puppy dancing in box

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Florida I agree, what you are doing is excellent. We do the same. For example, we were at an outside outlet mall the other day with Roamin'; whilst I shopped for shoes, my husband sat on a bench outside with the puppy feeding him bits of kibble to keep his attention on his person and not on the passers by. Since this was the third time we'd done this type of "passer by" training, he was actually voluntarily ignoring some of them after a few minutes had passed and so the treating slowed down. Because this was an exercise to get him to not move towards the others, my husband would just say "we are training, please don't interact with him. Thanks" and everyone just smiled and nodded and moved on past. At the very end about 15 minutes , my husband did allow one person to approach and Roamin' responded almost perfectly. So we are making some progress.BUT, doing the same thing next time may find us moving a step backwards. We have to "manage our expectations" that because he did well the second and third time out that the next time will be the same or better. Print Preparing for the teething stage If you have been following my puppy training program since the beginning, you will have some down time for the next month or so. This is not to mean that you will not be working with your puppy at all, but only means that you will not be adding any new training. For the next month or two, you should continue working on basic obedience. I will discuss this more later in the post but Here is the training for your 4-month-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post eight of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Training and socialization for four-month-old Labrador puppy Here are the things we worked on during the past two weeks while training Bubba. Working on self-control and restraint If you have ever been pushed out of the way as your large dog rushes to get outside or inside ahead of you, you know how that feels. It can be downright dangerous, and there is no reason to allow it. You can start eliminating these future problems by spending time now, teaching your 4-month-old puppy to have self-control and restraint. There is a vast array of situations that you can use to teach your puppy self-control. The first and easiest one to teach is sitting before eating. Simply do not give your puppy their food until they SIT calmly. Here are some other opportunities. Sitting before getting a leash on and off Sitting by door, waiting to go outside or inside, until released from SIT Staying in crate or kennel until released, even with door open All these training opportunities work toward the same thing — self-control. There are probably many more situations that would also apply, use your imagination, and teach your puppy to listen and exert restraint in all situations. Bubba has learned all these lessons well. She understands that she must wait for a release command and that if she SITS very still the release comes sooner. Obedience training your 4-month-old puppy We continue to work on obedience training using a chain collar and heeling stick. Bubba has come a long way regarding heeling. She is not perfect, but she does understand the command. However, remote SIT is not going well. Bubba really struggles to SIT still, even for a few seconds. I had to be reminded that Bubba is a chocolate lab. Chocolate labs tend to mature much slower than blacks or yellows, and Bubba is proving that to be true. Given this, Bubba will probably need some more maturity before I can expect too much from her on obedience. Well, let me rephase. Bubba knows the HERE command but still struggles to respond to it consistently. This is a huge source of contention for me, but again, Bubba is a chocolate and is very immature. A halt on retrieving Up until now we have been doing retrieving daily with Bubba, but as she enters the fourth month, we are increasing aware that she will be teething very soon. Because of this, we will be stopping retrieving until we can confirm that all her adult teeth are in. This concerns a lot of owners; they are concerned that their puppy will forget how to retrieve or will stop wanting to retrieve. We have never had this happen. Final thoughts on training for your 4-month-old Labrador puppy As your puppy approaches four months of age, it is good to take a moment to reflect on all the progress you have made in terms of training. These are important steps that will lead your puppy down a path of becoming a happy, healthy family dog and hunting companion. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your 4-month-old Labrador puppy? Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.

If you are looking to add a Bichpoo to your family, ABCpuppy has a variety of puppies for sale. They are a small dog breed, typically weighing between 6 and 15 pounds and standing 9 to 14 inches tall. Bichpoos are known for their adorable looks and friendly personalities, making them great pets for families with children and other pets. At ABCpuppy, all of our Bichpoo puppies for sale are raised in a loving and nurturing environment. Our puppies are socialized from a young age and are used to being around people and other animals, which helps them develop into well-adjusted and friendly dogs. We take great care to ensure that all of our puppies receive the best possible care and attention, including regular check-ups and vaccinations. When you purchase a Bichpoo puppy from ABCpuppy, you can rest assured that you are getting a healthy and happy puppy. We provide all of our customers with a health guarantee and ensure that our puppies are up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and dewormings. We also offer ongoing support and advice to help you care for your new puppy. If you are interested in purchasing a Bichpoo puppy from ABCpuppy, please contact us today to learn more about our available puppies and the adoption process. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect Bichpoo to add to your family. The exact origin of the Bichpoo is unclear, but it is believed that the breed was first developed in the United States during the s. Like other designer dog breeds, the Bichpoo was created with the goal of combining the best traits of two purebred breeds. In the case of the Bichpoo, breeders aimed to create a dog with the adorable looks and friendly personality of the Bichon Frise, combined with the hypoallergenic coat and intelligence of the Poodle. Today, the Bichpoo has become a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a small, low-shedding dog with a friendly and playful personality. While the breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC as a purebred, it has gained a devoted following of fans who appreciate its cute looks and lovable personality. Poochon vs Shih Poo Comparison If you love small doodle breeds and want to add a fluffy and cute puppy to your family, we have just the right candidates. Meet the Poochon and Shih Poo designer doodles. They are among our favorite doodle puppies here at Premier Pups. The Poochon and Shih Poo dogs are smart, happy, and ready to love you to the moon and back. They enjoy games, cuddles, and attention, and they are more than happy to keep.Welcome to the exciting world of doodle puppies! If you're considering adding a new fur baby family member, you're in for a treat. Doodle puppies are simply amazing. They are friendly, loving, and playful dogs that are perfect for families with children. With so many different types of doodle breeds available, one more adorable than the next it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help! They are loyal and devoted, have adoring personalities, and are always ready for a cuddle session. Poochon puppies are joyful little fluffs with bouncy paws and wiggly tails. They are lively and happy pups who love to jump around and they are excellent training students. Sturdy and small, Poochons have an average height between 9 to 15 inches and an average weight between 6 and 17 pounds. Bichon Poo Bichon Poo The Bichon poo puppy, also known as a Bichpoo or a Poochon, is a designer dog that's aimed at melding the best characteristics of the Poodle with those of the Bichon Frise. The Bichon poo Poochon is typically about a foot high, weighing around 8 to 16 pounds Kgs. Its lifespan is approximately 12 to 15 years. Like any hybrid dogs like Poodle Mixes, Bichon poo temperament and physical characteristics are not as predictable as a purebred, as it may inherit more or fewer traits from each of its parents' breed. Further, if one or both of the parents are not purebred themselves for example, if they both are Bichon poos the variability in the characteristics of the offspring increases significantly. Bichon poo puppies are highly intelligent and this trait makes them easy to train. Bichon poos are dependent on their owners and are very loyal. They are perfect for kids as well as adults. Both the Poodle and the Bichon Frise are active dogs, so your Bichon poo will have a lot of energy. The Bichon poo does very well in a number of environments. But you need to cater for a daily exercise of at least half an hour. Consider a bit more exercise if she does not have access to a backyard. Bichapoo puppies come in a multitude of colors not limited to cream, apricot, black, white, tan. The bichapoo is a mixed breed and because of this, the coat can be either straight, wavy or curly. A larger percent of bichapoo puppies have curly coats but other coats are possible as well. Bichapoos are considered hypoallergenic as they are mixed with two hypoallergenic breeds — the bichon frise and the poodle. Look for the bichapoo to become a purebred in the years to follow. Share This:. This breed is a mix between a Toy Poodle and a Bichon Frise. The Bichpoo originated in the s in Australia and was bred specifically for families that were searching for an active dog that was calm enough to be around children and other pets in the household. With an upbeat, lovable, and friendly personality, the Poochon is a joy to be around. They inherited their warm temperaments and easy-going personality from their parents. They are also very intelligent dogs, many thanks to their Poodle parent. This kid-friendly dog makes a great family pet and even does well with other pets in the home. The Poochon can be found in a variety of stunning colors. The most common are solid tan, apricot, black, grey, and cream but can also be found in different blends and variations of these colors. Making sure to take the time to properly groom the Poochon is very important. Daily coat brushing will prevent matting and knots from occurring. Should his coat begin to form knots, consider applying a small amount of dog anti-tangler spray and gently work the mat out. Bi-weekly baths will also help keep his coat looking its best. Pooches, especially when puppies, are very energetic and need a lot of energy. Feeding him high-quality dog food two times a day is a good way to properly fuel his growing and active body. Many Poochon owners tend to serve their dogs meals every twelve hours. This has shown to be a good balance of nutrition. Proper teeth cleaning for your puppy is also very important for his health and should occur three times every week. Poochons have an average height of nine to twelve inches tall. At maturity, they average weight of this breed is seven to fifteen pounds. The average Poochon has a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years. Australia breeders bred the Poochon in the s in Australia. Pooches are considered a very intelligent dog capable of easily learning new tricks with ease. Petland is honored to offer the highest quality Poochon puppies who will be an instant in your family. How much exercise do Bichon Poos need? Every dog needs their daily exercise and the Bichon Poo is no exception. You could exercise them for 20 to 40 minutes daily. How often should a Bichon Poo be bathed? You could bathe your dog once or twice a month if you are up for it. They do need enough grooming. How long can Bichon Poos live? The average lifespan of a Bichon Poo is 12 to 15 years. What diseases are Bichon Poos prone to? One of such is the progressive retinal atrophy which is hereditary because the Poodle is susceptible to this. This disease causes progressive blindness in the eyes of the Bichon Poo. Another such disease is the patella luxation which causes dislocation of the dog bones. This could be very painful for the dog. Are Bichon Poos hypoallergenic? Yes, they are. Are Bichon Poos known for barking? The Bichon Poo mostly barks to get the attention of its owner or when there are strangers around. When will the Bichon Poo get to full size? This dog attains its full size when it is about 12 to 18 months old. Are Bichon Poos good dogs? Naturally, these dogs are friendly and affectionate and loyal too. How much food can Bichon Poos eat daily? Well, this naturally depends on the owner. You could choose to feed them 4 to 5 times daily or just twice. Are you interested in purchasing a Bichon Poo? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Buying A Boxer Puppy? Finding Your Puppy -- Buying From the Breeder The conscientious breeder plans a breeding to reproduce the best characteristics of an outstanding sire or dam. His guide is the official AKC Standard of the breedthe written "blueprint" that helps keep the breed uniform for generations to come. You can find the breed standard, revised in , at the American Boxer Club website: www. The more common disappointments for pet purchasers come from commercial sources--especially pet shops that often buy puppies from the infamous "puppy mills" that take little notice of the quality or health they are producing. The pet store or dog broker will sell you a puppy with a breeder's name attached to the paperwork--but this puppy may easily have been born in a puppy mill. The reputable breeder, on the other hand, will not only be able to demonstrate the pedigree and registration papers, but will also show you either the sire or dam themselves, or pictures of the parent who may be owned elsewhere. Though the mere presence of "papers" does not guarantee good health, conformation, or temperament, you will most often find these attributes in the puppy who has been raised with loving care in the home or kennel of a conscientious hobby breeder. The serious breeder often strives to produce a potential "champion. Sometimes the distribution of white markings alone may make the difference between the so-called "pet" and show-potential puppy. The pet puppy will have benefited from the same proven bloodlines, nutrition, and medical care as its "champion" littermate. His breeder will have health tested the parents and done the best he can to insure good temperament, soundness, and longevity. Here is your best buy. Boxer magazines publish ads from breeders. The American Boxer Club web site www. Usually any time after weeks. Many states have regulations regarding minimum age. However, your individual circumstances must be considered. Do you have the time to spend with a very young puppy? Will someone be home to housebreak him? Would an exuberant 6-month old puppy overwhelm a tiny child? Or would he be better matched with a 6-year-old youngster? Remember too that the puppy under 3 months needs lots of time to rest. Don't forget that adult dogs, already trained, also make ideal pets. While much can be told at six to eight weeks about the puppy's eventual looks, if you are seeking a show prospect you might be better off waiting until the pup is six to eight months of age. At that time, be prepared to pay a higher price for all the additional time and effort that the breeder has spent raising the show potential Boxer. Male or Female? This choice is a matter of personal preference. Both males and females make admirable pets. Breeding is a serious committment of time, energy, and money, and not to be taken lightly. If breeding is not anticipated, it may be appropriate to spay or neuter your dog. This procedure is best done as your Boxer approaches adolescence. Please be aware that these surgeries should be discussed with your veterinarian as to safety of anesthesia and any long term effects other than sterilization. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in the conformation ring but may be shown in performance events. Check this list! Tails should have been docked within a few days of birth. Optional removal of front dewclaws fifth toes is done at the same time. The Boxer has no rear dewclaws. Ear cropping is customary and appropriate but not required--it is a matter of personal preference. Uncropped ears are permitted under the breed standard. If cropped, this procedure is done under general anesthesia, usually between six and nine weeks of age. If the puppy is taken before cropping, the breeder usually makes arrangements. The breeder also advises regarding aftercare and taping if ears are not already standing. Sometimes this is a lengthy process. In the male, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum. They should be in place by two to three months of age. A dog with undescended testicles may still make a fine pet, though he would be ineligible to compete in the conformation show ring. Consult your veterinarian for advice. Avoid the unusually quiet, inactive puppy, or the one that might shy away from you. This might mean a fault in temperament or even ill health. Papers the Seller Should Furnish: a. A three or four generation pedigree signed by the seller. There should be no extra charge for this. The pedigree preferably gives the color of the sire and dam, and the AKC registration numbers of each. The registration from the AKC, which is an official document identifying your puppy's individual registration number, sex, birth date, sire and dam, and name of the breeder s. There are two ways to register puppies for the first time: 1 Limited Registration If the puppy is not to be bred, and is being purchased only as a companion pet, the breeder may check off the Limited Registration option. This does register the puppy with the AKC. However, it does not allow any registration of offspring from the mature dog. The breeder and only the breeder can cancel the limited registration should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Records the Breeder Should Furnish: a. Date and type of vaccines given. Depending on the type of vaccination program started, your veterinarian will advise you on following through. Vaccination protocols are evolving even among the medical professionals. Date and agent used for worming, if done. Do not worm your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Avoid store-bought preparations which can be dangerous. Diet your puppy has been receiving. It is well to maintain the regimen begun by the breeder, especially while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. If changes are to be made. When he is an adult it will be wise to maintain your Boxer on two smaller meals a day. Either in 1st generation or even several generations out. Here we will discuss some ways to know. Appearance The most obvious sign that a dog is not a purebred is when something about their appearance seems 'off'. Now with this being said, one must allow for various deviations that can occur even with purebred Boxers with strong bloodlines. One element is the ears.Cropping is a choice that owners make and therefore there are plenty of quality Boxers that have larger, floppy ears. This practice is also not legal in many countries. Another element will be the tail. As with cropping, tail docking is an elected procedure and not legal in many countries. Most breeders in the United States and in other countries in which this practice of docking is legal, will have this done when a newborn is between weeks of age. Some will opt to not have this done, thus leading to purebred Boxers that have longer, swinging tails. Size is a hot topic regarding this breed. Being one of the largest of the "medium" breeds, the size of purebred Boxers can vary quite a bit. Gender plays a role.Still, there may be other differences in appearance which cannot be explained by the above variances. When this is the case, one may want proof. When purchased from an experienced breeder, you can and should ask to see all paperwork.The papers should show at least 5 generations back, letting you see that the sire and dam, their parents, their grandparents, and so on are all purebreds. You should be given papers when you buy your Boxer puppy. In some cases, you will be given limited registration.This is a normal practice and simply means that you do not have the right to bred. If you do not have papers but want to know if your Boxer is a purebred, you may certainly inspect your Boxer dog to see if he or she meets the AKC dog breed standards, however this will not give you solid proof by any means. DNA does not lie. Genetic markers in the DNA will prove if a Boxer is purebred or not. How is this done? In some cases, a blood sample will be taken; however the majority of the test are done with saliva samples from the dog. How long does it take for the results? Results are given in about weeks in most cases. Will this prove that my Boxer is a purebred and then I can register him? Yes and no. The DNA test will prove if your Boxer is a purebred but with most dog clubs, the DNA test alone will not allow you to register your dog without papers. Many dog clubs if given the DNA results, will however use Limited Privilege Registration to allow you to enter your Boxer dog into agility and sporting events. Depending on where you live, some dog clubs will allow your Boxer to be registered as a purebred if you show pictures of the dog which show conformance and you have witnesses sign a notarized letter that the Boxer is thought to be purebred. How long do Boxer dogs live - This section discusses the leading causes of death among this breed and steps that you can take to help your Boxer live as long as possible. Boxer dog looks skinny - There is a phase that may occur from the 14 to 22 month mark during which time the Boxer may appear to be too lean. 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. AKC has a program called alternative registration and is not to be confused with Purebred Alternative Listing. I know this program works because I used it for my Great Pyrenees. I called AKC and they walked me through the steps. My Pyr is a very healthy, intelligent, and beautiful dog. The reason his sire and Dam were not registered was that the breeder wanted a quick buck. Anyways after AKC did the research they found he had a titled lineage. I know that I will catch some slack for going through a pet store but I have my reasons for doing so. I feel that getting a pet from a store is much like getting a pet from a shelter because what happens to the PUP if no one buys it. Either way, I went off subject. AKC will register your dog if it has a valid lineage. Oh and AKC has a Pedigree look-up so you can do the research yourself before you call them. Answer by jess It is not true. The only way to get papers is if both parents of the pup are registered and the breeder registered the litter the puppy is in. Know better? Give your own answer to this question!

Download our guide! We offer standard and fluffy Award- winning Award-winning bloodline, guaranteed health Every TomKings parent dog has passed a rigorous selection and examination process before we started our elite breeding program to build the healthiest and most Frenchie-authentic gene pool for our TomKings Frenchies. All of our adult dogs and puppies get the highest quality food and supplements to ensure immaculate health, and they are checked by our vet on a weekly basis. Our purebred French bulldogs come with a TomKings Health Guarantee, that is valid against all genetic illnesses. Instead, we treat all of our Frenchies as family members , let them roam freely in our vast green garden and rest with us in our house. Our Frenchie puppies can play as much as they want and we raise them by teaching all the good manners among dogs and people, including children. Maternal love 12 weeks of maternal love and professional care Spending 3 whole months after birth with their caring mother and siblings ensures that TomKings puppies develop a healthy dog-personality and a well-balanced nature. Before joining their new families in the USA and elsewhere, our Frenchies get all the puppy vaccinations, are dewormed and treated against parasites. They travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized room not stacked on top of suitcases , and they are watched all along the flight. During layovers, the puppies are taken off the plane and placed in a pet hotel, where they are given fresh food, water and lots of pampering. They are sweeter than any airport scenes in romantic movies. Feel free to reach out to us any time with your questions or to share your joy: we answer you immediately 16 hours a day. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article. We produce all of the brindles in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , fawns and sables in golden, red, blue, chocolate, lilac , creams, pure coats and tan points in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , and pieds in ALL of these beautiful colors! Call Us Are you ready to own the most popular dog breed in the U. We appreciate you visiting our site, whether you have been here many times in the past, or if this is the first time you have paid us a visit. We hope that the time you spend with us will be enjoyable, and that you will feel it is worth your time and effort. Of course, we invite you to come back as often as time permits, as we have provided a lot of information regarding the French Bulldog, and we doubt if you will cover everything in one visit. Under Owner Information, you will find a lot of information to help you determine if the French Bulldog is the breed for you. There are also FAQs for New Owners, if you have made the decision to adopt one of these wonderful dogs. Under Owner Info, you will also find several products that we use and highly endorse. We then have the unpleasant talk about scammers, who are rampant in the puppy arena, especially regarding French Bulldog puppies. If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, there is a .It breaks our hearts every time we are contacted by someone who has been scammed, or nearly scammed. Please be careful. Lastly, under Owner Info, you will find information regarding our contract and our guarantee, which we believe is one of the best available, and it is the least we will do in the unlikely event that there is a problem with one of our dogs. Under Our Frenchies, you will find information regarding our breeding males, our females which have puppies on the ground, and retirees that are ready for their forever homes. We are very proud of the breeding male and females we have assembled. You can click on Former Puppies and scroll down to see a few examples of all of the various colors that Frenchies come in that we have produced in the past. We know that the different colors can be a bit confusing, so we have tried to make it as straight forward as possible. The only problem is that there are so many gorgeous colors that they come in, a decision regarding color preferences can be difficult .Also, under Our Frenchies, you can click on New Puppies to see all of our currently available puppies, along with a list of the litters that are born, but not yet introduced. We have placed multiple puppies in every state of the union except Hawaii, as they have a very long quarantine period. We have been using very responsible puppy nannies for years to deliver puppies to major airports all over the country, for very reasonable rates. We would love to work with you to place the perfect little Frenchie in your home. Some of our puppies, especially very specific requests, are placed with clients on our waiting list, but many are available to potential clients that are looking for puppies right away. If you are looking for a high-quality Frenchie puppy, please contact us and we will send information which will help you determine if we might be the breeder for you. We will do our best to help you adopt the Frenchie of your dreams. We do not post earlier videos. All of the puppies shown in the videos will have had their vet checks and will be available for adoption with the exception of a few that we may belatedly decide to hold back. Generally, those that we will be holding back will not be included in the videos. As a reminder to each of our Waiting List clients who have passed on prior puppies due to poor timing, when you are ready for your puppy, please let us know so we do not bypass your name when we are placing new litters. Meeting the puppy Nanny was easy and smooth at the airport! Hank was love at first sight. Happy Holidays! Just thought I would write to give you an update on our Dieter. Thank you again for doing what you do, and raising such amazing dogs! Dieter is loved by all who meet him, and he has met several people on his adventures this year. He is such a mischievous, but entertaining boy. He is the sweetest, craziest, cutest, cuddliest, puppy! Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update on Hank Mowgli. He is the center of every minute in my girls day. There were tears of joy and excitement — it was wonderful! Night went well — I had my hand in her kennel so she could sleep — she would make sure it was there and then fall back to […] Danielle, Rich and Rowan Hi BlueHaven!! Hope all is well! Rich and I would like to thank you for the care and love you put into your breeding program. Rowan is a healthy and fun-loving Frenchie! We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. All is well here. Originally, when we listed our preferred colors, we did not select brindle, but as you can see, once we saw GiGi, […] Catherine, Nick, Kolbie, Natty, and Dieter Dieter had an awesome first night. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Just wanted to send an update on Pearl formerly Sinah. At nearly 4 months old now; Pearl is doing very, very well. She had her 3rd series of shots and vet check last week and is perfectly healthy. I am constantly stopped on the street and asked about where I got mochi and Zima. They are perfect and deb has been super helpful each step of the way with the process and answered any question I had. Margret C. My 14 yr old English Bulldog, Elliemae, passed away October 14, .I was waiting until the summer of before getting another puppy. At the end of October, I came across Deb's web page. I called her only to get to know her and her breeding program. I told her about the loss of Elliemae and also my mother that past April. She said she had a French Bulldog puppy she thought I would be interested in. I explained that I would be holding off purchasing a puppy until the summer. She sent the picture of this white French bulldog puppy with the "Kiss of God" on the top of her head. Just like Elliemae. It was as if Elliemae and my mother were telling me this puppy is for you. I picked up Dolly the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Dolly has been a joy. She is a wonderful puppy who fills my days with joy. Deb has been wonderful as well. I am afraid I at times I talked her ear off. She is dedicated to breeding the finest French Bulldogs and knows what puppy needs to go with who. She is more than a breeder she is a friend. Thank you, Deb, for matching me up with this gift from my mother. You knew what I needed. Dollylee is an amazing puppy. She slept all through the night from the first night I brought her home. Dollylee seems to know why you sent her to me. Thank You, Deb!! Ron For several years I searched for a reputable French bulldog breeder and finally found Bijou French bulldogs. I knew the minute I finished reading through the website that I would one day purchase a puppy from Deb. We previously had a Frenchie with neurological and other health issues so we learned the hard way how important it is to choose a reputable and knowledgeable breeder. I continued looking at her website from time to time. Then one day Deb posted a breeding that sounded perfect. I got in touch with her and explained the importance to me of finding a breeder that took pride in their breeding program. She answered all of my questions and I was sold. So the deposit was paid and our precious Augie came into our lives. If you are seriously looking for a French bulldog, I strongly encourage you to get in touch with Deb. She will be available to answer your questions and will address any concerns. She has