only then, should you build the dog up to the desired level of fitness you require for whichever field you have chosen — be it show dog, trialing, agility or family companion with the adult animal — complete in growth. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best form of exercise for a youngster, for a young pup, upon tiring, can easily stop when they wish, and not keep on performing because they wish to please and keep up with you! Of course you will wish to lead train and socialise your puppy, but exercise on lead should be no more than that. Maximum time walking the dog at a fast trot of a puppy up to six months of age should be barely five minutes at one instance equivalent to a short stroll around your local block or park and then rest. Puppies need plenty of rest and sleep, just like a young toddler. Certainly they can play and romp in your back yard or in their kennel run, but they will stop when they feel tired, rest and then play again. Over six months — training on lead could extend to ten minutes if you wish, but again, moderation is the best guide, and if a puppy shows an inclination to tire, then stop! Moderation and common sense are the guidelines. Allow your puppy to grow steadily and slowly, and the fun of having a companion with which you can run your kilometres upon adulthood of the dog will not be impaired by the damage you may do,by doing too much, too soon.

You may like: Newfoundland golden retriever mix. Golden Retriever. Goldens are friendly, reliable, and eager to please household dogs. They are also simple to handle. They have a fun and fun approach to life and continue to exhibit this playful behavior into adulthood. The energetic and powerful gundogs are fond of outdoor play. For a dog breed that is built to hunt waterfowl for long periods, the two activities of fetching and swimming are normal pastimes. The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, muscular dog of medium size. Well-known for its thick glossy coat of gold that gave this dog breed the name. The large head and its friendly and intelligent eyes and ears, with its short ears and straight muzzle, are distinctive characteristics of the breed. The Golden Retriever Club of America was established in .They excel in all areas from the field to in the show arena, from agility to obedience. Beware of apartment dwellers, however. The dogs require plenty of space to play in and plenty of exercises every day to keep their energy levels in check. The AKC recognized the Pointer in .The American Pointer Club was founded in .The Pointer is a beautiful, but rare breed ranked rd in the breeds recognized at the American Kennel Club. You my like: Brittany spaniel golden retriever mix. Temperament and personality. Overall, it is generally said that the American Gointer mixed breed can be described as a wonderful and playful dog who loves being outside and being with family. They are intelligent dogs who can sometimes be a bit stubborn, but they are successful with patient and active family members. Gointer is a gentle and loving dog that requires little grooming. It loves playing with children and can be found in all your outings. Size and appearance. Golden retriever pointer mix breed dogs are usually medium to large. They have a coat that is usually golden in color. Are these dogs good for families? The American Gointer is a great pet for families. They are extremely lively and energetic dogs who are a joy to play with and are not prone to aggression. You may like: Pekingese golden retriever mix. Does this breed get together with other pets? The Gointer does well with other household pets, but they are best appropriately socialized as pups like other dogs. They are wonderful friends for all of the members of the family. Additionally, their playfulness makes great playmates for your pet or dog in the family. Food and diet. The American Pointer is a medium-sized dog. You should adhere to the guidelines on the amount, and often you provide your pup with dog food. It is important to provide your dog only with the best dry dog food. Also, reading the directions on the side of the food bag will help you determine the amount you can give your dog. Be careful in feeding your pet snacks or food for humans because you must ensure that your dog is safe and not overfeed your dog. The American Gointer is an active dog that requires regular exercise, as do it is Golden Retriever and Pointer parents. They are great for taking long walks daily and other activities like swimming or accompanying you on walks. They are fond of retrieving. Therefore playing games of fetch that last for a long time along with agility and obedience trials will keep them entertained and healthy. You may like: Papillon golden retriever mix. The Pointer Golden Retriever mix is easily trained due to their intelligence and eagerness to please their natural. However, they could have an obstinate streak. Consequently, perseverance and positive reinforcement are essential. If you can train and get your dog socialized early enough with a firm yet gentle hand, you can be sure that your Gointer will grow into a loyal and happy pet. It is simple to groom the Gointer due to the short length of their hair. They shed a lot, and brushing them every week will aid. It is best to bathe your dog if needed with a high-quality shampoo for dogs usually less than once per month. You may like: Redbone coonhound golden retriever mix. The American Gointer is a mixed breed and is not as likely to be afflicted with the same health problems as its parents. It is believed that the Golden Retriever mixed with the Pointer could be susceptible to joint dysplasia or cancer and skin diseases, and more. Golden retriever pointer mix puppy are loyal, loving, and intelligent dogs that make great family pets. They are usually medium to large, and they have a coat that is usually golden in color. Golden retriever pointer mix breed dogs are easy to train and generally healthy. Be sure to give them plenty of exercises and start preparing early to help them learn good manners. Regular grooming is also necessary for these dogs. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Male vs Female The male and the female American Gointer are different in size, with the female usually a little smaller. The male Gointer can be 22 to 27 inches in height, and the female runs 22 to 24 inches. Another difference is whether you want to use your dog for breeding or choose to have surgery. Spaying the female dog is a little more complicated than neutering the male, so expect to pay more for your female and a longer recovery time. Neutering and spaying can help prevent health problems in the future and address any issues around aggression and will help prevent your dog from running away. Lastly, there are many that believe that there are temperament differences between males and females. It is thought that the male dog might be more aggressive and less affectionate than the female, but this is debatable. However, the most important factor is how your dog was trained and socialized as a puppy and how it is treated as an adult. Final Thoughts The Golden Retriever and the English Pointer are two very energetic dogs that make wonderful companions for the family. Finding an American Gointer might be a challenge, but your best bet is to start speaking to breeders of Golden Retrievers and English Pointers. You could also talk to local and national dog clubs and attend dog shows as people in the field might point you in the right direction. Finally, post your interest in the Gointer on social media. The multitudes of dog lovers online might know precisely where you can find one. The Gointer is a beautiful dog that can be trusted around your family and is a fun companion. Related Reads:. The offspring is also likely to live as long as their parents. In some instances, you can also have puppies with a single shade. Hence, their offspring are also likely to possess similar qualities. You can also expect your pet to be great to be with children. Else, it may snap at them if they bother it. However, training your pet early and enabling it to socialize can be helpful. You must brush your pet a few times weekly to reduce excessive shedding. You should bathe them but only when necessary, or their skin can become dry. You should also not forget to brush their teeth, but times per week is enough. Exercise Needs Your mixed breed is sure to be energetic and playful, so it will require a lot of exercise. They