Goldmaraner

by Mary Simpson

Published: July 6th, 2018

About Goldmaraner

Height

20-24 inches

Weight

50-65 lb

Lifespan

10-12 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

active families with kids and other dogs (not smaller pets), experienced dog owners, home owners with a fenced yard

Temperament

stubborn, loyal, alert, playful, affectionate

Comparable Breeds

Golden Retriever, Weimaraner

Goldmaraner Basics

Once socialized, the loyal and playful Goldmaraner makes a great family dog that brings together the often aloof, independent personality of the Weimaraner and the friendly, gentle nature of the Golden Retriever. This large, intelligent dog is highly active and needs an owner who can devote the amount of time necessary to ensure his physical needs are met and that he receives continual mental stimulation to prevent him from becoming bored and stressed. When left on his own for long periods, he can become restless, agitated and highly destructive so is ideally suited to a home where a family member works out of the house or it can be organized that a dog walker visits during the day to get him out, exercised and ultimately feeling more relaxed. Because the Weimaraner side of this dog brings a strong prey drive it’s important that your Goldmaraner has been properly socialized before introducing him to kids, pets and other animals. His alert, devoted nature means he will always be quick to bark when he feels it necessary and therefore makes a great watchdog and super companion animal when out for walks, hikes or jogs.

The loyal Goldmaraner is a playful combination of the often aloof Weimaraner and the always sweet-natured Golden Retriever.

Origin

The Goldmaraner’s Designer Dog status places him around the 1980s, when breeders first began crossing two or more popular pure-breds to produce a dog that was healthier, often non-shedding and sometimes smaller and gentler than many of the foundation breeds. With the Goldmaraner, his pure-bred parents include the Golden Retriever and the Weimaraner and while his brief, 30-year history positions him as being a relatively new breed, his parents date back more than a century. The Weimaraner (also known as the Grey Ghost because of his silver coat) originated in 1800’s Germany where he was specifically bred for the strength, speed and agility needed in a great hunting dog. With the Golden Retriever you have a dog that was developed in Scotland back in the mid-19th century to fill the need for a hunting dog that was adept on land and in water and could bring back waterfowl with a gentle “mouth” meaning without damaging the bird.

Pedigree

Because the American Kennel Club (AKC) is devoted to advocating for pure-bred dogs, the cross-bred Goldmaraner will never qualify for membership however both of his parent breeds are members in good standing. The iconic Golden Retriever has been a member of AKC’s “sporting” group since 1925 and is described as being friendly, intelligent and devoted. The somewhat aloof Weimaraner joined their “sporting” group back in 1943 and is described as being a friendly, fearless and obedient dog.

Food/Diet

The high energy Goldmaraner needs to be fed a diet comprised of a high-quality dry food that has been specifically designed to meet his age, activity level and the nutritional needs of a large dog. Because this dog can experience bloat, it’s important that he not be allowed to free-feed but be fed 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day and that exercise not be planned for within an hour of him eating. Because this dog can experience joint issues later in life, you will need to establish and maintain an ideal weight by selecting foods and treats that are high in protein and low in fillers that can result in him constantly hungry and looking to supplement his meals – including raiding the cat’s dish. Similarly treats should be healthy, top quality and dispensed only as earned or warranted.

The Goldmaraner is a loyal, devoted family dog that can be highly protective which makes him a great watchdog.

Training

Although your Goldmaraner is the offspring of two super intelligent breeds who are quick to pick up and obey commands, the Weimaraner side brings a little attitude to the mix and his aloof, headstrong personality may crop up during the training process. As a result, you will need to take a firm, consistent approach to reinforce pack leadership, but also apply plenty of patience and use rewards to encourage engagement and cooperation with this dog. Remember that a stubborn, disobedient pup can grown into a big dog with a similar attitude, so start his training while he is still young – around the 2-month mark – when he is still willing to listen and learn. Socialization is extremely important with this pup as the predatory Weimaraner in him can make this dog persona non grata at off-leash parks. Exposure to new faces, sights, smells and situations will help build confidence and discourage aggressive behaviors. Because Goldens are known to love loads of praise, you should find training opportunities where he can showcase his ability to respond to commands. If you have lots of treats on the ready, you’ll be best buddies for life.

Weight

Once he has reached adulthood, your Goldmaraner will weigh somewhere between 50 to 65 pounds. This weight will vary depending on your dog’s gender as well as how heavily the DNA from each side of his parent breeds influences his make up.