always shown concern and has amazing knowledge and insight about the breed. I know she will always be available for me with any questions I have, big or small. Thank You Deb! Deb understood and remained in contact with us answering questions and offering advice, and when she had the puppy we immediately knew was meant to be ours she continued to update us on progress until Blanche was ready to come home. Deb is very knowledgeable about the breed and her attention to details regarding their health really impressed us. Deb made the entire process seamless, and Blanche is the most perfect little lady. When the time comes to add to our own family we will definitely be calling Deb! I found Deb and from day one, she was always there to answer any questions. She was just a pleasure and always helpful! We purchased and picked up LUlu, our new wonderful addition to our family. She is so smart and has an absolutely amazing disposition. Everywhere I go with her, I get stopped, people always comment that she is the most beautiful frenchie ever even my vet! We cannot wait to get a second frenchie from Deb! Michelle We came across Deb while we were searching for our first frenchie. We contacted Deb and spoke on the phone for about an hour and a half during our first phone call. She was super supportive, informative and incredibly helpful in providing advice. She also asked us questions to make sure we were the right fit and if we would provide a safe environment for the frenchie. We got to meet Uniii through Facetime and we immediately fell in love with him at first sight. We were so impressed with Deb's knowledge about this breed, her love and passion for each and everyone of them. Whenever we had questions, Deb would answer back right away and would give us tips which has helped us tremendously. When we take Uniii out and about, people are always so impressed with how calm and good temperament he is. Uniii is super friendly and loves to be around people. He loves learning new tricks, in fact, he is so smart that I was able to teach him basic commands like 'paw' and 'sit' at 6 months. He is so easy, mellow and chill to take care of, that we are thinking of getting him another sibling for him. It will definitely be through Deb again. Thank you so much to Bijou French Bulldogs for providing us with our very first frenchie fur baby. Feel free to follow our pup on IG as well and reach out if you have any questions uniiiboiii Venus As first time dog owners, we did a lot of research before settling on a breeder. When we came across Bijou French Bulldogs and spoke to Deb, we knew we found the one. We could have gone with a number of breeders much closer to home but the decision to go the distance was extremely worth it! Deb's knowledge of the breed, care for the animals, and beautiful dogs are unmatched. She was extremely response throughout the whole process. Our beautiful girl is now 1. Our vet always comments on how well bred she was and how great it is to see a Frenchie without breathing problems. If I ever wanted another Frenchie I would definitely go back to Deb and recommend her to anyone looking for their new best friend! He is really an extraordinary dog who has made our lives so much better. Since I am now a French bulldog owner, I am more aware of other French bulldogs and can appreciate the superb breeding strategies that Debbie practices in her business. While I know that everyone thinks their dog is the best, I can objectively say that his form is perfection, from tail to ears. Not always the case with this breed, as we all know. We get stopped everywhere and people just cannot get enough of NiRAN. He is another great example of a gorgeous Frenchie in the making, and NiRAN loves to play with his new cousin. Thanks to Bijou French Bulldogs, we have our own little best friend who loves to snooze, snack, and play! Marina Deb is an absolutely pleasure and a dream come true to work with! She is hands on from beginning to getting your furbaby but even afterwards she is still involved. The furbabies she develops are all beautiful and healthy. If we could buy more we sure would!! Our experience has been amazing ever step of the way. We highly recommend her! Call me if you need to discuss Denise Denise Deb!!! Such a pleasure to share a testimonial. You can use the pic I just barely sent above? Deb was such an incredible person to work with to find our new family member. With a previous frenchie crossing the rainbow bridge we were feeling super nervous trying to find a reputable breeder that would be willing to answer lots of questions and truly help us though what was both an emotional and exciting process. She was endlessly available and highly engaged in our efforts to understand how to best match her upcoming litters with our interest. You can tell she cares so deeply about the health and wellness of each one of these little nuggets she helps bring into the world and even more, really looks to build a relationship and keep in touch with her puppies families. We feel so fortunate to have found Deb and our little fur baby! Jayme Mellisa Testimonial: Deb is a wonderful, caring and responsible breeder and we are so happy to have found her when looking for our 3rd Frenchie. It is clear she cares deeply for not only her pups but the breed in general. Wellington aka Welly exhibits all the qualities we love about frenchies - affectionate, curious and social. He is a healthy and confident pup with the sweetest disposition. From my 1st inquiry to picking up Welly, working with Deb has been an easy, seamless process. We are so happy to have found Bijou French Bulldogs and for the joy that Welly has brought to all of us! Mellisa M. By absolute fate, Deb came into our lives. Our family had just been told by another breeder one we worked with for our 9 year old frenchie that the puppy we put a deposit on, was no longer available, with absolutely no communication or reason. Our entire family was heartbroken, especially our two children. Out of desperation, I did a quick google search and stumbled upon Bijou French Bulldogs. After reading the testimonials, I sent a message to Deb to which she replied almost immediately We scheduled a facetime meeting for the next evening. The conversation was fluid and seamless. This also gave her the opportunity to see where the puppy would live which brought her comfort as well. Throughout the entire process Deb was communicative and transparent, something we had not experienced with any other breeder. For example, a few days before we were scheduled to pick up the puppy, Deb called and said the puppy was at the vet, as she was not eating or drinking overnight. I need to get her better first. She also sent us the medical paperwork and note from the vet, she was extremely thorough. Although we were disappointed with the temporarily delay, we respected that Deb was acting solely out of her care and love for the puppy. After pushing the pickup day back, a week, my husband drove to pick up Carmella. We brought Carmella home to meet our two children, and our 9-year-old French Bulldog, Dutchess. Deb was knowledgeable about how to introduce Carmella to our family. To no surprise, Deb was on point! During the first few weeks of having Carmella at home we would reach out to Deb with questions, pictures or just updates. Deb, completely consistent with how she treated us throughout the entire process was communicative, transparent, and helpful. Her knowledge for this breed is unrivaled by any other breeder we have experienced. Growing up with English bulldogs, and French bulldogs myself, I have never experienced a more thorough and responsible breeder. If you are looking for a breeder who puts quality care into her pups, will be communicate with you during every step of the process, and patiently answer all of your questions and concerns, then Bijou French Bulldogs is for you. Carmella fits in perfectly with our family, and we have Deb and her outstanding program to thank. Amy Debbie is a very responsible breeder caring for each pup individually and the whole litter. Debbie always makes herself available for any questions you may have before during and after your purchase. I Purchased Mr. Quinn in March of and never looked back. He is beautiful kind, and funny. He has such expression in his face. Everyone who meets Mr. Quinn falls in love with him. He is a real character with lots of charm. He gets along well with my other dogs. Quinn loves to travel and we are attending breed handling classes hoping to enter the show ring in the near future so Mr. Quinn can put his swagger on and hopefully come home with a few ribbons. Glenna We love our sweet little Gizmo. Thank you Deborah for helping us pick the perfect match for our beloved 5 year old frenchie. Gizmo is strong, loving, sweet and wants to be just like his big brother! Deb was easy to work with, very professional and takes excellent care of her puppies. Olive came to me trained on puppy pads with the sweetest and most kind temperament you could ever want from a French bulldog. Olive was already socialized and great with other dogs. Especially as first time dog owners it is crucial to have a breeder you can trust. Deb went above and beyond making sure my wife and I felt comfortable and ready to buy a puppy. Further to that she was always available to us for any questions we had to help guide us through the first few months and beyond of raising our puppy. She answered all of our questions and showed us the litter of adorable puppies, the mom and their whelping area. Even after we took our adorable pup home, she still checked in on her and responded to any questions we had. Poppy is a happy, healthy and sometimes sassy LOL pup and we are so happy with her! Finding a reliable preservation breeder was of high importance to us and we feel so lucky to have stumbled onto the BiJou French Bulldogs website one day. From the start, Deb has been a great communicator which really helped us feel at ease throughout the process of getting a pup. It is clear how much she loves her pups and cares about the families they go to. .Butaro is our first dog and our pride and joy! He is the sweetest pup and loves meeting new people and people love meeting him! He has brought so much joy into our lives and also came housebroken, which was a big and pleasant surprise as first-time dog owners! If you are looking to bring a french bulldog into you family, we highly recommend Deb and BiJou Frenchies - they are the best at what they do, you will not regret it! Stephanie C Easy experience from the beginning to end. Deb got back to me quickly about the last available pup. Communication was a breeze and we were able to agree to a pickup location that was convenient for both of us. Lola came with all her shots and chip information. We love Lola so much and are very happy we were able to bring her home last February. She was very professional. She was very knowledgeable about the breed and answered all my questions. It was such a great experience that I also purchased a puppy for my daughter. I take Paris to work with me everyday and the residents at the skilled nursing facility where I work love her. She is calm, friendly and well behaved. Joy B My puppy, mochi, is absolutely perfect! She is healthy, beautiful and so full of love! I could not be more grateful. In addition, Deb has been very helpful and is there to answer any questions I may have. Margaret C Our family has been researching various breeds of dogs and felt that the French Bulldog would best suit our family. Over this past summer, we have had the pleasure of working with Deb Knowlton of Bijou French Bulldog. We came across her website and became even more intrigued about the French Bulldog. From the first time we came into contact with Ms. Knowlton, she has truly demonstrated many qualities of professionalism and passion for the work that she does. She was always available to answer any questions we had via text or email in a promptly manner. When the time came to pickup our Frenchie, the process was fairly simple. Knowlton welcomed us into her home and gave her undivided attention to discuss all the information we needed to best care for our dog. Luna was already chipped, vaccinated and examined by a qualified veterinarian. Today, Luna is doing well and continues to bring such joy to our family. Dom M This year we added a second Frenchie from Deb to our family.We could not be happier with the disposition of our pup Levi and he has been a great addition.Deb took the time to identify a perfect match to our existing Frenchie and both are thriving. Deb is always available for questions during and after the entire process and makes sure that both parents and puppies are happy for years to come. Rebecca W Deb made the process of selecting the right Frenchie easy and fun. Just before the pandemic when we visited Deb to choose our puppy, she let the mother audition us as owners and we really hit it off. When we went back to the pen, the littlest puppy approached us and that was it. Love at first sight. Yasmin is a happy, healthy, self-confident puppy who brings joy to us every day. Bijou French Bulldogs is the best! Yolanda S We looked for the right breeder for our frenchie for awhile, and as soon as we met Deb, we could feel how much care, knowledge, and respect for this breed that she brings. We knew she would be the perfect choice for one of the most important in our lives! Fiona is beautiful, and exhibits all the best qualities of a well bred frenchie— she is super healthy, active, social, and the most friendly temperament. We won the lottery with Fiona and we know that deb had a huge part in making this possible. From the start, Deb took the time to share her knowledge on the breed, their characteristics, and her process. We knew immediately that we had an expert in Deb, and someone who loves and cares for her animals. Minka is the most loving, playful, silly, and all around best dog. She has completely exceeded our expectations, and everyone who meets her falls in love with her. As with most dog lovers we will go to extremes for our dogs, and to say we spoil them in an understatement. We put a great deal of time into investigating the breeders of our dogs and this was especially true for Tucker. This was a journey that took us to visit and meet several Frenchie breeders all who had a love of this wonderful breed. Along this journey we came to meet Deb of Bijou French Bulldogs. Immediately upon meeting Deb and visiting with her we realized Deb was truly special. From the time we picked up Tucker Deb has remained in touch with us and offered advice and support. Tucker is a healthy and absolutely beautiful puppy that has a wonderful personality, his coloring and disposition was exactly what Deb had said it would be. Linda L We are a dog-loving family, but, almost exclusively, we have been Lab owners. While we were all in the house for the pandemic, we realized that this would be a great time to get a puppy. However, this time my daughter asked if we could get a smaller dog that could sit in her lap easier , and that she could take with her more easily than she can the larger labs. Not having explored the smaller dog world before, we did a bit of digging into what breeds of small dogs would fit into our lives, and we determined that the French Bulldog was the way to go. I began my research into finding a pup, and I quickly learned a few things: 1. Rescue French Bulldog puppies are hard to impossible to find, 2. Frenchies are a significant investment and 3. I looked for quite some time, and began discussions with more than a few breeders. Some of the breeders were excellent, but many were not. It began to remind me of puppy milling of labradors we have encountered so many times in the past. Lots of discussion about designer colors on web sites, but little about breeding philosophy. On the day that I sent her a quick note looking to connect, Deb called me. During that first phone call I asked her with questions about her kennel, her breeding philosophy, and overall questions about Frenchies and how well a puppy would fit in our house. Deb enthusiastically engaged in that discussion with passion, and I knew this was a person who I wanted to work with. I was particularly concerned with breathing issues that these dogs so often has, and Deb was able to answer all of these