mastiff boxer puppies for sale

Kesdar Boxers — the home of Champions. We are a small kennel, now breeding infrequently and dedicated to the purebred, Boxer. The health and temperament of our dogs is paramount to our breeding program. Our consistent success in the show ring is due to our commitment to the Boxer Breed Standard. We are proud that Kesdar Boxers are recognised as top winning Boxers right across Australia, year-in and year-out. Boxers are a loving, loyal and trustworthy family dog with unique characteristics that set them apart from all other breeds and endear them to everyone that is lucky enough to have had a Boxer in their life. Please browse our website, take a look at the current show team and all the precious Boxers that have made our home their home. Jen bought her first Boxer, Jodie, in , Jodie was not a show girl but her true Boxer temperament was always on display and so began a love affair with the breed leading to the purchase of Kes who became Champion Tonup Angels Flight. All our dogs can be traced back to these two special dogs. Angie not only thrilled us in the show ring but also produced a Grand Champion daughter Grand Champion Kesdar High Society from her first litter and Grand Champion and Champion litter brothers from her second. Our youngster, Murphy, is more than half way to her title and on writing this update just 7 months of age. We are extremely proud that 16 of the 39 Champions are owned and were titled by other people, some with their first show Boxer. Arken is a beautiful, healthy, strong dog combining the best of English and European Boxers and has provided a solid foundation for the Kesdar lines into the future. Two of his outstanding progeny, Deeks and Mischief have both won Best in Show at Boxer Specialties under international judges. Come and see us we love to talk Boxer and our dogs adore saying hi! Our foundation dogs, golden oldies, our beautiful Norwegian boy, Arken, current show team and the future with our promising youngsters. The Golden Oldies and Arken sections under development. Special Moments Under Development! Return soon for an update. Our dogs have provided us with memorable wins over the years at the highest level of competition and conitnue to inspire us with their passion for life and joy of simply showing off! Puppies Browse some of the beautiful Kesdar babies from our past and present. Puppies are cherished at Kesdar. Our litters are now infrequent but as always when we have a litter the mating is carefully planned to produce healthy, sound Boxers. If you wish to talk to us about any future litters we might have please call and talk to us in the first instance. Send a Message. Reverse brindle and sealed. Pups were born Aug 8th and will be ready for their new homes Oct 4th, One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Currently lbs Good temperament Great with kids Easy going happy dog We are looking to rehome him, after much consideration, he is a great dog, Kamloops Only 2 left! Husky Boxer with some Akita bear and Rottweiler. They are very lovely little ones, they are from a litter of 8 all srong and healthy. Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.This adorable cutie is ready to go. Both parents are unregistered Purebred Boxers. Mom lives with me and Dad is.These puppies will be ready for their forever home in the first week of September. They will go home having been properly checked by a vet and been given their.Tails and dew claws done Ready to.I owe both parents. Born June 19 , puppies will be ready to go on August .They are born on the 2. September and are ready to go .Mom weighs around 55lbs and is a fawn. She is very.Ready for forever homes on Sept 9. Located in Victoria BC Mom and dad both.Raised with their parents, cats and in a family environment. Very trainable and loving. We have 4 girls the puppies are about a week an a half old will be ready to leave at 8 weeks old our past litters all turned out to be great dogs.They come vet checked with first vaccine, vet record and deworming These pups are very well socialized and ready to go. We also own both mom and dad, and they all have great.Maple is our.Browse other categories in Pets in British Columbia. Boxer Anatomy The Boxer The Boxer is a medium sized family dog that makes a wonderful companion for children and adults alike. He is often referred to as the clown of the canine world. A happy, loyal and trustworthy breed who will protect his family with love. General Appearance The Boxer is a medium sized, sturdy, smooth-haired dog of short square figure and strong limb. The musculation is clean and powerfully developed and should stand out plastically from under the skin. As a service and guard dog he must combine a considerable degree of elegance with the substance and power essential to his duties; those of an enduring escort dog whether with horse, bicycle or carriage and as a splendid jumper. Therefore to be at its highest efficiency, the Boxer must never be plump or heavy. Whilst equipped for great speed, it must not be racy. When judging the Boxer the first thing to be considered is general appearance, the relation of substance to elegance and the desired relationship of the individual parts of the body to each other. Consideration, too, must be given to colour. After these, the individual parts should be examined for their correct construction and their functions. Special attention should be devoted to the head. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household, his alertness, and fearless courage as a defender and protector. The Boxer is docile but distrustful of strangers. He is bright and friendly in play but brave and determined when roused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty, and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty. He is never false or treacherous even in his old age. Head and Skull The head imparts to the Boxer a unique individual stamp peculiar to the breed. It must be in perfect proportion to his body; above all it must never be too light. The muzzle is the most distinctive feature. The greatest value is to be placed on its being of correct form and in absolute proportion to the skull. The beauty of the head depends upon the harmonious proportion between the muzzle and the skull. From whatever direction the head is viewed, whether from the front, from the top or from the side, the muzzle should always appear in correct relationship to the skull. That means that the head should never appear too small or too large. The length of the muzzle to the whole of the head should be as 1 is to 3. The head should not show deep wrinkles. Normally wrinkles will spring up on the top of the skull when the dog is alert. Folds are always indicated from the root of the nose running downwards on both sides of the muzzle. The dark mask is confined to the muzzle. The muzzle must be powerfully developed in length, in breadth and in height. It must not be pointed or narrow, short or shallow. Its shape is influenced through the formation of both jaw-bones, the placement of teeth in the jaw-bones, and through the quality of the lips. The top of the skull should be slightly arched. It should not be so short that it is rotund, too flat, or too broad. The occiput should not be too pronounced. The forehead should form a distinct stop with the top line of the muzzle, which should not be forced back into the forehead like that of a Bulldog. Neither should it slope away downfaced. The tip of the nose should lie somewhat higher than the root of the muzzle. The forehead should show a suggestion of furrow which, however, should never be too deep, especially between the eyes. For preference they should taper into the muzzle in a slight, graceful curve. The nose should be broad and black, very slightly turned up. The nostrils should be broad with a naso-labial line between them. The two jaw-bones should not terminate in a normal perpendicular level in the front but the lower jaw should protrude beyond the upper jaw and bend slightly upwards. The Boxer is normally undershot. The upper jaw should be broad where attached to the skull, and maintain this breadth except for a very slight tapering to the front. Eyes The eyes should be dark brown; not too small or protruding; not deep set. They should disclose an expression of energy and intelligence, but should never appear gloomy, threatening or piercing. The eyes must have a dark rim. When the dog is alert the ears should fall forward with a definite crease. Mouth The canine teeth should be as widely separated as possible. The incisors 6 should all be in one row, with no projection of the middle teeth. In the upper jaw they should be slightly concave. In the lower they should be in a straight line. Both jaws should be very wide in front; bite powerful and sound, the teeth set in the most normal possible arrangement. The lips complete the formation of the muzzle. The upper lip should be thick and padded and fill out the hollow space in front formed by the projection of the lower jaw and be supported by the fangs of the jaw. These fangs must stand as far apart as possible and be of good length so that the front surface of the muzzle becomes broad and almost square; to form an obtuse rounded angle with the top line of the muzzle. The lower edge of the upper lip should rest on he edge of the lower lip. The repandous bent upward part of the under-jaw with the lower lip sometimes called the chin must not rise above the front of the upper lip. On the other hand, it should not disappear under it. It must, however, be plainly perceptible when viewed from the front as well as the side, without protruding and bending upward as in the English Bulldog. The teeth of the under-jaw should not be seen when the mouth is closed, neither should the tongue show when the mouth is closed. Neck The neck should be not too thick and short but of ample length, yet strong, round, muscular and clean-cut throughout. There should be a distinctly marked nape and an elegant arch down to the back. Forequarters The chest should be deep and reach down to the elbows. The depth of the chest should be half the height of the dog at the withers. The ribs should be well arched but not barrel-shaped. They should extend far to the rear. The loins should be short, close and taut and slightly tucked up. The lower stomach line should blend into an elegant curve to the rear. The shoulders should be long and sloping, close lying but not excessively covered with muscle. The upper arm should be long and form a right-angle to the shoulder-blade. The forelegs when seen from the front should be straight, parallel to each other and have strong, firmly articulated joined bones. The elbows should not press too closely to the chest-wall nor stand off too far from it. The underarm forearm should be perpendicular, long and firmly muscled. The pastern joint of the foreleg should be clearly defined, but not distended. The pastern should be short, slightly slanting and almost perpendicular to the ground. Body The body viewed in profile should be of square appearance. The length of the body from the front of the chest to the rear of the body should equal the height from ground to the top of the shoulder, giving the Boxer a short-coupled, square profile. The torso rests on trunk-like legs with strong bones. The withers should be clearly defined. The whole back should be short, straight, broad and very muscular. Hindquarters The hindquarters should be strongly muscled. The musculation should be hard and stand out plastically through the skin. The thighs should not be narrow and flat but broad and curved. The breech musculation should also be strongly developed. The croup should be slightly sloped, flat arched and broad. The pelvis should be long and, in females especially, broad. The upper and lower thighs should be long. The hip and knee stifle joints should have as much angle as possible. In a standing position the knee stifle should reach so far forward that it would meet a vertical line drawn from the hip protuberance to the floor. The hock angle should be about degrees; the lower part of the foot at a slight slope of about 95 to degrees from the hock joint to the floor; that is, not completely vertical. Seen from behind the hindlegs should be straight. The hocks should be clean and not distended, supported by powerful rear pads. Feet The feet should be small with tightly-arched toes cat-feet and hard soles. The rear toes should be just a little longer than the front toes, but similar in all other respects. Tail The tail attachment should be high. The tail should be preferably docked and carried upwards and should, preferably, be not more than 5 cm 2 ins long. His gait, although firm, is elastic. The stride free and roomy; carriage proud and noble. Coat The coat should be short and shiny, lying smooth and tight to the body. Colour The permissible colours are fawn, brindle and fawn in various shades from light yellow to dark deer red. The brindle variety should have black stripes on a golden-yellow or red-brown background. The stripes should be clearly defined and above all should not be grey or dirty. Stripes that do not cover the whole top of the body are not desirable. White markings are not undesirable, in fact, they are often very attractive in appearance. The black mask is essential but when white stretches over the muzzle, naturally that portion of the