indeed love any outdoor activity like their GSP parent. So, take them out for walks, jogging, and even swimming. Since the breed has genes from GSPs, your pet may be inclined to dig and go after small creatures. If you have a garden or yard, you can allow your pet to do that sometimes. But see that you clean them up nicely afterward. Health Needs GSPs and Golden Retrievers are generally healthy, but irresponsible breeding can cause them to fall sick. Their offspring may sometimes inherit ailments like eye issues, hip dysplasia, and skin conditions, among others. It will help to know whether your pet is suffering from any issue or not. If so, then the vet will provide the necessary treatment. You can take a puppy home only after checking out all its credentials. GSPs and Golden Retrievers are intelligent breeds, and when you begin training them early, they become pretty obedient and even docile. Owners often train Golden Retrievers to participate in dog shows or as guides and therapy dogs. So, you can teach your mixed-breed pet to do many things. You can teach them to obey commands and also other activities. Some individual dogs can be stubborn, but with patience, the right approach, and some treats, you can turn them around and make them biddable. GSPs can shed year-round in warm climates , and the same can happen to their mixed-breed offspring with Golden Retriever. GSPs and Golden Retrievers are both energetic, so their offspring are likely to be even more playful. GSPs love to run and play outdoors. It will keep your puppy occupied , and later it will feel exhausted. You can also play fetch with your pet for a while. Train your dog in the activity and do that at least several times to get the exercise and tires out. Puppy games, playing with the hose, and hiking are other things you can do with your pet. When it spends a lot of time physically active, it will become less active and not move about too much later in the day. But you must do several things so your new family member can get comfortable. Feed your puppy the same diet it had at its previous home, whether at a breeder or rescue shelter. Get a crate that will fit when your puppy becomes an adult. Place a suitable bed and clean and fluffy blankets in it so it can get comfy. Use only a high-quality collar and leash, or your pet can get rashes or other issues. However, all dogs are different, and if you train your pet well, it may even stay alone more than the four-hour mark. Your pet may also suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. As a result, it can become destructive and destroy things around the house. You have to let them exercise frequently, feed them on time, keep a water bowl full, take them for check-ups, and groom them when necessary. If you do routine activities, your pet will stay happy and healthy till a ripe old age. An Owner and a huge fan of GSP's! I have owned my GSP for 7 years now and learned so many things along the way to share with you all about German Shorthaired Pointers! Recent Posts. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The German Shorthaired Pointer is known for being intelligent, bold, and trainable. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful German Shorthaired Pointer Golden Retriever Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shorthaired Pointer Golden Retriever Mix puppy. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. However, the fine tuning of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the creation of a multipurpose hunting dog as we know them today was in the mid- to late nineteenth century. Other breeds were thrown into the breeding mix at the attempt to get a dog that worked as well on water as on land. They have always been a very good hunting dog so therefore have been a popular one to breed and keep around. Like many people of his era, he spent a lot of time trying to perfect different breeds. In fact this guy spent a great deal of his life breeding all kinds of different dogs to get various breeds. He was an avid waterfowl hunter so with the Golden Retriever he was looking for a strong, avid hunter but also a dog that was even-tempered in the home. Through various iterations and the breeding of many different breeds of dog, the Golden Retriever slowly emerged. At that time, they were classified as "Retriever — Yellow or Golden. The AKC officially recognized the breed in .Smart, loyal, wonderful and gentle with family and small children. Full of character and love. My husband had him since 8 weeks old, and he was here to see his dad get married and have his own son. He resembled snoopy and would show teeth when he was happy or excited, only territorial about other dogs sitting on his bed. I find myself looking for a pointer lab mix with the same markings, but that dog was truly one of a kind. If I ever am lucky enough to find another dog close to looking like him I will check on this site. My girl was the best friend I ever had. When I was a hunter she was crazy good. It seemed that she knew what we were hunting before I even knew. We could be hunting deer, pheasant or duck and geese. The most important was she was such a great family member. I had her for 16 wonderful years. After I came home from Vietnam she never left my side. I was so privileged to be her best friend as well. I really miss her. She was my best friend. Great with other dogs and even sweeter with kids. Rarely barks but her shedding is quite a bit. I train them as pointers and you get the best of both worlds. She is already pointing up a storm and great personality with the family. I would highly recommend this litter. I'm trying to find another puppy. Mine is 6 years old and I'd like to start training my next hunting hero. Will never own any other breed of dog. She was smart and like a child to us. When we arrived home, she would great us with a hug and kiss, burying her nose between her paw and our side! She would play games and wrestle with the kids and my husband. She was so much fun! She had a few short comings. She would eat anything, including socks, underwear, personal hygiene items. Overall, she was awesome! Miss our girl very much!

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. So, how many times a day should you feed your German Shepherd? German Shepherds should be fed at least twice a day. Vets recommend two smaller meals instead of one large meal for healthy digestion and energy. For puppies, feed 4 meals a day up to three months old, then 3 meals a day up to six months old, before finally reducing to 2 meals a day. It is essential to stick to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your German Shepherd, especially as the breed is prone to the life-threatening condition, Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat. This article will cover how often to feed a German Shepherd whether puppy or adult and how much to give your dog to keep him healthy and happy. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. My German Shepherd Willow eating her meal Hey! As a working breed raised to herd and protect sheep, they are typically energetic, enjoy physical activity, and love having a job to do. Due to their dynamic character, they demand a high-energy diet. However, as large, deep-chested dogs, they are one of the breeds prone to bloat GDV , and vets advise against feeding one large meal a day. Twice per day is the standard, with a good few hours in between, as it allows your GSD to eat and digest his food properly. German Shepherds, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. I absolutely agree with this, especially as the German Shepherd is susceptible to a sensitive stomach and is known to have more digestive problems than other breeds. However, if you have any concerns, you should speak to your vet. If you have a high-energy or working German Shepherd, such as a guard dog, assistance dog, or Police or Military dog that gets a lot of exercise, you may consider feeding little and often to prevent hunger. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Schedule German Shepherd puppies will require more frequent feedings as they expend far more energy and have smaller stomachs to hold their food. You should feed a German Shepherd puppy four meals a day between 6 and 12 weeks old. Puppies aged between 12 and 24 weeks should have three meals a day, and from 24 weeks onwards, German Shepherd puppies should be fed twice per day. Age of Puppy. Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading.

