How to care for your puppy according to its breed

Raising a puppy isn't just about love and patience. Each breed has unique characteristics that require specific care. Beyond general advice, today we're sharing little-known but crucial recommendations, endorsed by veterinarians, for some of the most beloved breeds.

🐩 Poodle

Toy, miniature or standard: intelligence and demanding maintenance.

✔ Hair removal in the ear canal :
The hair inside their ears can clog the ear canal, leading to infections. Veterinarians recommend removing it with special tweezers or at a professional groomer every 3-4 weeks.

✔ Beware of oxidizing tear production :
Especially in light-colored poodles, tears can oxidize the coat. Clean the eye area daily with gauze and saline solution or special wipes.

✔ Prevent them from jumping from high places :
Especially in the toy variety, their joints are delicate. Getting on and off the sofa or bed should be avoided or done with ramps.

✔ Early mental stimulation :
Because of their high intelligence, they get bored easily. You can start scent games and basic skills activities with them at 3 months old.

🐕 Dachshund

Brave, affectionate, and with a very delicate back.

✔ Avoid stairs and sudden jumps :
Their elongated spine makes them prone to herniated discs. Use ramps or teach them from a young age not to climb/run on stairs.

✔ Proper grip when holding them :
Always with one hand under the chest and the other on the hindquarters to protect their back. Never just by the chest.

✔ Gentle but daily exercise :
Despite their size, they need activity. Short, frequent walks help maintain their weight and muscle mass.

✔ Pay attention to body weight :
According to studies by the British Veterinary Association , being overweight in dachshunds more than doubles the risk of hernias.

🦴 Labrador Retriever

Gluttons, noble, and prone to dysplasia.

✔ Avoid slippery floors :
During growth, walking on smooth floors can aggravate hip and elbow problems. Use non-slip rugs or mats at home.

✔ Train puppies to "leave it alone" :
They tend to put everything in their mouths. Teaching them to let go of objects prevents choking and future bad behavior.

✔ Do not use chest harnesses for several months at a time :
They can alter your posture if they're not properly fitted. Alternate with padded, correctly adjusted collars.

🐶 French Bulldog

Low physical maintenance, but high medical maintenance.

✔ External parasite control all year round :
Their bodies close to the ground and their sensitive skin make them more vulnerable to fleas and mites, even in winter.

✔ Massage their paws after the walk :
They are prone to dry, sensitive paw pads. Cleanse and apply a natural balm to keep them moisturized.

✔ Avoid prolonged car journeys without direct ventilation :
Heatstroke is their biggest enemy. Always carry water and cooling blankets if you're traveling with them.

🐕 Golden Retriever

Good by nature, but they require more attention than it seems.

✔ Regular eye exams from 6 months of age :
They have a genetic predisposition to juvenile cataracts and other eye conditions. Consult a veterinary ophthalmologist if you notice cloudy eyes or constant tearing.

✔ Dry well between your toes after walks in wet areas :
They are prone to interdigital dermatitis, especially if they get wet and are not dried well.

✔ Brush the tail in a fan shape and check for hidden knots :
The fur around its tail forms a kind of "feather" that accumulates dirt. Use soft slicker brushes.

🐾 Border Collie

Highly sensitive, with a brilliant mind.

✔ Avoid shouting and harsh punishments :
They are extremely perceptive. Aggressive punishment can generate chronic anxiety or shut-down reactions.

✔ Introduce urban sounds from a young age :
Because they are bred as working dogs, some have sensitive hearing. Sound socialization (sirens, motorcycles, firecrackers) is essential in the first 12 weeks.

✔ Regular nail checks, even if you run a lot :
Despite their activity, they don't always wear down their nails evenly. Long nails affect their posture.

🐕 Shiba Inu

Independent, clean, and very "cat-like."

✔ Never force excessive handling :
Their reserved nature means that forcing physical contact can generate rejection or even defensive aggression.

✔ Train brushing as if it were a game :
They shed heavily twice a year. Get them used to it from puppyhood with treats and patience.

✔ Beware of standard back harnesses :
Many Shibas can easily escape. Use a properly fitted, escape-proof harness.