black mask disappears. It is not possible to get black toe-nails with white feet. It is desirable, however, to have an even distribution of head markings. Size Dogs: cm ins at the withers. Bitches: .Heights above or below these figures not to be encouraged. Dogs around .Faults Temperament: Viciousness ; treachery; unreliability; lack of temperament; cowardice. Head: A head that is not typical. A plump, bulldoggy appearance. Pinscher or Bulldog head. Appearance: Light bone. Lack of proportion. Bad physical condition. Lack of nobility and expression. Bite: Unserviceable bite whether due to disease or to faulty tooth placement. Showing the teeth or the tongue. A sloping top-line of the muzzle. Too pointed or too light a bite snipy. Eyes: Visible conjunctiva haw. Light eyes. Ears: Flying ears; rose ears; semi-erect or erect ears. Neck: Dewlap. Front: Too broad and low in front; loose shoulders; chest hanging between the shoulders; hare feet; turned legs and toes. Body: Carp roach back; sway back; thin, lean back; long, narrow, sharp-sunken in loins. Weak union with the croup, hollow flanks; hanging stomach. Hindquarters: A falling off or too arched or narrow croup. Colour: Boxers with white or black ground colour, or entirely white or black or any other colour than fawn or brindle. NOTE: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum. Boxer Anatomy He is an active dog and can be strong-willed and become unruly if not provided with training and boundaries particularly for the first year of his life. The Boxer will enthusiastically welcome most people you invite into your home but can be very reserved if he feels distrustful of certain individuals. Therefore he will make an excellent watch dog, his looks and barking will scare off any intruder, although little do they know that he is really a big softy at heart. He can be stubborn and aggravating then turn around and delight and entertain you with his playful antics and exuberance for life. He will play gently with young children, rough-house teenagers and make the perfect companion around the house or garden with adults. You can hurt his feelings easily by the tone of your voice or by ignoring him. Love him and your love will be returned ten fold. Yes they love outside activities, long walks, camping, runs along the beach but if he will not be allowed to live in the house as part of your family you would be better to choose another more independent breed! The Boxer must be protected from the elements, whether that be the cold of winter or the heat of summer with their short coat offering little protection from the elements. A Boxer that cannot join his family inside their home will become destructive and anxious. If you are not prepared to welcome your Boxer into your home … choose another breed! Dogs that are not purebred have health issues too. Boxers have a relatively short life span of between 9 and 12 years, although many do live longer. It is important to remember that not all Boxers will fall victim to the known health issues, many will live a healthy, disease free life reaching a grand age. Responsible, registered breeders health screen their breeding animals against the most common diseases, where testing is available, to reduce the risk of genetic disorders. Deciding to purchase your puppy from a registered breeder is a wise first decision on the path to dog ownership. Heart Disease Stenosis and Cardiomyopathy are inherited diseases of the heart. Stenosis can be detected by stethoscope. For Cardiomyopathy there is a test for dogs and bitches over 2 years of age. Knowledgeable breeders test their breeding stock and know which dogs have been affected by this disease, and they do not use them in their breeding program. Heart murmurs can be detected early in puppies and as reputable breeders test all their breeding stock it is not a common occurrence nowadays. If a puppy is detected to have a murmur, breeders do NOT sell these to pet homes but run them on themselves to see if the puppy improves with age or the condition worsens. The Program details and database of results can be viewed here. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ARVC is a familial cardiac disease characterised by ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. DNA testing is available that can indicate if a Boxer is clear of the identified gene, carries the gene or is positive at risk of developing ARVC. Please note that environmental factors and other diseases can also contribute to heart disease in dogs. The condition typically begins with rear end weakness but, over time, develops into full paralysis. The condition usually does not appear until the dog reaches maturity or in old age. There is currently no effective treatment or cure, however there is a genetic test that can be done that identifies if a dog is clear of the gene, a carrier, or positive at risk of developing the disease. Reputable breeders conduct DNA testing of their breeding stock prior to mating to ensure they do not mate a Boxer that may be a carrier to a Boxer that is also a carrier thereby running the risk of producing puppies that have the condition. Boxers that are positive for DM are not bred with. Cancer Skin cancers are quite common in Boxers. Cancer itself can be found in Boxers but no more than most other breeds. Hip Displasia Hip Displasia is a disease with a genetic factor and results in a hip joint that is too shallow for the ball of the joint to fit correctly. This can be a debilitating disease, depending on the severity. It is rare in Boxers from show lines, but it does occur more commonly in the general Boxer population. While it has not been considered and issue in Australia many breeders will perform a simple SDMA blood test on breeding stock. The SDMA test can detect early indicators of kidney disease or loss of kidney function. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is found in Boxers, but it is not a common problem and is often triggered by external conditions rather than inherited. Puppy Checklist The Boxer Association of Victoria has created a simple check list to help you on your way to welcoming a beautiful Boxer puppy into your family. View the Checklist The parents of puppies offered for sale should have been heart checked and tested heart murmur free in compliance with the Boxer Association Heart Scheme Program. The puppies should look plump and healthy, with loose pliable skin, clear eyes, loose coat pull up the skin on the pups back to see if it very loose. The environment where puppies are a kept is clean and comfortable. The mother has a very good temperament, playful and gay, not shy or aggressive and looks in good condition Bare in mind she may be a little thin and her coat may be sparse as she has just gone through feeding and rearing this litter. Check that your puppy of choice will come to you when called, and is outgoing, friendly and playful when fully awake as pups can be drowsy if just awakened and is not timid or cower in a corner. All puppies must have been vet checked and received their first vaccination, and not leave their mother for their new home before a minimum of 8 WEEKS of age. A pup that leaves earlier has not had time to fully socialise with its siblings and develop a pack instinct, and may become dog aggressive as it grows. When you come to collect your pup you should receive a Puppy Packet which contains; DIET SHEET — it is most important for the welfare of your pup that he has the correct diet to help him grow and stay healthy for life. Should you wish further information in relation to any of these members, please contact them directly. Registered Breeders.

One of the most popular membership boxes out there, BarkBox is all about themes. You and your pup are sure to be delighted by each month's delivery. From Scooby-Doo to Cinco de Mayo, the boxes come filled with two toys, two treats, and a chew curated to fit the theme. When you sign up, you will answer a few questions about your pup weight, age, and allergies. Shipping is free within the contiguous United States, and BarkBox even has an online shop selling more toys and surprises. If your pup likes to chew , you might want to opt for the Super Chewer box filled with impossible-to-destroy toys. You can cancel at any time on a month-to-month plan, but the other plans cannot be canceled. You can also get boxes that provide your dog with both premium-made toys and treats. Based on box selection, your package may contain five or six surprises for your pet, and you can customize the toys based on their preferences. This brand is a great choice for anyone looking for value. Each month you will receive a box of well-made toys and treats for less than you would spend in a store. The BoxDog subscription box is a monthly service that comes with two treats, one skincare item, and two to three toys, clothing, or accessories you pick. Choose from items such as a dog jacket, a squeaky toy, or a premium leash, depending on what your dog needs. Your first BoxDog box typically ships within a couple of business days, and then every three months for the seasonal plans. BoxDog is a great choice for any pet parent who wants a less-frequent subscription box and likes curating items for their pup. Instead, consider a monthly subscription like the Pet Treater box, which offers a toy-only bundle or a treat-only package. Items like stuffed animals, chew toys, and rope pulls will make sure your furry friend will never be bored again. Want more for your little buddy? Choose from a monthly subscription, or pay for multiple months in advance to save even more. You can cancel at any time, and customer service representatives are always available via live chat, email, or phone. You can even tell the customer support team to avoid certain types of toys e. Best for Chewers: Bullymake Sign Up Now Anyone with an intense chewer knows the pain of seeing a brand new dog toy in shreds after only a few minutes. But if a chewing debacle happens, the company offers to send a replacement as long as you provide a photo of the sacrificed toy. Every box comes with two to three chew toys and three healthy treats. While Bullymake boxes cost more than some other choices on our list, the price is worth it for toys that last. This monthly subscription includes a trendy bandana with every installment, as well as two treats and two toys for your pooch. We give bonus points to the Dapper Dog Box for how easy it is to cancel or skip a month without speaking to customer service just do it on your profile. This subscription offers fresh dog food packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. All ingredients are human-grade and never processed, nor do they contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Every shipment arrives cold and should be frozen until you're ready to feed your dog. This monthly subscription is made by the same company that offers BarkBox, but this service is focused specifically on dog dental hygiene. With every box, the company donates bowls of food to shelter pets in need, so you can feel good about spoiling your pooch. The longer you subscribe, the cheaper the monthly cost. And, you can cancel any time with a month-to-month subscription. Even if your dog does not love one of the toys which we doubt is possible , you will still feel great about giving back and helping a shelter dog in need. While the company doesn't offer full or partial refunds, you can send them an email with a photo if your package is damaged and they will try to resolve the problem. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. The price depends on the type of surprise you want for your pup treats or toys, for example and how often you want a box delivered. A dog subscription box is often cost-effective if you tend to get your dog treats and toys regularly. Many companies charge less than pet store prices. What Comes in a Dog Subscription Box? Most shipments include a variety of products such as toys, treats, and chews. Heavy chewers, dogs with allergies , or pups that ignore toys can all benefit from a dog subscription box. While some dog subscription boxes only provide chews and treats, most come with a toy or two every month. If you are mostly interested in toys, you can opt for a box specializing in dog toys such as Pet Treater Dog Box or Bullymake. These options are great for dogs that go through toys quickly, requiring frequent replacements. Related Topics. Friday, March 16, Puppy Surprise by Playskool I am going to veer away from my normal doll talk to share two things with you. First, an awesome toy called Puppy Surprise. Remember how I mentioned a while back about how much I like surprises? Well, this toy is perfect for me. It's perfect for a lot of kids in the year old range, too, in my experience. I think I have bought one of these for almost every kid I know in that age range. What is Puppy Surprise? It is a plush dog who is pregnant stuffed with removable puppies. The surprise is, you don't know how many puppies she has until you open the box and the dog. She could have anywhere from 2 to 4 puppies, and if she has 4, one of them is likely to be a runt. It's awesome. The puppies are also gendered, so you don't know if you're going to get boys or girls.In the early 90s, Hasbro made a similar toy, also called Puppy Surprise, but these dogs had vinyl faces. The older toys are also still available on eBay, but they tend to command higher prices, especially if the set is complete and in good shape. I like both versions, but slightly prefer the newer ones because they are all plush. A few years ago, when these started to go on clearance, I hoarded a ton of them so I could give them away as gifts. I have a few left over. Let's have some fun with them! Playskool Puppy Surprise discontinued. The dogs are about 9 inches tall and come in a fairly simple window box. The box emphasizes the surprise element, which works like a charm to get me to shell out my money: I hope it's 4! I need to know!! The box also gives you the exact odds of getting each number of puppies, which I think is very nice: 2 puppies: 1 out of every 4 boxes 3 puppies: 2 out of 4 boxes interesting 4 puppies 1 out of 4 boxes It also says that all twins are girls. The chances of having a boy are 1 in 6. Those are good odds for the fellas. Each mother dog has a pattern on her cheek called a "Pretty Patch. This way, if you have lots of these dogs, you can always reunite a mother with her original puppies by matching the patches. The gender of the puppies is indicated by the lining of their ears. If the lining is pink they're overheated girls, if it is blue, they're holding their breath boys. There are lots of different colors and styles of dog to choose from. I have seen purple poodles, pink poodles, black and white spotted dogs, pink and white spotted ones with fluffy ears, cream ones with fluffy ears, pure white ones, tan and pink ones.Playskool also made some different animals, like cats and rabbits. This one is a bit drab. She was on a massive clearance sale: You have to wrestle her out of three wire ties, and that's it. Let's get right to that part. The puppies are in the dog's belly, which opens and closes with velcro. It's nicely done and the dog has enough stuffing to be cuddly even without the puppies. Of course you can't tell how many puppies there are inside until you open her up. My kids and I used to hold every single box in the store and try to tell from the weight which ones had the most puppies. Here is the exciting moment! These dogs should come with a scalpel and sutures. It's a girl! She looks just like her mother: And it's.Who also looks just like her mother. Ah, well. These babies are essentially identical, but the way they are stuffed gives them very different personalities. The firstborn is very cute and normal and maybe a little shy-looking, and the second one has some serious attitude. She'd be telling dog jokes and running all over the place making trouble if she were real: Hey, hey! Did you hear the one about the chihuahuas and the light bulb? Ok, let's try again. I happen to have another one: This is my favorite out of all of the colors. She reminds me of my very first dog: She has a different Pretty Patch: Here we go! Puppy Surprise features a soft and huggable Mommy dog with a surprise number of puppies in her litter. Will it be three four or five puppies inside her tummy? There is no way of knowing until you get your dog home to play with! You can learn more about Puppy Surprise Dogs on the Flair website. She loved the fact that it was a surprise! There are various seasons of the Puppy Surprises toys available, all with different hair, fur and nose colours. The Mommy dogs can contain 3, 4 or 5 puppies with one having an interactive sound or bark. We were sent Cali, who is from Puppy Surprise Wave 5, and has white fur with a lilac hair and tail, as well as a glittery blue nose and a heart shaped collar. Erin loved hearing the first of the pups make her little barking and panting noises. We had 2 more, making a litter of three, and judging by the little pink bows on their backs, this little was an all female brood! I like the fact that additional puppies are available to buy separately, which is great in case you lose one, or want to add more puppies to your brood! One interactive barking pup included. Encourages nurturing imaginative play Lots of different designs, colours and characters to collect. Additional puppy packs are available individually if your child wanted to add additional puppies to their litter. You see, my daughter had her sights set on one toy this Christmas. She talked about it nonstop for months. In her sprawling first grade handwriting, she wrote Santa a letter. Friends tell me they have existed off and on for years but appear to have made a resurgence in the last couple of holiday seasons. Like a K-9 Caesarian section. I have questions: What kind of lousy prenatal care did the poor puppy receive that the best they could come up with was a rough estimate of the number of babies? This is why, before Christmas, I played the role of stuffed animal OB. I wanted to prepare myself for the disappointment on Christmas if my daughter opened the dog up and found fewer than five little ones. There was one puppy already in the box with her mother. The box invites you to see that puppy make weird panting noises. It is not the sound of a happy dog. It is the sound of a dog mid-panic attack after finding herself outside the womb when her sisters and brothers are still sealed up inside. To my dismay, I pulled out only two more puppies. So, three puppies, total. Luckily, it included a runt, which is a coveted prize. Also known as intrauterine growth restriction or possibly twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, it does not come with a puppy NICU playset. This poor mama will never get her VBAC. None of this dissuaded my single-minded six-year-old. Then we can build a Puppy Surprise! Mommy has a headache because of the Puppy Surprise and wishes everyone would Puppy Surprise up and go to Puppy Surprise. Or, something like that. We made our tree out of construction paper this year toddler issues. We have a photo of a puppy surprise. I bet getting impaled in her c-section scar by a tree was a definite surprise. In the meantime, where can I find a good dog lactation consultant? Should I worry that her incision keeps reopening? And should I offer her a placenta smoothie and some mesh underwear? Solidarity, sister. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links…in case you want to experience this for yourself… Share It! Rhiannon Giles Rhiannon Giles is an overwhelmed mother who only occasionally considers giving her children to the circus. She has a sarcasm problem and writes regularly at rhiyaya. To keep up with new posts and see some of her favorites, join her on Facebook and Twitter.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. How Much to Sell my Boxer Puppies for? I have a light brindle male boxer that is only CKC registered. How much should I sell their puppies for… what's the usual price? Photo Credit: Katie! Then see what the average adoption fee is for shelters in your area. That is what those puppies are worth. Answer by David Gilbo I paid for my male and for my female without papers. I now am having my own litter and I wouldn't sell them for any less than what I paid just cause I know both the dogs' backgrounds and they are well behaved great temperament and a great bloodline there just like my kids. CKC would register pretty much anything…they register designer dogs so that shows you how much they care. Really with only 1 of your dogs being AKC registered you shouldn't even be breeding them. I would have to check out both parents before I even purchased a boxer. As for papers, papers to me are just papers who cares. If someone really wants a dog they will pay. Just make sure they go to really good homes. Answer by Juan Garcia Honestly, I believe the price of a boxer pup depends on its features. The whole reason behind even creating a breed is to produce dogs with specific features. Buying a pup with a great pedigree is done as an attempt at ensuring the end results features. However, a boxer pup with; a bulldog head, pink inner eyelids, reg. Answer by Summer Yeah, papers are papers. Definitely make sure they go to good homes. All boxers need to be with a family that will make them part of there family. Boxer Description The Boxer has a compact and powerful body. Their head is proportionate with the body and has a short muzzle with an underbite. The tail is set high and typically docked. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in multiple colors including fawn, tan, brindle, mahogany, and black and often with white markings. Boxers also come in a white coat, but some clubs will not register them. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below and see why they are one of the most popular breeds in the U. Disposition and Temperament Boxers are happy, playful, curious, and energetic. So much so that many remain extremely fit and athletic into their old age. They are very intelligent, eager, quick to learn and known to be a good breed for competitive obedience. Boxers bond closely with their family and are loyal and affectionate. In fact, they are known to get along well with children. A properly socialized Boxer will get along with dogs and other household pets, such as cats, but small animals such as rodents or birds may be too tempting. Being energetic and playful, the Boxer can become boisterous and jump on people without proper training and leadership. Boxers need to go on a daily walk and get daily mental and physical exercise. Without it, they can become stressed out. You should start training your Boxer while it is a puppy: Boxers do best with dominant owners who can be firm, consistent and committed. You need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack with this dog breed. Owners who do not establish dominance often find their dogs to be stubborn or demanding which can hamper the owner-pet relationship. Living Conditions As for living arrangements, they can be fine in an apartment if sufficiently exercised even though they are active indoors, but Boxers really do best with an average-sized yard. They are also temperature sensitive, overheating easily and chilling quickly. Boxers have a natural tendency to protect their owners and home, and although visitors who the dog recognizes are not seen as a threat, will protect their owners if they sense danger. Boxers are courageous which makes them great watchdogs and will even restrain intruders. It is important to know Boxer puppies require human leadership and need to be taught not to be boisterous or jump up on people. It requires very little grooming. Brush it with a rubber curry brush once or twice a week to keep it looking good. The Boxer tends to be a clean breed only occasionally needing a bath. Origin The name Boxer is thought to come from the way they use their front paws for just about everything; pawing at its food bowls, toys, and even its owner in a playful way. The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century and its ancestors were two German mastiff-type breeds. They were later bred with the ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Boxers were first used for dog-fighting, bull-baiting, cart pulling, cattle dogs, rounding up livestock, and to catch and pin wild boar and bison until hunters could arrive. Later they became popular theater and circus dogs. There are two types of Boxers: the German and the American Boxer. German Boxers have bigger heads and are generally more muscular than American Boxers. See store for details on a puppy. The American Canine Association, Inc. The American Canine Registry. Look no further! We have a network of trusted breeders who ensure that our puppies are healthy, happy, and ready to be your new furry best friend. What are Boxer puppies? Boxer puppies trace their origin to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed as versatile working dogs. Around the mids, German breeders aimed to create a loyal and courageous dog capable of performing various tasks. They crossed Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs and selected for traits like strength, intelligence, and agility. The result was the Boxer we know today. Boxers quickly gained popularity as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in , solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Over time, Boxers transitioned from working roles to beloved companions and show dogs. Their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and affectionate nature make them cherished family pets worldwide. The origin of Boxer puppies is a testament to the careful breeding and selection that have crafted a breed known for its remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and affection. Temperament of Boxers Boxers are known for their playful and energetic temperament. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love to learn new things. Boxers are loyal and protective of their family, making them great watchdogs. They are also affectionate and make great companions for children and adults alike. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make great family pets. We offer a vast selection of healthy and happy Boxer puppies that will make excellent family pets. With our commitment to quality and affordability, we make it easy for you to find your new furry best friend. About Vincent Hello! Are you looking for a lifelong companion? Look no further. I am here and just perfect for you. Trust me! I am very loyal, and I can make you smile with just the way I wag my tail. I have a wonderful disposition. Oh, silly me! Well, choose me today!