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Government guidelines has to be following while purchasing and doing sale of Labrador baby in Hyderabad with proper documentation. Basic Information of Labrador Dog: Labrador retriever is one of most popular breed in India and America and it is superb social breed and if you want to become first time pet parent then Labrador retriever is one of the best breed for you. Labrador retriever has short and dense fur. These dogs do not like to be alone for a long time. The life span of Labrador dogs is around 10 years. The height of Labrador adult dog can reach up-to inches and their weight can be up-to kilograms. Labrador dogs are very intelligent and have gentle, even tempered and kind temperament. Labrador retriever is one of the best companion dog for a individual or a family. For Original Labrador breed in various colors such as black, golden white or yellow, chocolate. You can directly contact us. 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It was bred to hunt in water and pull boats, which is evident to this day in its natural love for water. Contrary to popular opinion, the Labrador Retriever's name likely derives from the Portuguese 'lavradores' or Spanish 'labradores', both of which mean 'farm worker', rather than the 'Labrador' region of Canada. The Labrador Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and thereafter rose slowly but steadily in popularity due to its incredible versatility, obedience, and rugged good looks. It is now considered the world's most popular breed. The Labrador Retriever has been the most registered dog in America and England since ; the American Kennel Club had almost three times as many Labrador Retriever registrations in , as the second most popular breed. Famous Labrador Retrievers include the title character from the film version of 'Old Yeller' though the book version was a Mountain Cur , Marley, from the bestselling memoir 'Marley and Me', and Tawny, a yellow Lab who gave birth to 18 puppies with her first litter in and was named the 'Iams Mother of the Year'. Size The Labrador Retriever has a shoulder height of cm in and weighs kg lbs. It has emotional brown or hazel eyes, a large nose, moderate stop point at which the muzzle meets the forehead and straight, thick tail similar in appearance to an Otter's. Although not classified separately, the English and American lines have separate lineage. English Labradors sometimes described as the 'show' line have smaller, shorter bodies and a fuller face, and American Labradors sometimes called the 'working' line have a larger body and more boisterous personality. Coat and Color The Labrador Retriever has a short, thick, dense, weather-resistant coat which can be black, yellow varying from cream to gold or almost red or chocolate brown. There is also a rare silver variety which some think to be the result of a Weimeraner cross. A small white marking on the chest is permissible. It is possible for all colors of Labrador Retriever to appear in the same litter. Character The Labrador Retriever is unusually adaptable, obedient, and kind-hearted. No wonder it's so popular! Labs are sociable, affectionate, and loyal. They have a very keen sense of smell. Most Labrador Retrievers are athletic; puppies are particularly active. Temperament The Labrador Retriever has a mellow personality and gets along well with children, other dogs, and any household pets. Some Labrador Retrievers may chew, but they can be trained not to. Labradors do not make great watchdogs because they are friendly with strangers and are not territorial. Care The Labrador Retriever must be brushed once a week, twice when shedding. Like other large breeds, it is susceptible to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Some Labs are prone to PRA an eye disorder or ear infections. Ever the food connoisseurs, Labradors are prone to obesity, so don't let their charming personality connive you out of maintaining a healthy diet for them. Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. They can live outdoors in warm weather, but prefer indoor life with the family. Their high intelligence makes them adept at staging elaborate escapes, so proper precautions should be taken. Training The Labrador Retriever learns very quickly and loves to work for its handler. Leash training is recommended when young. The Labrador Retriever is capable of learning a wide variety of dog sports including Frisbee and Flyball. Activity Labrador Retrievers need plenty of exercise. They enjoy long walks and are especially fond of field sports, fetch, and water games.

November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. The breeder will also inform you of additional vaccinations you will need to schedule with your veterinarian as your puppy grows. Traveling Home With Your New Puppy On the day you pick up your new German Shepherd puppy from our facility, bring a small crate for the puppy to travel home in. We sell Puppy Packs at our facility which include a dog crate and can have one ready for you if you wish to purchase one. Otherwise, if you plan to hold your puppy in your lap on your drive home, bring a few small towels to place on your lap for the puppy. We highly recommend that you DO NOT stop at rest stops, dog parks, or parks to let your puppy go potty. Your puppy will not have received all of its parvovirus shots yet, so exposing your puppy to areas where other dogs have been increases the risk of your puppy contracting parvo. Instead we recommend that you find places that have concrete or hard surfaces like a paved parking lot. In the summertime, be conscious of the surface your puppy is walking on. At Home Care For Your New Puppy The first 24 to 36 hours in your new home is an acclimation period for your puppy to get settled in your home. It is common for your German Shepherd puppy to have diarrhea or loose stool the first week it is in your new home. It is acclimating to a new world and a different schedule. Be very mindful about what kind of dog treats and toys you supply the puppy to chew on. These are all edible things that can cause loose stool and diarrhea. These are also additional calories that puppies will eat before they eat a meal. During their acclimation to your new homes, we recommend you keep treats and cookies to a minimum. These are too rich and too hard on their systems. Wait at least 24 hours before giving your puppy a bath. You are more than welcome to keep in touch with us during this time and ask questions via email or text. The breeder will review the amount of food and schedule with you when you pick up your puppy. If your puppy has a weak appetite during the acclimation period you can add boiled boneless chicken and cooked white rice to its meals. Or you can add canned food to its meal to entice its appetite. Discard any uneaten food after each meal. Ensure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water during the day. If you are house breaking your puppy, remove access to water at least 4 hours prior to bed time. Diarrhea in very young puppies during their first weeks in their new environment is not uncommon. Here's why: Stress and Adaptation: The transition from their birthplace to a new home is a significant change for a young puppy. The stress of leaving their mother and littermates, coupled with adapting to a new diet and environment, can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Dietary Changes: Puppies might experience a sudden switch in their diet when they move to their new home. This shift in nutrition, even if well-intentioned, can disrupt their delicate digestive systems and result in diarrhea. Microbial Adjustment: The puppy's gut is in the process of developing a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Stress and changes in diet can temporarily affect this delicate balance, leading to digestive disturbances like diarrhea. This adjustment period is natural as the puppy's gut adapts to new microorganisms in their surroundings. While occasional mild diarrhea can be expected, it's important to monitor your puppy's condition. Why young puppies get diarrhea and how to treat it Introducing Your Puppy To Other Pets Gradual Introduction: Begin with neutral territory, not in the home of the adult dog, where both dogs can meet on leashes. Increase the time and frequency of their interactions slowly and under supervision. Supervised Interaction: After bringing the puppy home, closely supervise their interactions. Start with separate spaces and controlled play sessions, intervening if tensions arise. Ensure each dog has a safe space to retreat to. Patience and Adaptation: Understand that dogs have unique personalities. Be patient as they adjust to each other. Gradually extend their time together while monitoring their behavior and providing guidance as needed. Introducing a puppy to an adult dog watch even more videos on how to care for your german shepherd puppy with a learning center subscription.

