What is a forever puppy breed? A comprehensive guide

As dog lovers, we often wish our puppies could remain young forever. Their adorable antics, boundless energy, and heart-melting expressions are things we cherish and wish to hold onto.

Fortunately, there are certain breeds often referred to as "forever puppies". But what is a forever puppy breed? This comprehensive guide will unravel the mystery, delve into the breed details, and explore the care and maintenance of these eternally youthful canines.

Understanding the forever puppy breed

A "forever puppy" or "perpetual puppy" refers to a specific breed or crossbreed of dog that retains its puppy-like appearance and often, its behaviour, throughout its life. These breeds are often small to medium-sized, with distinctive features that mimic those of a young pup.

Some examples include the Cava-Poo-Chon, a tribrid of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Miniature Poodle, and the Bichon Frise, and the Puggle, a mix between the Pug and the Beagle.

The concept of the forever puppy is relatively recent in the world of dog breeding, and it's part of a broader trend towards "designer dogs". These are breeds intentionally created for specific traits, such as appearance, temperament, or hypoallergenic properties.

Characteristics of forever puppies

The forever puppy's combination of breeds inspires their temperament to be playful, affectionate, and intelligent. They are usually best fit in homes with children and other animals. These pups can also make excellent therapy dogs due to their gentle and loving nature.

In terms of physical appearance, a forever puppy will maintain the adorable puppy face throughout its life. Their coat can range from wavy to curly to very curly, depending on the parent breeds. The average lifespan of a forever puppy varies between 12–18 years, depending on their parent breeds and general health.

Top forever puppy breeds

Here are some of the popular breeds known for their forever puppy-like features:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Known for their floppy ears and affectionate nature, these pups maintain their puppy-like appearance throughout their lives.

Corgi

These herding dogs are small, energetic, and maintain the same facial features as they age. Their playful nature adds to their puppy-like charm.

Toy Fox Terrier

These dogs have plenty of energy and are very smart and playful. Their cheerful personality makes them maintain their puppy-like behaviour throughout their lives.

Pomeranian

Known as the "pom-pom" of the dog world, Pomeranians are small, playful, and remain puppy-like in appearance throughout their lives.

Golden Cocker Retriever

This mix between a Golden Retriever and a Cocker Spaniel results in a dog that looks like a forever young Golden Retriever, complete with curly ears.

Bichon Frise

This breed is often mistaken for a fluffy toy because of its petite size and cloud-like fur. Their playful, lively nature paired with their cute appearance makes them forever puppies.

Maltese

Known for their straight, silky white fur and big, dark eyes, Maltese dogs have a youthful appearance that they maintain throughout their lives. They are lively, playful, and make great companion dogs.

Shih Tzu

These dogs are often described as having a baby-doll face, which helps retain their puppy-like appearance as they age. Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing, and often seem oblivious to their small size.

Cockapoo

A crossbreed of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, Cockapoos have the adorable appearance of a puppy for life. They're known for their soft, fluffy coats and intelligent, affectionate nature.

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles stay small throughout their lives, making them look like puppies forever. They're intelligent, trainable, and have a hypoallergenic coat, which is a bonus for people with allergies.

Yorkshire Terrier

This breed remains small and maintains its puppy-like energy levels throughout life. With their distinctive long, silky fur and bold temperament, Yorkshire Terriers are forever puppies in both looks and spirit.

Dachshund

Known as sausage dogs because of their long bodies, Dachshunds are small and retain their cute, puppy-like features throughout their lives. They're known for their playful and courageous nature.

French Bulldog

With their bat-like ears and short, compact bodies, French Bulldogs maintain their youthful appeal. They are known for their loving nature and adaptability to different situations.

Health and maintenance of forever puppies

Despite their eternally youthful appearance, forever puppies are not immune to health issues. Some of the significant health concerns to be aware of include hip dysplasia, eye disorders, epilepsy, and patellar luxation. The health risks vary by parent breeds, and it's essential to keep regular vet check-ups for early detection and management of any potential health issues.

Maintenance of a forever puppy includes regular grooming due to their potentially wavy or curly coats:

• Brushing once a day and bathing once every two weeks is usually recommended to prevent their skin and coat from drying out.
• Regular ear cleaning can help prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.

Exercise needs of forever puppies

Despite their small size, forever puppies are quite playful and require a fair amount of exercise. Daily light activities such as walks or games of fetch are usually sufficient. However, due to their small size, they may tire out quickly. Supervised play with young children is encouraged to ensure the safety of the pup.

Training a forever puppy

Forever puppies are generally intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks and games. Early socialisation and consistent training are crucial for a well-behaved pup. However, their playful and sometimes stubborn nature might require a bit more patience during training sessions.

Choosing the right forever puppy

Choosing the right forever puppy involves considering various factors such as your living conditions, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It's essential to research the specific breeds of interest to understand their unique traits and care requirements.

Cost of a forever puppy

The cost of a forever puppy can vary significantly depending on the breed, the breeder, and the dog's lineage. On average, a forever puppy can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £3,500. It's crucial to factor in additional costs such as veterinary care, grooming, food, and pet insurance.

Benefits and challenges of owning a forever puppy

Forever puppies offer the joy of a puppy-like companion for a lifetime. They're generally friendly, playful, and make great family pets. However, they also require regular care and attention, including grooming due to their potentially long or curly coats.

Health issues related to their breed can also pose challenges, making regular vet check-ups and a good insurance plan essential.

How to insure your forever puppy

Given the potential health concerns associated with forever puppies, it's wise to consider pet insurance. It provides financial coverage for veterinary care and other unexpected health issues.

To get a puppy insurance quote for your furry friend, you can get a quote through our website. If you would like to talk to one of our puppy insurance team, you can get in touch with us on 0330 102 5748.

Conclusion

Understanding what is a forever puppy breed helps prospective pet owners make informed decisions. These breeds offer the unique joy of having a puppy-like companion for a lifetime. However, like all pets, they require commitment, care, and love to thrive.

Whether you're drawn to their eternal youthful charm or their typically friendly and affable nature, forever puppies can bring a lot of love and joy into a home. So, are you ready to welcome a forever puppy into your life?