Choosing A Miniature Dog Breed For Your New Pet

Miniature dog breeds are very popular because their small size means they are better suited to apartments or houses with small backyards. Additionally, they are easier to control than very large dogs, and are generally cheaper to keep. They need less food and medication, though vet consultations are a standard price. Even with longer haired miniature dogs, it is easier to keep them brushed and groomed compared to their larger cousins.

Just because a dog is small, however, does not mean that they all share the same temperament or activity levels. Some of these dogs come from a background where they were used for hunting, like the miniature dachshund, and others, like the Tibetan spaniel, bark a lot. The latter would thus not be ideal for apartment living, unless you have very accommodating neighbors, or a sound proof apartment.

Small breeds that need a lot of exercise include the dachshund, the Italian greyhound, and the Australian Terrier. Breeds like the maltese, pugs, and chihuahuas will all do well exercising in a small backyard. If you do have a dog in an apartment, it is suggested that he be taken for a walk once or twice a day outside. This basically goes for all miniature dog breeds.

As far as which miniature dog breed to buy, there are many to choose from. As an owner you need to decide which will best suit your needs. Look into things such as temperament, size, and any features that will make your buying decision easier, such as coat length and care, and barking tendencies.

Here are four miniature dog breeds that you may want to check out before you make a purchasing decision.

1. The miniature bull terrier is a very playful dog that loves its’ family. It does like strangers as well though, so is not a good choice for a guard dog. They like plenty of activity, and love toys, although they have pretty strong jaws and teeth so they tend to destroy them quite quickly. Miniature bull terriers tend to want to please their masters more than their larger brothers.

2. Another dog to consider is the Lhasa apso. Lhasa’s have a distinctively beautiful long coat, and although they are lap dog size, they don’t have the need to be cuddled all the time like some other lap dogs. Like cats, they are independent and will come for attention when they want it, though they are very affectionate by nature. Lhasa’s are very loyal dogs, with a capacity for stubbornness which means they are better suited to those more experienced with handling dogs.

3. The miniature poodle is always popular. It is one of the most well behaved miniature dog breeds, and one that every dog lover should look into. Miniature poodles can grow up to 20 pounds, and stand about 15 inches in height. This breed is very intelligent and great with small children.

4. The miniature schnauzer weighs in at around 15 pounds. This miniature dog breed is affectionate, and is always up for a bit of fun. In addition, they are great for both country and city environments.

Miniature dog breeds have had quite a surge in popularity the last few years, no doubt influenced by the celebrity trend to carry them around in large handbags everywhere. Like all dogs, these too need their exercise, so a diamante studded collar and leash would no doubt be preferred than the gilded cage of a Louis vitton.

Dogs that dont shed – Part 1

With all the pollens and allergens present throughout the year that cause havoc to those that suffer from allergies, having a dog that sheds excessively can compound the severity of ones symptoms. Which is one reason why the non-shedding dog has become so popular among many dog lovers.

There are several advantages to owning a non-shedding dog, the biggest advantage is not having to clean the dog hair from your house, clothing, or wherever else it may decide to settle. Another is that many of these breeds do not have problems with pet dander, which can also cause allergic reactions for so many.

With the knowledge now available to us through the many published books regarding dog breeds and traits, finding a non-shedding dog that will suite the needs of yourself and your family is not very difficult. With so many breeds available such as, the Poodle which is now being bred with many other breeds (creating a major fad with Schnoodles, Labradoodles,ect.) the list continues to grow. Several examples also include, Schnauzers (Both miniature and large), Terriers (Yorkshire, Bedlington, Airedale, and Kerry Blue), the Italian Greyhound, as well as the Cockapoo and Bichon Frise.

There are a few other factors that you will have to consider when purchasing a non-shedding dog, such as the amount of time that you will spend grooming these dogs. Grooming these dogs is essential, particularly the ears. If a dogs ear hair is too long, and is not properly plucked and trimmed then ear infections could develop and become an issue. Choosing a dog groomer that you are comfortable with is crucial.