No matter how well-behaved or trainable your pup is, she needs to be contained outside, as much to protect her from other dogs as to ensure she obeys you. Check the collar often; you should always be able to fit two to three fingers comfortably underneath it. These anti-pull devices are particularly useful for wrangling energetic puppies and are an excellent training tool if your dog comes from a breed with a reputation for pulling or unruly behavior. Nevertheless, growing puppies need to be kept safe, and teaching your dog to love her crate—without ever using it as a punishment—can help with the process of house training, in addition to offering your dog a space where she always feels safe. To select a food, remember that dog foods list their ingredients in order of most to least prevalent. Thus a dog food that lists chicken as its first ingredient contains more chicken than any other ingredient. Optional: puppy supplements. Any high-quality dog food will contain all of the ingredients you need to keep your puppy healthy, but a multivitamin can help you ensure your puppy stays healthy for the long-term. The vaccines your dog needs, and which additional vaccines are recommended based on your location and lifestyle. Puppies like to soil the same place over and over, but by reducing the smell, you decrease the likelihood of frequent accidents Puppy pads for when your puppy must be contained, and you want to prevent the potential damage of an accident Optional: a carpet steam cleaner or spot bot to quickly eliminate messes Sure, a shopping spree right after you get your puppy might feel like a financial nuisance. Having everything you need before you need it, though, can help you avoid last-minute pet store trips and unexpected expenses. Proper care for the Poodle will involve many aspects that will all work in combination to maintain excellent health and promote learning and good behavioral habits. It is important to establish a foundation of proper care during the puppy stage that will carry over throughout the Poodle's life. We will discuss: The items that you should have to care for a Poodle puppy Details on the 5 most important tips for proper care - Feeding, house training, offering the right amount of exercise, grooming and how to offer a healthy environment. Toy Poodles and Mini's will be puppies for the 1st year; standards mature at a somewhat slower rate and are considered to be puppies until the age of 2 years old. During this time, much care is needed for both physical growth and mental development. Bringing your new Poodle home is not as simple as just picking up your new family member from the breeder. Good care involves planning ahead. It helps to have all needed items well in advance so that you can focus on the puppy without having to rush out for a needed supply items. One of the most important elements to be aware of is that no matter what the puppy has been fed since he or she began eating solid food, you should have the exact same brand on hand. Quickly switching foods can cause upset stomach and other issues…and in the case of a puppy it can be the cause of hypoglycemia. A slow change must be made. If you opt to go with a different brand or to home cook, have enough of the 'old' food on hand for several weeks, as well as the 'new' so that that you can make gradual changeover. A quality dog bed — A new puppy will feel stress going to even the best of new homes. This is why making sure that you have a nice, soft, comfortable dog bed is important. You should show your Poodle that this is the area in which he can rest, sleep or just get away from noise when things seem to overwhelming. If you will be leaving your puppy home alone during the day, it is best to have the bed placed in the area where he will be staying. A gated off section of a room or inside a canine playpen works well. The entrance to this can be left open when you are home with your puppy can of course, closed off when you are away. In this way, the puppy will become accustomed to the area. If you will be home with your puppy, place this in the corner of room that is frequently used but not chaotic. Dogs like to have their own quiet spot, but not feel isolated. Walking and ID accessories — Along with a retractable leash and a collar for ID purposes, it is highly recommended to have a harness for your puppy. Toy Poodles no matter what the age and all Mini and Standard puppies should have on a harness and not a collar when they are on a leash. When a leash is connected to a dog collar, this can create too much tension on the neck, which can cause collapsed trachea. The trachea windpipe is protected by rings of cartilage…when this happens, those rings collapse in, causing pain and breathing problems. These can be purchased at a pet supply store and come in many unique and interesting designs so that your Poodle always looks stylish. If you are not sure which harness would be best for your Poodle puppy, you may wish to look to both 'Accessories' and 'Clothing- Harness' in the Poodle Specialty Shoppe. A Car Safety Seat - Long ago cars did not even have seat belts for humans. But now, of course, we all know how many lives they save. The very same is true for dogs. Even if you are a conscientious driver, you cannot be in control of those who are driving near you. Be sure to secure your Poodle into a canine car safety seat. All it takes is 1 second of you having to quickly brake for your Poodle to go sliding off of the seat, completely unprotected. These are also great for dogs that are prone to car sickness. A raised booster seat will assist a puppy in being able to look out of the window which reduces motion sickness. However, choosing high quality toys that can stand up to continual chewing and hold a puppy's interest is better. Puppies are full of energy and filled with curiosity; having a good supply of toys at all times will be very helpful. Puppies that are in the teething phase will be experiencing discomfort and teething toys will help to sooth sore gums and offer a chewing outlet See also: Poodle teething Grooming Supplies - Poodle care certainly involves proper grooming. This includes nails, dewclaws, bathes, drying, wrapping, trimming, clipping and topknots. See also: Bathing a Poodle Clothes - Particularly for tiny toy Poodles, protection against the elements should be implemented as needed. During cold, icy winters the use of canine shoes or paw wax helps protect paw pads from ice melt chemicals and aids with traction. A sweater or cute vest can keep a small Poodle puppy from becoming chilled. During hot months, shoes help protect sensitive paws from hot surfaces. Bowls - Plastic bowls often contain heavy dyes that can cause staining on a Poodle's coat. In addition, tiny scratches that easily develop in plastic bowls can also harbor dangerous bacteria. It is best to use stainless steel or ceramic bowls for both food and water. Dishes should shallow so that a puppy can easily reach both food and water without bumping their heads or straining to reach. Toys and Mini's may like raised bowls. However, Standards - who are prone to bloat- should only eat and drink from bowls that are at floor level. Free feed until 3 months old leaving food out at all times and then give your puppy 3 meals per day plus healthy snacks. Please choose your