questions with with ease and details since she has a deep experience in breeding Frenchies, and loves to do it. She very purposefully and knowledgeably sets up her breeding program based on a lot of data, not just a pedigree. She has a fantastic working knowledge of genetics, and tracks her dogs health so well that she can use this data to produce great litters. Her process is impressive. We were able to give Deb our criteria about the kind of dog we were looking for, and what we were not. She immediately spoke about future litters she was planning that would fit our needs. I fully expected to have to wait up at least 6 months for a puppy, but we were able to get a puppy sooner than that. We got Millie, a beautiful Fawn with tons of red accents. She is smaller in size, just as we like, and Deb told us that with her intensity gene, that her coloring was going to be stunning. She was absolutely right. Millie has been an amazing addition to our family, and even keeps up with our labs! Her alert spirit commands the room, and at the same time, she is loving and sweet. Her temperament could not be better. We love that she is a pretty puppy, but more important to looks, her health and temperament are paramount. However, the best testimonial that I can provide comes from the days following Millie home-coming. We took this beautiful 5 lb puppy to the vet for a wellness visit, and during the exam, the vet turned to me and said that she had no concerns about breathing or palate issues with this puppy, and that I should commend Deb for a beautifully bred dog - the best she has seen in years. If you are searching for Frenchies, and are considering Bijou, rest assured that you are in excellent hands and paws Sean D Once my family had decided it was time to get a dog I knew we needed a smaller one, who would bond with the whole family. I have always had dogs, large and small. My last one was an American bulldog, Rottweiler mix, we rescued at 6 weeks old, whom I loved. After researching the qualities we settled on a French Bulldog. I was excited my husband, who wanted a larger Pit Bull less than. There are so many breeders on the internet and 90 percent of them left me feeling like it was a business. Some I down right worried about the animals in their care. What I loved about Deb was the level of time and care she put into her animals. As a nurse I appreciated the commitment to health and socialization she gave for what I knew would be my newest child. I have two with two legs and now Nas, our Frenchie and Mashugana our Bengal cat to make two on four legs. We have only had him since September but he is adored by our whole family. My husband within a week was proudly telling everyone Nas was just what he wanted and now six months later is trying to get me to agree to a second. The vet was so impressed with his health, everyone who meets him talks about how smart he is. I have never had a dog more willing to love on everyone he meets. If we do decide to expand our family again we will be contacting Deb. She truly has a passion for what she does and the joy she brings to families. She was honest, professional, and very caring about us and our puppy. She is always willing to help with any questions, promptly responds and cares deeply for the pups, doing all she can to best prepare them for life with their new family. She is confident and does not get easily stressed. She is also very well socialized. Luna is the perfect example of what a Frenchie should be like. She is social, accepting, very friendly, and a quick learn… she has far exceeded my expectations! From our initial phone call to when I picked Baxter up, Deb and Shelley were knowledgeable, communicative and very clear that their top priority is the health and well-being of their dogs. Not only is Baxter the most beautiful Frenchie I have ever seen, but he also has the best temperament - he is sweet, playful, friendly with all dogs, people and children, snuggly, loyal - I could go on and on. Baxter and I can hardly make it two feet on the street without getting stopped - people come out of stores and restaurants to meet him. I will definitely get a second puppy from them sometime, hopefully in the near future. Not only Is Dexter healthy and happy but he has the perfect personality that could only have come from great parents fur and human. Shelly and Deb are phenomenal, educated us and made the whole process exciting and comfortable. Their continued support and love since we picked Dexter up is amazing. We already have and would continue to recommend them as breeders. K Stoltzfus Deb and Shelly are not only two of the nicest most helpful, honest and knowledgeable people, they treat their dogs like their family and will be there to help with any advice you need even after you bring your puppy home. Our boy, Xander, is smart, funny and full of love, hugs and licks. I was in such shock I think I must have mentioned it to everyone who asked how our visit went. She's healthy, happy, intelligent and the most affectionate pup I've ever met. We brought her home in August at 14 weeks and she has truly completed our family!! I was looking to add a french bulldog to our family, and from the onset they were absoltely helpful. This was the first time I was researching and interested in the breed, and they were very helpful in educating me along the process. They were very responsive and answered all of my e-mails and I send a lot! They truly love thier dogs, which is evident, and take pride and care in what they do. I look forward to the day we are able to grow our family even further and hope to have the opportunity to work with them again! J LaRocco Owning a French bulldog was a dream of mine for about 10 years before it became a reality. I always loved the look of the breed but after careful research I knew if I ever purchased one I would need to find a reputable breeder. I asked around, did some Google searches and scoured Facebook for contact information. I had been talking to another breeder when I found Deb and Shelly. I immediately sent in an interest form and Deb called me within a day or so. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about her dogs and why they were superior to the others. And after speaking with the other breeders I could compare them all and it was abundantly clear who I'd be getting my next furbaby from! Health testing was very important to us and Deb has done a wonderful job of making sure that her puppies are free of genetic and other disorders. Penny Lane came to us in Sept and has been such an awesome addition to our crew. She has the sweetest temperament. She's very smart. And she has these amazing brown eyes that look at you so lovingly you just have to give her pets or a treat! She's been a wonderful companion to me and our other dog. I highly recommend speaking with Deb and Shelly if you are searching for a Frenchie. You will not be disappointed! B Smassanow Deb and Shelly were absolutely wonderful to work with. We did a lot of research on Frenchie breeders in the New York area and luckily came across Beautibuls. From the first conversation with Deb we knew they were the ones we wanted to go with. They were extremely knowledgable and were so happy to share their expertise with us. We visited Deb and Shelly early on in the process and they showed us many puppies they were all equally adorable! She is healthy, happy, full of personality and absolutely stunning! After we took her home, they were reachable at any time which really helped us settle in as new puppy parents. We receive endless compliments of how well she represents the ideal French Bulldog breed. She is perfection! We cannot wait to extend our Frenchie family and will absolutely be giving Deb and Shelly a call when we are ready. We did a lot of research before we settled on to getting a puppy from them. They are respected breeders by other French bulldog breeders and that was an important consideration for us. Deb and Shelly have been great in giving us advice and answering our questions on every aspect of raising a healthy and happy puppy from feeding, toilet training and teaching good habits. Their advice and involvement in raising Louis have been invaluable to us. Louis is now a 16 months old happy, smart , sweet and strong young adult dog. He is completely house broken in and has his routines and has become a loving family member. Our two children love Louis like a brother. We highly recommend Debbie and Shelly and the Beautibul puppies. YKW and family. Y Waite "Fred and I give Beautibuls a 6 star out of 5 star review"! Looking back at all the disappointment from other breeders, it was a blessing in disguise to find Beautibuls and become part of their extended Frenchie family! I filled out the online application and heard back within a few hours. Beautibuls have changed my perception of what a great experience purchasing a puppy can be! I was instantly drawn to the pair, Deb and Shelly. If we ever add another Frenchie to our family it will be a Beautibuls Frenchie"! S Kibbe We are the very proud owners of 3 French Bulldogs. I was referred to Deb and Shelly by a breeder I had purchased my last little girl from as she did not have what I was looking for at the time. My experience with them was great. We spoke at length about what I was looking for in a pup as we were adding a 3rd and wanted the dynamics to work. Randal is a pied boy he is about 8 months old now and really filling out beautifully. He was housebroken in 6 months which is record breaking for my Frenchies.He is very sweet, and lovable with a great personality. Deb and Shelly were extremely accommodating and I have enjoyed sharing Randal's milestones with them.They have a top notch breeding program and take great pride in what they do. I would not hesitate to recommend Beautibuls to anyone looking for an amazing dog. I am one of the Beautibuls. I am named after my frenchy dad Dominic but I look just like my frenchy mom Senka. My mom is Gale. She tells me she loves me because I am sweet and a good snuggler. My dad says he loves me because of my good health which means no vet bills! My frenchy sister Giada is not a Beautibul we still love her and she had some large vet bills as a puppy. Grammies Shelly and Deb made sure that did not happen to me. Dad is also proud of how fast I was able to train him to hold me and give me lots of love. Our puppy Bowie is a playful, smart, happy, and loving pup. Being a part of the extended Beautibuls family is a wonderful place to be. I had to fill out online applications amid fighting back the tears, getting over losing our little pied gal. We got Lola from a breeder in Australia when we lived there 10 years prior, so we had no connections with US breeders. Some breeders never replied, some were short, but Deb emailed us back right away and even set up a call with us the very next day to find out about our situation and our ability to care for one of her pups. As luck would have it, we ended up with our handsome Louie very soon after we spoke with Deb. We were a bit nervous about having a new puppy so close to our loss, but he was the blast of sunshine that our family needed. Louie is energetic, smart and healthy, with a great temperament and he has the whole neighborhood suckered into playing fetch with him. We brought our puppy home last August and Deb and Shelly have been there every step of the way with any questions we may have had. Or little boy has been a perfect fit with our other two dogs and has an awesome temperament! He's the best. Every time I show co-workers they always ask " Where did you get him from". Our vet said he's never seen a puppy so prefect. With that said we are blessed to have a Beautibuls dog in our family. I don't want to forget how great of a dog he is as well. We have another Frenchie and we see the difference. Thanks again for the best meatball ever. Couldn't picture life without our Tyson" Kevin F "My husband and I purchased our first Frenchie from Beautibuls and we could not be happier. Knowing that this was our first the breeders were so knowledgeable and helpful. We are completely in love with this little guy. Although we chose not to show him, he is our Grand Champion!!! We will defiantly be back for a second puppy". Lisa T "Henry is such a sweet soul. He loves to snuggle up on your lap but he's also very playful. His wobble wag giggle ball is his favorite toy - he just loves chasing it around the house. He's super friendly with everyone and loves playing with other dogs. People ask me all the time where I got him because he's so adorable!! He makes me so happy every day"!! He's a puppy from your very first litter and has been such a joy in my life. You have helped guide me in the show ring and are always there for any questions I may have. Thank You Ladies!!! Lori H Enchanted Bulldogs It was a pleasure engaging with Deb - she was very helpful and informative throughout the process. Achilles, our puppy, was healthy and has immediately become one of the family. Also, Deb has been helpful after we took Achilles home with us. I highly recommend them as breeders. Steve D "I have been an ecstatic and exceedingly happy Beautibulls Frenchie Mommy to 2 beautiful, happy and healthy frenchies, Mimosa and Madeline Maddie since the minute I brought them home!! In addition to being a beautiful dog, her disposition was friendly and loving to me, my friends, my cats, and the dogs in the Park! She often gave THEM - most of whom were much bigger - a run for their money, and tuckered them out from play way before she was ready to call it quits!! Anyway, they're pretty funny when that all comes out, but they are truly NOT that helpful!! They are both cuddlers, lickers, and lovers - just wanting to be around mom, and in mornings and evenings even view the kitties as fellow cuddle buddies! Mimosa will be 5 at Christmas and Maddie will be 2 at the end of this month. Neither has had any health issues, and any concerns or questions that I had when I first brought them home Shelly and Deb were eager to answer. Similarly before I committed to buying one and joining their "family", I was very curious about the breeding and whelping processes, and besides being incredibly interesting, they helped me understand how and why my girls were going to be as healthy as they were. My first 3 dogs were big dogs - 2 bullmastiffs and 85 lb boxer lab and I adored them completely. I miss them dearly as well, but I am so so so happy with my 20 lb frenchies - they might be smaller in size, but not smaller in heart or energy levels and I'll never go back! As a matter of fact, I have notified Beautibulls of my desire to get another one, so if that's not a positive reference, I don't know what is!! I could not possibly recommend Beautibulls more highly!! Thank you Deb and Shelly!!! Our hearts were forever broken and we soon realized that that the only thing nearly as sad as losing our bully, was the emptiness we felt without having a dog to share our lives with. Knowing the breed well, we set out on a quest to find a reputable breeder. It was a very long journey but we were determined, and health and temperament were our top priorities. As time went on we developed a keen interest in Frenchies — and we were ever so fortunate to have come across the Beautibuls website. It made us so very hopeful - not only were the photos of their dogs beautiful, but they were so healthy and accomplished. We reached out and to our surprise not only did we get a prompt response, but it was such a pleasure to speak with Deb who dedicated a great deal of time to listen to our story, and talk to us about their breeding program. She was so knowledgeable and patient with us in answering all of our questions. Deb and Shelly made the process so smooth and were and still are! Luigi has been nothing short of amazing from day 1. He came to us so well socialized — we remember being so surprised at how quickly and confidently he settled right in… sleeping right through from his first night onwards! He steals the show in his training classes, loves his skateboard and is an emotional support dog. The breed is small and muscular with heavy bone structure, a smooth coat, a short face, and trademark "bat" ears. Many of my dogs are Champions and Grand Champions, producing incredible babies. My dogs are health tested to guarantee all puppies live a long and happy life!