There is a new rage in Shepherd country! And apparently not many can. This does not stop them from trying tho! They come up with the most outlandish names and varieties for any of the above named breeds or varieties thereof. Even worse, it is fed by so called knowledge of one time Malinois or DS owners that know it all because they own that special type of dog that represents the entire breed. So if they say it is so, you had better take it as scripture or you will be shamed by them in an attempt to make you look bad or ignorant. Yet they do not see that in their own lack of knowledge, and their too soon spoken words of ignorance as they call knowledgeable people fools, that they themselves look stupid, even tho the ones with the knowledge and information are in fact trying to help, or educate. Now I am not going to say I am all knowledgeable when it comes to the Malinois, Dutch Shepherd and or crosses from both… But I do have a small understand of the how and what, the why and when and where. To then witness people undermine and destroy everything both breeds in their pure and cross bred varieties represent is just a slap in the face to many a breed lover. I will say upfront that my knowledge of the GSD is minimal at best when it comes to bloodlines. I have never had much interest for the breed or working them as they are just not my cup of coffee so to speak. For working purposes I just do not find them as being what is needed in a good dog. Let me mention this up front. There are no such breeds as: Malinherd Malinshep Shepinois These are names invented by ignorant breeders in order to get paid when they breed mixes and crosses. And these names are created to look special and interesting and people are stupidly and sadly enough falling for the hype that it creates. Bred for confirmation purposes and sometimes used in several sporting venues. Cross bred with either the Dutch Shepherd or xDutch Shepherd, or comes from cross bred bloodlines. Bred purely for working purposes, conformation is not important. Form follows function in these cases. Litters from cross bred parents can contain both fawn and brindle pups. Heinz 57 meaning as many variations possible within the mixed Malinois. There are not many Purebred Dutch Shepherds in the US and most that are designated as such are in fact xDutch Shepherds from cross bred lines. They are imported from the Netherlands but somewhere halfway across the ocean, the x eating fairy comes along and the dog enters the US as a Purebred Dutch Shepherd. Cross bred with either the Malinois or xMalinois, or comes from cross bred bloodlines. Heinz 57 meaning as many variations possible within the mixed Dutch Shepherd. Has been losing ground steadily over the years due to irresponsible breeding. The German Shepherd however is not used often for cross breeding with the 2 other shepherd breeds. Although it was more common practice decades ago, today the quality is such that cross breeding occurs almost only between Malinois and Dutch Shepherds and their cross bred family. Heinz 57 meaning as many variations possible within the mixed German Shepherd. Crossbreeding, why? For over years in europe and more specifically the Netherlands and Belgium, crossbreeding has been done with purpose and view. To provide the better working dog. Both groups have a love for the working quality and never saw much use for conformation in the working breed. They value strength, character, health and workability and their breeding lines have proven themselves time and again to be high quality. There is a reason that the breeds are to be found worldwide, in any venue or real life scenario thinkable. Workability trumps conformation! Make no mistake in thinking that just because these shepherds are cross bred their lineage is unknown. Each breeder and or owner of a cross bred Shepherd is up to date on the bloodlines and knows where his dog came from, and why it was bred. Well, there you have it. The breed designations and a small bit of history, wrapped up in a tiny rant of sorts. Regards, Alice Mckenzie. This video highlights how critically important it is to provide a working protection dog breed with appropriate training and socialization so the dog knows the difference between a friendly person or animal and a potentially dangerous situation. In other words, the Dutch Shepherd is thought to not be a manmade dog breed. In an age where dogs come in literally every shape and size, finding a natural dog breed is quite rare. It also means many see a strong resemblance between the Dutch Shepherd and the wild wolf, which tends to be the case when there has been less human manipulation of the breed genome. Dutch Shepherds were found in rural areas and were then developed further to work as all-purpose herding, livestock guarding, and droving dog. The breed was first noticed in The Netherlands, which is where the dog gets their breed name. The German Shepherd was always intended to be the perfect herding and livestock guarding dog. The breed founder, a former German cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz, was said to have crossed the first German Shepherds with wild wolves to obtain his ideal dog. Today, German Shepherds are second only to the Belgian Malinois as the breed of choice for K-9, military, police, and private protection and security work. This bodes well for any hybrid breeding program built on these two breed lines. Dutch Shepherd personality and temperament Dutch Shepherds are herding dogs through and through. Dutch Shepherds also have a strong prey drive and chase instinct, which means if your family already includes other small prey-type family pets, they may not be safe with a Dutch Shepherd in the house. Overall, Dutch Shepherds are lively, smart and fun-loving, but can be somewhat stubborn, too. This is common with herding dogs that have been bred to work independently from their people. Since a Dutch Shepherd will always have a mind of their own, it will be up to you to train and socialize your dog to behave in appropriate ways for daily life in a family and local neighborhood. German Shepherd personality and temperament The German Shepherd dog breed would not be as popular as this dog is without some pretty stellar personality and temperament traits. However, the GSD, as fans of the breed call them, can also be a real handful, especially in puppyhood. These dogs are also herding dogs, which means your German Shepherd is going to herd you, your kids, your pets, and anyone else they regard as under their care and protection. Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix personality and temperament Overall, the Dutch Shepherd and the German Shepherd dog breeds are actually quite similar in their temperament and personality. Both dog breeds need a similar type and level of early and ongoing socialization and training to temper their protective and herding instincts and socialize well into a family and community. Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd Mix: Size, Height, and Weight One of the big concerns many people have when they are trying to decide on a dog breed is size. How big will your Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd dog grow up to be? How tall will your dog be? Will you be able to find space for a big dog bed, travel crate, food, and toys? Dutch Shepherd size, height, and weight According to the North American Dutch Shepherd Rescue charity, these dogs typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and stand between 23 and 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulders. Females are generally slightly shorter and smaller than males in adulthood. German Shepherd size, height, and weight According to Vetstreet , the German Shepherd dog typically weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands 22 to 26 inches tall from paw pads to shoulder tops. Here again, females are typically but not always slightly shorter and leaner than males in adulthood. Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd size, height, and weight Dutch Shepherds and German Shepherds are quite similar in height, weight, and overall build and size. These dogs are built to stay constantly on the move, herding and moving groups of livestock and keeping watch while navigating difficult terrain. Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd Mix: Training and Exercise Needs When you choose a large, powerful dog like the Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix, you also take on the great responsibility of helping to train and socialize your dog to live in a family and community. Your dog will need to learn from you how to tell the difference between a friend and a threat. Your dog will also rely on you to get their daily activity and exercise needs met. Dutch Shepherd training and exercise needs The Dutch Shepherd is smart, athletic, and energetic. However, as Precision K-9 Training points out, these same traits mean that you should never ever use negative or punishment-based training methods with a Dutch Shepherd. A Dutch Shepherd dog will be smart enough to quickly learn new skills provided they are taught in a positive, affirming, rewards-based framework. Dutch Shepherds can be destructive if they are neglected, isolated from their human family, or too often left alone. These dogs want to be with their people all the time and need lots of attention to stay healthy and happy. Training must be positive and affirming — and it must also be frequent, early, and ongoing. A German Shepherd needs to learn early in life how to manage their inbuilt chase and protection instincts. Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd training and exercise needs The Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix dog is going to be a high-intensity companion canine to own and care for. Your dog will need plenty of attention, play, and activity every single day. If you leave a Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd alone, you are likely to come home to a big mess made by a bored, lonely pup. So it is important to consider whether your time and lifestyle will permit making your dog the center of your world. Some people are quite allergic to protein dander found on the skin and in the saliva and urine of dogs, which can make learning about shedding even more important. In this section, we take a look at whether, how much, and how often a Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd dog might shed. Dutch Shepherd coat care, shedding, and grooming The Dutch Shepherd has the traditional double layer working dog coat that nearly all working dog breeds have. In puppyhood, a Dutch Shepherd will have a single layer puppy coat. Around the age of six months, the puppy coat will start to shed out and the adult double layer coat will begin to grow in, which may take another six months to conclude. During this time, you will see a lot of shedding, and this will be something to get used to because Dutch Shepherds shed both year-round and seasonally. To further complicate matters, Dutch Shepherds are bred in three coat types: short hair, long hair, and rough hair. Each coat type has different brushing and grooming needs. The short hair is the easiest coat type to care for and the least prone to tangles and mats. To best predict the amount of brushing, grooming, shedding and overall coat care your puppy might need in adulthood, it is important to find out as much as possible about the coat type of the Dutch Shepherd parent dog. German Shepherd coat care, shedding, and grooming German Shepherd dogs have the traditional double layer working dog coat. The outer layer is medium length and the inner layer is shorter and very thick. During coat blows, you may want to brush daily. Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix coat care, shedding, and grooming As you can see, here is one of the areas of greatest uncertainty when you choose a Dutch Shepherd German Shepherd mix dog. Either way, however, you can look forward to lots of year-round and seasonal shedding. Unfortunately, as you will notice in this section, the German Shepherd has an all-too-short life expectancy. Since both dogs are prone to similar joint issues, it is important to take your time and do your research to pick the healthiest, sturdiest puppy. However, the American Dutch Shepherd Association highlights the following known possible genetic health issues you need to be aware of: Hip dysplasia.