food wisely; cheaper foods with fillers will not offer the proper nutrition needed to aid with the rapid growth that is associated with the puppy phase. You will find that if you reserve snacks and treats as rewards for training, housebreaking and command training will go smoother. Read more: Feeding a Poodle 2- Start house training right away, keeping in mind that it is your commitment to the process that will bring about success. Generally, housebreaking takes 2 to 3 months. If your Poodle puppy will be expected to use an outdoor area, do not focus too much on indoor training when the pup is home along, since it is difficult for puppies to learn 2 different methods. Do keep in mind that young puppies should not be over-exercised since it can interfere with growth plate development; however a daily 20 to 30 minute per walk is perfect. Walks allow a puppy to release pent up energy, it expands their view of the world and is a good staring point for socialization techniques and learning proper heeling. Poodles are generally very active dogs. Aside from a walk each day, this breed loves to run , jump and show off their agility capabilities. Playing catch, Frisbee or training your Poodle to jump through hoops will keep them in good health, both physically and mentally. See also: Poodle Exercise Requirements 4- Begin a routine of grooming and care. While many puppies will balk at the idea of being brushed or having teeth cleaned, doing these tasks on a regular basis allows a puppy to become accustomed to being touched and taken care of. Taking care of the teeth during the puppy stage is important since dental hygiene will affect the adult teeth that have not yet erupted. Read more: Poodle dental care 5- Limit stress, focus on fun. One of the most important elements of Poodle care is to offer a loving, safe environment. Puppies and dogs are sensitive to their owner's moods and the atmosphere of the house in general. Puppies can become easily stressed in noisy, chaotic homes. Puppies should be given a designated area to retreat and rest if feeling overwhelmed. Often, a gated off area that is secured when a pup is home alone, but the entrance is open when owners are home works best. Speak to your pup in a pleasant voice and remember that positive reinforcement for good behavior works much better than scolding for bad behavior. Take time to puppy proof the home, clearing the floors of any small items and stowing away shoes and other objects to higher ground. This should be done before bringing a puppy home but also on a regular basis. See also: What it means when a Poodle puppy shakes - If a Poodle is suddenly shivering, you'll want to look to these top reasons. Poodle Winter Care - Everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle during the wintertime. Other Articles: Apricot Poodles - This is a super popular coat color. Details and photos. Black Poodles - Another gorgeous color. Poodle tear stains - Putting to rest the old myths on what works. A list of the most effective at-home treatments to remove stubborn stains. Poodle hair tangles - Due to the nature of the curly coat, tangles are not uncommon yet should be removed as soon as possible with a method that does not affect hair growth. Are You a Member Yet? When you sign up to become a Member of the site, this allows you to receive a friendly notice when new pages of information have been added. Always something to help keep your Poodle happy and healthy. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. The 6 Best Types of Toys for a Poodle Overview If you think of dog toys as needing to serve as tools to meet a Poodle's needs, you may be surprised at how amazingly helpful they can be. The right toys can help a great deal with everything from teething woes, to negative behavior associated with boredom.In addition, toys can serve as a method of creating a closer bond with your Poodle, encourage activity in an otherwise sedentary dog, and even boost a Poodle's brain power. Here we will take a look at the 6 types of toys every Poodle should have to meet a wide variety of canine needs. Teething begins by 3 to 4 months old and lasts until the 7 to 8 month mark. During this time, there are incredible amounts of itching and most puppies feel some level of discomfort. This causes an overwhelming need to chew to soothe those teething woes. For these reasons, one of the best things that you can do is find the right toys for your teething Poodle puppy. Qualities of effective teething toys: The oral sensations that a puppy feels can move from moment to moment. Discomfort waxes and wanes. And itching can come in waves. So, toys need to be very versatile. The best toys will have: A variety of surface textures. Cloth, rope, and hard rubber should be available to meet chewing urges at any one particular time. Rope toys are especially helpful, as the twisted strands are good 'scratchers'. Small nubs. This is of particular importance; tiny nubs work to massage gums which helps the pup feel better. A puppy needs to be able to manipulate the toy into different parts of his mouth. Proper sizing. This is most relevant to toy Poodles, since many dog teething toys are sized too big for a tiny toy's mouth. If a Poodle puppy cannot instantly find relief, he may move onto something else.Recommended teething toys: Below are our 1 most recommended toys for Poodle pups that are in the throes of teething. The first 3 are for toy Poodles, though larger options can be found for miniatures and standards. The Nylabone is just one example of great teething chews that are flavored to entice a puppy to mouth them and come in a wide range of sizes, to accommodate all Poodle varieties. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. On mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. And if this describes your Poodle, no doubt you have had a hard time finding the right toys that will stand up to aggressive chewing. A dog's urge to chew is not limited to toys; with this type of drive, nothing is off limits. If a Poodle is not happy with his toys, one of two things will happen: 1 the dog will move on to other objects in the house, which is not only destructive but also unsafe or 2 the dog will become irritable and stressed as he's unable to satisfy his urges. Qualities of the best toys for strong chewers: To meet your Poodle's needs, the goal will be to provide fun chew toys that are specifically designed to handle aggressive chewers. While no toy is literally indestructible, some come very close. The toy will need to: Be able to stand up to high bite force. Be safe - A great feature to look for is a color indicator that the toy has been chewed down too far. Some toys are guaranteed, meaning that if a color starts to show, you'll get a free replacement. Fun - If it does not have the right texture and pliability to feel good in a Poodle's mouth, it'll be of no use. Recommended toys for Poodles that are super aggressive chewers: For this, both Kongs and Doughnuts are the two best options, with Kongs being the best for toy Poodles images are below. Kongs are great because they come in a wide range of sizes that will be appropriate for toys, minis, and standards. These are color coded, with pink and blue for puppies, red for 'normal' adult chewers, and black is reserved for the strongest