There are some questions that you will also want to ask yourself before making any decisions, such as are there going to be children exposed to the dog? If you answered Yes than choosing a dog that will interact with children without aggression is very important. Poodles and Schnauzers make excellent pets for children, they are very playful, protective and loyal. Knowing what traits you are seeking in a dog will ensure that you choose the perfect non-shedding dog for your family.

Dog breed: Miniature schnauzer – Part 2

The miniature schnauzer is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. This energetic little dog has consistently been in the AKC’s top ten for many years. This is a small, squared dog which is characterized by his long mustache and bushy eyebrows. They range from 12 to 14 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds. They have a docked tail and ears that can be cropped to stand erect, or naturally fall into a v-shape. They come in a variety of colors from pure white (which is a disqualification in AKC standards), to pure black, black and silver, and salt and pepper (black and white mixed coat).

Miniature schnauzers are an old breed, with some rumored to be recognizable in pictures from the 15th century! Originally from Germany, the miniature schnauzer is thought to be a cross between a affenpinchers and poodles with small standard schnauzers. They were originally breed to rid farms of rats and other vermin. Today the are still adept at this and often excel in agility exercises. They also make excellent watch dogs despite their small size.

These dogs tend to have a very happy temperament. They are very playful and energetic. Most of them love to be around new people. Miniature schnauzers are equally at home in a small apartment or a home with a large yard. These animals tend to do very well with small children and will protect their family fiercely. They do bark quite a bit, but it is not so much of a yappy bark like other small dogs. They can be animal aggressive though and care should be exercised when coming across strange animals. They will take on even very large dogs when felt challenged. The best way to combat this is to socialize your mini with other dogs extensively when he is still a puppy.

Miniature schnauzers tend to be a healthy breed and live an average of 15 years. However,there are some ailments that owners should be on the lookout for. These include hereditary eye disease, liver problems, skin disorders, kidney stones, ear infections, and diabetes. Owners need to be especially careful of diabetes and monitor your minis diet well.

Grooming is another important issue for the miniature schnauzer owner. These dogs have a wiry outer coat and a soft under coat. Daily grooming is a must for these animals to avoid matted fur! It is fairly easy to care for the coat if done on a regular basis. The miniature schnauzer should be thoroughly brushed using a wire-tooth comb daily. His mustache should also be wiped clean using a damp cloth after every feeding. Your mini should be bathed using any dog shampoo you prefer when they get very dirty. They should have their hair clipped about every six weeks. Most of these dogs are kept as pets and can have their coats clipped at home with electric clippers. This common haircut is different than that used for show dogs, which require hand-stripping. His nails should also be clipped after his hair cut, but care should be used to avoid cutting into the cuticle. This can cause excessive bleeding.

In conclusion, this is a great breed of dog for families. He is versatile and can adapt to almost any situation. They are playful, intelligent, and just plain lovable.

A look at designer dog breeds – Part 3

Breeding dogs to ensure certain attributes has been a practice throughtout history. What started as natural selection (strong animals breeding with strong animals) has become an established art among the modern man.

Up until recently the desired dogs were purebred, and to understand what a hybrid, designer dog is, you must first understand the meaning of a purebred dog. Dogs are complex and unpredictable creatures. Each breed has it’s own common temperament, size, and health issues. However, just like people, not all dogs of the same breed are just alike. Some can be taller than normal, shorter than normal, or have any other characteristics that are not common for their breed. For as long as people have owned dogs, they have bred them in order to reduce the chance of getting a puppy that has different characteristics than what is accepted as normal for that breed.

This pure-breeding is done over many generations to ensure that the dogs are “perfect”. Most dog breeds have certain guidelines that they must meet in order to be bred, and for a dog to be truly purebred, they have to have been born from two documented purebred dogs. While this practice is convenient in the fact that you always know the size, temperament and health of the dog that you are buying based on the guidelines of their breed; pure-breeding can cause genetic deformities due to the thinned out DNA lines.