She loves playing with tennis balls and durable stuffies. We have been working on recall and she does well on leash. Having a strong prey drive, Dorie will chase after small animals including cats and small dogs. Dorie has been friendly meeting children, but has not been with them for any extended amount of time. Dorie loves food, treats, and jumping into the water to play. Once Dorie gets the zoomies, prepare for the cutest dog show ever. She would do well in a home that would allow her outdoor time, but also time to relax indoors. One time, in my home country during the middle of the night, the city officials were killing the neighborhood dogs. Lucky for me, he had left the door open to take out the trash. I was so lucky to end up in his yard. The stars have aligned for me to end up in Canada with you. It was fate! I am very friendly and love to play with humans, as well as other dogs. I even have a doggy best friend! His name is Mack also posted. I am really hoping that I will end up in Canada soon and my new life will start with you! Please consider me to be a new addition to your family! I promise to fit right in! However, if they sit next to me and give me treats I will learn to trust them. Training: someLeash training: Yes. Please be prepared to continue training. House trained: Yes, but please be prepared to help me learn where to go in my new home. Basic training should be taken seriously, but should not begin until your dog is well settled in - at least a couple of weeks. After you feel your new dog is relaxed and comfortable in their new home, check out training courses in your local area. Even basic beginner courses like those taught at a local pet store can have a huge benefit in helping your dog learn to socialize and get used to being in public situations, all with the added benefit of strengthening their bond with you. The age and breed of a dog is usually an educated guess, so we are not able to guarantee the accuracy of age or breed of our dogs. Normally, we will not approve adoptions to homes with children under 12 years of age. However if a dog has been determined to be good with children we will approve applicants with children 8 years or older. More information can be found on our website. Showing 1 - 8 of 8 resultsPage 1 - 8 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. What a beautiful litter! Visit us on our website.See all Golden Retriever Puppies coming soon! Abbotsford Golden Retriever Puppies coming soon!! Our family pets Mocha and Loki are expecting puppies sometime after September 18th. Both parents Embark DNA tested clear. Mom is a medium golden American.Golden Irish dogs are a cross between a golden retriever and irish setter. These puppies are gentle, cuddly, loving and calm. Pictures of puppies from last litter. Puppies are registered with Canadian Kennel Club. The parents have their health clearances for hips, elbows, With over 15 years of experience, Mom has the most incredible temperament and Dad comes from and exceptional pedigree of Field Goldens. A lot.Please Contact Golden Retriever Chilliwack Our beautiful male golden retriever is available to be used as a stud. We are based near Chilliwack, British Columbia. He is 2. If you are interested in being on a wait list for our next litter - please let me know. Follow along on our Instagram page.Some search tips we've found useful: Try a different or more general keyword Expand search location.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We as a family find great joy in helping make memories for you as a dog lover. As we are family, our dogs are family. We are devoted to our puppies and socialize with them daily. We ensure each puppy enjoys their newly found life by playing and running in the vast open land surrounding our home. We also daily reward our puppies with treats for their good behavior! We do have a few families in our local area that help to raise some of our breeds as well. We do this to make sure and give the parents and puppies the love and family environment they deserve. When you visit our home and walk up to meet all of the puppies, you will see how friendly and playful all of them are for that very reason. WHy Choose Us? We Are Family We are blessed to call our dogs family. Everyone in our home pitches in to give love and care to our pets. It truly is a family affair with our children coming along and contributing as well. Visits Welcome Trust is a major factor when choosing a breeder. That is why we invite you to our home and welcome any questions you may have before or after your purchase. We take great pride in the temperament and health of our dogs and puppies. Personal Touch We can't wait to hear from you! Travel Experience As much as we love meeting our puppy's new family we are happy to say we have had much success with our puppies traveling to their new home via air and ground pet nanny transport. They will learn everything from potty training to long-distance commands and obedience. Do you hand make unique gift items? Do you frequent a local dog loving spot? Maybe you have a beach or mountain house? If any of these apply to you, we need your help! We are seeking in-kind donations to make our upcoming events a huge success. Please click the button below share your information and a volunteer will contact you. In-Kind Donation Form International Rescue Want to learn more about our international efforts and how you can help golden retrievers in need? Click the button below. Here you can interact with our available dogs, complete foster training, and learn how you can become involved with supporting NRGRR. See the calendar below for details. Please click on the event to see the list of dogs attending. Event Calendar Make a donation. Our volunteers give their time, their homes and their hearts to every dog who comes to us for help. Unfortunately, warm homes and loving hearts alone do not pay for the medical care and supplies our dogs need. Sadly, the number of golden retrievers who have entered our program, and the costs related to their medical care, have dramatically increased over the past several years. When you make a tax-deductible gift to the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue, you can be assured that your donation is directly supporting golden retrievers rescued through our program, and allowing us to continue to provide help to others in the years to come. Thank you for your support. Box , Raleigh, NC Phone:

Although she stands no more than 10 inches tall and weighs between 4—6 pounds, the Toy Poodle has a big, playful personality that can fill up a room. While frequently associated with France, Standard Poodles were first developed in Germany, where they were used in duck hunting. They have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Poodles of all sizes have curly coats with extensive grooming needs. Their coat grows continuously, calling for a trim every four to six weeks. However, there is no such thing as a completely "hypoallergenic" dog. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before officially bringing home a Toy Poodle puppy. But during this long life , they are predisposed to a few health issues that may require care. Pet parents may benefit from investing in pet insurance early in life. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of diseases that cause a breakdown of the photoreceptor cells rods and cones on the retina. Initially, the dog may have difficulty seeing in the dark, but the condition can cause blindness over time. PRA is an inherited disease and there are currently no effective treatments available. Patellar Luxation The patella kneecap is a small bone that normally sits in a groove within the femur at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella moves luxates outside of its assigned groove when the knee is flexed. This movement can cause discomfort and may eventually lead to arthritis. Many pets will skip or run on three legs when the patella is out of place. While some cases will correct themselves, in more severe cases the patella remains out of place. In mild cases, joint supplements such as fish oils and glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medications are used to control pain and prevent arthritis. In more severely affected dogs, surgery may be recommended. This causes pain and limping occur as the bone breaks down. In some cases, pain can be controlled with medications. In severe cases, surgery to remove the head of the femur may be recommended. Symptoms include visible debris, redness, odor, head shaking, and scratching. If any of these signs are noted, take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam. In most cases, ear infections can be resolved by cleaning the ear and with topical medications. Toy Poodles develop ear infections more often than most other breeds. This may be partly due to Poodles having long ear canals with excess curly hair to trap in moisture and debris. Trimming not plucking the hair from the ear may help reduce the incidence of ear infections. Dogs with chronic or recurring ear infections frequently have allergies that should be addressed. Dental Disease Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs as they age, especially in small breeds like the Toy Poodle. Dental disease occurs when bacterial tartar and plaque build up, leading to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth—and eventually to tooth and bone decay. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease, though some diets, treats, and chew toys also help prevent plaque and tartar. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea commonly called the windpipe flattens. This happens due to weak cartilage rings or the sagging of a membrane along the trachea. Most cases are treated using medications, but in severe cases where breathing is impeded, surgery may be necessary. Toy poodles are likely genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse. When on walks, use a harness instead of a collar, as pressure on the trachea can cause further damage. The condition causes a deficiency in a protein called the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for platelets to stick together and form a clot. In dogs that are deficient in this protein, the blood may have difficulty clotting, which can lead to bleeding from the nose, vulva, bladder, or gums. Additionally, dogs with this condition may bleed for a long time after trauma or surgery. If there is concern about VWD, a screening test may be performed. This test measures how long it takes for a small cut in the mouth to stop bleeding. If the time is longer than usual, additional testing is needed to confirm VWD. Because some dogs with VWD do not have notably prolonged bleeding until later in adulthood, blood levels of von Willebrand factor can be measured to help with diagnosis. Most veterinarians recommend testing for VWD prior to any planned surgery, including spays, neuters, and dewclaw removals. Puppies should be fed a diet formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages. For Toy Poodle adults, dental-focused diets may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease. Toy poodle puppies, however, should eat three to four small meals per day on a consistent schedule to help maintain their blood sugar. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on the dog food provides valuable information for pet parents. Just remember: In small breeds like the Toy Poodle, calories in treats add up quickly. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil, and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are playful and self-confident when socialized at a young age. While relatively calm, Toy Poodles enjoy playtime and exercise with the family. The breed is gentle with children and other pets, though all interactions between dogs and kids should be supervised. Because these pups are so tiny, they can accidentally be hurt during playtime. Toy Poodles have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Toy Poodle Behavior Toy Poodles bond closely to their families and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They can also be sensitive to stress, and sudden changes in the home environment may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, because Poodles are so smart, they need mental stimulation to keep themselves entertained—and out of trouble. Bored dogs are more likely to bark, jump, be destructive, or misbehave. Toy Poodle Training Toy poodles want to please their owners. Paired with their smarts, this makes them an easy breed to train. As always, training is most successful when based on positive reinforcement with praise and tasty treats. Fun Activities for Toy Poodle Obedience training. These dogs are known for their lively personality and cute, furry appearance. Toy Poodles are also intelligent and highly trainable. In addition, Toy Poodles are relatively small dogs, which makes them a good choice for people who live in apartments or other small spaces. If you live an active lifestyle and are seeking a fun-loving and intelligent furry friend, look no further than the Toy Poodle. Toy Poodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 14 to 16 years — our Toy Poodles for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Toy Poodle puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. This is caused by the soft palate becoming irritated, and can be triggered by excitement or allergies. While it may seem alarming, reverse sneezing is not harmful and will resolve on its own. Another common health concern in Toy Poodles is luxating patellas. This occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, and can cause pain and lameness. Luckily, luxating patellas can be effectively treated with surgery. Finding a Toy Poodle puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat can be either curly or corded, and it comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, and apricot. Toy Poodles require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent the hair from tangling, and the coat should be clipped every six to eight weeks. In addition to regular brushing and clipping, Toy Poodles also need to have their teeth brushed daily and their nails trimmed on a monthly basis. By taking care of their coats, Toy Poodles can stay healthy and happy for many years to come. Meet Toy Poodle Puppies for Sale.