Temperament/Behavior

The Goldmaraner is a loyal, devoted family dog that can be highly protective which makes him a great watchdog. The importance of early socialization cannot be stressed enough with this pooch because his Weimaraner genes can make for a dog with a potentially high prey drive and a tendency to chase smaller animals and become aggressive towards other dogs. Exposing him to new faces, sights, sounds, and different experiences while he is still young will help him learn to cope with new situations and ensure he successfully assimilates himself with others. Once socialized, the Goldmaraner is a playful, loving family pet that does well with kids of all ages, is super-active and ready to become involved in all family activities. Because he is so active, this pooch can become bored and extremely destructive if his need for exercise and mental stimulation isn’t met and this can result in chewing, digging and incessant barking. He needs an owner or family that can devote the time necessary to ensure he is kept busy and active and that he isn’t left on his own for long periods of time – either indoors or outdoors.

Common Health Problems

Your Designer Dog will typically be healthier than either of his pure-bred parents however you should always understand what ailments your new pup could inherit down the line. With the Goldmaraner, this can include certain cancers from the Golden Retriever as well as joint issues such as hip dysplasia from both breeds. The Weimaraner brings the potential for bloat and a congenital heart condition known as tricuspid valve dysplasia. While this list of potential health issues may sound overwhelming, don’t be put off. It’s quite possible that your Goldmaraner may never experience any of these ailments over the course of his life.

Life Expectancy

The Goldmaraner is a large, active dog and with regular exercise, a diet designed for his age, size and energy level as well as annual check-ups with your vet to monitor his health, he will live a long healthy life of between 10 and 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

Your Goldmaraner comes from two highly active breeds so you can expect him to be a dog that not only loves exercise but needs it in order to remain physically fit and mentally stimulated. Long walks in the 1-hour range should always be part of his daily regimen, but this dog will also enjoy interactive games where he can run, play and show off his agility talents when it comes to catching and retrieving tossed balls or frisbees. Remember that Goldens thrive on loads of praise and this pooch will always appreciate the opportunity to display his fetching and retrieving abilities for some well-earned treats. Because the Weimaraner side of this dog means he may have a high prey drive, it’s important that prior to taking him to off-leash parks, you know that he has been properly socialized. Ideally this training will have happened when he was still young, however unless you know for certain that he will play nice, you may find that his inherent instinct to chase and potentially harm smaller dogs or squirrels may present.

The loyal and loving Goldmaraner can be aggressive toward other dogs and animals if not properly socialized.

Recognized Clubs

The Goldmaraner is also known as the Goldmaraner Pointer and Goldemaraner Pointer and while this dog’s Designer breed status means he will never qualify to join the American Kennel Club’s roster of purebred dogs, he is recognized by several lesser known clubs including: Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

Your Goldmaraner is the offspring of the heavy-shedding Golden Retriever and the low-shedding Weimaraner and while it would be great if he could inherit the long, soft coat of the Golden without all that excess hair flying around the house, sadly that isn’t likely to be the case. His coat texture could resemble that of either breed – hard and short or longer and flowing – but regardless of the outcome, he is considered a moderate shedder who will need brushing 2 to 3 times a week (and more frequently during shedding season) to keep him looking his best and particularly if his hair is longer, to prevent matts and tangles. Because he will undoubtedly have inherited the floppy ears common to both breeds, you should plan to do a quick visual inspection and clean with a damp cotton ball once a week. This simple step can help prevent a build up of wax, dirt and bacteria that may result in a smelly and uncomfortable yeast infection that is common in floppy-eared dogs. If your pooch takes after the Golden and loves to swim, make sure that afterwards, his inner ears are entirely dry to prevent moisture build-up and infection.

Puppies

Because Goldmaraner pups can grow to become headstrong and potentially aggressive dogs – in a larger format that makes them even more difficult to control – it’s important that your little guy’s socialization begins at a very young age. This includes handling him as young as just a couple of week of age and with intentional, controlled exposure to new faces, sights and sounds to help build a comfort level and confidence that will help him ease into new situations without the need to act out. As he may inherit the high prey genes of the Weimaraner, obedience training should also begin while this pup is very young and willing to listen, learn and obey commands. If he does begin to chase or act aggressively toward other animals, the ability to have him stop, sit and respond immediately to your commands will be important. While the Goldmaraner pup is without doubt going to be highly active and keen to play, remember that this dog can suffer from joint issues later in life so take it easy with the exercise and playtime to ensure tiny limbs are never over-exerted and accidentally injured.