UKC Classification: Herding Dog To prevent over-guarding and aggressive behavior, German shepherd dogs should have socialization and obedience training at a young age. German shepherd dogs reach a maximum of about 25 inches in height, and they weigh up to about 95 pounds 41 kilograms. He is a well-proportioned dog. The head is broad and tapers handsomely to a sharp muzzle. The ears are rather large and stand erect. The back is level and muscular, and the tail is bushy and curves downward. The coat is thick and rough and may be black, tan, black and tan or gray. The coat should be harsh and of medium length; however, long-coated individuals occur often. The breed lives about years. Personality: German shepherd dogs get along well with children and other pets if raised with them, but in keeping with their guarding instincts, they tend to be leery of strangers. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. Some poorly bred German shepherd dogs can be high-strung and nervous. Coupled with poor socialization and inadequate training, over guarding and aggressive behavior are risks. Living With: Because German shepherd dogs are large and powerful and have strong guarding instincts, great care should be taken to purchase German shepherds from reputable breeders. Poorly bred dogs are more likely to be nervous. To prevent over guarding and aggressive behavior, German shepherd dogs should be carefully socialized from a young age and be obedience trained. They should be with the family and continually exposed under supervision to people and other pets around the neighborhood; they should not be confined to a kennel or backyard either alone or with other dogs. German shepherd dogs are active and like to have something to do. They need ample exercise daily; otherwise, they can get into mischief or become high-strung. The dog sheds heavily about twice yearly, and the rest of the time sheds a lesser amount continually. To control shedding and keep the coat nice, brush at least a few times a week. History: German shepherd dogs are, as their name implies, a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed beginning in the late s by crossing various herding breeds. The breed was subjected to stringent selection and it progressed quickly. In the United Kingdom, the dogs are known as Alsatians because fanciers of the breed there wanted to protect the dog from anti-German sentiments after World War I. German shepherd dogs were introduced in the United States by soldiers returning home from World War I. The breed caught the public eye because of movie stars Strongheart and later, Rin Tin Tin. The first guide dogs were German shepherd dogs. Today, they are one of the most popular dogs in America. The German shepherd dog is a herding breed known for its courage, loyalty and guarding instincts. This breed makes an excellent guard dog, police dog, military dog, guide dog for the blind and search and rescue dog. For many families, the German shepherd is also a treasured family pet. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed. An average lifespan of a German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. The official name of the breed in English is the German Shepherd Dog. Schutzhund is a sport created especially for German Shepherds. They were the stars of the 20th century, both in cinema and on battlefields. Read on to find out how these fantastic dogs made history. The German Shepherd was introduced in the early s. Vom Geliebten Haus The first German Shepherd was actually a Thuringian Shepherd, used to develop the breed by being bred to other herding dogs. Max von Stephanitz is the man who bought and named the first German Shepherd in .He wanted a dog that is loyal, easily trainable, intelligent, and able to perform many tasks. He found all that in one dog and used it to create many more like it. During WWI, they served only in the German military. They primarily served as messengers but also performed the roles of guards, ammunition carriers, and rescue dogs. The number of German Shepherds that were a part of the team is unknown, but some sources say that there were roughly present in NY after the attacks. Additionally, a German Shepherd named Trakr was the only dog that found a survivor in the rubble. His DNA was later used for cloning, and 5 Trakr clones were born in .German Shepherds were among the most famous stars in the silent film era. However, the highest-grossing star in Hollywood at the time was actually another German Shepherd — Strongheart. He eventually became a multi-millionaire and was generally considered more widely known. A German Shepherd was the very first guide dog in America. Many were skeptical, but helping her new owner cross a busy street in New York proved her skills very quickly. Interestingly, the trainer of that dog was also an American living in Switzerland , Dorothy Eustis. German Shepherd Features We all know what German Shepherds look like, and a lot of other breeds have a similar physique developed by the breeders. Keep reading to find out more fascinating German Shepherd facts. The breed has a lot of predispositions to different health issues. MAGSR Some of the most common illnesses they can have are degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, bloat, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, and hip dysplasia. They also often suffer from thyroid diseases, skin allergies, and many other problems depending on their genetics and lifestyle. Some of the best service dogs are German Shepherds. CertaPet They are excellent service dogs because of their loyalty, intelligence, and easy trainability. They work as guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf, medical alert dogs for people with epilepsy, mobility assistance for people with disabilities, and lastly, as psychiatric service dogs. They are one of the most active dog breeds. PitPat, Ready, Set, Puppy! German Shepherds are among the most energetic dog breeds. They need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Adult German Shepherds need at least 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay healthy. Puppies and seniors need a bit less. Puppies should exercise only for five minutes for each month of their age. If over-exercised, they can start developing hip dysplasia earlier than normal. German Shepherds belong to the herding dog group. American Kennel Club They were created from different herding breeds and were first used for herding sheep. Today, many of them are used for guarding, protection, and police purposes. Like other herding dogs, they have a strong herding instinct they might also use on their owners, especially kids. There are both mini and giant German Shepherds. Giant German Shepherds, also called King Shepherds, are also a hybrid breed. Besides these two, there are also dwarf German Shepherds, which are purebred German Shepherds that suffer from pituitary dwarfism. German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed in terms of obedience and working ability. Because of their size and potential health issues, the average age they reach is .When they reach 13, they can be compared to an year-old human. In rare cases, they can reach the age of 18—20, but not more. American Kennel Club Independent of the fur color, the tip of the nose cannot be of any other color. In other words, if a German Shepherd is born with a nose of any other color, it would be disqualified in a breed dog show. However, it could still compete in agility events, work as a service dog, and be an amazing pet. There are two lines of German Shepherds. German Shepherd Shop The line can either be working or show, and the dogs are usually bred to fit the line. Show line dogs are bred to have more sloped back, broader shoulders, and lower energy levels. They are also friendlier and less intense. However, some of the physical requirements also make them suffer from more illnesses. Working line German Shepherds are bred to be healthy, strong, active, fearless, and enduring. These clubs celebrate the dogs that reach the age of .The official English name of the breed is the German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the US as of .American Kennel Club Among officially recognized different breeds of dogs , German Shepherds are always in the top three in the United States. In , they went from second to third place but are still equally loved. There are eleven standard colors of German Shepherds. Canine Weekly Although the most famous German Shepherds come from the bi-color group, there are more standard colors to choose from. They can be: Black Black with either red, tan, cream, or silver, Blue White Sable Keep in mind that not all colors are acceptable for breed shows. For example, liver, blue, fawn, spotted black, pure red, and white are considered faults and cannot compete in breed shows. However, as the price depends on the breeder and location, it can be much higher too. Buying from a reliable breeder is also a must, because German Shepherds can change color from puppyhood to adulthood. It tests the following features: Endurance. Post by: Heather M. They are often used as guide, therapy, search-and-rescue, police, military, and narcotics and explosives detecting dogs. While they can come across as aloof to strangers, they are known to be wonderful family dogs. History As the name suggests, these dogs were originally bred in Germany as shepherd dogs. Max von Stephanitz was the first official breeder of German Shepherds. He was a Captain in the German Calvary who was looking to create a breed that would be an unsurpassed herding dog. Size and Shape These dogs are long and can measure around 22 to 26 inches in length. On average, they weigh about 75 to 95 pounds. They also have strong upper bodies and an elegant stride. Coat and Coloring German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat that can be straight or a little wavy. Their coats are medium to long, although longer hair is less common since it is passed on through a recessive gene. The outer coat sheds year-round and requires regular brushing. However, they can have other colorings, including black and red, black and silver, gray, blue, and liver. Personality Dogs have unique personalities that depend more on their lifestyle and environment than their breed. German Shepherd personality traits that they are famous for include being highly intelligent, loyal, courageous, and protective. While they can be suspicious of strangers at first and may come across as reserved and aloof, they are typically very caring and devoted dogs once you get to know them. He brought the pup to Los Angeles, where his movie career began. Rin Tin Tin had a famous predecessor named Strongheart, one of the earliest dog celebrities after starring in silent films in the early s. They changed it back to German Shepherd in .The breed has been called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe. No doubt—German Shepherds have a rich and fascinating history. How to Care for Your German Shepherd German Shepherds need the same kind of care as most canines, such as proper nutrition and regular veterinary visits. Still, they can also benefit from special attention in areas like grooming and socialization. Grooming To help keep your canine looking and feeling good, it is essential that you establish a regular grooming routine. Some grooming items that are necessary for German Shepherds include, Brush their coats regularly German Shepherds have an outer coat that sheds year-round. Brushing your dog at least once a week can help minimize shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy. Brush those teeth too Regular tooth brushing along with an annual dental cleaning can help them avoid periodontal disease and other health issues. Clip their nails These dogs tend to love being outside, which can help keep their nails worn down from rubbing on rough surfaces. However, you should keep an eye on their nails and trim them carefully when they get too long. Bathe as needed Avoid bathing your German Shepherd too often because it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy. You can also spot clean them by wiping debris from the ears and face with a soft cloth or cotton ball. One of the best ways to get your dog used to and comfortable with grooming is to begin as early as possible. By familiarizing your dog with each item, they will continue to grow more comfortable with their routine. Health and Nutrition There are many steps you can take to help ensure that your dog lives a long, happy, and healthy life, including, Get an annual check-up German Shepherds are prone to heart issues, which makes it especially important to schedule routine exams so they can be detected early. These visits are also a great time to ask your doctor about preventing bloat , skin conditions , and other common issues. Give them lots of exercise German Shepherds need plenty of exercise to help keep them in shape and avoid boredom or frustration, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing. They typically love the great outdoors, so you can take them for long walks or fun romps in the park. Provide safe chew toys Like all dogs, German Shepherds love to chew. Chewing is natural for dogs and helps keep their teeth and jaws strong and healthy. You can help avoid coming home to chewed-up shoes, carpet, or couch cushions by giving your dog safe chew toys. Here are a few recommended steps to help make sure that your pal gets along well with other dogs and people. Crate training can help address this issue since it gives the dog a safe and comfortable retreat. However, a crate should never be used as punishment or for very long periods. Socialize them early You can help ensure your German Shepherd gets along well with others by providing them with plenty of positive experiences with puppies, dogs, and a variety of people at a young age. Train them well German Shepherds need to be trained to learn how to behave properly and respond to your commands. They can also be very vocal dogs because of their herding background. It can be painful and cause lameness. It can also make the dog more prone to arthritis later in life. Bloat and Gastric Torsion — This is a life-threatening issue that affects deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. It can cause the stomach to twist and impede blood flow to the heart. Learn how to help prevent bloat. Allergies — German Shepherds are prone to environmental or food allergies. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, speak with your veterinarian to help determine the source of the problem. Degenerative Myelopathy DM — DM is a progressive disease of the spinal cord, which can result in a loss of the ability to move the back legs. It can typically be managed with proper diet and medication. It can cause uncontrolled bleeding that requires immediate medical attention. Heart Problems — As a bigger breed, German Shepherds are subject to heart issues, such as valve problems, murmurs, or enlarged hearts.

Helps with joint lubrication 4. NSAIDs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Just like humans, dogs can benefit from taking certain pain medications to treat their hip dysplasia. In particular, NSAIDs can benefit your dog by reducing some of the pain and inflammation that hip dysplasia causes. There are some great charts available online that show you how much your German Shepherd should weigh at various stages of his life. Hard surfaces can be especially painful for your dog to walk on, so avoid walking on asphalt and sidewalks and instead take him for a walk in a grassy park. Repair and Prevent Cartilage Deterioration We mentioned cartilage a bit earlier. When your dog moves, cartilage helps cushion the joint. But it can become damaged when your dog has hip dysplasia. Over time, this cartilage deteriorates, causing pain and inflammation. Another word for this cartilage deterioration? Fortunately, certain active ingredients can help maintain joint health and reduce the likelihood that the secondary condition of arthritis will form as a result of German Shepherd hip dysplasia. In particular, the active ingredients of chondroitin and glucosamine for dogs help maintain cartilage health. These two naturally occurring substances work together to not only repair damaged cartilage but also prevent it from deteriorating in the first place. Lubricate Joints Hyaluronic acid is another key active ingredient that benefits dogs suffering from German Shepherd hip dysplasia by improving joint mobility and reducing discomfort. In particular, hyaluronic acid may help reduce the pain your dog experiences as a result of hip dysplasia. And how does it do that? Well, hyaluronic acid is an important component of synovial fluid. So it stands to reason that making sure your dog has enough hyaluronic acid is a great way to ensure his hip joints can move as smoothly as possible. But fortunately, MSM, a powerful antioxidant and building block for healthy joints, can help reduce the pain and inflammation your dog experiences from hip dysplasia. And the great news is that this ingredient is often found in joint supplements. Additionally, MSM may become even more effective when used alongside glucosamine, another common active ingredient. Yes, that is indeed our product. Reviewed by Petal Smart Petal Smart is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has been an editor in the veterinary and medical sciences since .She has edited more than assignments, including research studies published in various academic journals, continuing medical education materials, and articles on pet health. Canine hip dysplasia is most often seen in large breeds like German Shepherd dogs , Saint Bernards , and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs , but a dog of any size and both male and female dogs may be affected. The cause of canine hip dysplasia isn't known. The condition is thought to have a genetic link, and dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Puppies from parents that have hip dysplasia will be more likely to develop the condition than puppies born to parents with normal hips. However, even dogs with normal parents can develop hip dysplasia. What Is Canine Hip Dysplasia? The pelvis cradles the head of the femur thigh bone in a cup-like socket of bone that forms the hip. Puppies typically are born normal, but as the puppy matures, the hip