CHECK OUT 9 Things that are 4 meters long As your dog grows and begins to reach its adult weight, you can still use the weight method to figure out a rough collar size. When should a puppy first wear a collar? Some puppies may have already been wearing soft breakaway collars for training or to distinguish them from their littermates. This can make training, particularly leash training, much easier in the future. Collar Types There are several collar options available, and picking the right type is often as important as choosing the correct size. Leather collars are durable and stylish. Nylon collars are also comfortable for the dog and are available in a number of colors and patterns. Plastic collars are also available for dogs that tend to swim a lot or are frequently dirty. Harnesses are an excellent training tool for puppies that are just learning to walk on a leash. They can curb bad leash habits, such as pulling. Harnesses can be switched out for a collar as the dog grows, or you can upgrade to an adult harness size. Sharing is caring! Yorkshire Terrier When considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes for collar selection, it is important to note that these measurements are approximate and may vary slightly across individual dogs. The average neck sizes listed above can serve as a general guideline for choosing an appropriate collar size for your lab puppy. It is crucial to measure your lab puppy's neck size accurately before making a collar purchase. Using a soft measuring tape, wrap it around the base of your puppy's neck, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. Keep in mind that puppies grow quickly, so it is advisable to choose a collar with room for growth. It is recommended to select a collar that is adjustable to accommodate your lab puppy's changing size. This way, you can easily modify the fit as they grow. Always ensure that the collar is comfortable for your puppy to wear, with enough space for two fingers to fit between the collar and their neck. By considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes, measuring your lab puppy's neck accurately, and choosing an adjustable collar with room for growth, you can provide your puppy with a comfortable and properly fitting collar. Remember to monitor your lab puppy's collar as they continue to grow and adjust or replace it accordingly. Suggestions: When selecting a collar size for your lab puppy, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your puppy's breed, age, and growth rate. Remember to always prioritize your lab puppy's comfort and pet safety when choosing a collar. Measuring the Neck Size of the Lab Puppy Measuring the neck size of a lab puppy is a crucial step in selecting the appropriate collar size. Here is a step-by-step manual on accurately measuring the neck size: Ensure that the lab puppy is calm and comfortable before measuring their neck size. Utilize a soft measuring tape or a piece of string to measure around the puppy's neck at the base, where the collar will be positioned. Wrap the measuring tape or string snugly around the neck, ensuring it is not too tight or too loose. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters, maintaining consistency with the chosen unit of measurement. If you utilized a piece of string, measure its length with a ruler or measuring tape to determine the neck size. Double-check the measurement to ensure its accuracy. Remember that the collar should fit snugly but not be excessively tight or loose. It is important to allow two fingers to comfortably fit between the collar and the puppy's neck. By accurately measuring the neck size, you can select the appropriate collar size for your lab puppy, ensuring both comfort and a proper fit. Guidelines for Choosing the Right Size Collar for a Lab Puppy When it comes to finding the perfect collar for your adorable lab puppy, it's important to keep a few key guidelines in mind. In this section, we'll explore useful tips and tricks to ensure you choose the right size collar that will suit your furry friend's needs. From adjustable collars to selecting a collar with room for growth and ensuring optimal comfort and fit, we've got you covered. Get ready to make your lab puppy the most stylish and comfortable pup in town! Adjustable Collars Adjustable collars are a convenient option when choosing a collar for your lab puppy. They offer flexibility and allow for easy adjustments as your puppy grows. Perfect fit: Adjustable collars provide a perfect fit for your lab puppy's neck comfortably. This ensures that the collar is not too tight, causing discomfort or restricting movement, and not too loose, risking the puppy slipping out of it. Room for growth: Lab puppies grow rapidly, and adjustable collars provide the flexibility to accommodate their changing neck size. As your puppy grows, you can adjust the size of the adjustable collar accordingly, providing a snug fit without the need for frequent collar replacements. Economical option: Investing in adjustable collars eliminates the need to purchase multiple collars as your lab puppy grows. This helps save money in the long run and ensures that you always have a well-fitting collar for your pup. Durable and long-lasting: Adjustable collars are typically made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand the active lifestyle of lab puppies, making them a reliable choice for everyday use. Easy to clean: Lab puppies are known for their playful and messy nature. Adjustable collars are easy to clean, allowing you to maintain hygiene and keep your puppy looking smart and presentable at all times. When choosing a collar for your lab puppy, consider the convenience and versatility that adjustable collars offer. They provide a customized and comfortable fit, accommodate your puppy's growth, and are a cost-effective choice in the long run. Choosing a Collar with Room for Growth When selecting a collar for your lab puppy, it is crucial to choose one that allows room for growth. To make sure you get the right size, follow these steps: Start by measuring your lab puppy's neck size using a flexible tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Wrap the measuring tape or string around the base of the neck, where the collar will sit. Remember to leave a finger's width of space for comfort. Once you have the measurement of the neck size, add an extra inches to allow for growth. This ensures that the collar will fit comfortably as your lab puppy grows. Look for adjustable collars with multiple holes or a sliding mechanism that can easily be adjusted as your lab puppy develops. Consider collars made from lightweight and durable materials like nylon or leather. These materials can withstand the wear and tear that comes with a growing lab puppy. Ensure that the collar is neither too tight nor too loose when fastened. It should fit snugly around your lab puppy's neck, allowing freedom of movement without causing any discomfort. Pro-tip: Keep checking and adjusting the collar as your lab puppy grows to ensure a proper fit and prevent any potential discomfort or accidents. Ensuring Comfort and Proper Fit Ensuring comfort and proper fit is crucial when choosing a collar for a lab puppy. Here are some guidelines to follow: Choose a collar made of soft and lightweight material. It should be comfortable for the puppy to wear without causing any irritation or chafing. Ensure that the collar is adjustable. This will allow you to find the perfect fit for your lab puppy as it grows. Select a collar with a buckle or snap closure that is easy to fasten and secure. Avoid collars with complicated or hard-to-use closures. Check that the collar is not too tight or too loose. It should fit snugly around the puppy's neck without restricting their movement or causing discomfort. Regularly check the collar to make sure it remains properly fitted as the puppy grows. Adjust the collar accordingly to ensure a comfortable fit at all times. Recommended Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies at Different Ages When it comes to choosing the right collar size for your lab puppy, it's important to consider their age and growth. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies up to 3 Months Collar sizes for lab puppies up to 3 months are determined by their age and weight. Lab puppies up to 3 months of age are typically smaller and lighter compared to older puppies. It is essential to choose a collar that fits a lab puppy neither too tightly nor too loosely. An adjustable collar is recommended to accommodate the puppy's growth. Ensure that the collar is comfortable and does not cause any discomfort or irritation to the puppy's neck. Before selecting a collar, accurately measure the puppy's neck size. Collars with room for growth are ideal for lab puppies up to 3 months as they experience rapid growth during this stage. To determine the appropriate collar size, consult the breed standards and average sizes for lab puppies. Consider the lab puppy's weight and neck size when selecting the collar size. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies from 3 to 6 Months When choosing collar sizes for Labrador puppies aged 3 to 6 months, it is important to consider their growth and comfort. Here is a table outlining the recommended collar sizes based on the weight of the lab puppies: Weight Range. Collar, Harness, Or Both? Lab puppies start tiny but grow up extremely fast. Every pup grows up at its own tempo. If it has started to get too constricting at that point — either loosen it up if possible or get a new collar. If you get a collar with a lot of resizing leeway, it can last you a few months. This is very easy to judge if you just stick a couple of fingers under the collar. The risk of keeping an overly loose collar on your dog should be clear — the dog will be able to back out of the collar. Many others, however, including a lot of labs, love to back out of their collars whenever possible. Adult Labrador Neck Size So, what size collar will your lab puppy end up wearing when it grows up? If your puppy is smaller than average it may grow into a smaller-than-average adult lab or it may just be a slow grower. Different Types Of Dog Collars For Labs The main non-cosmetic differences between dog collars are in the materials and the fastening mechanism. Plus, they always allow for multiple different size settings. As for materials, these are the basics: Metal — a lot of people love metal, especially for mid-sized to large breeds like Labradors. Leather — this is the classic choice for dog collars. Its main drawback is that it can get stinky over time. This is especially true if your dog loves to swim and Labrador retrievers are a water dog breed. Fabric collars can come in a lot of different designs and compositions. Some of the more colorful ones are especially fun for puppies. Synthetic polyurethane-type materials — these intuitively put off some people but are an excellent choice. Training collars used to be very popular at one point for both puppies and adult dogs. These collars take many different forms — they can be pronged, pinching, and electro-shock collars. Their idea is simple — teach your dog not to pull on its leash with the negative reinforcements of the collar. Dog harnesses today are viewed as a better and safer alternative to training collars. These are used mostly for training and for adult dogs, however. You should start using those as soon as your pup is big enough. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? It can be challenging to understand where to begin! Labrador Puppy Collars are available in a wide range of colours and sizes. Your puppy will have a comfortable, stylish collar with your name on it. Find the perfect size and colour dog collar for your new Labrador, with more durable, comfortable, and fashionable. Our labrador puppy collar size is one step guide for you. Measure The Neck Size Of Your Lab Puppy It varies from puppy to puppy in terms of neck size, in the manner of how people vary in terms of their physical characteristics like size and shape. You can use this guide to figure out what collar fits your pup. You should always measure the neck of your lab pup rather than guessing its size to ensure a perfect fit. Simply start measuring from his head down a couple of inches and then add an extra inch. It will be easier to pick the right collar size for your labrador puppy if you know what to look for. Numerous aesthetically pleasing, durable, and cost-effective collars are available to choose from. A variety of materials, such as leather, nylon, and cotton, are available. You can also get a breakaway collar that lights up at night to make sure your puppy or dog is safe. It is also possible to find no-pull collars which are extremely effective in preventing a hyper-active puppy from yanking out of control while also teaching them how to walk properly. With a few of the top collars for lab puppies available on the market today, we have taken the time to cut through the clutter and provide you with a selection of well-made, durable, and highly-rated collars. As there are two different types of collars you can use on your canine companion. The collar you choose depends on your personal preference and budget. And if your lab loves swimming, then use cotton collars. These cotton waterproof collars contain polyurethane-like synthetic materials. In addition to being odor-resistant, waterproof collars are easily washable. Our favorite thing about them is that they are usually bright in color, which is something we love about them. Leather Collar — This is a luxurious and traditional collar for dogs that offers the perfect balance of functionality and style. In spite of their higher cost, a leather collar is likely to last for many years to come. Keep in mind that you should only buy a collar made of genuine leather. The leather bonded together consists of scrap leather, which glued together using an adhesive. Although the leather of this type might resemble the feel and appearance of genuine leather, it provides less durability and is dreadful in quality. Dogs, especially those with thick coats that tend to matt around collars, generally preferred to wear collars made of rolled leather. You can choose from a wide range of color choices, designs, and sizes. Lab puppies can wear these on walks as well as at home. The nylon collar is a standard collar that can be worn for many purposes. Neoprene Collar — Neoprene is an extremely flexible rubber material used to make wetsuits, bolstered with nylon mesh to provide extra durability, flexibility, and strength. If your dog spends a lot of time in the water, a neoprene collar is a perfect choice. Biothane Collar — Dogs who enjoy swimming will love biothane collars too. Contains non-toxic materials composed of polyester weave and powder coatings composed of polyurethane or polyvinyl. Neoprene and leather collars are expensive, while biothane collars are more comfortable, easier to wear, and more affordable. A collar needs to be checked every two to three weeks. Look for indentations and signs of wear and tear. The collar should replaced immediately when you notice any defect that may upset the dog or endanger his safety. If it does, your dog will suffer from pain and discomfort. When your puppy is indoors, it is best to remove its collar. It attracts bacteria when it is damp. Additionally, a dog collar not being clipped onto furniture or choking hazards in a crate will be avoided. As a general rule, puppies should be taught to wear a collar and leash around 10 weeks of age. As a result, you will be able to get started in a week or so after they have settled in. FAQs Question 1: Do lab puppies always need to wear collars? Although there are some puppies who seem perfectly happy to wear a neck collar, it is important to consider that wearing one for prolonged periods of time could harm their coat and their skin due to the friction created by the collar. Question 2: Which collar size is best for my puppy? For dogs under 10 pounds, a collar up to 12 inches long is adequate. The collar length should be from 13 to 18 inches for dogs between 26 and 55 pounds. Question 3: Are dogs better off with wide collars? There are many benefits to using wide collars for your dog, including strolling, training , and even playing with. Wider dog collars provide your pup with a better fit around the neck while walking or training. For dogs that like to play rough, a wide collar can provide a better level of safety from other dogs or potential neck injuries. Question 4: Does my labrador puppy need a smaller collar? While many people will just go ahead and get the next size up, that could be a mistake. Make sure you choose a collar that will fit your puppy as he grows into adulthood. Post navigation. It is all rather bewildering, but there is no need to worry! This is where you can find the answers to those questions, and get some ideas and inspiration too. Collars are a great way to identify similar Lab puppies in a litter Labrador Dog Collars and the Law In many parts of the world, dogs must legally wear a collar when out in public. This is usually a disk attached to the collar, with your phone number and name on it. Collars can display IDs in a number of different ways. Some collars come with a brass or stainless steel plate attached to the surface, others have a metal ring for you to attach a tag onto. Others will embroider the ID into fabric or tool it into leather. Are Personalized Dog Collars Safe? But others feel that this is a dangerous thing to do. But most dogs are always supervised when outdoors, and many dogs are also microchipped so proof of ownership is more easily accomplished. Unless your dog is very friendly and spends time outdoors on his own, having his name on his collar is unlikely to put him at risk. Collars as a Fashion Statement A collar is the traditional way of attaching a restraint to a dog, for the purposes of keeping him safe. Before harnesses were invented this was an essential feature of life in a modern world, where cars and other hazards are everywhere. But in many homes and families, a collar has become something of a fashion statement too. A whole industry has arisen to meet the demand for different fabrics and styles. Training Collars for Labs Many people look on a collar, as an aid to training their dog how to walk on a leash. A way to get their dog to tread along nicely next to them, without dragging or pulling them along. They want to choose a collar that will best help them in this goal. Prong collars and pinch collars have been designed that are uncomfortable and even painful when a dog leans into them. The problem of course, is that pulling is often very rewarding for a dog he gets nearer to the destination he likes. So collars usually have to be quite painful if they are to successfully stop the pulling. Collars that can be used to pinch and choke dogs, are becoming less popular, as more and more dog owners want to train without using unpleasant aversives. And fortunately there are now excellent ways of teaching a dog to walk nicely without using collars at all. And in the meantime you might find it helpful to have a strong pulling dog fitted with a body harness that will give you more control without damaging his neck. Before you set off on a Labrador collar shopping expedition, you will need to think about sizes. And to know your Labrador neck size. Labrador Collar Size Not all collars are made in sizes large enough for an adult Lab. And one adult Lab will not have the same neck size as another. So you do need to whip out your tape measure in order to avoid disappointment Both my Labs have an 18 inch neck. They are medium build slim Labradors. But it really is best to measure. If you find it difficult to keep your dog still, just get someone to dip their fingers in some butter and let the dog lick it off while you take his measurements! Collars for adult Labs are usually about an inch wide — this allows enough space for a small ID plaque if desired. What Size Collar for a Lab Puppy? If you buy a puppy collar two or three inches longer than this it will last him a few weeks. Puppy collars are usually narrower than adult collars, half an inch is fine. And they come in some very cute designs. We have put together a collection of our favorite puppy collars to inspire you! So what kind of collar should you buy? Which Labrador Collar Style? We recommend that you buy your Labrador a flat collar with a buckle fastener. You can choose one to suit your taste and wallet. Especially if your Lab likes to swim. You can buy waterproof collars made from synthetic polyurethane type materials. Waterproof collars tend to resist odor and are easy to clean. They often come in striking bright colors — we love them and think they look cool! But not so loose that he can back out of it. You should be able to fit two or three fingers under it quite easily, but not much more. A collar that is too loose can be slipped by a lively dog very easily. It is also worth considering alternative forms of restraint. Especially for puppies and lively young dogs that can get very sore necks if leashed to a collar. Buying a Harness The breadth of choice in body harnesses for dogs has burgeoned in the last couple of years as people discover how great they are. A body harness is an excellent way to restrain a young dog that has not been taught to walk to heel. It has several advantages over a collar. It is almost impossible for the dog to slip out of. And most importantly, a puppy that wears a harness is not learning to lean into or pull, on his collar. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