This is where “designer dogs” come in. These dogs are supposedly the answer to the dilemma of over breeding dogs. To help mix the DNA in purebred dogs and to drastically cut down on the number of genetic abnormalities, purebred dogs are now being bred with purebred dogs of a DIFFERENT breed. This practice has created new hybrids that are highly desired and not the traditional “mutt” that these dogs would have been previously regarded as. This does make it harder to know what you are getting when purchasing a designer puppy. The best way to guess what kind of dog that you are getting is to read the guidelines for each of the parent breeds. The puppy will grow to be some combination of the two.

These designer dogs are a huge fad right now and along with their cute faces, they have been given cute little hybrid names. Below is a sample of a few of these hybrid dogs:

Afador: Afghan Hound + Labrador

Beago: Beagle + Golden Retriever

Borderjack: Border Collie + Jack Russell Terrier

Cockapoo: Cocker Spaniel + Poodle

Dorkie: Dachshund + Yorkshire Terrier

Labradoodle: Labrador + Poodle

Poogle: Poodle + Beagle

Porkie: Pug + Yorkie

Puggle: Pug + Beagle

Schnoodle: Schnauzer + Poodle

It is obvious that the potential for these hybrid dogs is endless. It is also obvious that the poodle is used very frequently with these mixes. This is because they are known for having a non-shedding coat. Also they are very smart and are found in varying sizes.

Designer dogs are very popular and practical at the same time. While not recognized by many breeders and associations, these dogs have many supporters who are fighting for their rights, hoping to have them recognized as breeds of their own.

How To Choose A Dog For An Elderly Person

Dogs have been making great companions for centuries now. They are loved by all ages. Everyone has their own preference as to what dog best suits their lifestyle. When choosing a dog, this is an important aspect to consider, especially for the elderly. Having a four legged friend can be comforting and can bring much joy to an elderly person. Studies have proven that having a dog around, improves the overall wellbeing of seniors. They can have someone to share their love with. Even nursing homes have grabbed onto the idea of having animals visiting or even living in the same venue.

What are the best picks for the elderly though? The two most important areas to consider are the size and temperament of the canine. Smaller dogs tend to be less maintenance and easier to handle than larger ones. Smaller dogs are also beneficial for the elderly because they make great lap dogs. Below are some top choices of breeds for seniors.

Schnauzer – These dogs enjoy being around people. They crave the companionship given by humans. There are two sizes: the miniature and standard size. Either one will do. Schnauzers can be protective of its family and they have a desire to please. Maintenance of the dog consists of exercising daily. A brief walk would be sufficient. Also consistent grooming is required.

Pug – These dogs are good picks because of their size. They are small dogs, and yet they have big hearts. They are generally very playful dogs. Outgoing by nature, they thrive off of attention and affection from its owners. Even though they crave a lot of attention, they do not just take; they give a lot out too. These dogs are best fitted for someone who has plenty of time on their hands. They are not always high energized. They do have down time in which they like to snuggle up on a warm lap.

Cocker Spaniel – The cocker is a rather popular pick among dog lovers. They are not high strung or outgoing by nature. Because of their patience and docile personality, they make great picks for seniors. They do not need a lot of exercise either. Just a brief walk will do. They are loyal to their owners. Because of their curly hair, regular grooming is a good idea.

Chihuahua – These dogs may be tiny, but they have a loud bark. They tend to take to one owner rather than several family members. For seniors living alone, they are great for warning of people approaching. Despite their size, they are very protective of their owners. They generally weigh less than 5 lbs. and are 6-9 inches in height.

Shih tzu – These dogs live for human companionship. They are friendly and gentle dogs. This breed is very alert to what is going on around him.

Yorkshire Terrier – This dog makes another great lap dog. He enjoys quietness by lounging around. Do not be fooled by his lounging, he does have quite a bit of vigor.

Scottish Terrier – By the name, it is obvious that Scotties derived from Scotland. They are loyal to their family. They are a working dog that weighs between 15-20 lbs. Their stature reflects their intelligence. They can be protective as well.