🐾 Chihuahua

Small in size, huge in personality.

✔ Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes :
They are very sensitive to the cold. Use light clothing in winter, especially for short-haired puppies.

✔ Beware of falls and crushing injuries :
Their size makes them vulnerable. Monitor the surroundings and warn children and visitors.

✔ Early socialization :
They tend to develop fear if they aren't exposed to other dogs and people from a young age. Carrying them in your arms to busy places also helps.

✔ Monitor the closure of the fontanelles :
Some are born with an open fontanelle, like babies. The veterinarian should check it at every checkup.

🐶 Beagle

Curious, sociable, and with an inexhaustible sense of smell.

✔ Always walk on a leash :
Because of their tracking instinct, they can flee following a scent. From puppyhood, teach them to come when called.

✔ Daily olfactory stimulation :
Scent games or hiding treats at home channel their mental energy and prevent anxiety.

✔ Regular ear check :
Because they are closed and prone to infection, they need to be cleaned weekly with specific products.

✔ Avoid overfeeding :
His appetite is very high. Divide his daily ration into several meals and avoid always rewarding him with food.

🐕 Cocker Spaniel

Sweet, cheerful, and with ears that require constant care.

✔ Clean and dry their ears after each walk or bath :
Especially if they play in water or muddy areas. Ear infections are very common.

✔ Brush its coat every 2-3 days :
Its coat is long and fine, and it mats easily. Use leave-in conditioners if needed.

✔ Emotional control from puppy :
They tend to be sensitive to loneliness. Avoid leaving them alone for long periods to prevent separation anxiety.

🐕 German Shepherd

Loyal, intelligent, and with a great capacity for work.

✔ Do not overload your joints before the age of one :
Excessive exercise can affect the development of your hips and elbows. Alternate physical activity with mental exercises.

✔ Early hip check (from 6 months) :
Because this breed is prone to dysplasia, veterinarians recommend taking preventative x-rays if there are any suspicions.

✔ Frequent brushing :
They have a double layer and shed year-round. A good "rake" type brush helps keep their skin healthy.

🐶 Yorkshire Terrier

Elegant, lively and with a coat that requires demanding care.

✔ Dental hygiene from 3 months :
They are prone to tartar and periodontal disease. Use small brushes and toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs.

✔ Avoid overprotection :
Although they are small, they need to socialize and explore like any other puppy. Don't treat them as if they are overly fragile.

✔ Daily eye care :
Hairs near your eyes can cause irritation. Use hair ties or trim your bangs if you don't have long hair.

🦊 Pomeranian

Small, cheerful and with a spectacular coat that requires dedication.

✔ Daily brushing from puppyhood :
They have a very dense double coat of fur that tangles easily. Get them used to it from a young age with short, gentle sessions.

✔ Rigorous dental hygiene :
This breed is especially prone to tartar buildup and premature tooth loss. Daily brushing is essential from 3-4 months of age.

✔ Avoid using collars when pulling :
They have very sensitive tracheas. Always use a chest harness and never pull on their neck.

✔ Supervise contact with other large dogs :
Due to their size, they can easily injure themselves while playing with larger breeds. Socialization is important, but it must be supervised.

✔ Beware of heatstroke :
Although they have fur, they are small and can quickly suffer from overheating. Avoid walks during the hottest hours of the day and always keep fresh water nearby.

🐕🔥 Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer (Vizsla)

Elegant, noble, and with an energy that needs constant channeling.

✔ Structured exercise from 4-5 months :
Avoid strenuous running or jumping early on, but start with brisk walks and fetch games. They are naturally athletic dogs.

✔ Highly sensitive to handling :
They are very emotionally dependent and pick up on their caregivers' moods. Train them with positive reinforcement and patience.

✔ Daily mental routines :
They enjoy mental work (obedience, scent work, agility). Without stimulation, they may develop anxiety or destructive behaviors.

✔ Sensitive skin without underhair :
Its short coat requires minimal care, but it's sensitive to chafing, bites, and cold. Wear light coats in winter and sun protection on exposed areas if it's very sunny.

✔ Beware of boredom :
According to ethological studies, this breed is known for its strong attachment to humans. They should not be left alone for many hours a day.