joint alignment becomes progressively worse. This places abnormal stress and wear on the bones when they rub together, and causes further joint degeneration and pain. Bones respond to stress by growing thicker, which makes the fit even worse. As the dog matures, this damage predisposes to arthritic changes and painful joints. Signs and Symptoms Severe hip dysplasia may become noticeable as early as four months of age, but is more typically seen in pups aged 9 months to 1 year. The painful condition causes limping , favoring of limbs, and difficulty rising, running, or jumping. Dysplastic pups may exhibit an odd wobbly gait when walking and "bunny hop" when running or climbing stairs, which may help to ease joint stress. Stairs can prove a particular challenge for these dogs, and sore hips and pain may prompt aggression , causing the pup to snap or flinch when touched. However, there are degrees of severity. Some pups may show few to no signs at all, and mild cases may go undiagnosed until the dog reaches middle age or older. How quickly, or to what extent degeneration occurs is in part determined by the pup's activity level. While healthy, normal hips probably won't be adversely affected by hard work or exuberant play, the dog with mild to moderate hip dysplasia develops more noticeable signs more quickly when excessive stress is placed on these joints. Fortunately, only a relatively small percentage of pets suffer the severest, most crippling form of the condition. The condition may also be influenced by lifestyle, nutrition, body weight, and activity level. The puppy is placed on its back and the veterinarian looks for the typical arthritic changes and subluxation laxity of the joint. Some changes may not become evident until the pup reaches 2 years old, and experts say there may be considerable changes from 6 to 9 months up to 1 year. The OFA provides a consulting service for purebred dog owners and breeders, through which it reviews hip X-rays provided by an owner to evaluate the dog's conformation and, when normal, certifies that fact. The PennHip testing method, developed by Dr. Reputable breeders have dog parents tested prior to breeding to make sure they do not have hip dysplasia and reduce the chance of the condition in puppies. Dogs can be certified free of hip dysplasia by sending appropriate X-rays to either the OFA registry or the PennHip registry. This is evaluated by three radiologists who score the hips fair, good, or excellent. PennHip evaluation uses computer analysis to compare the X-rays to all the other dogs of that breed in the registry. Management of Hip Dysplasia There is no cure for hip dysplasia. Treatment is aimed at relieving pain and improving joint function. How well treatment works depends on the severity of the problem. Often, mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia can be managed with gentle exercise, a healthy diet, and oral pain relievers like buffered aspirin or Rimadyl as prescribed by the veterinarian. Moderate exercise helps maintain and improve the puppy's muscle tone, which alleviates painful wear and tear on the joint. Encourage your dysplastic puppy to take short walks with you. Swimming is an ideal exercise, but jumping and prolonged running should be discouraged. Keep your puppy lean; obesity increases joint strain and can make the condition worse. Massage can also help the dog feel better. Severe cases of hip dysplasia may benefit from surgery that rebuilds or removes bone or alters the muscles and tendons to reduce pain. More from The Spruce Pets. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Hip dysplasia HD is a disease of the hip coxofemoral joints. Dysplasia means abnormal development. Both hips are usually affected Brass .It is a complex disease that results from a combination of genes that predispose a dog to developing hip dysplasia interacting with environmental factors that lead to its full development and expression Riser .It is characterized by hip joint instability which, if compounded by environmental factors, then results in secondary osteoarthritis and the clinical signs of hip dysplasia which include pain, lameness and disability Zhang et al .To fully understand hip dysplasia, it is necessary to understand the structure of the hip joint. The hip joint is the joint at the top of the hind leg, where it articulates forms a joint with the pelvis. It is described as a ball and socket joint, as in normal hips the ball-shaped head of the femur the thigh bone fits perfectly into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis, the acetabulum. The head of the femur femoral head and the acetabulum are normally covered with cartilage which produces a smooth, low friction surface. Within the joint there is also a fine layer of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant between these cartilaginous surfaces. This thin layer of synovial fluid, along with the round ligament a ligament that runs round the edge of the acetabulum — between the acetabulum and the femur , keeps the two cartilaginous surfaces together by creating a suction-like effect. The ligaments and the joint capsule also help to hold the ball and socket closely together. In newborn puppies, because the bones are soft and not fully ossified turned into bone as they need to grow and develop, they are still deformable if abnormal movements or stresses and strains occur in them. Riser suggests that, in a normal six month old individual, ossification of the bones and soft tissue strength the strength of the surrounding ligaments, joint capsule and muscles have developed enough to prevent hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is described as a biomechanical disease. The hips appear normal at birth. However, in affected individuals, the hips develop abnormally due, at first, to joint instability sometimes called joint laxity Riser .This means that the developing femoral head and acetabulum are not held constantly, closely together, and can move into abnormal positions relative to one another. This puts abnormal stresses and strains on the joint. Riser states this is due to the soft tissues, such as ligaments and muscle, not being strong enough to maintain congruity between the articular surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum ie the constant contact between the surfaces of the bones is not maintained. The pathological changes seen due to the joint instability are progressive inflammation and degeneration of the tissues that together form the joint. Brass details the following changes in the joint: The joint capsule can become thickened and the round ligament can become stretched or ruptured leading to additional, excessive movements. The synovial fluid increases in volume and changes in nature, due to inflammation, this pushes the joint surfaces apart. The cartilage on the bone surfaces gets worn away exposing subchondral bone the layer of bone beneath the surface cartilage. Unlike cartilage, bone contains nerve endings and such exposure will commonly cause pain. The rim of the acetabulum becomes damaged and flattened and later new bone starts to grow here as the body tries to stabilize the joint. The femoral head becomes deformed and flattened and also grows abnormal bone called exotoses or osteophytes. This changing of the shape of the joint with new bone growing in abnormal positions, and being lost in others, is called joint remodelling. The signs that are seen with hip dysplasia can vary hugely in their severity, the age at which they first appear and their progression. In mild cases dogs can be free from clinical signs for years; however, for more severely affected individuals, signs of pain can develop whilst they are still immature less than a year old Signs include acute pain, particularly after strenuous exercise or movement. This may show as lameness or reluctance to jump, to go for walks, climb steps or move at all if really severe. The pain may be worse in cold, wet conditions Brass .These signs may start intermittently, but over time can become constant. Muscle wastage is often seen in the hindlegs Brass .There appears to be little correlation between the severity of pain shown by the dog and physical abnormalities felt on examination by a vet or revealed on an x-ray Brass ie some dogs can be in severe pain but have few changes on x-rays and vice versa. This is typical of any joint disease. Controlling food intake during growth has been shown to decrease hip dysplasia in Labradors ie by reducing excessive energy intake and therefore excessive weight gain during growth Kealy et al .High calcium intake during growth has been shown to delay maturation of the skeleton and increase the risk of hip dysplasia in Great Danes Hazewinkel .It is thought that controlling the amount and form of exercise during development may also help Corr .Bennett and May suggest excessive exercise during development can lead to hip dysplasia. Treatment for hip dysplasia is complex; many surgical interventions have been developed to prevent signs appearing in young animals with high joint laxity and to treat dogs with severe osteoarthritis. All need specialist surgeons. Various medications to aid pain relief are also available, along with recommendations to reduce the effect of environmental factors. Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Though some dogs may be mildly affected, for many German Shepherd dogs with hip dysplasia, the impact of the condition is major and life changing. These animals suffer pain that is severe and debilitating, leading them to be in pain even with small everyday movements such as standing up. Their quality of life is severely affected so that they are unable to enjoy normal canine behaviours such as walking and running. It is not uncommon for dogs to be euthanased due to the pain and disability of arthritis associated with hip dysplasia. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Hip dysplasia is a progressive disease with signs seen from any age. For some dogs pain starts before a year of age. Signs may be intermittent to start with but often progress to be constant. Medical treatment and advice can help control pain and possibly slow progression, though a cure can only be obtained with major surgical intervention in dogs that are considered suitable candidates for such surgery. Return to top 4. Number of animals affected Hip dysplasia is the most common joint problem of large dogs Smith et al .UK VetCompass data for dogs overall, showed that 7. In this sample, diagnosis of conditions affecting the pelvis eg hip dysplasia did not significantly differ between purebred and crossbred dogs. Figures vary greatly for how frequently German Shepherds are affected by hip dysplasia, depending on the method by which they have been screened and the database reviewed. The frequency is likely to vary for geographically different populations of the same breed Brass .However, Paster et al suggested that the OFA population was biased, as it is not compulsory for radiographed dogs to have their x-rays submitted to the OFA scheme so some owners may have had dogs pre-screened and only submitted apparently non-dysplastic ones for consideration and scoring. In this study, German Shepherd dogs had a higher odds ratio of hip dysplasia occurrence than Dobermanns, Labradors and Rottweilers, indicating that the breed is at a significantly higher risk of hip dysplasia development. Return to top 5. Diagnosis For a young dog suspected of hip dysplasia, a diagnosis can be made on the clinical signs shown at home and on examination of the dog, including assessment of joint laxity and joint pain plus evaluation of radiographs x-ray pictures of the hip joints Corr .Assessment of the joint laxity and radiographs may need to be performed by a specialist vet who is used to checking for this condition. For a formal diagnosis, the radiographs are usually submitted to a panel for evaluation. There are three methods of assessing joint laxity. Radiographs and assessment of joint laxity need to be performed under heavy sedation or anaesthesia Corr .Return to top 6. Genetics Hip dysplasia in dogs is a polygenic disease; many genes are thought to play a role in its development. Most of these genes probably have small additive effects quantitative, polygenes and some probably have larger effects Zhang et al .Heritability estimates are used to demonstrate how much variation in a phenotypic trait is due to genetic variation among individuals in a population. Using hip scores published by the British Veterinary Association, heritability for hip scores of German Shepherd dogs was 0. Genes are not solely responsible for whether a dog with the genetic potential for hip dysplasia develops the condition. Environmental factors play an important part. They are discussed in the clinical and pathogenic effects section above. However, there are significant breed predispositions to this condition and the German Shepherd dog is one of the breeds affected. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? There are a number of breeding schemes around the world developed to decrease the incidence of hip dysplasia in dog breeds. These schemes assess potential breeding animals in somewhat different ways. All aim to give breeders and owners a strong indication of which dogs are likely to produce healthy offspring and which should not be bred. However, this is by no means straightforward for hip dysplasia as it is a polygenic condition in which the genetics are poorly understood and which is also affected by environmental factors in a major way. This lack of clarity has produced much debate over the best way to assess potential breeding dogs. A brief summary of the various schemes follows including some current evidence for their benefits. All dogs must be at least 12 months of age. There are nine radiographic features which are scored, including the Norberg angle NA - a measurement for hip laxity taken from the EHR and each dog is given a score out of 53 for each hip total of up to for both. A low score indicates healthy hip joints eg Greyhounds would score 0, as is not seen in this breed and a higher score indicates worse hip dysplasia. Breeders are recommended to only breed from animals with a score lower than the breed medianscore e. It is also based on an extended hip radiograph EHR , which is then graded by three independent experts to give an overall grade. All dogs must be over 2 years of age to be assessed. There are seven possible grades for the radiograph: excellent, good, fair, borderline, mild, moderate or severe hip dysplasia. Dogs must be between 1 and 2 years of age and the radiograph is graded by someone appointed by each breed club — they do not have to be an expert. Grades include: A- no signs of hip dysplasia, B — near normal hip joints, C — mild hip dysplasia, D — moderate hip dysplasia, E — severe hip dysplasia. Older dogs can be assessed but the likelihood of more secondary osteoarthritic changes is taken into account. Dogs from 4 months of age can be assessed. It involves the assessment of three different radiographic views of the hip joints called the distraction view, the compression view and the EHR. The radiograph must be taken by a vet who is registered with the scheme and the radiographs are assessed by vets at the PennHIP Analysis Center. Dogs with a DI lower than 0. Dogs with increasing DI values over 0. Advocates of the PennHIP method like it because it accurately identifies individuals who have hip laxity - the primary phenotypical abnormality that predisposes dogs to hip dysplasia. The other schemes only look at the EHR and though the NA can be measured from this, the NA has been shown to be an inaccurate method to assess hip laxity Culp et al .Much of what is assessed on the EHRs are secondary arthritic changes, these are not specific to hip dysplasia and are affected by many environmental factors. Recently, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have confirmed that the Distraction Index DI is a significant risk factor for the development of hip dysplasia. In other words, DI scores give a very good indication of the likelihood of osteoarthritic changes, due to hip dysplasia, developing in the future Smith and others , , , Smith , Runge et al .These and other researchers argue that the other schemes are not as good at detecting animals that have hip dysplasia as the PennHIP method and, despite older schemes existing for over 40 years, little improvement has been seen in hip dysplasia in the general pet population Corley , Kaneene et al , Leppanen et al , Paster et al .In fact, one recent study looking at a database of over 1,, dogs found an increase in the prevalence of hip dysplasia Witsberger et al .However EHR scores were found to have a much higher heritability 0. Heritability studies are difficult to compare between different populations with different environmental influences. To improve the gene pool, phenotypic traits that can be easily detected with strong links to the genotype genetic make-up of animals have to be found. Ideally, any potential pet would have had its hip joints assessed by one of the above schemes prior to purchase, although this is often unhelpful, as most pets are purchased as young puppies. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee all their offspring will be free from hip dysplasia. Certainly any potential breeding animal should be assessed prior to breeding using an appropriate scheme. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Hip dysplasia is a complex trait which involves multiple unknown genes and environmental factors. Eradication schemes have been running in some countries for decades and still it is commonplace. Thus prospects for its quick elimination are low. In a recent study, Zhang et al suggested that using scores from four hip traits combined to create a breeding value for each animal would help speed up elimination of the condition. They felt that information on the single joint trait EHR eg the OFA scheme gave insufficient information to provide the basis for breeding decisions. The DLS is a measurement made from an x-ray taken in a weight-bearing position to measure the subluxation of the femoral head Farese et al .In this study on two populations of dogs where environmental factors were strictly controlled, heritabilities for all these traits were found to be relatively high eg heritabilities were 0. The researchers suggested these heritabilites were higher than expected due to the controlled environmental conditions. Zhang et al suggested an improved way for selectively breeding out hip dysplasia would be if breeders could be given breeding values derived from the four traits for each potential breeding animal, plus a measurement of the inbreeding of any potential mating eg the inbreeding coefficient. This way, they suggest, inbreeding can be avoided and only animals with phenotypes strongly indicative of healthy hip joint genes would be bred from. This scheme is a more organised form of others that have suggested using a combination of breeding values determined from pedigree information and phenotype score Ginja et al , Hou et al .As described by Bell , when breeders are prioritising raising dogs that have good hip dysplasia genotypes for future breeding the phenotype has to be used as a marker for the genotype. Although the diagnostic signs can be affected also by environmental factors such as feeding and exercise regimes. It is important that the puppies are raised in a standard and not excessively protective way. Otherwise, dogs that would normally have developed radiographic signs of hip dysplasia will have this masked and their genes will be perpetuated. Future development of genetic tests to help identify some of the hip dysplasia genes, along with more use of pedigree data that includes the health of ancestors and progeny for clinical signs of hip dysplasia and also for other inherited defects of German Shepherd dogs , may well help to improve methods used to eliminate this condition. Currently we have to continue to rely on choosing phenotypical traits which apparently indicate the presence of healthy genes. Return to top 9. Articles Sit. Heal German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Signs and Treatments Muscular, intelligent, and loyal, German shepherds are steadfast guardians and all-purpose workers. Highly trainable and obedient, German shepherds provide a range of services—excelling as show dogs and household companions, as well as military and search and rescue animals. Exuding confidence, this breed is royalty of the dog family. They are susceptible, however, to challenging hip and joint issues like hip dysplasia any time from puppyhood all the way through maturation. As with many large breed dogs, German shepherds are prone to canine hip dysplasia CHD , a dog skeletal condition that can be inherited or caused by a traumatic fracture or other environmental factors. CHD occurs from malformation of the ball and joint socket of one or both hips the hip joint is called the coxofemoral joint. If so, it maybe be because of breeding. The exaggerated hind leg angulation is often bred into the dog because of standards that dictate rear legs upper and lower thighs should come as close to a degree angle as possible. Along these same lines, a sloping back causes hindquarters to become more angulate and, thus, prone to lower back pain. These bent legs could point toward one of many health problems, one of which is hip dysplasia. Although irreversible, canine hip dysplasia can be monitored and treated to reduce chronic pain. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals , .The progression of it and the treatment options available depend on a number of factors, including the degree of misalignment and age of the dog. CHD has a range of signs, depending on the severity of the disease and degree of looseness in the joint. The severity also ranges from mild to extreme pain—some German shepherds even have to use a wheelchair. CHD Treatment Options Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium to large dogs can be expensive. If invasive surgery is not the best choice for your dog, look into non-surgical, conservative management options, such as dog leg braces, physical therapy, weight control, acupuncture, anti-inflammatories, and massage therapy. Ortho Dog specializes in flexible, adjustable, and affordable dog leg braces. Additionally, leg braces for hip dysplasia may slow the progression of this chronic issue. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Below are four common disorders of the hip and joint commonly seen in this breed: Degenerative Myelopathy As a German shepherd owner, you have likely heard of the fatal, chronic, and progressive disease called degenerative myelopathy that is most prevalent in this breed. Typically apparent between the ages of , degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord and muscle coordination, ultimately leading to paralysis of the back legs within months. CHD shares several symptoms with early stages of degenerative myelopathy, including difficulty rising and jumping, and progressive weakness of hind limbs. As with any signs that something may be off with your dog, contact your veterinarian for a full exam. Canine Myasthenia Gravis A rare neuromuscular disease, canine myasthenia gravis is a disorder of the signal transmission between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, and fatigue with mild exercise. This disease is not typically confused with CHD because the signs tend to show up on the face more than the hindquarters. This incorrect movement can put a strain on their hips, which causes them to walk with an irregular gait. Our Hock Holder brace offers stabilization and support to the hock to help relieve stress. Osteoarthritis Most often seen in senior dogs, osteoarthritis is the inflammation of the hip joints due to cartilage deterioration. You may notice your dog moving a bit more slowly and having trouble with stairs. With less cartilage, bones can grind against each other and cause inflammation. Much like a human wearing a wrist or hand brace for arthritis, the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace limits the movement of the joint, which helps with the pain. Originally bred as working dogs, they were favored for herding sheep and defending them if attacked. Known for their athleticism, intelligence, affection, and protective nature of their owners, they are also known for diseases that affect their breed disproportionately, because of poor practices by some breeders. Sadly many of these great animals end their lives in pain, often unable to stand. There are three common causes for that, which might appear the same to an untrained observer, but require different treatment regimes. This allows the bones to move beyond their appropriate range of motion, causing bones to rub together. Over time that causes inflammation, along with increasing discomfort. Dysplastic hips show the femoral head fitting loosely in the pelvis. Elbow dysplasia is the same problem at a different joint. In either case, there are a few treatment options. Diet can help reduce inflammation, and keeping a healthy weight will reduce the strain on the joint. Warm and dry sleeping areas help manage the pain and inflammation as well, especially if arthritis has set in. Pain medication can be used, although some dogs will have conditions that are contra-indicated for pain medication, and it is better to avoid for long term use. It is not painful but affects the quality of life, and often causes complete debilitation within a few years. Myelopathy will cause abnormalities in the spinal cord, eventually leading to debilitation. Most treatment regimens focus on nutritional support and exercise. Acupuncture, casts and braces, and physical therapy can also help. Unfortunately, there is not a lot to be done. One website, www. Myelopathies are not inflammatory diseases, so the healing process is different than for dysplasia. Yet a few months later she could run as though she had never been affected. In some cases, remission occurs, in others, the progress of the disease is greatly slowed. Panosteitis A dozen or so of the breeds recognized by the AKC become affected with panosteitis. A sudden lameness characterizes the disease, and diagnosis might include gait and motion analysis, comparison t other limbs, a verbal report from the owner, or x-rays. An easy way to diagnosis for those with experience is to pinch the middle of the affected bone, which will cause the dog to yelp or show discomfort. Dysplasia and other joint diseases would not cause such a reaction unless the area pinched was near the joint. You can see the area of the bone with Pano is more sense, and looks like it has fibers where there is usually only marrow. It occurs specifically in the humerus, radius, and ulna of the foreleg, and the femur and tibia of the hind leg. Generally, it is a foreleg that first gives way with an onset of lameness. The bone itself may become misshapen due to pressure from within. The pain caused by Pano varies but may make the dog unable to walk. Most dogs will have more than one bone affected. Often a particular leg will be lame for a week or two and then shift from one leg to another. Luckily there is no harm done if left untreated, although diagnosis by an inexperienced breeder or vet might come up with a wrong diagnosis. As an inflammatory problem, Panosteitis might be greatly helped by PEMF therapy, improving recovery times for affected dogs. Inbreeding and health problems The German Shepherd is the second most commonly bred dog in America, according to some sources. This popularity has been the problem, as many breeders made poor choices in breeding certain lines too closely, causing the problems that have become so common today. A shepherd with a doggie wheelchair- sometimes a solution for dysplasia or some stages of myelopathy.

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The Houston Shipping Channel opened in which further fostered growth in the area. NASA moved to Houstin in , bringing the space program here. In , the Astrodome opened, the first indoor domed sports stadium in the world. The distance from Houston to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Texas state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Actually, there are a variety of factors that influence dog prices, such as Houston Labrador Retriever breeder experience, pedigree, and even coat color. Luckily, there are so many breeders in our network that finding a dog is easy! Do American Labrador Retriever breeders Houston ship puppies out of state? Labrador breeders and businesses in the Uptown network have extensive experience shipping puppies around the United States, and your family can easily have your dog delivered to any major airport excluding Hawaii and Alaska. How do you screen Labrador Retriever Houston breeders? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places offering Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Houston? We built Uptown to bring together humane breeding operations with families looking for a fast, fun way to meet their dream puppy. What is a puppy mill? Why are some Labrador Retriever puppies in Houston so cheap? Puppy mills are inhumane, unethical breeders that mass produce puppies on an industrial scale. When you bring home a puppy mill dog, you can expect your new friend to get sick more often, have more severe behavioral problems, cost you thousands of dollars in extra vet bills.Are there any chocolate Labrador Retriever breeders Houston near me? With the Uptown network at your fingertips, your dream dog might be waiting just around the corner. What is the MatchMaker process? How do I know I can trust you?

Ready for new homes: August 11, .Ready for new homes: September .Ready for new homes: October .Ready for new homes: November .Ready for new homes: December .Ready for new homes: June .GSDs are a versatile and highly intelligent breed capable of mastering complex obedience commands. Their intelligent versatility is just one of many unique factors that put GSDs head and shoulders above most other breeds in the canine world. The average GSD can grow to a shoulder height as high as 26 inches and are capable of equal parts grace and power. Because of this incredible mixture of intelligence, grace, and strength, they are the favorite breed of security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across many different nations. GSDs are also capable of mastering the highest levels of show dog training making them among the most popular breeds of championship show dog organizations. There are plenty of reasons why German Shepherds have long been thought of as canine royalty. Select your new pup from one of our available litters and make your reservation with us. No problem. You can contact us at or or email us at vomragnar gmail. Our trainers can also train your pup for basic obedience, advanced obedience, and protection or security work. Your puppy will learn excellent manners and communication skills that will provide you with many years of a rich, full relationship with your German Shepherd. Design Please beware of scams and frauds! There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. Please do not trust scammers and beware. Want to see our puppies available for sale? Write a Review vitali P 2 weeks ago Thank you affinity! We are very happy with our work together! A very special thank you to Jessie. Our new puppy sends you much love! Anastasiya Karovina 2 weeks ago Thank you guys for the beautiful baby. She's gorgeous! Brought joy to the house for the whole family. Excellent work, service, responsible attitude. I recommend it! Hagen 3 weeks ago My journey with my German Shepherd began with the expert guidance of the breeder at I Guard International and was beautifully complemented by the training prowess Jessi, Cody and Nick at K9 Country Club. Together, they've shaped a truly remarkable experience for me and my family. At I Guard International, I found not just a breeder but a passionate caretaker for these noble animals. The attention to detail, the commitment to quality, and the profound understanding of the German Shepherd breed were evident from our first meeting. Our pup was not merely a product but a living testament to their dedication to excellence Cody, working in unison with Nick, brought a whole new dimension to our German Shepherd's training. Their collaboration, with unique insights and methodologies, created a synergy that was reflected in the outstanding development of our pet. Cody's patient approach, his investment in understanding our dog's unique needs, and his ability to work seamlessly with Nick, resulted in a well-rounded and perfectly trained companion. But it wasn't just about the training; it was about the relationships that were forged. Jessi, Cody and Nick became more than trainers; they became mentors and friends to our family. They shared their wisdom, their love for dogs, and their unwavering commitment to providing the best care and training possible. Our German Shepherd's growth under their combined guidance has been a joy to watch. His character, discipline, and happiness are direct reflections of their hard work and heartfelt investment. If you're considering a breeder who truly understands the essence of the German Shepherd breed and trainers who will not just train your dog but celebrate its unique personality and potential, I wholeheartedly recommend I Guard International for breeding and training. In a world filled with choices, choosing them was one of the best decisions we've made for our family and our beloved pet. Their combined expertise and genuine love for what they do have created a lifelong bond and a truly happy, well-trained German Shepherd. Thank you, I Guard International, Cody,Jessi, and Nick, for being more than professionals in your field; thank you for being partners in our family's journey. Tom Jones 2 months ago.Hans Hauge 3 months ago We wanted two dogs that could both defend our home and still be a part of the family. We got it with these two. When someone comes to the door they let us know, and then they just chill out. Megan Mathews 6 months ago.As I was looking for breeders in the Spokane area. I came across I-Guard and gave them a call and spoke with Jessi. We set up a meeting to talk about their German Sheppards and she introduced us to Nick. He listened to our story about our Mal and he matched us up with the perfect German Sheppard for our family, Ace. I was impressed with the knowledge and professionalism that both Jessi and Nick gave to me and my family and feel very fortunate that I made the phone call to I-Guard for our next addition to our family. Since July Nick has reached out to ensure that all is going well on top of training Ace 1 on 1 to help out with my autistic son. Thank you Jessi and Nick for all you have done for my family. Zach Phelps 8 months ago Love these guys! Jessi was super helpful in answering any questions. They breed great tempered dogs for any environment. They took the time to talk and match the right dog to my crazy lifestyle. I will absolutely be coming back to expand my pack in a year or two. Chris Destro 2 year ago We searched and spoke with many German Shepherd breeders. Once we connected with Jessie, we felt super comfortable as she did not rush our decision at all, in fact, she was extremely patient and helpful as we made our final choice. So glad we went with I-Guard and her! He is amazing with kids and has a friendly disposition. We love him very much. Thank you again, Jessie.Koda is the best! We look at every German shepherd puppy as a special member of our family—and a future member of yours. Think of it like skipping the baby stage and the sleepless nights. Puppies range from two to 10 months old depending on your preference. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