Photo credits: Rebell/Shutterstock; Andre Nery/Shutterstock; Robert Eastman/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

Finney the Jack Russell Terrier Survives 72 Days Alone in Wilderness

Loyal after death, this mini-mutt remained at her owner's side until rescuers arrived.

Stray Dog Becomes Surrogate for Abandoned Puppies at Texas Shelter

A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Are the Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs?

As the years go by, health issues tend to pile up, even in canines. Old age can bring a range of problems – some doggos have troubles with arthritis and limited mobility, while others suffer from cognitive decline and experience issues such as dementia. That’s right, even dogs can suffer from dementia, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This illness can bring about some troubling changes in your pet’s behavior, and it would be wise to be familiar with all the symptoms of dementia, especially if you are a senior dog owner. Let’s go over them and get familiar with the challenges of canine dementia.Doggy Dementia: Symptoms and What To ExpectAs your pet reaches their golden years, some issues are bound to pop up, including dementia. Known as canine cognitive dysfunction, it has similar symptoms to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The main cause is the aging of the dog’s brain, which results in many troubling issues. Of course, CCD doesn’t happen to all old dogs. Latest studies revealed that it only happens to roughly 50% of dogs that are over 11 years old. Of course, if you own a senior doggo, it is wise to get to know the symptoms of dog dementia. Here are some of the most common ones:Confusion and Disorientation:As dementia sets in, your pet might seem suddenly disoriented and awfully confused. They could get lost in spaces that should be all too familiar to them (the house for example), or could just stand and stare blankly into space. Major Sleep Pattern Changes:Dogs tend to have a solid sleep routine. But with dementia, this can suddenly change. They could experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, sleep a lot during the day, and become restless and sleepless throughout the entire night.Loss of Interest:Your dog, with dementia, could suddenly become a totally different pet. They could lose all interest in common interactions. They could have zero interest in playing with you or interacting with the family members. The same goes for interacting with other pets, or playing with toys - even if they were their favorites. Forgetting Housetraining:

Why Does My Cat Have a Bald Spot?

Discovering a bald spot or missing fur on your cat can be both perplexing and concerning for any cat parent. A change in your cat’s coat could be nothing, but it could also be a red flag of behavioral issues or medical problems. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step to addressing the problem.In this post, we explore the mystery of cat alopecia, including possible explanations for cat hair loss, what you should do if you notice your cat has a bald spot, and how to prevent this problem from happening.Let’s get started…6 Reasons Your Cat May Have a Bald SpotThe first step to addressing your cat’s hair loss is to identify why it occurred. This will mean paying careful attention to other signs and symptoms, both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common causes of significant hair loss in cats:Allergies and IrritationDoes your cat suffer from food allergies or environmental allergies? While most allergies won’t directly cause your cat’s hair to fall out, they trigger dry, itchy skin. As your cat scratches the area, trying to soothe the itch, they may damage the skin or hair follicles.Identifying the allergens can be difficult. You may wish to do allergy testing or try an elimination diet. But the good news is that once you know the trigger, eliminating it will solve the problem.OvergroomingCats are well-known for their careful attention to their grooming needs, licking themselves to keep their fur clean and shiny. However, there are some behavioral situations when a cat may start grooming excessively, causing damage to their coat or their skin, resulting in bald patches.The most common causes of overgrooming are stress and anxiety. Take a moment to reconsider your household and any recent changes that may have occurred. Did you move? Are you renovating your home? Did you add a new pet or family member to the household?Another potential behavioral explanation for overgrooming is obsessive-compulsive disorder. This may have started as stress or anxiety, or it may be genetic. OCD in cats could result from neurological conditions or other medical problems.

