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Socialization training Obedience training All of these factors are crucial for your Golden Retriever in almost all cases. Golden Retrievers need daily physical activity Make no mistake — Golden Retrievers are active dogs with high energy levels. Ideally, you would want to keep them in a large backyard where they can run freely and exercise on their own. So what do we do? In fact, the typical dog will need at least 2 hours of exercise per day. We got you covered. When hunters shoot down a duck, these dogs are off to the races to retrieve the shot game. Swimming — This is especially great if somehow your apartment allows dogs in the community pool make sure to check. They also have all the physical qualities of an efficient swimmer. Plus, they tend to love being in water. But be careful — these dogs need proper training. Also, bring water! These are just a few examples of great physical activity games you can do with your Golden Retriever. However, feel free to test things out and be creative. Dogs will enjoy different things. If the dog is stuck in a confined space without proper and sufficient exercise, the dog will likely become destructive over time. Couch ripped open, trash can flipped over and things scattered everywhere. Mental stimulation for your dog is essential Perhaps just as important and maybe more as physical activity is mental stimulation. But what exactly is it and why does a Golden Retriever living in an apartment need mental stimulation? The smarter your dog, the more of this they will need. And trust me — Golden Retrievers are incredibly smart dogs. Would Einstein be happy watching mindless TV all day? You can spend all two hours a day playing catch with your Golden Retriever, but they may still be anxious and restless in the home. And some owners report that 15 minutes of mental exercises can tire their Golden Retrievers more than 30 minutes of physical exercise. Here are some great mental exercises for Golden Retrievers: Dog puzzles Letting your Golden Retriever smell the plants and scenery at a park scent games Hide and seek with your Golden Retriever Obedience training not just learning new tricks but also performing old ones! Consider giving them at least 30 minutes per day. But if you have the time, more is often better. Crate training is even more important in apartments Yes, crate training is recommended for all dogs. So what is crate training? This type of training will teach your dog to control his or her bladder or bowel while living indoors. How does crate training work? This is highly recommended when the dog is just a puppy. Plus, the crate must be spacious enough. Instead, it should be spacious enough for the crate to feel like a safe space for the dog. That said, we recommend a few crates for Golden Retrievers. But our top pick is the Midwest Homes iCrate. Without doubt, this is the best dog crate. It has all the features that make it easy-to-use, convenient and reliable. I actually use this crate with both of our dogs Corgi and Aussie and they both love it. Socialization training as a puppy Socializing training means letting your Golden meet all different types of people and dogs in their puppy years. This is so that they become less frightened or anxious of real-world stimuli as an adult. But why is socialization training so important for a Golden Retriever living in an apartment? Well, in an apartment complex, the dog is likely to encounter all types of people and dogs. In the end, socialization training just keeps your Golden Retriever on his or her best behavior. Socializing a golden retriever is as easy as it gets. That said, we would suggest you start letting them play and interact with others around 7 to 8 weeks of age. In addition, a socialized Golden will be better at perceiving whether something is a real threat or a friendly encounter. Again, this is crucial in a crowded building like an apartment complex. And yes, obedience training is a great mental exercise for these dogs. However, I want to dive into obedience a little more and discuss why its so important to be mentioned twice. Your Golden Retriever will constantly be presented with all types of stimuli and reacting to it. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. The assumption is that big dogs require extra space due to their size. The good news is that Golden Retrievers can thrive in apartments if the right amount of consideration is given to their needs. Food and water, a soft place to sleep, and the family members around them are all that Goldens need to be comfortable and happy inside their homes. Golden Retrievers are good for apartment living if they are given the proper amount of care. Your dream of owning one of these affectionate, sweet dogs can still be a reality, regardless of the size of your living space. Due to their intelligence and loving dispositions, today, they are used as service or therapy dogs. They are also beloved family companions. Releasing this energy is important, however. When Goldens are in apartments for long periods without any way to exercise or receive any mental stimulation, they can become bored and start displaying unwelcome behaviors. Goldens need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise twice a day in order to remain calm and content at home. Even if they live in large houses, these dogs need exercise that only running and playing can provide. Most Golden Retrievers must be exercised outside of the home, no matter how big it is. Your apartment may not have the space for this, but there is plenty outside. Going on walks, visiting dog parks or dog beaches, and playing games of fetch in fenced-in areas will allow your dog to get the physical activity that they need. It may be unsafe to be outdoors for long periods due to it being too hot or too cold. Your pup still needs to go on walks outdoors in any weather for potty breaks. Go for rides in the car. Play games in the house like hide and seek or fetch, even if it means simply throwing the ball across the room for your dog to catch. Keep them entertained and engaged until the weather clears and you can go outside to exercise again. Dog daycares provide indoor areas for dogs to play with other dogs, swim, or just relax in the presence of people and other animals. Daycares give your dog mental and physical stimulation. They may come home exhausted from their day. This means you get to relax too. Another option is to consider a dog walker. This person will come to your home every day at a certain time and take your dog on a full walk. If your Golden Retriever is going to be alone in your apartment for long periods, keep their mind busy. Puzzles, treat balls, and frozen Kongs work great to keep your Golden happy and give them something to do until you return. With puzzles , your dog must figure out how to get at the hidden treats by moving certain parts and unlocking the rewards. Treat balls keep your dog entertained and moving as they roll these around to release the goods. A Kong can be filled with low-fat plain yogurt or peanut butter and then frozen, providing your dog with a treat that lasts for hours and keeps them busy. Image Credit: Photology, Shutterstock Training All dogs should be trained at least to some degree, but a Golden Retriever is a large dog and needs manners in order for the relationship between you and your dog to be pleasant. This is especially true if your living space is on the smaller side. They enjoy following commands and pleasing their owners. Shedding Your Golden Retriever is going to shed. Be prepared for this in your apartment. Regular daily brushing can help keep this under control, but there will simply always be dog hair in your home. The smaller the space, the quicker the hair will accumulate. Furniture covers, vacuuming, and lint rolling may be part of your new routine. If you live in a smaller space, you might find yourself cleaning more often than normal. Consider if you are willing to accept this before bringing this dog home. Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock Regular Vet Visits In an apartment building setting, your dog is likely to come into contact with people, other animals, and countless germs as they enter and exit the building. Regular vet checkups are important for all pets. Many illnesses can spread between dogs through respiratory droplets. The same is true if your dog visits daycare facilities. However, the dogs at these facilities are required to be fully vaccinated and healthy before attending. The health of the other dogs in your building is unknown. People who come and go may also drop trash, food, and other items that your dog might pick up in their mouth as you are walking them through the hallways or entering an elevator. Be on the lookout for these things as you walk your dog throughout the building, and make sure to have your dog seen by a vet at least once every year. Always feed your dog the recommended amount of food for their weight and give them treats sparingly. If you are using things like puzzles and treat balls, factor those calories into their recommended daily allowance. Image Credit: chendongshan, Shutterstock Watch Out for Balconies If you live in an apartment that has an open outdoor balcony, always use caution when allowing your dog to join you out there. If you open the balcony doors for fresh air without going outside, make sure the screen door is closed. Never leave your Golden outside on the balcony alone. If they are, fill the spaces with mesh netting or plastic garden fencing. These dogs can do well in any living space as long as their needs are met. With proper training and socialization, you can have a well-mannered dog that adapts well to your home. If you provide them with the exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation that they need, they will be happy to live with you in any setting. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog for good reason. They are gentle, affectionate, easily trained breed, and their sweet, smiling faces and easy-going temperaments are hard to resist. Chances are you already know that Golden Retrievers are excellent companions, great with children, and are friendly and outgoing, but what if you happen to live in an apartment? Is your dream of owning a Golden Retriever even possible? Yes, as long as they are given adequate exercise, are properly trained, are provided with frequent mental stimulation, and are groomed routinely, Golden Retrievers can adapt quite well to apartment living. Some breeds are famous for being really good apartment dogs. So, what about larger dogs like Golden Retrievers? Can they be happy living in an apartment? Can it really work? Keep reading to learn how. Understand the Breed Expecting a healthy Golden Retriever to behave like an English Bulldog, for example, content to lounge around for most of his waking hours, will only set you up for disappointment. You need to be realistic in your expectations when bringing home a Golden Retriever. Active Golden Retrievers were purposely bred to be active, energetic, intelligent dogs with a strong desire to work alongside their owners in the field for hours at a time. Out-of-control energy levels? They may bark to alert you when someone approaches your door, but they are more likely to try to make friends with an intruder than to actively guard your possessions. Love People Goldens are famously friendly and loving. These sweet-natured dogs love to be around people, especially their family, and thrive when given plenty of attention and affection. Some barking is to be expected. Golden Retrievers live life with such exuberance and care-free attitudes that they might bark with delight at anything that brings them joy or excitement. Spotting through the window a squirrel leaping from limb to limb may elicit a bark or two as might someone ringing the doorbell or children outside screeching with enthusiasm while they play. Situations that confuse or frighten them may also cause a few barks. Dogs at Heart Expect your Golden Retriever to act like a Golden Retriever, not a dainty, little lapdog or a cat, and be prepared to make a few adjustments or compromises to your lifestyle along the way. Exercise Ensuring your Golden Retriever receives enough daily exercise is key to happily cohabiting in an apartment setting. Goldens are rather energetic and need a proper outlet for their energy, or bad behavior may result. Two exercise sessions lasting 20 — 30 minutes each will usually be enough daily exercise for the average Golden. Try jogging, hiking, or teach your dog to trot beside you while you ride your bicycle. Dog parks also give your pup the rare opportunity to run free, so be sure to bring along a tennis ball or Frisbee to play fetch with your retrieving pal. Tip: On rainy days, run up and down an indoor or covered staircase several times with your Golden for a challenging physical workout for both of you. Training Because space is often limited in apartments, training your Golden Retriever is critical. Good doggy manners will go a long way towards an enjoyable relationship. It almost goes without saying that the sooner your Golden Retriever is completely housebroken, the better. This training is admittedly harder to accomplish for those living in apartments, but with some extra effort, it certainly is possible. Some owners choose to allow their dog to use doggy pee pads during the night if the need arises to avoid having to take their dog outside in their pajamas. Mental Stimulation Bored dogs often get into trouble, and Golden Retrievers are no exception. These intelligent dogs need mentally engaging activities to keep their mind busy and prevent destructive behaviors associated with boredom. Car rides, visiting pet-friendly stores, playing games like hide-and-seek, socializing at the dog park, and figuring out a tricky puzzle toy are all great ways to encourage your dog to use his mind. The secret to controlling the mess is to brush, brush, brush. The more loose fur you remove with the brush, the less will accumulate in your home. At least every other day, brush your Golden thoroughly with a high-quality slicker brush , and then go over the coat with a well-constructed deshedding tool. Safety Precautions Balconies and windows that are within reach of your Golden Retriever can be dangerous. Never leave your dog unattended on a balcony or porch, and consider installing window safety guards , especially if your apartment is not ground level and you often open the windows to enjoy some fresh air. A perfect solution may be to hire a reputable dog walker to come by to exercise and interact with your dog. Check with Rover , Wag! Another idea is to solicit the help of a neighbor during the day. Apartment dwellers really have the advantage here as there are so many people nearby. Ask a fellow dog lover if he or she would take your Golden for a quick walk once or twice during the day in exchange for free babysitting on the weekends. Related Posts:. As urban living becomes increasingly popular, many prospective dog owners find themselves wondering whether certain breeds can comfortably thrive in an apartment setting. One popular breed that often comes to mind is the Golden Retriever. So, can Golden Retrievers live in an apartment? The short answer is yes, Golden Retrievers can live in an apartment as long as their specific needs are met. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of Golden Retrievers, assess their suitability for apartment living, and provide tips for keeping a Golden Retriever happy and healthy in an apartment environment. Golden Retriever Breed Characteristics Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature. They are a medium to large breed, with males typically weighing between pounds and females between pounds. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers have a high energy level and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Things to Consider for Golden Retriever Apartment Living While Golden Retrievers are larger and more energetic than some other breeds, it is possible for them to live in an apartment, provided that their specific needs are met. Here are some factors to consider when determining whether a Golden Retriever is suitable for your apartment lifestyle. Exercise and Physical Activity Golden Retrievers require regular exercise to maintain their physical health and burn off excess energy. Apartment dwellers should ensure they can commit to providing their dog with at least one hour of physical activity each day. This can include walks, trips to a nearby dog park, or play sessions in a securely fenced area. Mental Stimulation In addition to physical exercise, Golden Retrievers also require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and promote overall well-being. Apartment residents can provide mental enrichment through training sessions, puzzle toys, and interactive games. Make sure your living space offers ample room for your dog to move around and play, as well as designated areas for sleeping, eating, and playing. Noise Levels Golden Retrievers are generally not known to be excessive barkers, but it is essential to consider the noise level in your apartment building. Ensure that your dog is well-socialized and trained to minimize barking and other noise-related issues that may disturb neighbors. Socialization Golden Retrievers are sociable dogs that enjoy spending time with their human family and other pets. If you work long hours or are frequently away from home, consider arranging for a dog walker, pet sitter, or doggy daycare to ensure your dog receives adequate social interaction during the day. Consider investing in space-saving pet furniture, such as foldable crates or multi-functional pieces that can serve as both storage and sleeping areas. Install a sturdy barrier or screen to prevent your dog from accidentally falling or jumping off the balcony. Inform them about your Golden Retriever and work together to address any concerns or issues that may arise. Regular baths and professional grooming appointments can also help keep shedding under control and maintain a clean living environment. Take your dog outside at consistent times throughout the day and reward them for eliminating outdoors. You may also consider using an indoor system, such as a grass patch or pee pads, for emergencies or inclement weather. This can help minimize noise disturbances and create a more harmonious living situation in your apartment building. Additionally, make sure to block off any small, confined spaces where your dog could potentially become trapped. Offer a variety of toys, such as chew toys, squeaky toys, and treat-dispensing toys, to provide mental and physical stimulation. This can include dog walking, playdates, or pet sitting services. A strong support network will ensure that your dog receives consistent care and socialization, even when your schedule is busy. Conclusion While Golden Retrievers are larger and more energetic than some other breeds, they can successfully adapt to apartment living with proper care, exercise, and mental stimulation. By considering the factors discussed in this article and implementing the provided tips, you can create a comfortable, happy home for your Golden Retriever in an apartment setting. Give us a call at or make an appointment online.

You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. Questions about Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Huntington Beach? We have answers. What can I expect from Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Huntington Beach? These dogs were bred to be companions, and they love spending time with their owners. They make wonderful family dogs, and they also have hypoallergenic coats. All in all, they are fantastic dogs and it is no surprise that they are so popular. Simply start here by searching the selection of Huntington Beach Bernedoodle breeders and companies at Uptown. Once you have found your dream puppy, all you have to do is get in touch with the breeder and take it from there. In no time at all, you could be meeting your gorgeous new Bernedoodle puppy and welcoming it into your home. Do Bernedoodle puppies Huntington Beach need a lot of exercise each day? Huntington Beach Bernedoodle puppies for sale need to get a good amount of exercise every day for their physical as well as mental health, like all dogs. How much should this be? Your dog should ideally get about an hour or more of physical exercise as an adult, which could mean one or two walks a day plus some extra playtime at home. How can I meet my Bernedoodle for sale in Huntington Beach? The Bernedoodle breeders in Huntington Beach here are experts at arranging puppy travel. One of the most popular options is to meet your new pup at your nearest major airport, which is possible anywhere in the country apart from Alaska and Hawaii. What makes Uptown Puppies better than other places? There are a lot of scammers out there! At Uptown Puppies, all the Bernedoodle breeders Huntington Beach must meet our high breeding standards so you can be sure that your puppy comes from a good place. Is this the place to find the cheapest Bernedoodle puppies in Huntington Beach? If you want to get a healthy and happy puppy and you want to be sure that it has been bred ethically, start your search here today. Are Bernedoodles for sale in Huntington Beach easy dogs to train? One of the great things about Bernedoodles is that they are so intelligent! This is a trait they get from their Poodle parents, because the Poodle is the smartest breed of all. What this means is that Bernedoodles have no problems when it comes to training. However, they can be a bit stubborn, so patience will be required. Nothing at all! We love reputable shelters at Uptown Puppies, and they can be a good choice for many people. But some people want to find a very specific type of dog like a Bernedoodle for sale Huntington Beach, or they want to know the full health and behavioral history of their puppy. What dog food do you recommend? One Bernedoodle may like one food while another turns its nose up at it. You may have to try a few different foods, but make sure that your dog enjoys a healthy and nutritious diet. Talk to your vet to find out what they recommend. What exactly is a Bernedoodle? When you start looking for a Bernedoodle Huntington Beach, you may be wondering exactly what they are. These dogs are a cross between a Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog, and they can be different sizes depending on the size of the Poodle parent. They were bred to be companion dogs, and they are friendly and intelligent dogs that make wonderful pets. Are purebred and mixed breed dogs very different? While purebred dogs are bred to meet very specific standards and to maintain those standards across litters, mixed breed dogs have more than one breed in their ancestry. This does not mean that one is any better than the other, and they are both wonderful types of dogs. It simply depends on your preferences for the type of dog you want for your family.