If your dog has an outie, read this. By Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, is an award-winning veterinarian and writer who graduated from Cornell University, where she was the first recipient of the school's Gentle Doctor Award. Most of them are basically "outie" belly buttons. If small, they may seal up on their own and generally don't cause any problems. Larger ones may require surgery to close up the abdominal wall and prevent intestines from slipping out or getting twisted. Some dog breeds such as Weimaraners are predisposed to these hernias. Ideally dogs with anything other than very small umbilical hernias should not be bred. This is especially true if most of the puppies in the litter have one, suggesting genetic predisposition. What Exactly Is an Umbilical Hernia? In an unborn puppy, the umbilicus slips out through an opening in the puppy's stomach wall to connect to the placenta. When a puppy is born, his dam chews or breaks this umbilical cord or the breeder cuts it and ties it off. It dries and shrivels up, leaving behind the "belly button. Sometimes a small bit of fat may get stuck in the opening, which leaves an "outie" belly button. Occasionally the wall of the abdomen simply does not close all the way. That is when we say a puppy or dog has an umbilical hernia. Signs Your Dog Has an Umbilical Hernia If your dog has an umbilical hernia, when your dog lies on his back, you can feel a small opening at the umbilicus site. If it is the size of the end of your pinkie finger at 8 weeks of age, it is usually not a problem. Many of these small hernias will close up on their own by 6 months of age. If the hernia bubbles out or is bigger than a pinkie finger, there is a chance that intestines may be slipping in and out of the opening. At some point, a section of intestines could slide out through the hernia opening and get trapped or twisted. At that point, your dog needs emergency surgery. Signs you see with trapped intestines can include pain, your dog standing stiffly with his back arched, and possibly not eating or vomiting. If you see these symptoms, you need to call your veterinarian right away. Larger hernias will require surgery to close up the opening, leaving the intestines safely inside. If your puppy is not having any problems, your vet may recommend keeping an eye on it and doing the surgery at the same time as spaying or neutering. That means one bout of anesthesia and recovery for your pet and less cost for you. If intestines become trapped at any point, immediate emergency surgery is necessary. Some people have tried to encourage closure of hernias by using a belly wrap on their puppies with hernias. The goal is to keep all tissues fat, intestines, etc. This is generally not successful but does help in some cases. It is best to consult your pet's veterinarian for advice on the best way to handle your individual dog's treatment. Luckily most umbilical hernias are small and don't present a health concern for your dog! Was this page helpful? I'm new to breeding dogs and have only had one litter of German shepherds there were only two but they both ended up with hernias the mother has a slight hernia herself and I'm wondering is it genetic or something i did wrong in whelping the first pup i let mom do the snipping and there was about one centimeter left on the pup witch eventually healed and fell off than the hernia appeared around three weeks old and got to about three centimeters. When she was a pup, I kept an eye on it and gently felt it regularly to see if there was any intestinal extrusion but it remained small and was repaired when she was spayed. Follow your vet's guidance on how to monitor it and what to look for. If the dam has a hernia I would encourage breeding to a sire who does not have one, although hernias are very common and appear from further down the lines also depending on the mating outcome. You did nothing wrong though so rest assured this is very common. Typically at the first health check at 8 weeks the vet will let you know if it is small and closed, rarely are they 'open'. Common hernias are small and closed. I have whelped 6 litters so far and the puppies who did have a hernia had a small and closed one. The dam had a small hernia herself, which never caused a problem in pregnancy. The sire did not have a hernia. On average puppies had a small closed hernia out of a litter of .They do develop around weeks and if they are very small may self-resolve with maturity. They are easily fixed at approx. For a breeding prospect I would suggest to keep back a puppy without a hernia in the future as they are always a small concern in the back of the clients mind when purchasing a puppy. I have not dealt with a large hernia or open hernia. I would assume these are a bigger risk and of immediate veterinary assitance. I had a male GSD who had a golf-ball sized umbilical hernia, my vet said it didn't need anything doing but to keep an eye on it in case of change. It never became a problem, and the dog had a long and healthy life. So, What happens next? What is a hernia and what causes them? Hernias are a common congenital condition meaning that puppies are born with them , affecting around 1 in puppies. A hernia is a hole in the muscle wall of the tummy abdomen which allows the abdominal contents fat, intestines and other organs to squeeze through into a space under the skin or, less commonly, through the diaphragm into the chest. This usually causes a soft, squishy swelling under the skin, which often fluctuates in size. It may occasionally pop in and out of the tummy, disappearing for short periods of time. While some hernias result from trauma causing a tear in the muscle, most puppy hernias are congenital problems. This is where the muscle fails to develop properly. There may be a genetic element to this condition, as some breeds appear more susceptible. So it is advisable not to breed from a dog with a hernia. Hernias typically arise in specific locations. These result from the muscle failing to close over the area where the umbilical cord entered the body. Less frequently, hernias are found in the groin inguinal or next to the bottom perineal. The rarest kind of hernias involve the diaphragm and can be more difficult to diagnose as they are less obvious from outside. How are hernias diagnosed in puppies? Most external hernias are fairly easy to diagnose just by their location and feel. A soft swelling under the skin in one of the characteristic hernia locations is a strong indicator but your vet will check for an underlying hole in the muscle wall to be sure. These checks are quick, pain-free and harmless. In a small number of cases, or when an internal hernia is suspected, additional tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray may be necessary to diagnose the problem and assess its severity. These are straightforward, non-invasive procedures but may require your puppy to be sedated; your vet will be happy to discuss any questions you may have about this. Are there any problems hernias cause? How serious a hernia is depends on its location, its size and its contents. While many hernias cause few problems, some can make a pup very unwell. Most hernias, especially small ones, contain just fat which usually causes little problem apart from, possibly, some mild discomfort. The main concern with small hernias is that they get larger over time. Bigger hernias may allow a loop of the intestines or other organs such as the liver or bladder to pop out of the tummy. But having intestines or organs in this location exposes them to injury. In a small number of cases, it can make a pup seriously unwell. It can cause them to go off their food, be lethargic, vomit repeatedly or suffer breathing problems. These are potentially life-threatening complications. What treatment do hernias require? Some very small hernias may require no treatment at all because the muscle does eventually close as the puppy grows. These hernias leave a small blob of fat under the skin which can look a bit funny but is not usually of concern. Most hernias, however, will need surgery to close the hole in the muscle. The contents of the hernia to their normal location. Surgery is advisable even if your puppy is currently unaffected by their hernia, to prevent more serious problems later in life. If the hernia is small and stable, this may be done once your puppy is big and old enough, or at the same time as neutering. This is usually from six months of age. So your vet may advise regular checks of the hernia to make sure it is not causing problems in the meantime. For large hernias, or those which involve the intestines or other internal organs, surgery may be carried out at an earlier age, or as an emergency, to prevent some of the more serious complications. What happens during hernia surgery? Surgery to repair a hernia requires a general anaesthetic. The area around the hernia will be shaved and scrubbed with an antiseptic to reduce infections. An incision is made through the skin. The contents of the hernia are checked to make sure they are healthy. They are then gently returned to the abdomen and the hernia is closed, usually with stitches that dissolve in a few weeks. The incision is usually slightly longer than the original hernia and there may be slight redness or swelling around the area for a few days. Umbilical hernia surgery is usually quick, straightforward and low risk. In cases where the hernia is very large, contains more than just fat, or involves the diaphragm, surgery may be more complicated. It may also carry additional risks, which your vet will discuss with you. Thankfully, these cases are much rarer. There will usually be very little trace of surgery after a few weeks. Most puppies make an excellent recovery. Hernias are relatively common in puppies. While some do cause problems, most dogs will have normal, healthy lives following treatment. Corrective surgery is usually routine and recommended in most cases to prevent future problems. They will be happy to check your pup is healthy and advise on the best way to deal with this condition. You may also be interested in;. Umbilical hernias are common in puppies. Most are insignificant. A few can be dangerous. Question: We have a 10 week old white German Shepherd puppy and I just noticed a lump about the size of the tip of a pinky finger on her tummy below her rib cage. What could it be? Nichol: You describe an umbilical hernia. This is a birth defect that is usually quite minor. The lump you are noticing is likely to be a small amount of normal fat that has slipped into the location of the umbilicus belly button. The hernia, an opening in the muscle wall of the abdomen, is the result of an incomplete union of the two halves of the body during fetal development. If the hernia stays very small it will need no treatment. On the other hand, if it gets bigger as the puppy grows it may allow a loop of intestine to slip through the opening and become twisted. This would cut off the blood supply to the intestine and require emergency surgery. Ask your veterinarian to palpate the hernia at the time of each vaccination booster-about every 3 weeks. If the hernial opening gets big enough the doctor will recommend that it be closed surgically. The procedure will require general anesthesia but is quite safe. Recovery is speedy. They need surgical correction but they do great. If neglected puppies are at risk. Question: My husband and me have a 5 week old Yorkie puppy who has a swollen place near his groin that our vet said was a hernia. We hoped we could wait until his was bigger to get it fixed but now the hernia is getting bigger. Is it risky to wait? Is our baby too young to have it fixed? Nichol: I share your concern. Who wants surgery-especially on some one that young and tiny? I suspect your baby weighs all of about one and a half pounds. The truth is that allowing a puppy to get bigger is usually best. But in the case of your little guy it may be too risky. What you are describing is an inguinal hernia. Here is how it works: The abdomen is where our intestines, and a lot of other organs, belong. Things are supposed to stay bundled up here. But there is a passageway on each side near the rear portion of the abdomen the groin of a person where arteries and veins go to the back legs. This is called the inguinal canal. Normally the canal is not wide enough for anything else to slip through. But in your baby, the canal is much too wide and this has allowed some of his intestines to slide into the canal. If you wait too long to get the hernia repaired you will notice a sudden onset of pain, loss of appetite, and inactivity. Now strangulated is a real medical term that means what it sounds like-that the blood supply to this area of intestine has been choked off. This is bad. It would not only require immediate surgery but would result in the removal of a portion of dead intestine. No bueno. So my advice: Get it fixed now. If it were still small and staying that way, waiting would be fine. We do this type of surgery on small fry often. We use small instruments and suture. On a little tyke like this we would put some liquid food in by stomach tube under anesthesia and provide extra fluid under the skin. This would prevent low blood sugar problems. Keeping him warm during the procedure is real important too. But in experienced hands I predict success. Go for it. Search for answers to your pet behavior questions Pages.