chewers. In other words, a puppy would never be able to bite down on a black Kong dog toy and an aggressive chewer could tear up a pink one. The 'classic' Kong is designed to be filled with treats or kibble, which draws a dog to it and encourages him to stay focused. If your Poodle likes to chew, but has not shown a history of shredding toys to bits, you may find that the Kong 'minimally stuffed' chew toys are well received. These are also great because they come in all sizes from small to large. Goughnuts are colored coded as well, with yellow, orange, and green for strong chewers PSI and black reserved for professional grinders at a whopping PSI. What is great about these is that they are guaranteed. Each has red in the middle. If you see even a tiny spot of red, you may return the toy for just the cost of shipping out a new one. There are 3 sizes as well; but these will be a bit too large for most toy Poodles. Toys are shown below. And in this sense, thinking of toys as 'stay busy' tools can make a huge difference in your Poodle's happiness level. When a puppy or dog is just sitting around without anything to do, he will reach a limit where boredom turns into frustration. And where monotony turns into depression. If your Poodle has been too bored, you may not even realize it until you hand over a super-fun, interactive toy and see him perk up. Alternatively, some Poodles are very expressive about how they feel. It must be noted that regular exercise plays a role in this as well. If your Poodle is not taken out twice per day for at least minute sessions, even the best of toys may not fix his woes. So, a good balance of getting outside for walks and offering the right toys during down-time is the best fix. Qualities of the best toys to fix boredom and keep a Poodle occupied: You'll want toys that will be perfect for both when a Poodle is home alone and also when you are home but cannot interact with your Poodle at the moment. These toys should: Allow a Poodle to play fully independently; you will not need to do anything else other than point out the toy if you are there. Call out to the puppy or dog. A huge aspect is that the toy interacts with the dog. In this way, playing is a two-way street. The dog noses the toy, the toy responds. The dog chews the toy, the toy reacts. This type of element can keep a dog busy for a long time, basically until he's completely tuckered out. Recommended 'stay busy' toys for Poodles: There ares some incredibly fun options. The Babble Balls toys are out of this world; these are super interactive toys that can keep a puppy or dog amused and busy for hours. There are 3 sizes small for toys, medium for minis, and large for standard Poodles. Also, there are two fun types. One lets out animal noises. So, as a Poodle touches the toy, engaging sounds like pigs, frogs, bears, birds, even other dogs speak to him. There are 20 different animal sounds in all. The other is just as wonderful. It lets out funny phrases such as 'Come here, puppy! There are 20 amusing, encouraging phrases in all. For both of these, the toys automatically shut off when not in use, so the batteries do not run out. The Look Who's Taking line of toys is super fun as well. There are over 15 different types of stuffed animals, and each one makes a corresponding animal noise. These are good sized quality toys that stand up to daily playing. The size of these toys range from 5" the baby chick to 7" the cow and a bunch in between. There is a parrot, frog, rooster, monkey, goat, lobster, and more. These toys are shown below. These serve two purposes in one swoop. As an added benefit, if you place your Poodle's food in this sort of toy on days that you are not home, it helps prevent bloat, a dangerous health condition fast eating is a common trigger , which is a top concern for standard Poodles and is always something to be aware of no matter what type or size dog you have. Qualities of great treat-release toys: There are a few aspects to keep in mind. For this type of toy to do its job, it should: Hold in treats enough that they are not released too easily, but at the same time allow a Poodle to smell them in order to trigger a response. Be designed to work with a variety of different dog treats so that you are not forced to purchase additional treats. Be made with safe materials. Be durable to stand up to daily use. Be easy to clean since you'll want to be able to rinse away food particles. Be sized correctly. It's not uncommon for owners of toy Poodles to have trouble finding treat dispensing toys for their tiny dogs, so for these Poodles, it must fit the needs of dogs 10 lbs. Recommended treat dispensing toys for toy, mini and standard Poodles: There are some great options for all Poodles images below. Busy Buddy makes two treat release toys. The barnacle toy is perfect for toy Poodles, even puppies. It is composed of 3 tiny separate spheres, so toy Poodle can easily mouth onto one of them at a time. If you like the looks of this one, but don't have a toy Poodle, no worries.The other type is the twist sphere, which is adjustable, so you can control how easy or hard it is for your Poodle to get to the treats. This comes in small for dogs 8 to 20 lbs. The IQ Treat Ball is a great toy for toy Poodles on the larger end, minis and standards; this is available in both 3 and 4 inch diameters. It's a neat little sphere that is adjustable and releases food as it's nudged which encourages a dog to move. The Bob-A-Lot is a good-sized toy that is best suited for mini and standard Poodles. This has a large chamber that holds a full meal, and its bright color and wobbly movements make eating fun. Distress and even panicking when owners are away is referred to as separation anxiety, and this is not uncommon with dogs. In fact, it may be even more so with breeds like the Poodle due to their instinctive sensitivity and close human bonding. So, while all toys are important in their own way, perhaps the one type that can make the most dramatic impact on a Poodle is a companion toy. These will mimic a living creature to become an instant friend. With this, a dog is no longer alone. In addition, it would be remiss to not mention webcam devices that allow you to interact with your Poodle when you're not there. These are quite amazing, though are not fitting for those on a tight budget. Qualities of best companion toys: There's no competition here and there's no comparing. The very best ones are Smart Pets; these are good-sized quality stuffed animals that emit a rhythmic, soothing heartbeat. This alone instantly swoops away heavy feelings of isolation. In addition, is an option to send out a comforting warmth. This is as close as you can get to giving your Poodle a companion without obtaining another dog, and these are just marvelous. Qualities of the best pet webcams: Not very long ago, there were some sparse choices for this; however, the features where quite limited. Now, there's some truly amazing devices. While these can be a bit pricey, if you really want to go all out and come the absolute closest you can to being with your Poodle when you're not with him, the webcam will: Have two-way audio so that you can both speak to your Poodle and hear any barking in response. Have a wide-angle view and night vision, so that you can clearly see your puppy or dog at all times and under any sort of lighting though it is always recommended to keep lights on for a dog that's home alone. Easily sync to your smartphone Hold a good number of treats, so that the interaction can be frequent and extended. Toss treats out with a tap on your phone, and at a good distance to make it clear that you're playing with your Poodle. Our 1 recommend companion toys and a super-neat interactive webcam are below. If you don't see the images, try a refresh. On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. It's what they live for. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Poodle is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15 minutes, and it will mean the world. And do not discount older adults and even seniors. The need to hold onto bonds is stronger than ever. However, it's not uncommon for a Poodle to need something colorful and interesting to get really involved with a game of fetch. You'll want it to be durable and importantly the right size so that your Poodle can easily mouth it. Another option that is great to play on rainy days are puzzle games. With this, you work together as a teacher and student. You'll teach your Poodle how to nose levers and paw buttons to find hidden treats. There is something to be said about the Poodle ranking 2 in intelligence ; this is indeed a super smart breed. However, dogs are as smart as opportunity allows.For these, you'll want to pay attention to the level typically 1,2 and 3 or beginner, intermediate, and advanced so that the puzzle is doable. Recommended super-fun fetch toys and a fun puzzle game are below this one is level 2, but there are lots of options. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Bringing home a new puppy can be overwhelming especially when you go to the pet store and are faced with the many choices. There are so many different products it is hard to know which one is the right one. Which ones do you actually need for your new puppy? I have put together a list of product that I recommend with links to them to help you out at the bottom of the page. I am not an Amazon affiliate this is just a list to help you out. This can give you an idea on what to have on hand when your puppy comes home. I find it fun to shop for a new puppy myself but after talking to others I realized that not everyone is like me. I love the thrill of researching the best product for my new puppy and what works best for our household. I hope this list is a help to you when you are out shopping. You can get everything at once and have it when you bring your new puppy home or you can just get the basics and slowly add to your supplies on an as needed basis. No carpet! If you only have carpet you can go to Lowes or Home Depot and get a piece of linoleum remnant to lay down over your carpet. You can set it up in a main room like a family room or living room you or you can set this up without the fence in a small room like a bathroom or something similar. Some people prefer to go straight to crate training vs continuing to use the litter box. I do not recommend this set up unless you still have the litter box available for them to use. I like to use this set up until the puppy is completely house trained. This gives peace of mind that the puppy is not getting into trouble and creating bad habits that you will have to undo later. The litter box I use is from Petco. You can also use a plastic underbed storage container. This is also found at Petco. But it is bulkier to store once you are done with it. Any type of enclosure similar to this will work. Wire crate with a divider. As long as it is never used as a punishment and used correctly most dogs actually love their crates. A crate is a place that they can go to relax. It is like their den would be in the wild. A crate is a wonderful potty training tool as well. Dogs do not like to soil where they sleep. The crate should be large enough for the puppy or dog to stand up without having to hunch, lie on its side with legs outstretched, and turn around with ease. If it is then the puppy will simply use one end for its bed and the other for the bathroom. This is where the divider comes in handy. They will want to potty the minute they come out so this will become a wonderful opportunity for a potty training lesson. Every time they come out of the crate they immediately go to the potty spot and do their business. You then reward them with a treat or just getting excited and praising them works too. But it is important to make it comfortable for them. For the first few weeks I just use old towels or old baby blankets in the bottom of the crate. That way if they do have an accident in the crate it is easy to pull it out and toss a fresh one in. Once they are fully crate trained then you can get a bed to put in the bottom of the crate. I just plan to change it out and put a fresh one in every morning for the first few week so that no accident is missed and they are sleeping on a dirty bed. Can be purchased on the GNC website Collars and Leashes I like to get a double braided collar with a buckle instead of a plastic snap. I have used many different collars and this type seem to last the longest as well as be the most reliable. Basic Slip Lead - I recommend having a few of these around. I like to have one in my car or maybe hanging beside the front door for the moment that nobody wants to happen but is usually does. Someone opens the door and the dog slips out without the collar. Its nice to have around because it works for both a collar and a leash. Nylon leash - Just a basic nylon leash is good. Its all a matter of personal preference here. Whatever you prefer to hold. Leather training leash - Especially for a standard puppy I recommend getting a 6 ft leather training leash. They are wonderful and last a long time. Food and Water Bowls I like to get the stainless steel no tip water bowls right from the beginning so your puppy never learns how fun it is to play in their water and dump it. It is the blue bag with the husky on the front. You can buy this from Costco or Amazon. Chew Toys Puppies will chew! You can either provide them with acceptable things to chew on or they will find their own. I also try to keep at least one toy or bone in their crate. Elk Antlers My 1 recommended bone or chew toy is elk antlers. Antlers Last Forever! They are spendy but So Worth it because they last for months! Antler chews are natural, healthy, odor-free and long-lasting chew toys that will help keep your dog busy and out of trouble and will help to keep his teeth clean. I don't recommend rawhide bones because they can get soft and splinter when the puppies chew on them. I used to get cow hoofs for our dogs because they would just slowly wear away at them. And then their breath was horrible too! When I was pregnant and super nauseated I said enough was enough and banned them from the house. I really wanted to find a better alternative and was thrilled when I stumbled on the Elk Antlers. They are definitely a must have at our house. I would buy the split antlers for the first time to show them how yummy they are. They like chewing on the marrow best. After that I would just get the whole antlers as they last longer. I get mine from michiganantlerart. It does not stain, smell, or splinter. I learned a