Toy Poodle – This dog loves to be doted over and enjoys the company of people over other dogs. Poodles love attention and do not mind being treated like a king. If a senior is looking for a companion to dot over, this is the pick for them.

Pomeranian – This dog originated in Pomerania, Germany. It has been compared to a little fuzzy bear. Pomeranians tend to be perky and can bring a smile to any face. They make great companions.

Boston Terrier – Boston Terriers are considered to be American breed dogs. They are small in size and because of their protective nature, seniors will feel secure having one of these around. Despite their protective instinct, they are also friendly and mellow.

These are just a few breeds that an elderly person might want hanging around. Smaller dogs with mild temperaments toward their owners tend to be preferred picks. Keep in mind, there is always an exception to any breed. It is best to talk to others who are familiar with a particular breed. It is also best to know the restrictions of the senior before choosing the right dog.

Some History of Designer Breeds and The Problem

Although the concept is by no means new; many people are discovering that some of the latest breeds of super dogs are not as great as their breeders would have you believe.

Of the “designer dog club” the ‘Labradoodle’ is probably the most well known. The ‘Labradoodle’ was originally bred for sight impaired individuals who had severe reactions to dog’s fur. This new hybrid aimed to combine the intelligence of the Labrador with a non-shedding poodle. However you may or may not have a puppy that will be non-shedding. Labradoodles have been around for over 20 years and are gaining recognition.

But the term ‘designer mutts’ can be used to describe any number of endless combinations of dogs who have been bred for particular valued qualities. Ever thought about owning a Dorgi? That’s a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund. How about a Puggle? That’s a cross between a Beagle and a Puggle. There are many variations on breeds with poodles now too. This often results in comical names – the Corgi Poo; or the Shih Poo, the variations are endless.

Hypoallergenic, intelligent and some say healthier than average – these dogs are becoming popular throughout the world.
Yet the American Kennel Club refuses to accept these new breeds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 153 breeds at present; and says that these dogs don’t meet their criteria.

The American Hybrid Club seems to be the answer for the breeders who are rallying to have their new combinations recognized. They argue that in fact all dog breeds exist as a result of some kind of experimentation with mixing breeds.

There are many inherent dangers associated with mixing breeds that would never have bred naturally. The main problem is that you never really know exactly what you will be getting. Most often you can learn a great deal about a dog by the look and temperament of their parents – but with these dogs there is no way to tell if you will end up with a mouse sized dog – or a dog the size of a small donkey.

And it’s not just looks. You might be unpleasantly surprised to find that your new puppy has the temperament of a hostile dictator; or worse is very aggressive. These are serious faults; especially if you intend to introduce your cute new ‘Schnoodle’ (a mixture of a Schnauzer and a poodle) to your kids you never know what might happen.

Is that really a chance you want to take?

Also, these new breeds are by no means considered cheap. You could get an equivalent mix at a shelter for free. But some breeders are charging thousands of dollars for dogs they cannot personally guarantee.
They claim these dogs take the best of both breeds. But there is an equal risk that the dog can end up with the worst from breeds. This seems like a staggering chance to take.

In an attempt to create super dog these breeders are using breeding techniques that seem strangely unnatural. Certain Bulldog combinations always require artificial insemination for successful mating to occur. And you can’t count on Caesar section.
Many of the crossbreeds are bred for profit. Unscrupulous practices which lead to fashion item dogs will create a host of problems for future generations.

If you have your heart set on a designer dog bear in mind you might end up paying more in vet bills. Your puppy will need a vast array of tests.

There are many well-established variations. Purebred dogs have a proven track record. You can say with greater certainty what your Labrador will look like. You will also have a greater idea of what kinds of health problems to expect in your Dachshund.

You can also find adult crossbreeds in a number of places. Adult dogs are often a good choice for families who have children or who need to be sure of the dog’s temperament. And of course giving a loving home to a homeless dog is always a good thing.
If you have your heart set on one of the new crossbreeds; try to learn what you can before deciding on the particular dog or cross.