Articles As a dog lover looking for their first dog, you definitely want a small and adorable pooch that will show you lots of affection. If this sounds like you, you should consider getting yourself the Brindle Pug. So, what exactly is a Brindle Pug? A Brindle Pug is a rare version of the Pug breed that comes with a patterned brindle coat instead of the usual fawn or black coat. Many Pug lovers prefer the Brindle Pug because it is not as common as other Pug colors. Are you considering purchasing the Brindle Pug, but you are not sure whether this is the right Fido for you? In this article, I will share everything you need to know about the Brindle Pug, including how much they cost, their health issues and lifespan, their temperament, and so on. What Is A Brindle Pug? A Brindle Pug is a breed of Pug that comes with a brindle coat. Contrary to what most people think, brindle is not actually a color. Instead, it is a pattern consisting of black and a lighter color, resulting in a beautiful striped coat. In most cases, the coat of Brindle Pugs contains a mixture of black and silver. However, they can also have a mixture of black and fawn or black and apricot. This means that Brindle Pugs have a similar appearance to other Pugs. They have a flat, wrinkled face, large eyes that seem to bulge out of their sockets, a small body, short legs, and a curved tail. When fully matured, a Brindle Pug will be about 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder and will weigh between 14 to 18 lbs. The size of your Brindle Pug will also depend on whether it is male or female. Male Brindle Pugs are usually bigger than females. Are Brindle Pugs Full Blooded? Some pet owners express concerns about purchasing Brindle Pugs because of the assumption that Brindle Pugs are not purebreds. So, are Brindle Pugs full-blooded Pugs, or is the brindle pattern caused by genes from other breeds? DNA testing has shown that it is possible for a Brindle Pug to be purebred. However, brindle can also be caused by crossbreeding, so you need to confirm the genetic purity of a Brindle Pug before buying. Speaking of DNA testing, did you know that it can be done by ourselves without having to take a trip down to the vet? And, of course, it is a much cheaper DIY. Check out the best dog DNA test kits for more information. Are Brindle Pugs Rare? Brindle Pugs are very rare. There are two reasons why Brindle Pugs are so rare. First, the brindle gene itself is not very common. Second, the AKC does not officially recognize brindle as a standard color or pattern on Pugs. This means that most official breeders deliberately avoid breeding brindle puppies, thus making them even rarer. Image from Instagram: samiethepugg As a result of their rarity, people looking for unique, exotic-looking pets find Brindle Pugs to be very appealing. In addition, a lot of people find the brindle coat to be interesting compared to black or fawn. As a result, there is a lot of demand for Brindle Pugs, which means that a Brindle Pug will cost you more than other Pugs. Generally, purebred Brindle Pug puppies will cost you more. However, you should be very careful since some breeders might try to pass off a mixed breed Brindle Pug for a purebred and charge you a high price for it. The price of the puppy will also be affected by where you are purchasing the puppy. Aside from the cost of purchasing a Brindle Pug puppy, you should also prepare for the costs associated with taking care of your four-legged friend. These include feeding costs, veterinary costs and medications, grooming supplies, toys, and so on. That said, they still experience most of the health issues that standard Pugs are highly susceptible to. Eye Problems Most people love Pugs for their large, bulging eyes. However, the size of their eyes can be a cause of potential problems. Due to their large size, their eyes are at a high risk of getting pricked or scratched by various objects. They are also prone to conditions such as dry eye and corneal ulcers. Breathing Problems Dogs with flat, mushy faces, such as Brindle Pugs, tend to suffer from a condition known as the brachycephalic syndrome. Dogs with this condition usually have breathing conditions due to the narrowed nasal passages and trachea. Therefore, you should take care not to exert your canine too much, especially in hot conditions. Obesity All Pugs, including Brindle Pugs, love food very much. If you are not careful with them, they can easily overfeed and become overweight, something that can exacerbate their breathing problems. Therefore, you need to watch their diet and food portions very carefully. When it comes to feeding your Brindle Pug, we recommend dog food from Pet Plate. In addition to being highly nutritious and being made from all-natural ingredients, it comes in pre-portioned packages. Read more about our exclusive review on Pet Plate right here. Lifespan You can expect your Brindle Pug to live for about 12 to 15 years. Do Brindle Pugs Shed? This means that you should invest in a good de-shedding brush, such as the Pet Neat Grooming Brush. The good thing about Pugs is that they enjoy physical contact, so your brindle Pug will definitely enjoy all the attention you give during brushing. Best pet grooming tool! A durable shedding tool! With the.Healthy, shiny pet coat! Rid your four-legged friend of undercoat and loose hair effortlessly, and keep at bay allergies.Check Price on Amazon Bathing In addition to brushing, you also need to bathe your pooch regularly to prevent a bad smell and odor. Once every 2 to 4 weeks is enough. Bathing your Pug too often can result in skin problems. To avoid this, you need to carefully clean the skin between these folds and wrinkles. You can easily do this using pet wipes. Other Grooming Tips There are a couple of other things you need to do to keep your furry friend clean and tidy. Here is what you can expect from your cute little canine buddy. They will follow you everywhere, sit on your lap whenever they get a chance, and will expect to be touched and stroked whenever your hands are free. Do this, and your furry companion will always be happy. If you leave your Brindle Pug alone for too long, you might come back to find that they have chewed on your shoes or carpet. They Are Quick Learners Despite the regular assumption that Pugs are dumb, nothing could be further from the truth. Pugs are smart animals that you can easily train. However, they can also be quite stubborn, so you need to be patient yet firm with them during training. Pugs are also very observant and will quickly learn how to read your moods and emotions. Since they are smart dogs that can easily get bored, you can also expect your Brindle Pug to get into lots of mischiefs. They Are Very Friendly Pugs were born to create love, not war. Therefore, you can expect your Brindle Pug to get friendly with everyone, from your kids and your friends to the other pets in your household. Unfortunately, their friendly nature means that they will not make good guard dogs. In reverse Brindle Pugs, the darker color is usually more prominent, giving the dog the appearance of having light stripes over the darker color. This is exactly the opposite of a regular Brindle Pug. The lighter color, for the case of a regular Brindle Pug, is more prominent, giving the dog the appearance of having a light coat with dark stripes. What Colors Are Pugs? Pugs come in a wide variety of colors, such as black, fawn, apricot, silver, and white. However, according to the AKC, there are two Pug colors: black and fawn. All the other colors are still considered to be Fawn Pugs. When a Pug has a mixture of black and any of the other colors, it is considered to be a Brindle Pug. What Is A Panda Pug? Panda Pugs are Pugs that have both black and white color patches on their coat, which makes them resemble pandas. Their resemblance to a panda makes them very cute, plus the fact that some of them have blue eyes. However, Panda Pugs are also very rare. However, it can be a little difficult to find one because they are so unusual. A brindle pug is a type of pug that has a patterned coat rather than a solid color. A brindle pug will have a light brown coat with black markings. A reverse brindle pug has a slightly darker appearance and is the opposite of the brindle color. Instead of a light brown coat, a reverse brindle pug has a black coat with light brown markings. Common Health Problems of Brindle Pugs Brachycephalic Syndrome — is a common respiratory problem in short-nosed dogs because their airways are pushed closer together. This medical concern can make it more difficult for the dog to breathe and increase their heart rate. Encephalitis — This condition results in painful inflammation throughout the brain. Hip Dysplasia — Can cause the pug to develop irregular joints in their hips. This can lead to leg lameness, difficulty standing, and mobility concerns. Most of the time this can be treated with the help of medications or surgery. Obesity — This dog breed is prone to excessive weight gain because of their vast appetite. Obesity in pugs can cause many problems including lethargy and trouble breathing. Cherry Eye — Pugs are susceptible to cherry eye. This condition causes a small gland to slide out of place under the eyelid and slightly block a portion of their eye. While not considered to be painful, it can be very uncomfortable and itchy. Because of their docile and forgiving temperament, brindle pugs also make great pets for first-time dog owners. While a good breed, some brindle pugs can be a little sensitive to being left alone. This could result in them having separation anxiety. Are Brindle Pugs Good with Kids? Are They Good Family Dogs? Brindle pugs can make great family pets. They are loving and very caring toward children. However, they need to be properly socialized. Despite their small size, brindle pugs do shed a lot. This breed will lose a lot of hair throughout the year but has a heavy shedding period two times during it — summer and winter. Brindle pug owners will need to make sure to brush their pet often to remove this loose hair. Brindle pugs are rare. Due to their rareness, it can be a challenge to find a brindle pug breeder. Because brindle pugs are rare they can be somewhat pricey. You can use the following tips to ensure you buy from a responsible one. Research — One way to tell if the breeder is reputable is by researching them. Check if the breeder has a website and if previous customers have left reviews about them. Visit Their Home or Breeding Facility — This way, you can tell if they keep their dogs in good living conditions. The canines should have clean and open places to sleep and play. While here, the breeder might also ask a little about yourself and your residence. By doing so, they can ensure their brindle pugs will go to a good home. You can check these to make sure the dogs are up-to-date on their shots and that they are healthy. Brindle pugs are smart and loyal dogs who make great companions. But this is not likely because Brindle is just a recessive gene that has probably always existed in Pugs, but has cropped up in purebred Pugs from time to time. This is likely the case for the Pug, where the AKC breed standard only recognizes fawn and black Pugs, while the FCI breed standard allows for fawn, silver, black, and apricot. Brindle may be rare in Pugs, but it is completely possible that purebred Pug is born brindle. And many people adore this pattern. According to research , dog coat colors and patterns are determined by genes, like the bits of code in a computer program. These genes can affect the distribution and appearance of the brindle pattern. The A gene can create sable, tan points, or agouti. The brindle pattern is composed of black stripes from a dark pigment called eumelanin on a red base from a red pigment called phaeomelanin. Other genes can affect the color and intensity of these pigments. For example, certain genes can lighten the black stripes to gray or liver color, or darken the red base. Also, white markings or spots can show up on a brindle coat. History of Brindle Pugs The brindle pug has been around for centuries, with evidence of their existence dating back to the s. They were originally bred in China and were considered a prized possession by Chinese royalty. The pugs were then brought to Europe in the 16th century by Dutch traders, where they quickly became popular with the upper class. The first brindle pug was registered with the American Kennel Club in .Today, brindle pugs are still a relatively rare sight and they are not recognized as an official coat color by the AKC or FCI. Nevertheless, they are still beautiful creatures and their coat color is not associated with any health issues. However, the Pug breed is known for being unhealthy, which is why many enthusiasts are introducing the Retro pug , to breed them back to safer proportions. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Brindle Pugs, like other Pugs, are small dogs. They typically weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand about 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact, muscular build with a short, sturdy frame that is slightly longer than it is tall. Coat and Color Brindle Pugs have a coat that is short, smooth, and glossy. Their coat colors can range from light to dark brindle, which is a pattern of stripes that can be black, brown, or a combination of both. The stripes are usually on a fawn-colored background, but they can also be on a silver or apricot-colored background. Some Brindle Pugs may also have a white blaze on their chest. Their ears are small, thin, and velvety, and they fold forward, framing the face. Brindle Pugs also have a curly tail that is usually carried tightly over the back. Overall, the Brindle Pug is a charming and distinctive breed with a unique combination of physical characteristics that make them a popular choice for many dog lovers. Personality and Temperament of Brindle Pugs Brindle Pugs are known for their playful, affectionate, and charming personalities. They are friendly and outgoing, making them great companions for families with children or other pets. They are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, which makes them easy to train and socialize. One of the most distinctive traits of Brindle Pugs is their loyalty. They tend to become very attached to their owners and will follow them around the house. They are also known for their love of attention and will often seek out affection from their owners. Despite their small size, Brindle Pugs have a big personality. They are known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. They are also very curious and will explore their surroundings with enthusiasm. When it comes to temperament, Brindle Pugs are generally very calm and laid-back. They are not known for being aggressive or overly energetic. However, they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. Overall, Brindle Pugs make excellent pets for those who are looking for a loyal, affectionate, and playful companion. They are easy to train, adaptable, and have a charming personality that is sure to win the hearts of anyone who meets them. Health and Lifespan of Brindle Pugs Common Health Issues Brindle Pugs are generally healthy dogs, but studies show they are prone to certain health issues that are common in the Pug breed. One of the most common health issues in Brindle Pugs is Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome , which affects their eyes. This syndrome can cause problems such as entropion, cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal ulcers, and dry eye. These eye problems can be painful and can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Another health issue that Brindle Pugs are prone to is epilepsy, which is a neurological disorder that can cause seizures. Diabetes and hypothyroidism are also common in Brindle Pugs, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and other health problems. Luxating patella, a condition in which the kneecap dislocates, is also common in Brindle Pugs. Skin problems are another health issue that Brindle Pugs may experience. They are prone to allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and other skin problems. Additionally, Brindle Pugs are prone to skin infections and hot spots, which can be painful and require veterinary treatment. Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome in Pugs Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome BOAS is a medical condition seen in dogs with short noses and flat faces, like pugs. Because of their unique head shape, certain parts of the airway are squished or flattened, which can lead to difficulty in breathing. The main issues seen in this syndrome include: Stenotic nares: This means the nostrils are too narrow, making it harder for the dog to breathe through the nose. Elongated soft palate: The soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth is too long and blocks the windpipe, making it harder for the dog to breathe. Tracheal stenosis: The windpipe or trachea itself is narrower than it should be. Everted laryngeal saccules: Little pouches in the throat can turn inside out due to the increased effort to breathe, further blocking the airway. Signs of this syndrome include noisy breathing, snoring, difficulty exercising, and on very hot days or if the dog gets overly excited, they can even collapse from lack of oxygen. Treatment can include avoiding situations that over-excite the dog or increase its need for oxygen, keeping the dog at a healthy weight, and avoiding heat stress. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct some of these problems and help the dog breathe more easily. Always remember to consult with a vet if you notice any signs of this syndrome in your pug. How long does the Brindle Pug Live? The lifespan of a Brindle Pug is typically between 12 and 15 years. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health. By providing your Brindle Pug with proper care and regular veterinary checkups, you can help ensure that your furry friend lives a long and healthy life. Care and Maintenance of Brindle Pugs Diet Requirements Brindle pugs require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health. A diet that is high in protein and low in fat is ideal for them. They may need special diets for skin problems and allergies as these are common in pugs. Other health issues, like their tendency to gain weight also affects their ideal diet. It is important to avoid overfeeding brindle pugs as they have a tendency to gain weight easily. Feeding them small meals throughout the day is better than giving them one large meal. Fresh water should always be available to them. Exercise Needs Brindle pugs are a small breed and do not require a lot of exercise. However, they still need to be exercised regularly to maintain their physical and mental health. Short walks around the neighborhood or playtime in a fenced yard is enough to keep them active. It is important to avoid overexerting brindle pugs as they are prone to respiratory issues. Avoid exercising them in hot and humid weather conditions as it can cause heatstroke. Grooming Tips Brindle pugs have a short and smooth coat that is easy to maintain. Brushing them once a week with a soft-bristled brush or pet grooming glove helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny. Bathing them once a month with a gentle shampoo is sufficient. It is important to keep their wrinkles clean and dry to avoid any skin infections. Regularly check their ears and clean them with a damp cloth to prevent any buildup of wax or debris. Trim their nails once a month to prevent them from getting too long. Overall, brindle pugs are a low-maintenance breed that requires basic care and attention to keep them healthy and happy. Training a Brindle Pug Training a Brindle Pug can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. Pugs are not extremely intelligent, but they are eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, like any breed, Brindle Pugs have their own unique traits that should be taken into consideration when training. One important aspect of training a Pug is socialization. Pugs are known for being friendly and social dogs, but they can also be prone to separation anxiety if not properly socialized. It is important to expose your Brindle Pug to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop confidence and reduce anxiety. Another important aspect of training a Brindle Pug is consistency. Pugs can be stubborn at times, so it is essential to establish consistent rules and boundaries early on. This includes setting limits on where the dog is allowed to go in the house, what furniture they are allowed on, and what behaviors are acceptable. Positive reinforcement is also an effective training method for Brindle Pugs. Rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime can help reinforce desired behaviors and encourage your dog to repeat them. It is important to avoid punishment-based training methods, as these can be counterproductive and damage the bond between the owner and the dog. Overall, training a Brindle Pug can be a fun and rewarding experience for both the owner and the dog. By focusing on socialization, consistency, and positive reinforcement, owners can help their Brindle Pugs become well-behaved and happy members of the family. Brindle Pugs and Families Brindle Pugs are a popular breed of dog that are well-suited for families. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them an ideal companion for children and adults alike. Here are a few reasons why Brindle Pugs are great for families: Small Size: Brindle Pugs are a small breed, typically weighing between 14 and 18 pounds. They are easy to handle and can be comfortably housed in small apartments or homes with limited space. Lively Personality: Brindle Pugs are known for their lively and playful personality. They enjoy interacting with their owners and are always up for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. Low Maintenance: Brindle Pugs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They shed moderately, but regular brushing can help keep shedding under control. Good with Children: Brindle Pugs are generally good with children and make great playmates. They are patient and gentle with kids, and their small size makes them less intimidating than larger breeds. Overall, Brindle Pugs are a great choice for families looking for a small, affectionate, and easy-to-care-for pet. With their lively personalities and gentle nature, they are sure to bring joy and companionship to any household. Where to Get a Brindle Pug When it comes to getting a Brindle Pug, there are two main options available: adoption or finding a reputable breeder. Adoption Options Adopting a pug, possibly a brindle one, can be a rewarding experience. Pugs are known for their distinctive looks, gentle personalities, and loving nature. The adoption process may vary slightly depending on the organization, but generally, it involves these steps: Step 1: Research Before making a decision, understand what it means to adopt a pug. They are a brachycephalic breed, which can come with some health challenges. Be ready for snorts, snores, and the potential for some additional health care costs. Step 2: Choose a Rescue Organization The next step is to choose a rescue organization to work with. Here are a few reputable options to consider: 1. Austin Pug Rescue — Based in Austin, Texas, this group focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of pugs in need. Pacific Pug Rescue — This rescue group serves the Pacific Northwest, focusing on abandoned and neglected pugs. Pug Partners of Nebraska — This group rescues and rehomes pugs in Nebraska and the surrounding areas. They also provide a list of other national rescue groups. The form may ask about your lifestyle, work schedule, living conditions, and any other pets you have. They use this information to match you with the right dog. Step 4: Home Check Some organizations require a home check. They want to ensure the environment is safe and suitable for a pug. Step 5: Meeting and Adoption Once your application has been accepted, you can meet potential pug matches. Remember, adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. Look for breeders who are members of the Pug Dog Club of America or other reputable breed clubs, as these organizations have strict breeding standards and codes of ethics. Also consider contacting the International Retro Pug Club for healthier pugs. When researching breeders, ask for references and visit their facilities if possible. A good breeder will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with information about the health and temperament of their dogs. Keep in mind that purchasing a dog from a breeder can be more expensive than adoption, and you may have to wait for a litter to become available. With the right care and attention, a Brindle Pug can make a wonderful companion for years to come. The cost of a brindle Pug puppy can vary depending on the breeder, location, and demand. It is important to do research on reputable breeders and not to purchase from puppy mills or pet stores. What is a reverse brindle Pug? A reverse brindle Pug is a Pug with a dark coat and lighter stripes. The stripes are not as prominent as in a regular brindle Pug. The reverse brindle Pug is also known as a black brindle Pug. How are brindle Pugs created? Brindle Pugs are created through breeding. It is a genetic trait that is passed down from the parents. If one parent is brindle, then typically about half of the litter will be brindle too. Are brindle Pugs rare? Brindle Pugs are quite rare, and they are certainly less common than fawn or black Pugs. Some people may want them for their rarity, while show dog enthusiasts may consider their color a fault. Are brindle Pugs hypoallergenic? No, brindle Pugs are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately and can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Do brindle Pugs shed? Yes, brindle Pugs shed moderately. Regular grooming can help minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. What is the rarest color for a Pug? The rarest color for a Pug is white. White Pugs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and are considered a fault in the breed standard. White Pugs are also prone to health issues such as deafness and blindness. Final Thoughts The Brindle Pug may not be as well-known as other pug colors, their striking coat patterns and charming personalities make them a great addition to any family. One of the most notable features of the Brindle Pug is their coat. The brindle pattern is a mix of dark and light colors that create a unique and eye-catching look. While the exact colors can vary, most Brindle Pugs have a mix of black, brown, and tan in their fur. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Uncovering the mystery of the brindle pug puppy The appeal of a brindle-coated pug dog The attraction of brindle pug puppies is two-fold. First there is the general attraction in a cute pug with this attractive quality to the coat. The brindle markings are an interesting look in many dogs and they offer a whole new look compared to the deep black or fawn animals. On top of this, there is the potential rarity of the animal, which increases the appeal for those looking for an exotic animal. It is going to be more difficult to find brindle pugs for sale compared to black or fawn ones, and the reasons for this will soon become clear. This is understandable when we look at the issues of mixed breeding. There are so many cross breeds and designer pups these days that there are many cross breeds with pug as part of the genetic package. These genetic mixes mean that other coat types and color genes can come through from the other side. This is why we often see a brindle pug chihuahua mix or a pug crossed with a Frenchie. As a result, there is that assumption that a brindle pug is not a pure pug. In some cases this will be true. However, there are exceptions to the rule. There are still pure breed brindle pug dogs out there, even if some dog owners are adamant that there is no such thing. Test for medication sensitivities. The reason for these results simply comes down to the fact that these pugs have a long history and there is still a small percentage of animals with genetic links to their brindled ancestors. It is a rarity, but it is not a deformity. Despite this, some owners will still face some issues with their brindle pug. Purebred pug or not, there are still some issues with this coat color when it comes to showing these dogs The American Kennel Club. Along with a number of other organisations, have clear breed standard for all dogs. There are strict rules on the physical features and markings of pugs. For example, a fawn pug needs to have that mask, the trail on the back and the thumbprint on the forehead. In fact, it is only fawn and black pugs that are eligible under the AKC guidelines. This means that brindle coated pugs — even if they are pure — are as ineligible as apricot pugs and silver ones. What to expect from these dogs in terms of physicality So if a brindle dog coat is significantly different from that of a fawn or a black pug, does that mean that there are any other physical differences to keep in mind? The gene for the color of the coat should have no effect on their size, build or other physical features. If a brindle pup happens to be healthier or sicker, bigger or smaller than its siblings. The difference comes when you have a brindle pug mix instead of a pure pup. As the dog gets older, physical traits of the other breed will begin to develop further and you will need to research the potential health risks associated with that parent. This could also mean a different grooming regime than normal if the fur type is slightly different. There are always those owners that will insist that one color is calmer, friendlier or smarter than the other, but these reports are often contradictory. Temperaments are generally pretty similar and personalities alter from dog to dog. The same is therefore true with a pure brindle vs a pure fawn or black. Again, the difference comes when we have the mixed breeds rather than the pure breeds. The personality traits, behavioral issues and the intelligence could be heavily influenced by the second parent. This means another area of research for new owners. This is where online training resources like Doggy Dan the online trainer are so helpful. Further Reading: How to Train Your Pug Puppy Taking care of brindle-coat pugs These factors with the physicality and personality mean that the considerations for taking care of brindle pugs are pretty much the same. A true brindle pug is so much like other purebred pugs in terms of its needs that experienced owners have nothing to worry about, they want the same exercise, home environment, pug food and general love and care. If you know how to handle a pug, you can handle a brindle. Again, mixed breed pug dogs are a different story. The exercise needs, grooming needs, housing requirements and ideal family set-up could be different. Image Source: Pugs of Instagram Finding brindle pug puppies for sale Hopefully you can now see why it is more difficult to find a breeder for a brindle dog than a black of fawn one. The first issue is the rarity of the pure brindle pug because of the genetics and prominence of other coat types. Then there is issue that some of these brindle dogs are not pugs but pug crosses. This is why all buyers should visit the home, see the litter and get to know the parents. This is the best way to be sure of the genetics of the pup and the reason for the brindle coat. The other issue with looking at a pure brindle dog is the brindle pug cost. The rarity of the pure brindle means that breeders are sure to charge a much higher brindle pug price than for a standard coat color. Those that are looking for a brindle animal but want to avoid the issues with breeder and these high costs may prefer the option of brindle pug adoption. Adoption through shelters offers the chance for new owners to save the life of an abandoned pet. The fees to do so are considerably lower than the price of a puppy. Uncovering the mystery of the brindle pug puppy The good news here for those keen on a brindle pug puppy is that there is such a thing as a pure brindle pug pup. There is a small number of dogs born with the rare gene instead of the more typical coat colors. However, there will still be many brindle dogs for sale that are actually hybrids, so all hopeful buyers need to be vigilant and do their research. Aside from the issue of the AKC standards for showing, there is no major problem in buying a brindle pug dog if one happens to come up for sale and is from healthy stock and a good home. At their core, the pure brindle pugs is no different to the others. They have the same needs, personalities and traits and can be lovable, wonderful pets. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pugs truly have a distinct look to them. Brindle Pugs are the same. When people think of Pugs, most think of two colors; fawn tan or black. So, what exactly is a brindle Pug? Well, it all comes down to the pattern of their coat. What is Brindle? A big misconception people have is the word brindle refers to a specific color. When, in fact, brindle is a pattern. Many dog breeds can have a brindle pattern in their coat. These breeds include greyhounds, boxers, and terriers. Guinea pigs and even horses can have this mysterious brindle pattern as well. So, a brindle Pug could look speckled like a fudge brownie or like an Oreo. Brindle Pugs are elusive and remain a mystery to this day. Brindle Pugs are hard to find, even on Google. Their rarity is what makes them so exclusive and challenging to find and buy or adopt. Or, perhaps it is because the United States finds it difficult to classify them. Brindle Pugs colors do not fit in with the traditional Pug colors. This confuses the public and makes them even more desirable. No one knows precisely where to place brindle Pugs. Who knows, maybe the confusion over their coats make them exclusive. Their exclusivity makes them more attractive, and adoptions are on the rise. This includes buying a car, a house, and adopting their precious furry friend. Most adopters wanting a Pug will assume the Pug will be tan or black. Out of all the Pugs, 65 percent are fawn color, and 22 percent are black color. Few adopters will know brindle Pugs even exist because they are the rarest. Only about 1 percent of Pugs are brindle. Because brindle stripes are rare in Pugs, they could be considered exotic. Once an adopter is aware brindle Pugs exist, they could become more attractive and want a Pug that is so unique. After digging myself, it is clear this exotic looking Pug might not be the most sought after the litter. Are They Really Purebred Pugs? There is a significant concern with the legitimacy of brindle Pugs. The confusion of brindle Pugs all comes down to if they are purebred or mixed. Some dog groups and associations do not place brindle Pugs in the Pug category. These groups are uncertain they are purebred. The American Kennel Club who believes there are only two types of pure Pugs- fawn and black colored. Yet, brindle Pugs can be purebred with two Pugs that have a brindle gene. Some believe the gene that creates the unique brindle pattern has always been with the Pug. Those that believe brindle can be a gene believe brindle Pugs can be purebred. Others believe the brindle pattern is not in the Pug but is a result of cross-breeding. More common than not, brindle Pugs are not purebred. Instead, a Pug and another animal are bred to get that brindle color. Brindle Pugs cannot enter shows in the American Kennel Club. Still people have become obsessed with them. Brindle Pugs are deserving of the same love they are waiting to give. Here is all you need to know about the rare cuties. Weight of Pugs Brindle Pugs are small and round, like any Pug, and weigh around pounds. Their weight depends on their gender, not the color of their coat. Male brindle Pugs typically weigh more than females. Bundle of Personality Pugs are one of the most sought after breeds in the world, and rightfully so. Brindle Pugs are no different. They love attention from their owners and are extremely loving. They love following around their owner and become quite attached. Brindle Pugs love sitting on the couch with you while getting as many pets as possible. On the flip side, brindle Pugs hate to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long, they will experience separation anxiety. A good way to combat their stress is to practice distance while at home. Brindle Pugs might chew up your shoe or shred some toilet paper to let you know they were not happy you left. Brindle Pugs are also known to be playful and are rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs. It is vital to give Pugs different toys to stimulate their brain during playtime. A toy with treats in it is good too, so dogs can stimulate their brains to solve a complex problem. Once your brindle solves the problem, they are rewarded with food or a treat. It is so important your brindle Pug is entertained and not bored with the same old toys. Pugs, in general, love to be loved and given affection. They are not a guard dog, but they will always be by your side and be your best friend and your number one fan. So, brindle Pugs are fun, loving, and super attached but are they intelligent? Pugs are very intelligent and can be trained with consistency. Pugs were always loved and adored by the most royal people throughout history. Are you surprised? Royal people had a deep love for the loving and loyal Pugs. They owned Pugs of the two traditional colors, black and fawn. So, how did these royal Pugs make their way from China to America? China These sweet pudgy dogs were first discovered in China around 2, years ago. China royals and emperors loved Pugs. Pugs were only known to be royal dogs in China and were untouchable for ordinary people. The only way people, who were not royal, could own a Pug was to receive one as a gift. Pugs were more accessible when they entered Europe. When Pugs arrived in Europe, they were mostly a dog for royal people. European dynasties owned Pugs, and even Queen Victoria owned many in her lifetime. Of course, when royals owned the tiny breed, the British people wanted to get their hands on them as well. Over time it was more common for anyone to have a Pug. Now, Pugs are loved across the world and are not just royalty, but are for everyone. Just royal people may not own all Pugs, but they still act like royalty. Whatever the history is, the brindle Pug is here today and is truly unique. However, this Pug is not just something to awe over. There are complications of this unique breed. Health Risks of Brindle Pugs There is no denying the beauty of this small breed. With that being said, their physicality could be a risk factor as they get older. One common health concern for all Pugs is overeating because they are fast eaters. This can lead to weight gain if not monitored. These bowls are found at any pet store, but here are some great ones on amazon. Even though their eyes are quite cute, they could cause health issues in their lifetime. Their eyes are prone to get scratched or irritated because they bulge out of their face. Their eyes can also get corneal ulcers and dry eyes. A veterinarian is a go-to person for any eye issues. They will know the best treatment for these specific eye issues for a brindle Pug. Breathing and Overheating Brindle Pugs can have breathing problems and are prone to them due to their smushed snouts. Again, who knew such a cute feature Pugs are known for can be quite harmful. These issues are caused by their nasal passages being so tiny. Brindle Pugs also get very overheated in the sun. Overheating can trigger their breathing issues if they sit in the hot weather for too long. This means their brain tissue becomes inflamed. Vets do believe this disease could be genetic. Purebred brindle Pugs can experience more health concerns than those that are mixed. This is something to keep in mind with choosing a brindle Pug. Purebred or not, any dog owner should take their dog to the vet within one or two weeks of adopting. This ensures the dog is updated on their shots, and any red flags can be brought to light and diagnosed early. The lifespan of brindle Pugs is around 15 years. Brindle Pugs can live longer when their health issues are addressed and cared for. Well, it is good to assume you will be putting more money and time into your new furry baby. Brindle Pugs tend to be more expensive because the brindle pattern is rarer. Now, some variables could affect this price. If someone is looking for an adult brindle Pug, that price could be lower. Brindle Pugs are usually purchased through a breeder because they are so rare. Rarity Tends to be Expensive People want brindle Pugs because their pattern is unique. They are different from the standard two-color Pugs often come in. Because of this, breeders can get more money when they are breeding brindle Pugs. If you do come across a purebred brindle Pug this is rare , it is probable to cost you more money as well. It is also their vet bills, food, treats, toys, cage, etc. The process of finding the perfect food for your pet can be filled with a lot of pressure. Of course, a healthy food option is the best food option. Check out how to read a dog food label here. Here are some options to consider when buying puppy or dog food for your Brindle Pug.

Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab 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 and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average. Holland, MI This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Click here and you will find information on the litters that are here now or that will be born soon. All puppies are also AKC Registered. Our puppies come from well known multiple generations of champion GMPR bloodlines, with good bone structure, nice heads, and a wonderful temperament. We work hard to keep our dogs in top shape and condition. Our dogs are exercised regularly to help maintain great health. When our puppies are born, they are watched over very carefully to make sure all are maintaining a healthy weight. The pups are wormed at three weeks, and then again at six weeks. Their first shots are given at six weeks of age, and your new puppy will come with a 28 month health guarantee! If you are looking for a loyal family dog, or a wonderful hunting companion, you will definitely find what you are looking for here at Fox Red Pointing Labs. For more information on any of our dogs, please call or This email address is being protected from spambots.