Below is baby english bulldog puppies week by week. Variables such as temperature, air movement, and nutrient intake must be tightly controlled. Puppies are kept separate from their mother to ensure they are not laid on nor neglected. Your English Bulldog Baby at this age, most often do not have their eyes open yet. Instead they rely on their sense of hearing to know where their mom is and the other littermates. Week 3 The third week of life is a big week as major, physical development and progress are made during this week. The baby bulldogs should begin cracking their eyes open and begin developing their new found eyesight. Increased visibility adds a small level of independence that is certainly appreciate. The young puppies are now able to locate their mother and nurse more consistently on their own. During this week, we most often make the decision to leave the litter with their mother permanently. Mom will take on the responsibility of not only nursing the puppies but also cleaning up after them. This also means we are able to get a full night of sleep! What do we look for in a good Bulldog mother? Bulldog mom has to have a genetically clean pedigree history. We make sure each bulldog line that we produce has the best chance to stay healthy and happy. Bulldog mom has to have a great personality. We demand that all the bulldogs we own are extremely confident and great with both children and other pets. Breeding bulldogs with great personalities is very important as many social traits are passed from the parents to the baby. Bulldog mom has to have a great maternal instinct. Because the babies are so vulnerable we try to select and keep female English Bulldogs that show endearing and caring traits towards their babies. Week 4 Week four is our walking week! While bulldog puppies do begin to walk earlier at times, typically during week four we begin to see some major walking. The new found mobility is a joy to watch but does present some different types of responsibility as our bulldog puppies certainly can get themselves into trouble! During this week, we will start to perform some basic socialization steps to ensure that they are prepared for their new homes. Week 5 The puppies are now able to run, chew, and yes, sometimes bite! With the physical progress there are certainly ample teaching opportunities to develop these little guys into well behaving bulldogs. During this time we continue to analyze each puppy socially and develop unique, social profiles of each bully. The puppies start to focus less on physical survival and devote much of their time to playing with their littermates. This is a great learning environment for the puppies! This mushy treat quickly becomes a favorite for the pups. A robust bulldog puppy can now weigh around 5 pounds. The puppies will also undergo their first round of vet checks to ensure they are developing physically sound bodies. Socially, we continue work with the puppies to ensure they are exposed to the many different environments of the new homes they will be going to all while balancing a high level of biosecurity to ensure they are not exposed to harmful diseases to ensure for a healthy English Bulldog! The puppies are now old enough and confident enough in themselves to begin developing expectations. Being held and being fed are no longer special occasions rather they are rights to life that are demanded. We continue to provide the high level of care that we hold ourselves to while developing flexibility within each bulldog pup. Week 8 The theme for week 8 is adoption preparation. We will make a decision with our vet the age in which the bulldogs are able to be taken home. The primary variable within this decision is physical development. Most of our bulldogs will go home right around the end of week 9 all the way to week .It simply depends on the bulldog. At this point we encourage our adopters to finish prepping for their puppy. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Puppies are born with their eyes shut and it generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes and longer for them to see clearly. By Doug Jimerson Doug has been owned by a long line of cats and dogs in a variety of shapes and sizes. It generally takes 10—14 days for newborn puppies to open their eyes. Some breeds may even take longer. Most puppies will open one eye at a time over the course of a few days. Be patient. Let nature take its course. So you should keep puppies at this early age in a dimly lit location to protect their eyes. In fact, puppies can see before they can hear their ears open at around 18—20 days , Todd says. The last thing your pup needs is to develop conjunctivitis during this critical period. If left untreated, conjunctivitis can cause permanent blindness. Overall, the best thing to do for your puppy when it comes to early eye care is to let nature take its course. Certainly, you should watch for any crusty build-up on the eyes or any other sign that something might be amiss, but in general, just enjoy your puppy transforming itself from a blind, deaf, fur ball into a bouncing, happy animal. Was this page helpful? Training and Socialization Back to Top During the first eight weeks of life, puppies are extremely dependent on their mother, because they need special care to grow healthy and strong. The mother will provide her puppies with the nutrition they need by nursing them until they are fully weaned and are less dependent on her to survive. During this period, puppies open their eyes for the first time, generally when they are between 10 and 14 days old. Over these crucial first weeks, puppies grow out of infancy and learn to explore and play. They will begin to socialize with each other and with other members of their household once they're physically able to do so. From interacting with their littermates to humans, the period of four to seven weeks is the ideal time to introduce your puppy to numerous people, as this helps the pup grow into an outgoing, friendly, and secure dog. Just be sure that anyone handling your young puppy knows to do so gently. Their eyes will begin to open in the second week of life, usually between 10 and 16 days of age. However, they won't be able to see clearly at first. The eyes will gradually open wider, revealing grayish-blue eyes with a hazy appearance. Puppies' eyes will continue to develop over the next several weeks, reaching full vision around eight weeks of age. Puppies' ears begin to open around the time that the eyes do, generally around 12 to 14 days old. Their hearing will continue to develop until the puppies are around five weeks old. Newborn puppies cannot fully support their weight for the first two weeks of life, so they crawl around on their bellies, paddling and pushing with their legs and building strength. Most puppies will be able to rise up on their forelimbs around 5 to 6 days of age and will begin to use their hind legs around two weeks old. They usually begin to walk with a wobbly gait around 18 to 21 days of age. Puppies need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate for the first several weeks of life. Mom does this by licking the anal and genital areas. If you are raising an orphaned pup, you can use a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to stimulate the area. Puppies gradually develop the ability to urinate and defecate on their own around three to four weeks of age. Puppies are born without teeth. Their baby teeth, or "milk teeth" will begin to come in between three and four weeks of age and continue to develop until about eight weeks of age. Behavior Changes For newborn puppies, the first two weeks of life are all about sleeping and eating. After 14 days of age, physical changes open up a whole new world. They begin to see, hear and walk. By the age of 21 days, they begin to explore the world and learn about being dogs. This is also when the socialization process begins. Puppies learn how to interact with other dogs by interacting with their mother and littermates. Human socialization with gentle handling is important at this time as well. Around seven to eight weeks old, the first "fear period" will begin. This is a time when most puppies seem to be afraid of new things. Anything you can introduce them to before this time may help make the fear period go more smoothly. Health and Care Mom will still be taking on most of the care for her puppies until they are fully weaned between five to eight weeks of age. However, her puppies will become less and less dependent on her after three to four weeks of age. You may find that the puppies wander out of their little "nest" and try to check out more of the house. It may be best to keep mom and pups in an exercise pen when you are not home. The first few weeks of life are a time of vulnerability for the puppies. If a puppy is not growing at the same rate as its littermates, it should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. In addition, any sign of illness , no matter how subtle, should be taken seriously. Food and Nutrition For the first three weeks of life, puppies get the nutrition they need from their mother's milk. If the puppy was orphaned or needs supplemental nutrition, puppy formula can provide the necessary nutrients. After baby teeth have erupted, around three weeks old, the puppies may be ready to begin weaning. Mom may naturally begin this process as she feels those puppy teeth nipping at her teats. A good way to transition the pups to dog food is to bring out some canned puppy food or softened puppy kibble use warm formula or water to soften the kibble. Be sure to choose a dog food intended for growth. You can encourage them to eat it by offering a taste from your finger. As puppies get used to the puppy food, they will gradually nurse less and less. Most pups are fully weaned by six to eight weeks of age. Training and Socialization Puppies between one to three weeks are still too young to respond to training or socialization. Though their brains are still developing, they are capable of learning some things. Of course, it is still important for these young pups to remain with their mother and littermates until eight to twelve weeks of age. As early as three to four weeks of age, you can start to introduce the crate and start some basic potty training. Even if the pups will be getting homes between eight to twelve weeks of age, you can start laying the groundwork for training. The time between four to seven weeks of age is an early socialization window. Although the puppy must remain with its mother, it is now ready to be exposed to new sights and sounds. It should start meeting people of all ages and appearances. This includes children who know how to act around dogs and will handle the puppy gently. More from The Spruce Pets. Pin 0 Shares French Bulldog puppies need a lot of care and attention. They will be very dependent on their mother, particularly in the first 4 weeks. In fact, for the first few days of their lives, they cannot even see as their eyes will still be closed. But when exactly do Frenchie puppy eyes open up? When do French Bulldog puppies open their eyes? French Bulldog puppies will open their eyes between 10 and 14 days of age. Their eyes will continue to open wider, with clear vision coming at around 8 weeks of age. Frenchie puppy ears will open around 2 weeks of age. French Bulldog puppy development timeline Below is a very general timeline showing the developmental stages of a French Bulldog puppy. Why are Frenchie puppies born with their eyes closed? According to the Psychology Today website view source , puppies are born blind due to evolutionary reasons relating to survival. Dogs evolved from the wild wolves and used to survive by hunting. The science believes that a pregnant dog carrying a large litter of puppies would become slow. That would mean the female was at risk of being prey for other animals and would also struggle to hunt for herself and unborn offspring. Did You Know? Go take a look at why. As a result, nature dictated that it would be better for puppies to be born earlier without being fully developed — for example with eyesight and hearing. By doing so, the female dog would not have to carry as much weight and for long. Just like other dogs, the gestation period of a French Bulldog evolved to be short. Frenchies are pregnant for between 58 and 68 days , meaning the puppies are born without the full senses being developed. In addition, between hunts which can be spaced days apart there is not much to do, so the female has time to care for helpless infants. When she is out pursuing food, the pups can be safely stored in a den. There is an exception to this rule, which is with Blue Fawn Frenchies whose eyes will remain blue for the remainder of their lives. When can Frenchies leave their mother Due to the lack of senses and dependence on their mothers, Frenchies should never leave their mother before they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will be completely deaf and blind for possibly up to 14 days, being completely dependent on mom. However, after that period, their development will speed up extremely rapidly, with many Frenchie puppies even starting to run around and do little barks at 5 weeks of age. At this point they will want to explore the wide world around them. With their eyes and ears open, and other senses coming to life, will start to become the French Bulldogs that we all know and love for their irresistible character. Handy Hint: Did you know that some Frenchies are more predisposed to hearing loss than others. Find out which colors of French Bulldog can suffer with genetic deafness. You might also like…. Puppies If you have a newborn Bulldog puppy then it is proof that you have the friendliest dog in the coming days. As much as you are overjoyed, are you aware of what responsibilities to have to take care of? When you have newborn puppies at home, you should know what they go through in each development stage of their growth. No worries, as this article will help you understand the behavior of Bulldog puppies in each growth stage. Newborn Puppies — 0 to 2 Weeks The newborn stage is a delicate stage for Bulldog puppies. The puppies are deaf, blind, and senseless until the end of two weeks. Puppies should be kept close to their mother and littermates to regulate the body temperature or else, they are likely to die due to hypothermia. Newborn Bulldog Puppy. Image Source — Red White and Bulldogs. In addition, if any puppy is left abandoned by their mother or littermates then you should bottle feed and keep the Bulldog puppy in a warm place. Transitional Stage — 2 to 4 Weeks The transitional stage is very overwhelming for owners. It is where your Bulldog puppies start doing things for the first time. The puppies will open their eyes for the first time and can hear as well. Bottle Feeding The Bulldog Puppy. Image Source — YouTube. The baby teeth will start appearing and the Bulldog puppies may want to taste their first-ever solid food. Furthermore, around four weeks old, the Bulldog puppies will start playing and explore the surrounding with their littermates. In this stage, Bulldog puppies tend to grow double their weight. Hence, it is very important that you provide them food time to time and the essential nutritional diet. Socialization Stage — 4 to 12 Weeks Socialization stage is that stage where you Bulldog puppies will start having personality traits. In addition, they will be more independent and confident in them. The Bulldog puppies will try to escape the weaning box as they will now be more stronger and curious about their environment. Moreover, the mother Bulldog will no longer clean the toiletries of her babies. Therefore, it is your time to keep your surroundings clean and fresh. Cute Baby Bulldog. Image Source — Blogspot. By the Bulldog puppies reach the age of eight weeks old, you can start training with some basic commands. You can also start the potty training for the puppies. However, it requires a lot of time and patience for the puppies to thrive in the training. The period between weeks is very vulnerable for Bulldog puppies as well as the people living around them. They should be socialized from an early age with other people and animals as well. Socialization helps the Bulldog puppies to sharpen their best of behavior and personality traits. Ranking Stage — 3 to 6 Months This stage brings a lot of behavior changes in Bulldog puppies. In addition, your puppies are no longer puppies anymore, they have now distinguished features of their adult version. Bulldog Puppy Growing. Now that your Bulldogs are a little mature, you can start the further advanced training from the fourth month. In addition, they may try to dominate you. This kind of behavior needs to be corrected. At the same time, you should spend more time with them and should also be taught to respect the family members. Bulldogs needs to know that they cannot be the alpha of the house. Adolescence — 16 to 18 Months This phase for Bulldog can be very exciting. They go through a lot of personality changes during this period. Therefore, they need to be properly trained and needs proper motivation and guidance. An Adult Bulldog. Image Source — Deine Tierwelt. Bulldog puppies will finally lose their baby teeth and the next teething phase gets started. Moreover, many Bulldogs will start developing sexual behavior. So, if you want to spay or neuter your dog you may. It is expected for the eyes to open and close until the puppies reach 4 weeks old. At 4 weeks, the eyes are widely open and clear, with the vision becoming sharper as the puppies get older. The eyelids fused together to create a protective barrier while the puppies are still in the womb. This is the case for most dog breeds. The Earliest Signs Of Eye Opening At around 10 days old, the protective barrier that was created while in the womb starts to loosen and the eyes will begin to open. At this stage, the eyes continually open and close as the development of the pup continues. In addition, the pupils turn from being cloudy to a light brown color. Progress In Soft Fur and Eye Development At weeks old, the pupils become rounder, the light brown color of the pupils develops into a darker black color, and the fur surrounding the eyes begins to soften. Fully Developed Eyes By the time puppies are 4 weeks old, their eyes are widely open and clear. At this stage, the vision is sharper and the puppies can now begin to explore their own surroundings. Protection Of Eye Developments The subsequent developments in eye development should be taken into account when ensuring the health and protection of the pup. Keep the environment clean, the pup away from areas where there could be potential viruses and bacteria, and take your pup to regular check-ups. Maintain Hygiene Keep the pup away from areas that contain dirt, dust and other potential pollutants. Make sure to keep the pup away from other puppies, dogs and cats that may carry diseases. Feed the pup with food that offers nutritional value. In conclusion, French Bulldog puppies open their eyes around days old, and the eyes are fully developed by 4 weeks of age. Ensuring the pup is healthy should be a priority for any pet parent. Related Info And Products:.