neat trick from a blog not long ago that I thought I would pass on. When it gets so small you worry about choking, take it away and let it dry then microwave it for seconds. Now it is safe again to give to your pet as a quick treat. This way there is no waste, and your pet enjoys every last bit of it. I like to have a few different types of rope toys available I like Kong Brand Toys as well. It is fun to go to Petsmart to Petco and look around at their toys and pick up a few of your favorites to try out. We keep a variety of different toys at all times and one will be a favorite for awhile than another. Best for: All ages, especially puppies Level of importance: Highly recommended Small dog owners are often guilty of neglecting to train their pint-size pooches, but Poodle parents make this mistake at their own peril. Considered one of the most intelligent breeds, an untrained Poodle may become bored, destructive, bossy, or high-strung. They want to learn, and they want someone to teach them. For successful training sessions, make sure to stock up on plenty of training treats to reward your pup. Training treats are generally bite-sized, allowing them to be easily carried and helping your pup stay slim as they work through training. Poodles tend to live well into their teenage years, and your dog deserves to have a safe, loving home with you for their entire lifespan. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. Elizabeth spent more than 20 years working as a veterinary nurse before stepping away to become a stay-at-home parent to her daughter. Now, she is excited to share her hard-earned knowledge literally--she has scars with our readers. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching all sports but especially soccer, and spending time outdoors with her family.Read more Advertisement. Temperament: Self-confident, friendly, and intelligent. Toy Poodle Appearance The only real difference between a toy Poodle and a standard Poodle is their height and weight. They share the same coat colorings, markings, behaviors as a standard-sized Poodle. The toy in their name implies that they are smaller than 10 inches and were created for companionship. This pooch appears squarely built and well proportioned. They will have black noses with very dark and dazzling eyes. Size Males should be between inches tall and weigh between pounds. Females should be between inches tall and weigh between pounds. Coat and Colors They come in a variety of colors so it can be hard to choose just one! These colors range from blues, grays, browns, creams, and other shades in between. However the most popular is the red toy Poodle and the black toy Poodle. As for their coat there is virtually no shedding — it is amazing for people who suffer from allergies. However, it will require more time and effort than other dog breeds. Without proper care their coat is prone to matting that can cause painful infections. This coat should be groomed every 4- 6 weeks. Poodles come in 3 different sizes and the toy size is the smallest of them all. They excel at agility and obedience competitions. Their curly coat is virtually non-shedding and great for people who suffer from allergies. Royalty liked to use them as warmers because of their fluffy coat. Toy Poodle Personality and Temperament The toy Poodle has a superb personality which explains their immense popularity. They are very adaptable and can thrive in an urban environment if given daily walks. If you are looking for a dog to have in your apartment this is a good pick as long as they still get outdoor exercise. Toy Poodles are companion dogs and will require companionship from you. If they are left alone for long periods of time they could develop separation anxiety. This is not a breed that is suitable to be left alone the entire day and will get anxious and possibly destructive if this happens. They are inquisitive and very trainable — they are eager to please and love working alongside humans. Due to their low aggression levels, they are a safe and curious breed to have around others. Their ability to socialize with other animals humans and children relates to their friendly nature. However, since they are very small, they could easily be hurt by another animal or young child. Unfortunately, they are, at times, too eager to sound the alarm, and their endless barking can quickly become a problem for both owners and neighbors alike. Thankfully, the toy poodle is highly intelligent, and with a little work and training, you should be able to rid your pooch of this annoying trait. This is a naturally athletic and active dog that will require lots of daily physical and mental stimulation. Just because they are a small dog it does not mean that they will like to lounge and lay on the couch all day. They have been bred to be more of a companion animal but they still yearn for exercise. Although the toy Poodle is an exceptionally friendly and loving breed, it is not recommended to place them in a household with small children due to their fragility. However, they do make excellent family dogs in households with older children. Caring for a Toy Poodle The toy Poodle will make a great companion or family dog for anyone that wants an intelligent and agile smaller dog. They will be a very rewarding and affectionate dog if you are willing to provide them with physical and mental challenges. When they are not challenged they can get destructive. Professional grooming will be required every couple of weeks and it is a very important part of owning a Poodle. Brushing will also have to be done daily to keep it from matting. As long as their requirements are met they should fit perfectly in a family with older children. Exercise Requirements Although toy Poodles do enjoy being athletic it is important to keep their small size in mind. Their size can make them prone to injuries if an owner is not careful. Around an hour of daily exercise is enough to keep them happy. You can keep this pooch even if you only have a small year. A fun exercise they would enjoy is being in water. They have a retrieving background so the water is a happy place for them. Number of Walks Per Day: 1. Grooming and Shedding One of the main reasons someone might be attracted to a Poodle is their minimal shedding allergy-friendly coat. However, this does come at a cost and this coat will require more clipping and maintenance than many other dogs. You should get accustomed to daily brushing and combing of their curly coat to keep it from matting. It is common for toy Poodle owners to keep their dogs coat short to save some time combing. If you are unfamiliar with grooming a dog with a coat like this you should set up a monthly appointment with your groomer. When feeding them and monitoring their growth you should keep in mind that males should be between pounds and females should be between pounds. You should be cautious with table scraps and treats since this could lead to obesity. A high-quality ingredient dog food should be chosen for your toy Poodle. Since they are a small and toy breed, they should be given kibble that is made especially for them. This kibble will likely have less fat and carbohydrates than the food you would feed a larger breed. However, there are some health problems that they can be predisposed to: Hip dysplasia.