How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. According to WebMD , dogs are pregnant for roughly 63 days, which is exactly 9 weeks. This is counted from the day the dog ovulates until the day she gives birth, and is split into three trimesters of roughly 21 days each. There is some anecdotal evidence that smaller breeds tend to have a slightly longer gestation period than larger breeds. In can be a little difficult for a layman to tell whether a dog is pregnant , especially in the early stages of her pregnancy. Of course, in order for a dog to fall pregnant, she will have had to mate with an un-neutered male dog during the estrus stage of her heat cycle. Or, better yet, get her spayed. There is no blood or urine test commonly used to diagnose pregnancy in dogs, but from 3 to 4 weeks into the gestation period , a vet should be able to tell if your dog is pregnant by feeling her abdomen. A more accurate yet more costly way of checking whether a dog is pregnant is by ordering an ultrasound. This should be possible from around 21 days into the pregnancy, but not all vets offer this service. From around 6 weeks into the pregnancy, it may become obvious that your dog is carrying a litter. You might also be interested in:. Loss of appetite early stages Increased appetite later stages Increasingly affectionate Weight gain Later in the pregnancy you may also be able to observe the tiny fetuses moving around. Look for wadded up pillows and blankets in a cozy corner somewhere. Morning sickness may also be observed early in the pregnancy. For example, a firm abdomen with a loss of appetite, but without the enlarged nipples and extra affection, might be pointing towards a digestive issue. After about day 20 of the pregnancy, the vet can perform an ultrasound to confirm the presence of tiny heartbeats inside the womb. Outlines of the fetuses may also be visible. After about weeks, the vet can also feel for the puppies, known as palpating. The unborn puppies are extremely small at this point, each one about the size of a ping pong ball, and can be easily hurt by unintentionally rough hands. Once the day point has been reached, x-rays can be taken to spot the developing pups. Prior to this stage of their development, the radiation of an x-ray can be potentially dangerous for the babies. False Pregnancies Whether or not a dog becomes pregnant, hormone changes take place during the third phase dioestrus. These changes may be responsible for causing false pregnancies in some dogs. Remarkably, the signs of a false pregnancy are nearly indistinguishable from those of a real one. They may even include vomiting, an enlarged abdomen, and engorged and leaky nipples. Symptoms tend to last about a month. Dogs going through a false pregnancy may seek to act as a surrogate mom to whatever they can find. This might mean nesting and mothering stuffed animals or other toys. Conclusion Knowing your dog is expecting early on will allow you to provide the best care possible for her during the pregnancy. If puppies are not something you want in your future, recognizing the signs of being in heat will help you avoid unwanted male attention. Spaying your dog is actually the best choice in this case. You will permanently prevent pregnancy, plus help your dog avoid possible infections of the uterus, provide protection against breast cancer, and eliminate messy heats and false pregnancies. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Whelping Prenatal Care Preparing for your Labrador bitch's labor is critical. Keep track of your dog's breeding date. After about 35 days of pregnancy, the mother's food intake will increase. She will require twice as much food as normal, increasing to three times as much when she begins nursing. The best Labrador nutritional plan is to buy an approved dry food and feed according to the package. These foods are balanced and require no supplementation. They have the extra calories needed by the pregnant or nursing mother. Do not use calcium as this can cause metabolic imbalances, and excess vitamins may be harmful to the Labrador puppies. Exercise of the pregnant bitch need not be restricted until after the first weeks of pregnancy. Day 45 At about the 45th day of her pregnancy, your lab mother should be examined by a vet. As well as assessing her overall health, your vet can x-ray your Labroador to ascertain how many puppies she is expecting. Earlier in the pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to confirm pregnancy and, after 25 days, the embryonic heart may be seen beating. Gestation The gestation period of the Labrador bitch is considered to be 63 days. Lubricate a rectal thermometer with margarine or KY jelly and insert it about an inch. Leave it in place for three minutes. You will need to determine your pregnant Labrador's bases temperature should be approx 38 degrees. Stage One of Labor During the first stage of labour the cervix dilates and uterine contractions begin. Contractions are not as easy to see as in humans but can nevertheless be very painful and distressing to the Labrador bitch. She may appear uncomfortable, restless, pacing, shivering and panting. The mother lab will probably not eat, she may even vomit and whine persistently. She may occupy herself building a nest. This is the longest stage of labour, generally lasting six to eighteen hours. By the end of this period her cervix will have completely dilated so that the puppies can pass. .Stage Two of Labor During the second stage of labour, contractions continue. The placental water sacks breaks and fluid is passed. Placentas are usually expelled after each puppy is born. Pups usually appear approx every hour after thirty minutes of straining. The bitch will lick the puppy clean and bite the umbilical cord. It is during this time that the mother bonds with her puppies and recognises them as her own. The licking of the bitch stimulates the puppies to breathe. The mother lab will likely eat the afterbirth. If the bitch does not tear away the sac and lick the pups, you should tear the sac open, clear all fluid away from the pup's nose and mouth, and vigorously rub the pup to stimulate breathing. The mother will take rests during labour and up to four hours can pass between puppies. If she is not straining then everything is usually normal and on schedule. If more than four hours pass without a puppy or the mother strains forcefully for over an hour without producing another pup, immediately take the bitch to an emergency veterinary hospital. It is not abnormal for puppies to be born rear feet first. You must do this very gently because puppies are fragile and easily hurt. Stage Three of Labor The third stage of labour is a very indistinct period for Labradors. Once all the puppies have been born, the bitch enters this third stage during which time the uterus expels the remaining placenta, blood and fluid. It is rich in antibodies which will protect the puppies for the first few months of life. Colostrum is only produced for two days and the puppy is only able to absorb its antibodies for a day or two. If their bitch did not nurse during the first 2 days of life, the puppies have a serious immunological disadvantage. Great care should be taken in cleanliness and the puppies can be vaccinated as early as 2 weeks old depending on their circumstances. Whelping Set up a comfortable whelping area for raising the puppies. The Labrador bitch should be able to come and go as she likes while the puppies remain confined. The mother dog should be isolated from all other dogs for three weeks prior to labour and 3 weeks after delivery to prevent infection. Herpes is spread by sniffing and licking between dogs. Adult Labradors rarely have any symptoms but the new or unborn puppies will die. Toileting Infant Labrador puppies are unable to take care of these matters. If necessary, use a cotton swab, tissue, or your finger to gently rub the baby's genital area. Have a tissue ready to catch the urine. Rubbing the anal area may also be necessary if the babies do not seem to be defecating as much as expected. Watch for diarrhea. Normally the puppy stool is very loose but should not be watery. It is normal for puppies to have very round bellies, however if you think the baby might be constipated, taking the temperature rectally with a normal rectal thermometer usually provides enough extra stimulation to get things back to normal. Starting Solid Food When the puppies start biting and chewing they may be ready to start on some solids. At first it may be necessary to mix solid food with a little formula and to smear a little around their mouths gently with your finger. We commence blended solid food at 3 weeks of age. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. While it is exciting, it is probably also daunting news, especially if you have never cared for a pregnant dog before. Caring for a pregnant Labrador does not have to be frightening, time-consuming, or overwhelming. What follows is a week-by-week guide for caring for your pregnant Labrador. How do you care for a pregnant Labrador? Labradors are pregnant for 9 weeks. After giving birth, your Lab will need assistance with the recovery process. While breeding Labs is a happy time, it can get complicated when things go wrong. It is important to know what to expect and to have a proper plan in place to ensure the comfort and safety of your pet. Below we cover tips and advice on caring for your pregnant Labrador, helping with the birth, and how to ensure that she has a healthy, happy recovery. Labrador Pregnancy: From Mating to Birth to Recovery In order for your Labrador to conceive, she will need to mate with an un-neutered male Labrador when she is in heat, during the Estrus stage. If you are new to breeding, and you are working with a young dog, it is important to avoid breeding too soon. Your female Labrador should have at least 2 heat cycles before she breeds, so wait until she is at least 2 years old. Breeding should not continue after the 7th year of life. The male Labrador that mates with your pet should also be around 2 years of age as most health tests cannot be carried out until the dog reaches this age. It is not a good idea to allow mating with a male Lab that is older than 7 years. In most instances, mating once is enough to get the female Lab pregnant, but if you want to make sure that she conceives, you can allow the pair to mate every 2 days, while she will allow it. It is common for the female to remain stuck to the male, but she may turn her back on him. Do not try to pull them apart or interfere at all. This is very important as doing so could cause serious injury or even death to one of the dogs. Why do dogs get stuck together after mating? A tie is actually completely natural and can last for 20 minutes to 30 minutes. This is the process of ejaculation and should not be disturbed. Is My Labrador Pregnant? If you have a bit more money to spend, you can also opt for a dog pregnancy test, but this can only read accurately from day 21 to 25 of her term. Ultrasound is also an option, but this can be quite expensive and can only be done from day 20 to 22 of her term. Pregnant Labradors do not particularly like to be touched, especially on their tummies. They will appear sleepy or lethargic and in some instances will drink a lot more water and urinate more frequently. Labrador Pregnancy Duration Your Labrador will be pregnant for a period of 9 weeks or 63 days. This period is calculated from the first day that the dog ovulates until the day that she gives birth. Labradors go through 3 trimesters, each trimester being 21 days long. While this time period is typical for most pregnancies, it is not the case for all Labradors. Labs have also been known to have a gestation period of 58 days or 68 days roughly a week on either end of the schedule. Week-by-Week Care for the Pregnant Labrador You can break down your care strategy into 9 separate weeks for your pregnant Labrador. Week 1 In week 1, mating has just occurred and the gestation period begins. The egg has been fertilized by the sperm and the egg is now a living organism. The embryo is formed, but at this stage, it is still situated very high up in the uterus. As the end of week 1 nears, the embryo makes its way downward, towards the uterine horns to spend some time suspended within the uterine liquid. During this time, everything feels normal for your pet and there is no need to make any changes to your feeding schedule or exercise routine. You may want to hold off on grooming or bathing at this stage, just to ensure that she experiences no stress. Beyond that, it should be business as usual for both you and your pet. Week 2 The initial phase of gestation, called embryogenesis, is often a confusing time for pet owners. This is unfortunately incorrect thinking. The embryos do not grow as much during this phase and so no additional nutritional supplementation should be required. If your dog appears relaxed and at ease, you can probably resume regular gentle grooming and continue taking your Lab for daily walks. Week 3 During week 3, the embryos have made a lengthy trip and finally embedded in the uterine wall lining. Here they grow in the protective sack for the remainder of the pregnancy, receiving all the vitamins and nutrients they require for healthy growth. There is no need to make any dramatic changes to your regular routine with your dog. You can feed your Lab as per normal, keep up with regular daily exercise, and keep up gentle grooming. You might notice that your dog has a bigger appetite and you can increase food quantity at this stage, but only slightly. Week 4 During week 4, around the 25th day of the pregnancy, you will need to make an appointment with your vet to confirm pregnancy. In most instances, the vet will carry out an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, inform you of the size of the litter, and to investigate if there are any problems or abnormalities. If you do not wish to have an ultrasound, you can have blood drawn and tested to check for the presence of Relaxin. This is a hormone that is only found in the blood of a pregnant dog. At this stage, you need to think about changing your exercise routine slightly. Daily walks for a decent distance should be fine, but running, jumping, and rough play should be put on hold until after she has given birth. Your regular feeding schedule can also be very slightly increased as your Lab might start to feel more hungry during this stage. Keeping your pregnant Lab calm and comfortable in week 4 is the only thing you really need to do. Week 5 Embryogenesis ends in week 5 and so begins the second stage called the fetal phase. From around day 35, the puppy is forming. In fact, at this stage, the organs are beginning to take on their form and the total weight of the growing pup will increase exponentially. You can provide your Lab with a bit more food and you can expect a bit of weight gain too. Weight gain is not something that happens to all Labs at this stage, so do not panic if you do not notice any. The risk of miscarriage at week 5 is far less than in the prior 4 weeks. While everything is more balanced, it is still a good idea to maintain reduced exercise routines and to ensure that there is no rough play, jumping, or running. Week 6 Week 6 is going to be a challenging week for your pregnant Labrador. While the puppy is growing rapidly at this point there are already claws and a more rigid skeleton , she will need to get a bit more out of our nutrition. Unfortunately, eating regular sized meals will not be comfortable for her, so try to offer snack-sized portions more frequently throughout the day. At this stage, you need to adjust her diet to include high-energy and high-protein ingredients. You will find various dog food products on the market aimed at dogs undergoing this particular stage of pregnancy. These are jam-packed with protein and nutrients and are highly flavorful in order to encourage the dog to eat even with a decreased appetite. Week 6 is the start of the third and final trimester. The toll on her body will probably lead to your dog feeling tired, so if she appears lethargic, do not be alarmed. Just focus on making her comfortable. Week 7 In week 7, from around the day mark, you will notice that your Labrador starts to shed the hair on her abdomen. This is completely normal. At this phase, the puppies inside are almost fully formed. Their coats are now starting to grow and their skeletons and bones have hardened a great deal more through a process called ossification. Usually at this stage, during preparations for birth, parasites worms become a concern. If your pregnant Lab has worms, they will be passed on to the puppies at birth. To ensure that this does not happen, your dog will need to be dewormed. During pregnancy, it is not a good idea to deworm your pet with their regular medication. Consult with your vet to find out what is the most suitable and safest product to use during week 7 of pregnancy. During week 7 you will also need to start making preparations for the actual birth. It is important to start making preparations early as you cannot be certain that your Labrador will carry to full term. This is a spot where you can lay some blankets and cushions and where your dog will feel comfortable giving birth and rearing her pups for the first couple of days. It is also a good idea to include a heating pad so that the pups will be kept warm and that sucking will not be disturbed. Do not set up the whelping area in a busy, high-traffic area of the home. Choose a place that will be relatively undisturbed during the day. She may start visiting certain areas in the house where she feels more comfortable. She is looking for the right birthing spot. Week 8 Week 8 it should become much more apparent that your Lab is about to give birth as this is when she will start lactating. At this stage, it is a good idea to get some alternative milk, just to have at hand. Sometimes newborn puppies have trouble suckling or the mother might not lactate as expected, and then you will need to ensure that there is sufficient milk to feed the pups for her. It is also not uncommon for some people to visit their vet during this week, usually around day 50, to get an X-ray. This can be uncomfortable for the dog and is not essential, so you can skip this step if you prefer. The reason most people do this is to confirm the size of the litter so that when whelping takes place, those present at the birth can be sure when all of the pups have been delivered. Week 9 Your Labrador is soon to give birth and you need to be prepared. You should layer newspaper on the floor around the whelping area and make sure that the room temperature does not drop below 26 degrees Celsius. Something as small as a 1 degree Celsius drop can show that birth is about to happen. At this stage, you need to make sure that your Labrador is comfortable, warm and feels supported. Do not be afraid to shower her with love and affection — this is also an emotional and physically challenging time for your pet. Labrador Birth After week 9, your Labrador will most certainly go into labor. It is best not to get too involved in the process as you could cause more harm than good if you do not know what you are doing. Your only job is to keep your dog calm and provide her with emotional support while monitoring the birth. If something does not seem right, it is best to call your vet for advice and guidance. There is no hard-and-fast rule about how long it will take for a Labrador to give birth. Some Labradors calmly deliver their puppies in a few minutes, while others can take longer — sometimes up to 4 hours. Do not panic — this is not unusual If you cannot be with her the entire time, you only need to check in on your dog about every 15 minutes. Do not worry — this is normal. Puppies can be birthed head first or hind legs first. There is nothing unusual about either delivery. As each puppy emerges, they may still be in a fetal sack which the mother will tear open. If she does not, you can safely tear the sack open yourself. The placenta must come out during birth, the mother usually eats this. Each puppy will have its own placenta attached. She might not eat this immediately, so give her some time and only remove it if it appears that she has no intention of eating it a few hours after birth. You can throw these away if she has no interest in eating them. This is a behavior that is uncomfortable for many people, but the placentas are packed with nutrients and minerals and by eating them, she can renourish her system. Be aware that in some instances, a puppy will sometimes be stillborn born dead. This is simply a fact of life that you should prepare for. But not all puppies that are motionless at birth are necessarily stillborn. If any of the new pups seem a bit still when born, you can safely stimulate them by gently rubbing them with a soft, dry, plush towel. This will often get them breathing and moving. You need to contact your vet if you notice any of the following: Your dog starts giving birth before day 57 of the pregnancy. Pups get stuck in the birth canal. More than one puppy comes out at the same time. Birth of an empty fetal sack. The placenta does not come out during birth. Pups one or more are born with birth defects. The first stage of birth takes more than 4 hours. More than 3 hours pass between the birth of each puppy. There is absolutely no circumstance where you should get actively involved in the birthing process. Do not pull pups that seem to be stuck or touch the pregnant dog in her abdominal area. Helping Your Labrador Recover from Giving Birth The recovery process for your Labrador starts from the very moment that the last puppy is born. While you should not wipe or clean the puppies, you can use a warm damp cloth to gently wipe the birthing fluid and blood off your dog. She will clean the pups herself — leave her to it. You should remove the dirty paper and towels from the floor and discard them. You will need to lay fresh paper and towels as it will take a few weeks up to 8 for your Lab to stop leaking fluid. It is normal for this to happen but if the fluid is grey and has a bad odor it could be a sign that something is wrong or that there is an infection present. Keep the room clean by replacing towels and paper regularly. Pay Attention to Nutrition Your Lab will need to be assisted with physical recovery through good nutrition. Increase her food amount as she will need a bit extra to feed her growing pups. It is important to ensure that she is actually feeding her pups, so check up on this. Feeding or nursing is usually accompanied by a larger appetite. But your Labrador might also be more picky about what she will eat. This is fairly normal. It is normal for a dog that has just given birth to have no interest in food for up to 48 hours after giving birth. When she does eat, you might find that she can eat up to 4 times her regular amount. This is normal — making milk for pups takes many, many calories. Let her eat. Give Her Some Space Your Labrador will feel very protective of her pups so make sure that no children or other pets have access to them until she is comfortable and settled. She may get aggressive and even bite if she feels they are being threatened in any way. In the following weeks, your Labrador will need time to bond with her pups and return to a more normal schedule that she can keep up with. It is important to give her some space and time to do this, but have a tally or how many pups there are so that you can ensure all are accounted for at all times. Protect Against Mammary Gland Infection Once your dog is nursing her pups, there is a chance that she can still develop an infection. Mastitis is a mammary gland infection that can get quite sore and serious very quickly — it can cause death. It is important to take your pet to the vet immediately if you suspect mastitis has set in. Are you considering breeding your Labrador? Is there a litter of Labrador puppies expected in the future? Do you want to get on a waiting list for a Labrador puppy in an upcoming litter? Knowing how long labs are pregnant will help you prepare for the arrival of Labrador pups. Labrador pregnancy is a crucial stage in the life of both mother and pups; while the total gestation period is 63 days or nine weeks, it is difficult to predict the exact due date. Until then, there are various stages in the period that the Lab will go through. Knowing these stages will help you properly care for the pregnant Lab. Weeks 1 — 2 In the first couple of weeks of gestation, the Lab will not likely show any symptoms. Similar to human pregnancy, this period is when the egg is being fertilized and in the beginning stages of developing the litter. If you know your Lab has mated 7 — 14 days prior, you can predict that no visible pregnancy symptoms will show during this time. Instead, you can forecast that your Lab is possibly pregnant because of its recent mating. Weeks 3 — 4 During week three of gestation, the embryos will attach to the uterus for implantation. An increased appetite at week three indicates that your Labrador is pregnant. At week four, take your dog to the veterinarian to perform an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy. When pregnancy has been confirmed, continue to exercise your dog but do not engage in forceful or aggressive activities. It is common to play with your Lab through wrestling or tug-of-war. Exclude these activities from your lab routine that can lead to injury. Instead, continue to exercise your Lab through walks and low-impact activities. Weeks 5 — 6 The second trimester of gestation begins at week five. During week