Study Shows Shape of a Dog’s Head Can Actually Affect Their Sleep

If you have noticed that your dog’s sleep quality is reduced, or that they have begun to snore heavily, there might be an unusual reason behind it – the shape of your pet’s head! Snoring problems can be quite common for many dogs, but they are most often seen in brachycephalic dogs – basically, dogs with flat faces. For example, this is the key characteristic of the  French Bulldog, one of the world’s most popular breeds. In the USA, and in Hungary where the research for these claims was conducted, the goofy little French Bulldog holds the place of the number one most common pet dog breed. And that means that some health-related issues, stemming from their flat-face appearance, are coming into the foreground. Their shortened skulls and brachycephalic morphology result in sleep problems, snoring, difficulties with breathing, and deteriorative brain morphology changes. According to the latest  study by a Hungarian research team, flat-faced dogs tend to sleep more because their breed suffers from sleep apnea and thus their daytime sleepiness is increased. Thus, their REM (deep) sleep phase is much longer than their non-REM sleep, while the EEG patterns in their sleep indicate signs of white matter loss. And while some owners across the world see these Bulldogs and their extremely flat skulls as an attractive or unique feature, it is, nonetheless, a major health hazard. These breeds, for example, the French Bulldog, the Pug, and the English Bulldog tend to live around 3 to 4 years less than other dogs, and in many cases, they don’t even live to adulthood.Some will even have to undergo surgery to correct their musculoskeletal, respiratory, and eye problems, which can cause them a lot of problems throughout their lives. To make matters worse, the rounded and short skull of these dogs results in a distorted and rounded brain, which could affect neural functioning.All this resulted in the Hungarian team’s extensive research into the sleep of these breeds. They studied the sleep of 92 dogs, using EEG. "In the sleep lab, dogs spend about three hours with their owners. As nothing exciting happens, the dogs fall asleep quickly. Meanwhile, we conduct the electrical potential generated by the brain activity with electrodes glued to their scalps," says Anna Kis, who is considered a pioneer in the study of sleeping dogs and a researcher at the HUN-REN Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. "We wanted to investigate whether flat-faced dogs sleep differently from other dogs, as they are known to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to respiratory problems and therefore have poorer quality sleep. We found that the flat-faced dogs slept more in the three hours given to them during the study. More daytime sleep is probably compensation for insufficient sleep at night.”Ivaylo Iotchev, the first author of a study of dog sleep patterns that was published in the Journal of Brain Structure and Function, adds "In the present study, we found that brachycephalic dogs had decreased beta waves and increased delta compared to dogs with longer noses. The frequency of sleep spindles increased. This pattern has previously been associated with poorer learning in dogs and loss of white matter in humans."He also adds "There may be several reasons for our results. The most interesting of these is that it seems as if the flat-faced dogs have retained the sleep pattern of puppyhood, similarly to newborns who spend more time in REM sleep.”If you own a brachycephalic dog and have been seeing a lack of quality in their sleep, these studies might provide the answers you are looking for – your pooch’s genetics might be to blame for their poor sleep.

What Is Dog Folliculitis and How to Treat It?

Folliculitis in dogs is a disease which causes infection or inflammation of hair follicles. It is one of the more common skin diseases amongst dogs and is caused by bacteria, fungal infections, skin irritations, or  parasites. What is more, it can affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, so if it happens to your four-legged friend unexpectedly, it is best to know how to treat this pesky skin issue.What Is Dog Folliculitis?The symptoms and causes of dog folliculitis can vary. In most cases, the healthy follicle is “compromised”, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria that are otherwise normally found on your pet’s skin. The end result is great discomfort for your dog, and it should be treated as quickly as possible. But how will you know that it is dog folliculitis and not some other health issue? Well, one of the foremost symptoms to look out for is red and inflamed skin. This condition causes excessive redness and even swelling in certain areas of the skin. This should be a telltale sign that something is amiss. Together with this, you could notice pimples, also known as pustules. They are small raised bumps and often contain pus. Of course, your dog will show signs of discomfort as well. They will try to itch and  lick the affected areas, in hopes of relieving the discomfort and making themselves more comfortable. This can all be accompanied by hair loss, mostly in the directly affected areas of your dog’s coat and skin. Ultimately, in the most severe cases, open sores, scabs, and skin lesions may appear. At this point, veterinary care is needed immediately.If you suspect your dog has folliculitis, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings or cultures, to identify the specific cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is crucial that you do not attempt any solution on your own. Self-diagnosis and do-it-yourself treatment can lead to complications or ineffective outcomes, so professional guidance is essential. Based on the evaluation, your vet can introduce a number of treatments and solutions – here’s what to expect.How Is Dog Folliculitis Treated?Topical antibiotics and antifungal creams are the most common treatment options. They are applied directly to the affected areas and are most efficient in early and moderate cases of dog folliculitis. Of course, if the case with your dog is more serious, your vet could propose an oral treatment. This consists of special medications that work to eliminate the infection at the core. Another possible solution is using special medicated shampoos that work to heal the follicles through gentle washing. 

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

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