five, the embryos are developed into fetuses. This stage is relatively short compared to the remainder of the gestation period. At week six, around day 42, your Lab will enter the final trimester of pregnancy. The fetuses of the litter will resemble a dog. Your Lab will require more protein to accommodate the growing litter. Weeks 7 — 8 At week seven, take the pregnant Lab to the veterinarian for a good check. The vet can check the litter for any evidence of parasites and treat it accordingly. You will also notice your Lab may have begun shedding on her belly. This is standard preparation for the litter to the nurse. Your vet may recommend preparing an area for your Lab to give birth at this stage. Dogs commonly have a premature birth at week seven, so it is best to prepare an area in case this happens. Week eight is more evidence of impending delivery. Your Lab may have begun to lactate. Lactation usually begins the week before delivery. If lactation has not started, having a supplemental food source for the litter is imperative. A dog may be unable to produce a sufficient milk supply for her litter. To ensure the litter receives an appropriate feeding, purchase a puppy meal replacement. The 21st Century Essential Pet Puppy Meal Replacer Powder is a perfect meal substitute for ensuring the puppies receive the nutrients required for their development. Week 9 If your Lab has not given birth yet, it should be any day now. You will notice your Lab may be irritable at this time. It would help if you established an area for your Lab to give birth. A room with a cardboard box is ideal. The box should have layers of newspaper, towels, and blankets. It is imperative during this stage to keep your Lab calm and rested. Your Lab can easily feed off of your emotions and temperament. If you are stressed, she will be stressed. Labor and delivery need to be as calm and relaxing as possible. Making your Lab comfortable will help give her a healthy, calm delivery. Recovery Making the Labrador matriarch as comfortable and clean as possible should be the number one priority once the litter has been birthed. Continually remove dirty blankets or towels and replace them with clean ones. This cycle will need to be frequently repeated to keep the mother happy and clean. This process lets you notice if the mother is discharging a dark fluid. A dark fluid accompanied by an odor can mean the mother has developed an infection. The mother will need to rest with her puppies, so try not to overcrowd her or handle the puppies. Recovery for the mother is typically quick. She may be pickier with her food, so check with your vet to determine the best food to feed your new Lab mother. Once the mother has food she likes, she should increase her appetite to make up for the number of calories her puppies are consuming from her through her milk supply. The mother should look happy, healthy, and alert! If this is not the case, contact your vet for treatment. Knowing what to expect during each weekly stage will help you give your Lab the proper care and prepare you for the upcoming litter of Labrador pups! What should you do to prepare for the arrival of your new puppy? We will discuss knowing if a lab is pregnant, the symptoms of pregnancy in Labradors, and how to care for your pregnant Labrador. We will also provide some helpful tips on preparing for the arrival of your new puppy! So, how can you tell if your Labrador is pregnant? There are a few key signs to look out for: 1. This is due to the increased production of the hormone progesterone. Your dog may gain weight, and her appetite may increase. This is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you notice that she is gaining a lot of weight or her appetite is rising more than usual, you should take her to the vet to ensure everything is okay. Additionally, if she starts to lose weight or her appetite decreases, this could be a sign of trouble, and you should also take her to the vet. This is perfectly normal, as her body is working hard to prepare for the upcoming labor. Your dog may become more lethargic and sleepy as the due date approaches. During this time, ensuring that your dog has plenty of rest and a comfortable place to sleep is essential. Your dog may Nest — that is, she may start to collect soft bedding and carry it around in her mouth 8. Your dog may have mood swings and become more sensitive to noise and touch. Your dog may start to urinate more frequently. How to Care for Your Labrador During Pregnancy If you notice any of these signs, you must take your dog to the vet for confirmation of pregnancy. Your vet will be able to determine how many puppies your dog is carrying and when they are due. Once you have confirmed that your Labrador is pregnant, there are a few things you will need to do to prepare for the arrival of your new puppies. First, you must create a whelping box — a safe, warm place where your dog can deliver her puppies. You will also need to ensure you have plenty of soft bedding, food, and water. Having a few toys on hand is also a good idea, as puppies love to play! Your vet can recommend good quality puppy food to provide all the nutrients your dog needs during this time. You should also avoid giving your dog any table scraps or human food, as this can cause problems for her and the puppies. She may become more restless and may start to Nest. It is essential to let her do this, as it helps her to prepare for labor. You should also ensure that you can take her to the vet if she goes into labor early or if anything seems wrong. Once your puppies are born, they will need much care and attention. You will need to ensure they are kept warm and dry and fed and watered. You will also need to clean them up after they go to the bathroom. Puppies are very delicate, so it is essential to handle them with care. If you take good care of your pregnant Labrador and prepare for the arrival of your new puppies, everything should go smoothly! Congratulations on becoming a puppy parent! As a dog lover, you may wonder how many puppies are born to a pregnant female Labrador. The number of kittens born into a litter will vary, but luckily researchers provide us with the average litter size you should expect. Labradors do not lose their famous charm even after they grow up, and the cuteness of their puppies is arguably unmatched among dog breeds. So, how many puppies do Labradors give birth to? A study by the American Kennel Club reveals that Labradors typically give birth to five to ten puppies in a single litter. According to the same study, litters vary due to age, genetic diversity, Size, and diet. The first litter of a female Labrador usually is smaller than average. As we have already stated, the number of puppies in a litter will significantly vary. Your pet can give birth to anywhere from one to even twelve puppies. Your veterinarian can take an x-ray scan of the pregnant female to find out the exact number of puppies present. The vet does this by counting the number of skeletons in her belly, which is a great way to figure out the actual litter size. This will help prepare the kennel size when the Labrador finally gives birth. The Largest Labrador Litter on Record Not that you have a general idea of how many puppies you should expect when your pet Lab gets pregnant, but you are probably asking yourself what the maximum number of puppies they can have is. In , a black Scottish Labrador named Anne shocked the vet when she safely delivered 15 puppies in all! A recent case happened in April when a labrador named Bella gave birth to 14 puppies, missing just one record set in .Factors Affecting Labrador Litter Size In this section, we delve deeper into some of the more crucial factors that affect litter size. Age Labradors usually maintain their fertility throughout their lives. However, the litter size decreases as they age, which is expected. It is generally accepted that Labradors are most fertile between the ages of two and five. However, regardless of her age, the first litter is usually smaller than the subsequent ones. Breed Size Smaller breeds typically produce a litter with fewer puppies, while larger breeds give birth to bigger litter sizes, and this trend even applies to dogs of the same breed. For example, a Labrador weighing 45 pounds may only give birth to five or six puppies, while another weighing 70 pounds may give birth to ten puppies or more. Health and Nutrition If your Labrador is healthy and in a happy environment, she is more likely to give birth to more healthy puppies. The Labrador needs to be in top condition health-wise for her and her puppies to survive the process of whelping and birthing. The male Labrador should also be healthy to avoid any complications. Gene Pool Diversity A small gene pool is brought about when closely related dogs breed together. When you breed dogs from diverse genetic backgrounds, this results in bigger puppy litter. Similarly, a smaller genetic pool will result in fewer puppies. The Size of a litter is usually out of your control, but when optimal conditions are in place, this can result in more puppies being born into a litter. The first step is to feed your Labradors food that is healthy throughout their lives. A healthy diet will optimize the health of the Lab resulting in more puppies. When a pregnant Labrador is fed a low-carb diet, this increases the chances of fetal death and an increased chance of stillbirths. To avoid this, you should consult your vet to devise a meal plan that ensures the female Labrador gets enough macro and micronutrients. Next, you want to ensure that your Labrador gets enough exercise and playtime. This will allow her to maintain a healthy and ideal body weight. Dog pregnancy tests. Do you want to breed from your dog? But the best place to begin that journey is with this article : Should you let your Labrador have puppies. The above article will help you. How long are dogs pregnant? Dog pregnancy is often considered to last for around nine weeks. The majority of litters across all breeds of dog are born on the 63rd day after ovulation. In a team at Utrecht University in the Netherlands included 31 Labrador retrievers in a study of how breed and litter size affects dog pregnancy length. They found that because Labradors tend to carry large litters they also have slightly shorter pregnancies — .In this case, expect her to give birth 55 to 64 days eight to nine weeks after mating. Why the wide range? Let me explain… Predicting the gestation period of dogs As for all mammals, dog pregnancy begins when sperm fertilizes an egg. Dog sperm can live inside a dog for up to ten days, and whilst it does gradually degrade and become less likely to fertilize an egg, it still means that a girl mated ten days before she ovulates could still get pregnant. How is that possible? Ongoing research at Nippon University in Japan suggests that eggs which are fertilized late then progress through the early stages of development more quickly, so that the puppies are still born a predictable amount of time after ovulation. Now you may be wondering how many babies you might expect. How many puppies is my dog likely to have? In , scientists at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science conducted a retrospective study of over ten thousand dog litters, to find out what factors influence litter size. Their study included Labrador litters, which ranged from one to thirteen puppies, and an average of seven. They found that litter size is closely linked to breed size: Labradors are large breeds, so they tend to have large litters. By comparison, toy breeds and small breeds had an average of three or four puppies in a litter. They also found that litter size decreased as the mother got older, and that litters conceived by artificial insemination produced fewer puppies than natural mating. Studies have also shown that litter sizes decrease when dogs are more closely related. So what happens next? Recognizing signs of pregnancy in dogs A female dog is unlikely to show any signs of pregnancy in the first couple of weeks. Only once the embryo attaches to the lining of the womb do the cascade of hormone changes associated with pregnancy begin, and bring with them their tell-tale symptoms of pregnancy. What dog pregnancy symptoms might you expect to see? Do dogs suffer from morning sickness for example? Do dogs get morning sickness? Well, just like in humans those pregnancy hormones might can make a female dog feel a bit nauseous. So she might go off her food, and even vomit a little. Everything happens in fast forward compared to a human pregnancy through, so morning sickness in dogs only lasts a few days. Other signs of pregnancy Some female dogs show signs of tiredness or listlessness in very early pregnancy because of all the hormones being released. At around 30 days you might notice that her nipples have started to change in color and size. At this time you might also see a discharge of thin clear mucus from her vagina. You should have your dog checked out by your vet if a discharge has blood in it, or if the mucus is not clear or has a bad smell. But just like in the first two months of a human pregnancy, the first couple of weeks is often outwardly fairly uneventful. And despite their best efforts at symptom spotting a Labrador might not show any early signs to those who are watching her closely. There are several ways of confirming pregnancy in dogs — vets are happy to discuss these if necessary. Abdominal palpation is most effective for detecting pregnancy in the fifth week after mating, when the embryos are a little over an inch long three centimeters , but not yet cushioned by amniotic fluid. Someone with a lot of experience might be able to detect embryos by palpation as early as three weeks after mating and as late as six weeks. When this happens, the vet might recommend one of the following alternatives for confirming pregnancy. They are reliable and you can be reassured from as early as three weeks after mating. Many breeders now use these scans routinely. The great advantage of an x-ray is that different skeletal structures, for example the skull, the spine and the teeth, become visible in a very specific order and at very predictable times. Radiography is also the most reliable way of counting how many pups a dog is carrying. Can you give a dog a pregnancy test? So there are multiple of ways of finding out if a dog is pregnant, but is it ever as simple as getting them to pee on a stick? Since Pfizer have produced a pregnancy test for dogs called the Witness Relaxin test, which detects elevated levels of relaxin hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. However, the test needs a sample of blood plasma, so requires a visit the vet to have blood drawn and the plasma separated. These tests can usually detect pregnancy from about days after mating But be warned — they can also produce a false negative result. If you are pretty sure your dog should be pregnant the test should be repeated after a week. The 4 week pregnant dog: days 21 — 27 The fourth week of pregnancy is an exciting time to be a dog embryo. This also the week when embryos are most vulnerable to damage which could impair their development later. The 5 week pregnant dog: days 28 — 34 The mother Labrador to be, and her pups, have made it past the halfway mark! Mom might also start to become uncomfortable and want to rest more. A clear discharge from her vagina at this stage is also no cause for concern. Some female dogs might also begin shedding their hair on their tummies this week as well. And the development of her breasts will be clear to see. This is a completely normal part of the body preparing for birth. As her due date draws near, mom starts to produce colostrum — the nutrient rich first milk her puppies need in their earliest days. They are ready to come out into the world, and the nine week pregnant girl will be nesting in preparation for the impending birth. You can start watching for the signs that mom is going into labour. Canine Labor There are a few behaviors which indicate that birth is imminent. This can last for six to twelve hours, or even longer, while the cervix dilates and prepares for delivery. Human moms even show some of the same signs like being restless and losing their appetite. Even nesting behavior — an urge to clean and tidy up the house. Watch for the following signs: restless and pacing, followed by falling asleep. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you in the process of breeding your dog, or do you already have a pregnant dog at home? Luckily, dogs are very self-sufficient and know how to handle pregnancy and give birth on their own. However, you should know what to expect and be prepared to help in case of an emergency. Dog Pregnancy Calendar — All Stages Of Dog Pregnancy The average length of canine pregnancy is 63 days, but depending on the breed, dogs can be pregnant from 58 to 68 days. Compared to people, dogs are pregnant for a very short time, so you need to know in advance what to expect to support a healthy pregnancy. Check out our whelping checklist for supplies you might need for whelping a litter of pups. Below, you will find a comprehensive guide through all nine weeks of canine pregnancy, from the moment your dog conceives to the actual delivery. A Week-By-Week Dog Pregnancy Calendar Whether you are trying to get your dog pregnant or you already have a pregnant dog at home, congratulations! Caring about a pregnant dog and raising the puppies are the most exciting things you are going to experience as a pet owner. Week One Within the first seven days, after the mating has taken place, ovulation and fertilization happen. During this process, the fertilized eggs will travel down from the uterus to get implanted into the uterine wall. Bear in mind, that ovulation is necessary for successful breeding, but it can be hard to determine whether your dog is ovulating or not. At this stage, you should continue to feed the best dog food and exercise, and play with your dog the same as before she became pregnant. Furthermore, there is no need to include any nutritional supplements at this point, unless your vet says otherwise. From this point on, you should measure your dog regularly and keep a close eye on her weight. However, if your dog starts to lose weight, the puppies may be in danger, so call your vet right away and take your dog for a checkup. These are still the early days of the pregnancy, so you can continue exercising and playing with your dog as you did before. There is also no need to add any nutritional supplements at this point if none were prescribed by your vet. Inside this protective membrane, they will receive all the nutrients necessary for proper growth and development. However, some dogs start to have a bigger appetite around this time, so monitor your dog for an increase. If your dog seems more ravenous than before, you can increase her portion sizes a bit, to satisfy the needs of the growing puppies. Week Four The fourth week of the dog gestation calendar is the time when things really start to happen! Furthermore, your vet will also be able to do an ultrasound, so you can get a rough idea of how many puppies your dog will have. Therefore, you should take your dog to the vet by the middle of the fourth week, even if she looks completely healthy. Besides checking the mom and telling you what to expect in terms of litter size, your vet will also be able to spot any developmental deformities in the puppies. By the end of the fourth week, the puppies will grow to around one and a half centimeters long. Their faces will start to take shape, and they will also start to develop eyes and a spine. And since the fourth week is one of the most formative stages of the pregnancy, the puppies are at the highest risk of sustaining developmental abnormalities. So instead of taking your dog for a morning run, opt for a long walk and avoid high-intensity exercises. Week Five By the fifth week, embryogenesis—the first stage of gestation—ends and the second one begins. At this time, puppies start to form organs and gain weight quickly, and are from now on called fetuses. The good news is that, from this point on, the puppies are less prone to sustaining any developmental issues. During this week, puppies start to develop individual toes and their claws and whiskers also start to grow. They will also develop their male and female organs, so your vet will be able to tell you the genders of the puppies with an ultrasound. At this stage of the pregnancy, the puppies will start to put on weight more quickly, so your dog will start to gain weight considerably as well. Consequently, you will need to start feeding your dog more and adjust her diet accordingly. Instead of two main meals, start feeding several smaller meals to your dog. Your vet will be able to tell you how much food she needs at this stage of pregnancy and might even recommend the best food for pregnant dogs. At this point, the puppies will get their distinctive features and their bones and skeleton start to become solid. Start feeding your dog with high-quality dog food formulated for pregnant dogs, to avoid nutrition and calorie deficiency. Some dogs have a decreased appetite during this stage, due to the discomfort caused by the pregnancy. However, your dog will need a lot of calories from the food to support the still-growing puppies. If your dog experiences a decrease in appetite, start feeding several smaller meals or leave food and encourage free feeding. Week Seven Seven weeks into the pregnancy, the puppies will start to develop hair and their bones will solidify even more. At this point, your dog may start to shed hair from her belly as she is getting ready for the big day. The seventh week of a dog pregnancy calendar should be marked as the time you start preparing for the birth of your new puppies. This is the best time to set a whelping area for your dog! Choose a quiet place away from foot traffic, where your dog will feel safe and comfortable bringing her new puppies into the world. The designated birthing area must be warm and easy to clean. At this time, your vet can do an x-ray to confirm the exact size of the litter. From this point on, your dog can go into labor at any time, so make sure that everything is prepared. Now is your time to make any final adjustments to the whelping area and to see if you have everything you need. Most dogs start lactating a week before labor, thus giving you a good guess of when the puppies will be born. To make your dog more comfortable during whelping, you may consider trimming the hair around her nipples and rear quarters. This will keep the mess at a minimum and make the birthing and nursing process a lot easier for your dog. Week Nine At this point, your dog might start whelping at any time, so be ready to welcome the new puppies. Your dog will start nesting in her whelping box and might become restless and anxious as she prepares for birth. And once your dog goes into labor, try not to show any signs of stress and just be there to provide comfort and support. Remember, most dogs know what to do and can manage everything on their own. To put your mind at ease, you can notify your vet that your dog started whelping and have him on standby in case your dog needs any help. Most dogs will have a noticeably larger belly approximately 40 days into the pregnancy. At this point, it will become clear to everyone that the dog is pregnant. In most cases, a dog pregnancy lasts between eight to nine weeks. If you know when your dog mated, you can easily calculate her due date and use a dog pregnancy tracker to mark all stages of pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy in dogs ranges from 58 to 68 days with an average of 63 days. So if everything is as it should be, your dog will give birth to puppies within the first week of the third month. Dogs can whelp 54 days into the pregnancy, but this is considered an early delivery. Dogs who carry too many puppies for their size go into early labor, but unfortunately, these puppies rarely survive. If you suspect that your dog is showing signs of going into labor earlier than the expected due date, call your vet for advice. You should make all the necessary preparations for an early delivery to be on the safe side. And if your dog starts to give birth early or shows signs of distress during delivery, call your vet right away. A healthy canine pregnancy can last from 58 to 68 days, but the average delivery date is 63 days after mating. Have you ever had a pregnant dog? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Labrador Feeding Questions Here are some common questions that Lab owners have when deciding how much to feed their dogs. Can I feed my Labrador once a day? Feeding frequency for dogs, including Labradors, can vary depending on various factors such as age, activity level, and overall health. While some dogs may do well with one meal a day, it is generally recommended to divide their daily food intake into two or more meals. Labradors, in particular, are known to have a tendency to overeat and become overweight. Feeding them once a day can lead to hunger and potentially encourage them to eat too quickly or excessively in one sitting. This can increase the risk of bloating, a potentially life-threatening condition. It also provides a more consistent energy level throughout the day. They can consider factors such as age, weight, activity level, and any underlying health conditions to provide tailored feeding recommendations. How much should I feed my overweight Labrador? Feeding an overweight Labrador requires careful portion control and a balanced diet. This will serve as a reference point for developing a weight loss plan. Choose a high-quality, low-calorie diet: Opt for a balanced dog food that is specifically formulated for weight management. These diets are lower in calories while still providing essential nutrients. Follow portion control: Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging, but keep in mind that these are general recommendations. Your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate portion size. Monitor treats and table scraps: Limit or eliminate high-calorie treats and table scraps, as they can contribute to weight gain. Consider a gradual weight loss approach: Rapid weight loss is not ideal for dogs and can have negative health effects. This slow and steady approach is healthier and more sustainable. Regular exercise: Along with a controlled diet, regular exercise is essential for weight management. Consult with your veterinarian about appropriate exercise routines for your Labrador, taking into account their current weight and any existing health conditions. Should I feed my Labrador twice a day? Yes, feeding a Labrador twice a day is generally recommended for optimal health and digestion. Splitting their daily food intake into two meals helps to promote better digestion, prevent overeating, and maintain a consistent energy level throughout the day. Labradors have a tendency to overeat and become overweight, so dividing their meals can help control portion sizes and prevent excessive food consumption in one sitting. It also helps to regulate their metabolism and prevent hunger pangs. By feeding your Labrador twice a day, you can provide them with a more balanced and manageable feeding routine. It allows for better absorption of nutrients and reduces the risk of digestive issues such as bloating or stomach discomfort. Foods to Avoid for Labrador Providing leftovers to your Labrador can be harmful to its health because there are some foods that dog parents should avoid giving their dogs. Chocolate is rich in a stimulant known as theobromine, which is somehow similar to caffeine, which is why it is poisonous for the Labrador. The number of stimulants may depend on the type of chocolate. This caffeine-like stimulant directly affects the heart and central nervous system of the Labrador. It may also cause some kidney issues even within 24 hours of eating chocolate. Vomiting, along with diarrhea, is a side effect of chocolate. Many vegetables are highly suitable for the health of Labradors, but onions and garlic are never allowed. Both of these can be toxic even if eaten in small quantities. Therefore, while cooking homemade food for Labradors, you must avoid garlic and onion. Alcohol is another harmful and toxic food item for dogs. If your pup consumes it even in small quantities, it may suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. Moreover, alcoholic beverages also cause depression, a shortage of oxygen, tumors, and blood change. Moldy foods and trash: Bread, nuts, some dairy products, and moldy foods are rich in toxins that cause illness. Take extra precautions to make sure that your Lab cannot access any moldy food. Best Food for Labradors When choosing a food for your Lab, of course cost is an issue. Labs are big dogs that eat a lot of food. Of course we want to spoil our furry friends, but buying the most expensive food on the market is not necessary. In fact, buy a good quality middle-of-the-list food, and even if you can afford more expensive food, put that money away for any unexpected veterinary expenses. Also, counseling the vet before choosing canine food can be a sound methodology for your Labrador retriever. No products found. As always, your veterinarian is a great resource for Lab feeding information. More Lab Information. Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. It helps to boost their immune system and strengthen their joints. Which can lead to weight gain issues in them. It has been observed that Labradors are prone to obesity. If he weighs around kg, then grams of food daily is more than enough, with kcal per day. Note:- Follow our Labrador puppy feeding guide UK, it will help you to keep a track record of food and calorie ratio. In one of our feeding blogs, we have covered: The Cockapoo puppy feeding guide! Adult Labrador Feeding Proportion In his puppy stage, you used to feed him four times a day, right? Well, when your Lab reaches adolescent age, you need to stop feeding him so frequently. You need to cut down that frequency to twice a day. Moreover, you need to switch from puppy-formulated food to adult Labrador food. Because as their weight, age, and activity level increase, their nutrient requirements also vary. We have prepared an adult Labrador feeding chart , which will help you to feed him the correct amount of food. An adult Labrador with high activity will need more food than one with less activity. For instance, your adult Lab, whose weight is around .On the other hand, if he is not an active one then you need to feed, him kcal per day. It is suggested to go for high-quality food that is specially formulated for larger breeds. In this way, you will prevent him from getting affected by any joint issues or other severe health problems, which normally large breeds encounter if they rapidly grow. Senior Labrador Feeding Proportion At the age of 7, your Labrador turns to seniority, where his activity level and appetite decrease slowly. This is because, with age, their body becomes less immune and infected with several health issues. His health, eating habits, and weight, all vary with time. You just cannot feed him the same ratio which you used to give in the adult stage. Now, his body requires different nutrients at different proportion levels. For your better reference, we have prepared a PDF of the senior Labrador feeding chart , which is bifurcated into weight. This will surely help you in feeding him correctly. For example, if your senior Lab whose weight is around .In such a scenario, it is suggested to feed grams of food daily with a total calorie intake ratio of kcal per day. On the other hand, if your oldie Lab is not an active one, then it is suggested to cut down the calorie ratio. Because without any physical activities, and exercises, his metabolism will not work effectively. And how the feeding ratio varies as per their life stage, weight, and activity level. Before following the Labrador feeding guide UK. So, you can select the appropriate dog food for your Lab, as per his health. And feed him the correct amount of food. Nutrients Guidelines Well, checking the nutrient list is one of the essential factors, upon which the feeding schedule is based. Mostly, Labradors are too sensitive, and allergic to grains. Many commercial dog food includes grains, peas, lentils, and other ingredients that are not good for his health. Especially, those who are allergic to grains should not be fed grain food. It can lead to severe health issues in the future. Virbac Movoflex, Synovi Chews, Dasuquin, Cosequin, and Flexadin are some examples of joint supplements that have gone through clinical trials and been proven effective. Meat Protein. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Select Options How to treat your newborn Boxers during their first 8 weeks If you have a litter of a newborn Boxer puppies you should prepare to be close to them at least for 8 first weeks of their life. It is the crucial time when you have to be ready for any situation, as it is the time when the health of your puppy is shaped. Day 1 During this day mother-dog will feed her babies with Colostrum. This is a milky liquid that contains a lot of nutrients, providing the puppies with vital antibodies. This day can be called a " sleepy day", as the puppies will sleep almost all the time when not drinking. If the puppies' bodies are warm, they breathe naturally and make soft noises, they are full and fine. On the first day the puppies cannot eliminate waists from their organism themselves yet, so their mother will lick them to stimulate this process. Boxer puppies have their eyes still closed and it will stay this way for days. The umbilical cord still remains, as it is rather damp and not ready to fall off. Day 2 On this day your puppies can lose weight. Don't be afraid, it is absolutely normal. However, take care that the larger puppies don't push the weaker puppies off the nipple. Day 3 If you decided to dock your puppies' tails, it is the best day to do it. Consult with your vet and consider carefully your decision. It is also the day when the cord is dry enough to fall off. On this day you should remove the dewclaws, if you decided to do so. Remember, that it should be done only by your experienced veterinarian. Week 1 During this week you should weigh your puppy each day. Take a basket lined with a soft and clean towel and measure it first. Then put the puppy into the basket. Thus, you will be able to calculate accurate number. Each day your puppies must gain weight. If there is no increase, contact your vet immediately. The nails should be trimmed each day as they grow very quickly. Please, do it very carefully for not to hurt your dog. You must trim off only a small "hook" of the nail. Week 2 It is the time when your small Boxers begin to open their eyes. It is a slow process so be patient. The puppies still hold close to their mom, but they already make their attempts to communicate with you. Week 3 It is a "chatting time". Now the puppies should fully open their eyes. The ear canal is also should be fully formed so the small Boxers start hearing their voices and barking. Be ready that your little travelers will make an attempts to leave their place. Now they have everything to learn the world better! Although it is not desirable to allow them to run about the house as they can harm themselves. Connect one or more boxes together, thus, making a big "playing ground". This way, your puppies will have enough place to communicate and play with each other. And it will be a safe place! Week 4 On the 4th week you may start feeding your puppies with solid food. Make a mixture containing 14 of puppy dog food and 34 of water. Begin with small amounts. You should habituate your puppies to solid food gradually and slowly as their digestive system cannot accept it at once. You can also remove extra heating. The temperature in the room must be 72 F 23 C. Week 5 It is the time when you can give toys to your puppies. You still have to check their weight, but not necessarily each day. Normal weight should vary between 2 lbs. Gradually make the food more solid by adding more puppy dog food and less water. Mother-dog is tired and exhausted so she would like to spend less time with her children. It is a perfect time for your interaction with the puppies. They will be very happy to play with you. Week 6 On the 6th week you may introduce your puppies a new world. Be ready that your small Boxers will become more active and start eating a lot. However, it is still too early for training. It is better to involve them into outdoor walkings. Try to walk them separately and beware of other dogs. Your puppies will be really fascinated to feel the warmth of the sun and soft touch of the grass! Week 7 You Boxer puppies do not require nursing any more. It is a great time when they grew up enough to involve you in their quite active games. Outdoor walks must become a daily routine. You should also take mother-dog with you as well. She will start educating her children all necessary skills. This week is perfect to pass to the usual routine of dog feeding, grooming, exercise and playing. Week 8 During this week the puppies should have their first vaccinations. If you are not going to keep all the puppies, it is a good time to find a new home for them. Make sure that you give them to the kind and loving people, who will take care of their small Boxers. If you are going to keep all or some puppies, you can begin training them as well as falling back into your normal dog care schedule. Boxer Newborn Puppy Care Overview If you have had a litter of Boxer puppies at your home and you are in charge of taking care of a newborn Boxer puppy, much attention must be taken during the first 8 weeks. From the moment of birth until the pups are at least 2 months old, a person must be close by and ready for any situation. Each week will bring new changes and responsibilities. This is a crucial time for care that can shape the health of the dog for its lifetime. How to Know if a Boxer Puppy is Getting Enough Milk The amount of times that a newborn puppy drinks milk from its mother varies from pup to pup. The important aspect is to know if a puppy is receiving enough throughout the day. Sometimes larger newborns will push their way to Mama and smaller puppies may not be getting enough milk. Some puppies may not be strong enough to suckle from smaller nipples some will be larger than others or strong enough to suckle once other pups have done so, and as the milk supply runs lower a puppy needs to suckle harder. How do you know if a Boxer puppy is getting enough milk? It is important to weigh each puppy. This can be done with a baby scale or electronic kitchen scale. Of course, take great care when weighing them. Always use the same type of blanket or cushioning on the scale so that you always get an accurate weight and the blanket does not affect the weight Weigh each puppy 2 times per day: AM and PM Keep careful track of who is who! You can do this by using a dot of white-out fluid applied to the ear in a certain area or other gentle marking method If a puppy shows no weight gain each day, you must take steps to ensure that pup receives more nutrition If a newborn is not gaining weight: Give the larger puppies a supplement Allow the smaller puppy to drink first; the larger puppies will have more strength to suck harder to retrieve their milk If There is a Weight Loss: This can be extremely dangerous. During the first few days it will not be milk; it will be Colostrum. This is a highly nutritional fluid that gives vital antibodies to the puppy. The puppy will sleep almost all the time, when not drinking. The Boxer pup will also make soft noises. As long as the puppy's body is warm and you feel him or her breathing naturally, all should be fine. A puppy this young will not be able to eliminate on its own. The mother will lick the pup to stimulate the expulsion of bowel or urine. Do not be shocked if the dam then eats this. The newborn Boxer puppy will have its eyes closed. They will stay this way for about 10 to 15 days. The umbilical cord will still be damp and certainly not ready to fall off. Day 2 It is perfectly normal for a Boxer puppy to lose weight on its 2nd day of life. Carefully watch for any Boxer newborn that seems to be getting pushed out of the way by other pups and unable to drink from mom. If this is happening, remove the other puppies after they feed and allow the hungry puppy to nurse alone, not bothered by their brothers and sisters. Day 3 Talk to your veterinarian regarding docking the tail , if you have decided to do so. This is often done on day 3. This decision should be carefully thought about. In addition, the Boxer puppy's cord will be dry and just about ready to fall off. Dewclaws, if removed, are usually done so on this day by your dog's experienced veterinarian. Week 1 Puppies should be weighed each day. This can be done by preparing a small basket, lined with a soft and clean towel. The basket can be placed on the scale first, with the weight noted. Then, the puppy should be placed inside the basket. Subtract the weight of the basket to have the exact weight of your Boxer puppy. There should be an increase each day. If not, be sure to immediately contact your dog's veterinarian. Nails grow very quickly and should be trimmed as often as each day if needed. A clotting solution, such as Kwik Stop should be used in case the quick of the nail is cut by accident something to carefully avoid. As the pup matures, many owners find that a grinder tool works much better than a clipper. Some dogs need to learn to tolerate the noise, but once they do, grinding down nails can be fast and easy. Week 2 The eyes of the Boxer puppy may begin to open. This is a slow process in which they will open bigger and for more time each day. Puppies will still be nesting near mom. You should take a bit more time to handle the puppies. This is done to slowly allow the mother to become used to you holding them and for the puppies to begin bonding with you. Week 3 The Boxer puppy's eyes should be completely open. Ears will be open now, as well. The ear canal should be fully formed. This is a bit of a noisy time, as the Boxer puppies will begin to find their "voices" and begin to bark. A 3 week old Boxer will have an urge to leave the whelping box. They will have an instinctual urge to eliminate outside of their resting and sleeping area. One side of the box can be removed, with newspapers placed right outside. A 2nd box can be connected to the 1st whelping box. This will allow the pups to have room to romp around and play. This will also give the Boxer mom time to rest without her puppies jumping all over her. Allowing the puppies to play with each other in a safe and comfortable box is a necessary part of the first socialization they need. Week 4 When does a Boxer puppy begin eating solid food? The weaning process begins just about now, in Week 4. You may also wish to offer the very health option of homemade meals of only fresh ingredients. Start with small amounts. It will be a slow yet steady process for a puppy's digestive system to become used to solid food. Extra heating can be removed. The room should be at a comfortable 72 F .Week 5 You should begin introducing small toys to the puppy. The weight of the puppy should still be checked, this can be done every other day now. Normal weight varies very much but should fall in the range of 2 lbs. Feeding should change slightly, with more puppy food and less water. The dam may want to spend more time away from the puppies. This is where an owner must step in and have much more interaction with the puppies. While still fragile, they should be more than happy to be patted, cuddled and played with. Week 6 A Boxer puppy will be eating quite a bit of puppy dog food than before. Too young to be house trained , this may be a messy week or 2 since bowel movements will become more frequent. While it is too early to expect a puppy to be trained yet, if the weather is warm and day this is a great week to introduce a puppy to the outside world. If you are caring for more than 1 pup, take each one outside separately or 2 at the most. Always keep the Boxer on a leash and beware of any dogs in the area. Allow them to become used to what grass feels like! Allow a pup to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of a cool breeze. Week 7 Puppies may not be nursing at all any more. They should be spending quite a bit of time with you and with the other puppies. Going outside should be a daily routine. The dam should be brought outside with the pups; she will use this time to teach them skills. This is the time to be very close to a dog's normal routine of grooming , feeding, exercise and play time. Week 8 This is the week that the puppies will receive their 1st vaccinations. If you will not be keeping the puppies, now is the time to begin the process of finding them a good home. All prospective owners should be evaluated fully. Make home visits if possible. Do not be afraid to ask many questions. If you will be keeping all or some of the puppies, now is the time to fall into normal care for your dog. Housebreaking training can begin as well as falling back into your normal schedule. See Also: Boxer puppy care - Overview of what is needed to take great care of a new Boxer puppy. Boxer dog questions and answers - Round-up of some of the most common issues and care elements with the Boxer breed. A Limited amount of "Advance Deposits" will be accepted on each upcoming litter. Once we have reached the limited amount of advance deposits per litter, the litter will read as full. That means no more advance deposits will be accepted for that litter. If you are interested in a litter that says full, please check back once puppies have been delivered to see if there are any available puppies on that litter. If you are truly wanting a Kloud 9 Boxer, we highly recommend placing an advance deposit on one of our upcoming litters. If our litters are full , please check back.Sometimes families move their reservation to an available puppy that we have in our litters which will then open up our upcoming litters. When you see "Expected Month ", the month is based on a projection of when we expect puppies to be born. That rough date may vary as nature takes her course. There is a possibility that the females season will run late which will make the expected litter arrive at a later month. There is also a possibility that the female will come into season a little earlier which then will have her litter be expected earlier. After a breeding has taken place, the date becomes much more specific but is still based on birthing puppies. We will highlight the expected due date in yellow which means that the breeding pair has been bred and we are expecting pups around the yellow highlighted date. So, if you are trying to figure out a rough "take home date" for the future, add two months to the "Highlighted yellow" date. By: Author As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Muscular, stocky, and powerful, the boxer is a breathtaking dog. Her broad deep chest, compact and arched toes, and a regal distinctly shaped head make her a beauty to behold. Character wise, the breed also excels in more ways than one. She is intelligent, playful, and very energetic. Whether you are looking for an exercise companion or just an affectionate pet to own, the boxer will exceed your expectations. Perhaps your boxer friend fell pregnant without your knowledge. Maybe you are curious about breeding the boxer for one reason or the other. Either way, arming yourself with the right information on what happens during the reproduction of boxers is key. In this guide, I will be answering a frequently asked question among Boxer enthusiasts: how many puppies is a boxer likely to have in her first litter? In , a Bakersfield Boxer dog named Sasha made headlines when she gave birth to a whopping 14 full-bred puppies. She almost broke the world record which was fifteen at the time. Two more puppies and Sasha would have topped the list. We rushed to the dog house. First came one puppy. Then another and another until the fourteenth one! All the puppies except one from the litter lived. The pet parents maintained that they would give away 12 of the puppies while retaining only one for themselves. This is more or less the standard for medium-large-sized dogs. However, first-time boxer mothers seem to get more puppies. We checked several social media and meetup groups to find out the experience of boxer owners on this. Most of them claim that their boxer dogs got more than ten puppies for their first litter. A good number recorded puppies. Clearly, this one was not picked up by the news outlets. She would have been named the record breaker! Only a handful of the parents stated that their dogs got less than 10 puppies for their first litter. Still, getting less than 10 puppies is a possibility as well. Keep in mind that the average litter size for the breed is puppies. Different puppies give birth to different litter sizes. The size of the litter is dependent on many things including the weather conditions, health of the mother dog, and her food intake. Boxers reach the proestrus age from 6 months to 1 year. If you are planning to breed, watch out for this timeline. However, your doggie is pretty much an adolescent at this point. It will not be until 2 years of age that she will be referred to as an adult. Sadly yes. The study was conducted to find out the frequency of dystocia in the boxer breed among measuring other reproductive parameters in the breed. Dystocia refers to the inability or difficulty in passing a fetus via the birth canal without being assisted. It encompasses a variety of issues ranging from slow dilation of the cervix to an abnormal drop of the fetus during labor. After doing the experiment, the researchers concluded that the boxer is at a high risk for whelping problems. As a result, a large chunk of the members of the breed need emergency C-sections in their whelpings. From the study, cases of dystocia increase with age of the dog from four years of age. For boxers, the cases are mainly caused by fetal malpresentation and uterine inertia. Like other dogs, not all boxer puppies survive in the first litter in all situations. Many of the boxer owners who answered the question of how many puppies do boxers reproduce in their first litter confirmed this. Others claimed two died. The same goes for Sasha whose puppy died leaving 13 behind. A few of the pet parents said that all the puppies from the large litter made it. Nevertheless, expect to die. If you are lucky, all will live to be adults. It boils down to the care given to the pups, genetics, among other factors. Parting Thoughts A boxer dog has a happy and jolly temperament. Any opportunity to add more puppies to your family is exciting for this reason. It gives you and your family extra members to have fun and play with. If your boxer dog is pregnant for the first time, you must have a lot of questions in your mind. One of them is how many puppies to expect. Hopefully, this guide has sufficiently answered the question for you. Here are more articles about pregnancy and whelping you may want to check:.

Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl is coming back for its 19th year of canine competition. The famous furry sports event features rescue puppies playing their version of football on Super Bowl Sunday. Puppy Bowl will be the largest yet, with puppy players from 67 different shelters and rescues making up the event's Team Ruff and Team Fluff. Among the peppy pets competing in this year's big game are 11 rescue puppies with special needs, who are ready to show off their athletic prowess and help their team win the Puppy Bowl's "Lombarky" trophy. Read on to learn about these impressive pooch players ahead of Puppy Bowl .The rescue helped the pup learn how to eat and drink with her cleft palate, and now Mykonos is an active "play hard, sleep hard girl," according to Animal Planet. The puppy lost his injured leg, a trauma that hasn't stopped the playful and loving pooch from living life to the fullest. Rescue Dogs Rock stepped in to take over the canine's care because the facility knew "she could still have a wonderful life. According to his caretakers, Joey, who adores playing with other special needs pooches, makes everyone smile. Cheeky Tinker is succeeding non-stop today, charming everyone she meets and acing behavior training. The sibling pups have helped each other socialize and blossom into sweet pets. Related Articles. Image credit: Discovery While football fans are ready to enjoy Super Bowl , anyone who is more interested in retrievers than receivers will be happy to know that Puppy Bowl is on the way. Puppy Bowl , or Puppy Bowl XIX taking inspiration from the Super Bowl , is an opportunity to celebrate adoptable dogs as well as the shelters and rescues that work to help these animals find their forever homes. To do this, the Puppy Bowl features more than dogs playing on a faux football field with toys and each other, and maybe even occasionally score a touchdown. Here is everything you need to know about Puppy Bowl .It'll stream on Discovery Plus at the same time. Check out a sneak peek from Entertainment Weekly. You can see them all in this gallery on the Discovery website , but directly below we have the starting lineups for Team Ruff and Team Fluff. Starting January 13, you can vote on which pup in the starting lineup is going to win "Most Pup-ular" in the third annual Pupularity Playoffs. As a member of Team Ruff, Bleu is said to have a nose for clues. Seattle Seahawks defensive end Shelby Harris has reportedly given Cooper some tips. She's described as shy but a world class snuggler. Cloud, Fla. Like his namesake, Jimmy Kibble is said to be quiet silly. He is a Terrier playing with Team Fluff. He is deaf, but is still fearless. She is deaf and vision-impaired, but will give Team Fluff all she's got. Moocow is from Bosley's Place in Smyrna, Ga. He's a little pup, but has big dog energy. How to adopt Puppy Bowl dogs Many of the dogs that are competing in the Puppy Bowl have wonderfully already found their forever homes. However, for those that haven't, the information on the shelters and rescues that they are from will be provided during the broadcast for interested viewers to check out. And even if the pup you have your eye on is already adopted, their shelters will have other dogs available for adoption, possibly including one of their siblings. For more information, check out Discovery. Puppy Bowl hosts While the stars of the Puppy Bowl are undoubtedly the pups, there are a few humans that will be a big part of the proceedings. Dan Schachner is returning to the Puppy Bowl for the 12th time as the referee. Other Puppy Bowl programming There will be more than just the Puppy Bowl "game" for fans to enjoy, as Animal Planet and Discovery Plus have a number of programs related to Puppy Bowl on the docket. There will also be exclusives with both Team Ruff and Team Fluff. Airing on Animal Planet and streaming on Discovery Plus. Pup Close and Personal segments Segments that share the back stories of the participating dogs, including Cooper and Inya. Discovery Plus, meanwhile, is the streaming option. In addition to being available in the US, Discovery Plus is available in a range of countries , including the UK, meaning that the Puppy Bowl should be available to those outside of the US signed up for Discovery Plus. Also, ahead of the planned merger of HBO Max and Discovery Plus, the former streaming service is also going to be streaming the Puppy Bowl for its subscribers. May 20, , AM A child holding a pug puppy. Right: A pug sitting on a colourful duvet. Alekuwka Dreamstime , Teerachat Aebwanawong Dreamstime Pugs, while very cute, should no longer be considered a "typical dog" because of all the health issues that come along with the breed, according to a new U. Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College made that slightly awkward declaration this week, after comparing the breed's health issues to those of other dogs. They looked at 16, pugs and compared them to , dogs of other breeds, and they found that pugs' physical features put them at a higher risk of having health issues, obesity and other disorders. They found that pugs are more prone to disease than other breeds and that they also showed higher rates of obesity, breathing problems and heart issues. Researchers pointed to pugs' unusual noses as one of the reasons they have more medical issues — a trait that humans have specifically tried to breed into them. The study points out that many people fall in love with pugs' baby-like features, but "these same facial features that humans find so appealing have also been associated with several conformationally-driven disorders. While their popularity is on the rise in the United Kingdom, they are equally as popular in the U. All this is to say that while pugs are cute, the evidence suggests that humans have bred them in a way that they're just not as healthy as other dogs. From Your Site Articles. View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26, .Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on December 16, Milkshake is an adorably wrinkly 3-year-old pink pug with a booming modeling career and an impressive social media following , thanks to his unusual coloring and charming personality. De Dozsa met Milkshake when he was only 6 weeks old, and says he was noticeably different from his littermates. Milkshake was the only puppy of the litter to be born with light fur, piercing blue eyes, and a bright pink nose. Despite his differences, De Dozsa tells Daily Paws that it was love at first sight. While other pugs can have similar coloring due to albinism which can cause other health issues , Leucism only results in lack of pigmentation—meaning an otherwise perfectly healthy pup. You can imagine that having an adorable new puppy—and a pink one nonetheless—meant that Milkshake wound up being a very popular little pooch early on. De Dozsa obviously shared photos and videos of Milkshake when he was just a wee one, to the delight of her followers and friends. The little guy is a natural, with De Dozsa describing him as a "brilliant pet model and influencer" thanks to his natural love of the spotlight. As much as he loves going to the park and playing ball, he loves posing for photos and modeling. He even has his own social life, filled up with exciting events like London Dog Week, doggie brunches , and fundraising work for charities that support causes near and dear to his family's heart, like mental health awareness and breast cancer research. In his off-time, Milkshake loves to travel, hang out, and be spoiled by his doting mom. Was this page helpful? With special needs I first found out about Grayson from a cryptic message at the end of October. All it said was that there is an extremely sick Frenchie in a shelter scheduled for euthanasia today that we were trying to pull him out and whether I would foster to which I said of course. It was exactly 3 days later when I got a call from the director of the rescue. Grayson made it to our vet and his evaluation was not good. He had a left sided failure caused by a genetic heart issue complicated by heartworms, a completely preventable condition, and he was given a week to live. I felt like there had to be more I could do for this dog and then it hit me — Grayson is dying and he never got to experience anything! We took him to the beach where he tried to chase the seagulls even though he could barely walk, to a ranch where he got kissed by a wild pony, on a convertible ride to get a puppachino, we cooked him steak, he met and peed on a giant tortoise, had a professional photoshoot and visited Bayou Bend Gardens. Before we knew it, a week turned into two, then three and before we knew it he had people overseas reaching out about his story. People were asking about heartworms and he was making a difference. Just as we began hoping Grayson may celebrate New Year with us, an upper respiratory infection hit him with an incredible strength. For two weeks we fought as hard as we could for him hoping his appetite would pick back up knowing well this may be it. And then he finally had a good day, and one after that, he got excited about meal times and I felt like I could breathe again. As of today, Grayson got to eat Turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas both, he celebrated Mother's and Father's day, he has met endless friends and lived a life he should have had from the start. None of this changes the fact that his condition is terminal. When his symptoms become severe enough and he can no longer enjoy his life, we will be there to hold him as he crosses over. But it will not be today. This is a story of a rescue taking in a dog that will never make it out. A dog that never stood a chance but a dog whose life has been turned around because the rescue stepped in. His story could have ended in that shelter but it did not. Living with Grayson for the past 2 months has taught us more than I would have ever thought a dog could. Grayson was abused and he will pay the ultimate price yet he is not bitter at all, the opposite in fact. He loves people and wants to be loved on all day long. He has learned his new name within days and runs to us as fast as his body allows him to. Having him here has made us to cherish every single day because we are not promised tomorrow. He taught us to let go of our baggage and live in the now. Your donations help not only dogs getting ready for adoptions but also dogs like Grayson, dogs that will live out the rest of their days in rescue. We thank you for your support.

Puppies of all ages like getting filthy. However, bathing your puppy while it is too young is not a good idea. Only pups above the age of 12 weeks should be bathed. Until they are mature enough, you may have to settle with a sponge wash to clean your puppy. The less water your dog consumes before the age of 12 weeks, the better. Simply use a wet towel to spot clean your pet. Dry your puppy as soon as possible. Puppies acquire cold quickly because their body clocks and inner natural temperature regulating systems in the body are not fully formed. This is especially true for french bulldog puppies, who have just one coat, a topcoat, as opposed to most other dog breeds, which have two coats, a topcoat, and an undercoat, to keep them warm. As a result, two factors must be considered while determining a washing regimen for your French bulldog puppy. The frequency of bathing, first, and a thorough post-bath drying down, second. Dry shampoo is an excellent method to keep puppy cleanliness in between baths. A dry shampoo is an excellent tool, but it is critical to select the proper one. It is not the greatest technique to keep the dog clean; a fast wash is preferable to dry shampoo. Some individuals, however, like it since it is more convenient. For example, if your French bulldog puppy becomes muddy after playing outside, he needs a wash, even if it is an unplanned one. Your veterinarian is a wonderful resource for guidance on bathing frequency. It is highly efficient and easily removes dirt and oil. It is recommended to stick to dog products developed specifically for dogs, such as… Dog shampoos Dog soaps Dog moisturizers You may give your puppy a wash once he or she is above the age of 12 weeks. Depending on the size of your puppy, a sink or large bowl may be the most convenient method to bathe him. Bathtubs are ideal for bigger dogs. Brush your pet well before beginning the bath. This will get rid of any extra dirt and hair. Brushing aids in the removal of shedding hair from the dog. This will also help to avoid knots or matted hair after quite a bath. Prepare the water! Ensure the water is at a mild temperature. Make sure the dog is comfortable throughout the bath. During wash time, the dogs may slip and injure themselves. The shampoo will come next. Your dog should only be bathed using puppy shampoo. These shampoos and conditioners have been created just for your dog. Shampoo and detergent soap designed for humans may be too harsh for your dog. When washing your puppy, be careful not to get soap in their ears, mouth, or nose. Rinse your dog off with warm water. The rinsing procedure will be aided if you have access to a handheld sprayer or hose. Remove your dog from the bath once it has been thoroughly washed. To dry your dog, use a soft towel. It is not difficult to bathe your dog. Ascertain that the bath is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. They may not enjoy bathing, but the easier you make it for them, the less they will mind. Perhaps they will even love a bath! Gums must be pink and healthy. As the french bulldog puppy develops into maturity, this will make brushing and cleaning teeth and administering medicine much easier. If you try to do this with a french bulldog that is not used to it, they may snap at you or even bite you if they are not used to it. COAT The coat of a french bulldog puppy should be glossy and smooth to the touch. While grooming, keep an eye out for parasites, wounds, abnormal swellings, and patchiness. Brushing is also an excellent technique to minimize shedding. NAILS Daily nail clipping is necessary for the health of your French bulldog, as well as the protection of your furniture and your own body from scratches. You may either do it yourself at home with the right pet nail trimming tools or hire a grooming expert to come to your home and do it for you. If you walk your dog a lot, the nails will often be short due to walking on a rough surface. The breed does not have an excessive amount of oils in their coat , which means they do not need grooming as often as other breeds. Neither can stay clean for very long. Put them in their Sunday best and a minute later they are dirty. And the more smears on their faces the happier they look! But there is a big difference between the two. You can pop your child in the tub any time you want. But you must be careful bathing your puppy. They will always need a bath but you must wait! Puppies at any age like to get dirty. But it is not smart to bathe your puppy when it is too young. You should only bathe puppies that are older than 12 weeks. Until they are old enough you might have to settle cleaning your puppy with a sponge bath. Before your dog is 12 weeks old the less water the better. Just spot clean your puppy with a damp cloth. Use a mild dog shampoo on the puppies sensitive skin and hair. Dry your puppy off right away. Depending on the size of your puppy the sink or large bowl might be the easiest way to bathe. For larger pups use the bathtub. This will remove excess dirt and hair. Brushing helps rid the dog of shedding hair. This will also prevent tangles or matted hair after the bath. You do not want your puppy to be burned or to be too cold in the bath. Make sure the bath is comfortable for the dog. A rubber bath mat under the dogs feet will make them comfortable. Sometimes the dogs can slip and hurt themselves during bath time. You must select the correct shampoo for your dog. Use only puppy shampoo on your dog. These shampoos and conditioners are designed for your pup. Human shampoo and dish soap can be too strong for your delicate puppy. If you can use a hose or handheld sprayer, this will make the rinsing process easier. But make sure the flow of water is not too much for the little guy. Use a gentle spray or mist, but make sure they are well rinsed and no soap is left. Bathing your dog is not hard. It is much easier when you make it enjoyable for you and your dog. This may be the first time your dog gets a bath but certainly not the last. Make sure the bath is a calm pleasant experience. They may not love taking a bath but the easier you make it on the dog they may not mind bathing as much. Maybe they will even enjoy taking a bath! This is a good question because the answer depends on many factors: the breed of the dog, size, medical conditions, and how active the dog is. If you have a French Bulldog , the2nd most popular dog in the US, the answer becomes much more interesting. French Bulldogs have a single short coat of hair. They get cold quickly. During summer, they are prone to heatstroke because it is hard for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. Also, their skin is too thin, and bathing them regularly can strip their skin of its natural oil. Therefore, it is crucial to have all the necessary information you need to determine how often to bathe your Frenchie. You also need to know how to wash your Frenchie properly and keep them clean between baths. Follow this article for a comprehensive guide. A general rule of thumb Frenchies should be bathed once every 1 to 2 months. Although many French Bulldog owners say they wash them about 5 or 6 times a year, or as needed, most owners find the as needed comes more often than 5 or 6 times a year. If you have a Frenchie that loves rolling in the dirt, you may find that more frequent bathing is necessary; each Frenchie is different. Does it act as messy as a piglet? If you need to clean not only his paws but also his fur when you get back from the outside, then you have full hands of works. As a replacement, you can use a dry cleaning foam and wet towel that will help you remove all the dirt from their fur. Use products suitable for sensitive skin and rich in herbs that provide essential and healthy moisture. Check the section on keeping Frenchies clean between baths for more. Does your dog have dry and flaky skin? Is the skin sensitive? If your dog developed any of the previously mentioned issues, it would be best if you consult with your vet before determining the frequency of baths. If your dog does not have any serious issues, you can bathe them with shampoo and water once per month. Frenchies have numerous folds that require to be cleaned in the meanwhile. They can collect dirt, moisture, and food leftovers that may trigger severe irritations. The flip side is that Frenchies have oils in their skins, just like all dogs do. It keeps their coat healthy and their skin healthy too. What about a French bulldog with allergies? If your Frenchie has pre-existing skin allergies, it would be best to defer you to your veterinarian. They would determine the cause and treatment and what works best for your particular dog. Here are some tips for making bath time a success. Use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Clean the ears, and wash any gunk from around the eyes. Make sure you thoroughly dry the wrinkle area. If your Frenchie has tear stains, you can remove them with an appropriate cream. How to keep Frenchies clean between baths Fun fact: your Frenchie dreads bathing just as much as you dread bathing it. Here are some methods to keep him clean and keep the need for bathing down to a minimum. Clean Their Ears — This will prevent odors and painful infections. Clean Their Tail Pocket — Clean the area around the tail, especially if it smells. Doggie Sprays — Doggies sprays are like human perfumes but specially crafted for dog hair. They work great for keeping your Frenchie smelling good. Dry Shampoo — Apply dog-friendly dry shampoo on the dog and brush it out. This is great for keeping them smelling great. A homemade combination of cornstarch and baking soda works just as well. Pet Wipes — Pet wipes are an excellent touch-up cleaning option for French Bulldogs. Watch out for wrinkles and paws - Wrinkles can be a prime area for infections when they are moist, so you should dry them off with wipes or tissue. Also, make sure to dry the gaps between their toes. Takeaway To conclude, how often you bathe your Frenchie is all down to an as and when basis. If your French Bulldog is covered in mud and stinks, he needs a bath — no argument. However, with lighter dirt, just brush it off and possibly use a good dry shampoo product. The less often you bathe your French Bulldog with water and cleaning products, the less their natural oils, skin, and coat will suffer. Frenchies are trainable. Starting them off at a young age can make all the difference in how they accept the bathing process. If you love learning more about French bulldogs, go ahead and sign up for our Frenchie Blog. According to Wikipedia , the French Bulldog is the 4th most popular breed of dog for a pet in the UK in .In , it was Australia's 3rd most popular dog. A French Bulldog can live up to 10 years in general while this breed lives up to 14 years in the UK. In France, the lifespan of a French Bulldog is up to 13 years. French Bulldogs have single short coat. They get cold easily. During summer, they are prone to heatstroke because it is had for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. Another consideration when bathing your Frenchie is the oil in their skin. French Bulldogs skin is too thin and bathing them regularly can strip their skin of its natural oil. French Bulldog pups are small and tiny. They can catch chills easily so make sure to have their towel handy. Make sure that the water is lukewarm and not extremely hot. For a French Bulldog pup, giving a bath twice a week is okay until they are big enough. Make fast movements when bathing your Frenchie pup. Start wetting their back. Once it is wet, pour a small amount of natural dog shampoo on your hand then massage it slowly on your pups' body. Rub slowly to their neck, at the back of their eras, then down to their legs. Be very careful not to let water into your pup's ears. You can try folding their ears, it works! After lathering your pup with shampoo, wash it off gently. Wrap the towel around your pup and dry him completely. While bathing your pup, you can check if he or she is enjoying the water or not. If your pup loves it, you can continue bathing your pup every other week or once a week until it is fully grown. For an adult French Bulldog, start cleaning their face first. Their face is prone to bacterial and yeast infection so keep it dry and clean all the time. Once their face is clean, you can start pouring lukewarm water to your Frenchie's body. Once your Frenchie is completely wet, start giving him his shampoo. Rub it gently around your Frenchie, from his head to his legs. Wash your pet completely then dry him off. One product that you can use when bathing your Frenchie is a grooming glove. In her YouTube video, Bridget and Leo shared how a grooming glove made it easier for her to give Leo her Frenchie a bath. According to trendingbreeds. Regular bath means once a week or once every two weeks. To keep your Frenchie clean at times when you cannot bath it, you can do the following: Clean your Frenchie with wet wipes Pet parents often resort to using wet wipes in cleaning their pet children. They use it to clean them after eating or pooping. It is also used to keep them clean when it is too cold for their furry babies to have a bath. There are scent-free baby wet wipes available in supermarkets and groceries. Avoid getting it on their eyes though. Give your Frenchie dry shampoo Giving your dog dry shampoo is a convenient way to keep your French Bulldog smelling great even after not having a bath. But don't make it a habit. According to their website, dry shampoo is made of clay and starch powders that can restore the shiny skin of your dog, but it will also absorb your Frenchie's natural skin oil. Clean their body parts respectively Without a bath, dirt can accumulate in some parts of your French Bulldog's body such as ears , mouth, and tail pocket. You can keep your baby clean by cleaning these parts regularly, even if you can't bath it. Keeping their ears clean and checked all the time will reduce the risk of ear infection. Keeping their mouth checked and clean all the time will reduce the risk of your dog developing a stinky doggie breath. As for their tail pocket, you have to clean it every time your Frenchie poop or pee. According to allaboutfrenchies. However, if you will bath them, here are the do's and don't that you have to know. Do's Massage your dog's skin slowly with soap or dog shampoo Make sure to use lukewarm water Make sure to dry them properly especially the wrinkled area Check their paws, make sure it is completely dry Don'ts Avoid getting soap or shampoo in their eyes Avoid getting water, soap or shampoo inside their ear Do not leave them unattended Don't forget to give your French Bulldog a brush after a bath. Brushing their skin helps in removing some old skin. In an article published by bluehavenfrenchbulldogs. French Bulldogs are not active dogs. They often play for a while, but they don't run or roll outside like another breed of dogs. They are indoor dogs. As a pet parent, you can bath your dog daily if you wish but consider these possible effects: It will reduce your dog's natural oil in the skin It is not practical especially if your dog stays indoors all the time Cost for dog shampoo and soap increases Unnecessary waste of time To sum it up, bathing a French Bulldog more than 5x a year is risky as it can dry their skin according to frenchbulldogowner. General care means grooming and that includes bathing. As concluded, you should not give your Frenchie a daily or weekly bath. It is not necessary. To keep your pet child clean and smelling fresh every day, here are general care tips that you can do. Ear care — use a dog-friendly ear cleaner to remove dirt and debris from your Frenchie's ears Paw care — there are paw balms that you can use to keep your pet's paw clean and dry all day. A Frenchie's paw is susceptible to infection when it stays moist for a long time. Always check your Frenchie's paws for abrasions and cracks too Eye care — after playing for a day, your Frenchie can get tired and their eyes can get tired. It can become teary or moist. Use natural wipes to clean their eyes. Don't leave any moist on their eyes to maintain their look of freshness Nail care — long nails are uncomfortable for your Frenchie. Always check their nails to prevent possible injuries in case they jump on you or anyone Dental care — most pet parents kiss their dogs and even if you don't kiss your Frenchie, it is important to give it good dental care. Brush their teeth once or twice a week to prevent that 'stinking doggie breath' Facial care — indeed! You need to give your Frenchie a facial wash weekly especially their wrinkles. When left moist, it can become a breeding ground for pests that causes infection French Bulldogs don't require expensive regular hair cut because their hair only needs minimal grooming. You just need to give a brush once a week to keep it shiny and to remove excess or fallen hair. If you got a pup French Bulldog, you are in luck. French Bulldogs are trainable. Train them by showing that you are playing, and they can adapt and learn tricks easily. This applies if you want to make bathing your Frenchie easier. At first, make it a habit to bath your dog at the same time. It can become a hobby and your Frenchie will get used to it. Second, teach your Frenchie to stand on a table or wall to make bathing easier. If your Frenchie has not taken a bath in a month, go ahead and make him feel fresh today. If you just bathed your Frenchie lately, just be sure that his face wrinkles are dry as well as his paws. There is no need to give him another bath today because French Bulldogs don't need it. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Pin1 1 Shares Washing and bathing are one of the biggest concerns new Frenchie owners have. How often should you bathe a French Bulldog? Ideally you should bathe a French Bulldog no more than 5 times a year to avoid drying out their natural skin oils. However, this is very impractical in most cases, so the rule of thumb is to bathe them when they are smelly and very dirty but using the right cleaning products. Well, let me give you a personal example. We take Claude for his walks every day, and for half of the year that means a lot of mud. He loves to cool down in muddy waters as you can see in this photo and will always get mud caked up his legs and under his belly. We need to bathe our French Bulldog more often than we would like due to his playing habits! Now, do we then want that muddy Frenchie in our living space and on our bed? No, of course not, so we do have to bathe our French Bulldog more often than we would ideally like. And I am sure that will be the same for you. So, how often do we bathe our French Bulldog in reality? Well, for us, probably a couple of times a month. You spray it on their coat, then wipe them down with a towel — meaning no bath or shower needed. You can see the dry shampoo we use on Amazon. But what does this mean exactly? Well, Frenchies have oils in their skins, just like all dogs do. It keeps their coat healthy, and their skin healthy too. We need to bathe as French Bulldog Claude as often as twice a month — not ideal, but needs necessitate regular washing. What products are best for bathing your Frenchie? With that in mind, we know that the reality is you will be bathing your Frenchie more often than 5 times a year. So, what cleaning products should you use that will help to not just keep their natural oils in check, but also alleviate any itchiness or allergies? It needs to be something that ticks these boxes: PH balanced. Pitcher or nozzle to rinse your puppy 3. Positive Reinforcement Treats More than a step, this is a concept to implement. Where to Bathe a Puppy Consistency and positive association are key in this step. You want your puppy to always relate his bathing spot with a happy and fun experience. A puppy will shower just fine in the kitchen sink or bathroom. A walk-in shower or a regular bathtub is the best place for a larger breed puppy. There are also bathing puppy tubs you can purchase. If the weather is hot you can bathe your puppy outside. Just make sure the water from your garden hose or faucet has the appropriate temperature. Puppies will chill rapidly. You can use a tub, baby bathtub, or even a kiddie pool. Avoid the grass or yard for obvious reasons. Brush Your Puppy Often overlooked by pet parents, brushing your puppy is one of the essential parts of puppy bath time. Before even turning on the water, brush your puppy thoroughly to remove tangles and knots. Be gentle when brushing, specifically in areas such as the armpits, groin, or ears. The fur in those areas tends to create firm knots. Brushing without looking can hurt your dog. If a foreign object i. Pro Tip: Brushing time is also the perfect opportunity to check for bumps, wounds, fleas, and other abnormalities that could mean a bigger health issue. So, can I bathe my dog in cold water? Their experience with temperature is different from ours. You need to be gentle. Get your puppy in his bathing spot. Use a very gentle stream of water to wet your puppy gradually. Lightly lather the shampoo in a circular motion. Rub in it thoroughly. Start with their paws and work your way up. Leave face for last. Pay close attention to places prone to dirt such as armpits and tail. Avoid the eyes as much as possible. Be careful with the nose and mouth. Rinse your puppy. Start from the head and work your way down. Rinse more than once until all the suds and shampoo residue disappears. Drying The Puppy After the splish-splash fun is over, immediately wrap him in a dry towel. If you want to speed things up, you might want to use a dog blow dryer. Set the blow drier on a low setting, at a reasonable distance from your dog, and constantly moving to avoid burning your puppy with the hot air. Watch A Puppy Get His First Bath Check out this video to see an experienced dog dad bathe Husky puppies using some of the tricks and techniques in this post. For a puppy to remain calm during bath time, teach him to associate the experience with good things. The first treat should always be given when your pup gets in the tub. You can use treats throughout the entire bathing process. Using a lick pad is an excellent trick to get your pup to sit still during a bath. Just stick the pad to the side of the tub and add peanut butter. This little puppy bathing hack should keep your puppy busy and happy during the shower so you can focus on cleaning. Start with small exposure. Dip your finger into water and let your puppy smell or lick it. If he reacts well, praises him again. Gradually increase water exposure over multiple weeks. A warm cloth or wipes are good tools to introduce water to your puppy. So, how to bathe a puppy without water? There are a few options to contemplate. Use bath dog wipes for a quick and hassle-free bath. These specially-made wipes for dogs will remove bacteria and unpleasant odors. Your second option would be waterless dog shampoos. You can also sprinkle baking soda and rub it gently from neck to paws, not the face. This product soaks up any bad odors. Let sit for a couple of minutes, then brush. While these tips for bathing a puppy seem easy and quick, be careful with your eyes or breathing passages. When Can Bathe A Puppy? The optimal age to bathe a newborn puppy, according to our research and expert groomers, is 6 weeks old. However, you must assess the frequency and establish a proper puppy bathing schedule. Remember not to over-bathe, and use our guide above to bathe your pup correctly. Yes, bathing a 9-week-old puppy is safe. He is old enough and well over the bathing threshold to have full baths. Bathing an 8-week-old puppy is possible. You can use dog wipes or a lukewarm washcloth to clean him up if he is not too dirty. Use our ten-step guide above if you decide to bathe your furry friend. At two weeks old, puppies have just started to be able to regulate their body temperature. Wait a couple of weeks more, ideally until six-week of age. There is no set age. However, they can safely get wet at three weeks old, as puppies can regulate their body temperature after two weeks. We advise you to wait as long as possible to avoid any complications. An all-natural and tearless puppy shampoo that contains oatmeal and aloe vera work best for 8-week-old puppies. Never use human shampoo or soap. Puppies can safely be bathed at one and a half months or two months of age. Improving the hygiene of your puppy is essential, and dogs enjoy being clean, just like people. We hope this guide serves you well to get you on the right track regarding puppy bathing. Puppies can safely enjoy baths at 6 weeks old or older. We invite you to read our CBD oil for dogs guide to learn more. Like It? Bathing a French Bulldog puppy can be a daunting task. Knowing how often to bathe your French Bulldog puppy and how to prepare for the bath can ensure the process is comfortable and stress-free. Regular baths with a gentle canine shampoo should begin around this age. French Bulldogs should generally be bathed around once every two to four weeks. However, how often you bathe your pup may depend on their grooming needs and lifestyle. Puppies with thick coats may require more frequent baths and those with a more moderate coat can get away with having it done less often. During bouts of extreme weather— such as a hot summer or cold winter— more frequent baths may be necessary. Preparing for a Bath Getting your French Bulldog puppy ready for their bath is just as crucial as knowing when to introduce one. Start by deciding what type of bath is best for your puppy. Never add human shampoo to avoid skin irritation. This will help get rid of any built up dirt or debris and prevent it from ending up in their eyes and ears during the bath. If you have a hooded dryer, you can use it to blow mild air over the coat and prevent your pup from getting too cold in the bath. Work up a lather, starting from their head and working your way towards their tail. Remember to keep shampoo out of their ears, eyes, and nose. For a proper lather, you may have to go over their coat a few times. Step 4: Rinsing Rinse their coat thoroughly with lukewarm water. This is especially important with long-haired puppies because shampoo buildup can irritate their skin. You may have to rinse several times to ensure all shampoo residue is removed. Step 5: Drying Using a few towels, dry your pup by gently patting their coat. Make sure their coat is completely dry before allowing them to jump out of the tub or off the grooming table. Step 6: Treats End the experience on a positive note with a treat to reward them for being a good pup. Knowing when to begin bathing your pup and how to get them ready can ensure the experience is comfortable and safe. Paying attention to their age, safety, and overall health during the bathing process is important for their wellbeing. Related Info And Products:. Unlike many other dogs that have an undercoat and an overcoat, French Bulldogs only have one coat of hair, and this coat might show the dirt if the dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Bathing is the best way to keep your Frenchie looking and smelling his best. How often should I bathe my Frenchie? Frenchies should be bathed once every 1 to 2 months. Although many French Bulldog owners say they bathe them about 5 or 6 times a year, or as needed, most owners find the as needed comes more often than 5 or 6 times a year. If you have a Frenchie that loves rolling in the dirt, you may find that more frequent bathing is necessary; each Frenchie is different. Here are some methods to keep him clean and keep the need for bathing down to a minimum. Pet Wipes — Most pet owners are amazed at how well these work for wiping off surface dirt and debris. Scent-free baby wipes are just as effective. Dry Shampoo — Simply apply dog-friendly dry shampoo on the dog and brush it out. This is great for keeping them smelling great. A homemade combination of cornstarch and baking soda works just as well. Clean Their Ears — Keeping their ears clean will prevent odors and painful infection. Clean Their Tail Pocket — Clean the area around the tail, especially if it smells more on tail pockets here. Doggie Sprays — These work great for keeping your Frenchie smelling good. Avoid the frustration, lost time, and wasted money that comes with not knowing how to properly and easily care for your Frenchie. Get Your Copy Today! Keeping Their Ears Dry And Clean Few things can sour a Frenchie, or any dog for that matter, on baths quicker than getting water in their ears or eyes. One good way to prevent water from getting in his ears is by putting cotton balls in his ears. Another way to prevent water in the ear is by washing the entire face with a damp washcloth rather than pouring water over his face. Here are some tips for making bath time a success. Use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Clean the ears, and wash any gunk from around the eyes. Make sure you thoroughly dry the wrinkle area. If your Frenchie has tear stains, you can remove them with Desitin or a similar cream. Getting your Frenchie used to water at a young age can make a big difference in how the dog responds to water. If you want to keep them calm, talk to them, pet them, and take your time. Your dog will pick up on any anxiety you have. If there is a certain time of day when your Frenchie seems more relaxed, trying giving the bath during that time. Some dogs are startled by the slippery surface of the tub bottom. A quick and inexpensive remedy for this is to place a small towel on the bottom of the tub. When the towel gets wet, it will stick to the bottom of the tub and give your pup a nice non-slip place to stand. Regardless of whether the Frenchie is a pup or an older dog, the introduction process is relatively similar. Start with just an inch or two of water and let the dog just sit in it for a bit. Give him some treats and pet him. You want the dog to remember this as a pleasant experience. Let the dog just sit there and get used to this new experience. As the dog becomes more accustomed to this, you can increase the amount of water in the tub and wash more of his body. What About Shampoo? When it comes to shampoos, you can choose from a large variety on the market today. You can purchase them at veterinarian offices, pet stores, Walmart, or any retail store that sells pet supplies. Some owners use baby shampoo on their Frenchies because it allows them to clean around the eyes and in the facial wrinkles without the worry of getting soap in their eyes. If you want to stick with a dog shampoo, choose a mild shampoo designed for sensitive skin, like this hypoallergenic, soap-free option. How often should I bathe my French Bulldog puppy and what are their grooming needs? French Bulldogs sport a short and smooth coat that should be relatively fine to the touch. You do not want to over wash your Frenchie and dry out natural skin oils. We bathe our Frenchies on an as needed basis which is generally once a month , but we regularly spot clean them with wet washcloths or wet wipes unscented and for sensitive skin. Their behinds occasional need to be wiped clean as well, as does any other breed. The bottom line is that they should be washed as needed, and if your acceptance level of what is appropriate cleanliness is different than ours, it should not be a problem. There is quite a range of latitude in bathing frequency. There are many good dog shampoos on the market and it is really just a matter of personal preference. They can be purchased at any pet store, Walmart, etc. Years ago, when we owned a Yorkie, our vet recommended using baby shampoo because Yorkies tend to frequently get goop around the eyes; and, the baby shampoo allowed us to clean the area around their eyes without irritating them. We still use baby shampoo with our Frenchies since they have lots of folds on their faces that require regular cleaning. If you decide to go with a dog shampoo, choose a mild formulated shampoo for sensitive skin; your vet may have some good recommendations. French Bulldogs are short-haired and have a single coat; so, fortunately, they do not shed as much as most breeds. Brushing their coat regularly with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair — which in turn, will reduce the amount of shedding. The are prone to becoming damp and this is where infection can result. They also can collect dirt and food causing infections also. Utah has a very dry climate, so for us it is sufficient to regularly clean their folds with baby shampoo and then thoroughly dry them with a dry cloth. The frequency of maintenance varies from Frenchie to Frenchie, as well as climatic conditions. Frenchies with large, ropey wrinkling in a hot, humid environment would require the most attention; whereas, a lightly wrinkled Frenchie in a cool, dry environment would require the least. It is recommended that you clean the wrinkles out at least once a week initially and then vary your schedule based on the requirements of each Frenchie. Tear stains appear more prevalent on the lighter color Frenchies. There are many products on the market which claim to remove and or prevent tear stain removal, but the most commonly referred to method is the use of Desitin yes, the same ointment used for the treatment of baby rash. The ointment is spread along the length of the stain and after two or three weeks of application the stains should have disappeared. Care must be taken in both cases to assure that neither gets into the dogs eyes. The nose can be susceptible to drying out. The best way to remedy this is to regularly apply a smear of petroleum jelly Vaseline to the nose. This keeps the nose dark and moist. Our vet also recommended vitamin E just squeeze a little of the capsule , which we have found to work very well. Some people do not feel comfortable clipping their dogs nails and will take them to a groomer or vet. However, if you want to save time and money, it is a fairly simple task that takes only a few minutes. There are two types of of clippers: a guillotine or a scissor type. The guillotine is the easiest to use. The instructions that come with the clippers will guide you on how to use the instrument. Light claws are easier to cut than dark claws as the blood vessels and nerves that supply the toenail, called the quick, is easier to see. Cut the toenail to within approximately 2 mm of the quick. If you cut into the quick, the toenail will bleed and the dog will experience pain — nothing serious, but they might not sit too still the next time you undertake this task. When cutting dark toenails, it is better to cut just a little off at a time. Some Frenchie owners, who have dogs with dark toenails, cut them once every week or two so that they only have to cut off a little at a time, avoiding any fear of cutting into the quick. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, no harm done. Bleeding generally stops within a few minutes it helps to apply pressure with a paper towel. Have More Questions?