Your Next Pet – 3 Small Dogs Compared

Unless you have a particular type of dog in mind, it isn’t easy deciding which breed to purchase. The first step is to look at what size dog you’d like. Do you have the space for a large dog? Or is your house small? Small dogs can provide great friendship. And there is a lot of variety in the temperament and look of a small dog. Whilst toy dogs are amongst the most well known of the small dogs, there are others that bear more resemblance to their larger canine siblings.

I’ll run through 3 different breeds in this article – whippets, brussels griffons, and welsh terriers.

Brussels Griffon Dog Breed

The human-like eyes of the brussels griffon are believed to have been part of what led George Lucas, of Star Wars fame, to create the Ewoks. Looking at these cute dogs, you can see the kinship.

Brussels griffons are particularly sensitive and devoted dogs who will bond with one person in particular. They should be socialized when they are young pups. Their sensitivity and one-person nature make them a better choice for childless couples, singles, and the elderly than those looking for a family pet.

Brussels griffon get along well with other animals, particularly cats. You will need to keep an eye out on how they interact with bigger dogs, however. Unaware of their size, they may challenge for dominance, with fights ensuing.

Welsh Terrier Information

Welsh terriers have been described as calm for a terrier, but perhaps not as calm as other dogs. They are sturdy looking dogs with quite a big personality, particularly the boys. They are affectionate, curious, outgoing, joyous, and without fear.

Historically, Welsh terriers were used to control rats and other vermin, and as a result welsh terriers love to chase things – including cats. Consequently, if you already have a cat, or are planning on getting one, this may not be the ideal dog for your family.

Great with children,  welsh terriers need a backyard where they can’t escape as they have a predilection for digging, and may thus escape. When taking your welshie for a walk, be sure he stays on the leash, because his road sense when distracted by fun is not good at all.

Welsh terriers need quite a commitment from their owners. They have to have regular grooming, and get bored if left by themselves for the normal workday. They probably suit someone with a part time job rather than a full time job. When they’re bored, they can cause destruction around the house.  

Whippet Dog Breed

Whippets belong to the family of dogs known as sighthounds, which are named because they hunt using sight and speed instead of smell. These elegant looking dogs are petite, with heights that span 17.5 to 20 inches. And the whippet dog breed look just like miniature greyhounds!

Whippets have been described as being like toy dogs in nature, liking nothing better than curling up on your lap. They are very loyal to their owner, though still friendly to strangers and children. Whippets are gentle dogs, and as such they have been used in aged care homes.

Whippets need to be kept indoors. With such thin coats, they will be too cold outside, and they have a strong bond to their owners. If you’re prepared to exercise them regularly, they are great for apartment living.

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Miniature Poodle

Poodles are generally fun-loving dogs that have a pretty reserved temperament, so if you’re looking for an agreeable pet that your family will love, you may want to consider a miniature poodle. Here is some general information about these dogs that will help you to make the right decision, as well as some things you can expect once you bring your pet home.

Concerns

One of the things you may be concerned about when it comes to your miniature poodle is grooming. Poodle hair tends to be thick and curly, so you’ll need to make sure that your puppy is groomed as often as possible. The standard grooming cut for puppies is relatively short hair all over the body, and you may need to do this about once a month or so to keep your pet looking great. Colors of miniature poodles include brown, cafe-au-lait, white or black varieties will be featured in pet stores across the country, and you can also have your pet grooming professional apply temporary dye to your poodle’s coat for a special occasion; red, apricot, blue, silver, or gray are acceptable colors, and won’t damage your dog’s coat.

Learning about your dog’s temperament is also ideal before you buy your miniature poodle. You may have to socialize your dog as a puppy, since poodles tend to be very reserved when dealing with strangers. Miniature poodles tend to bark a lot as well, which means that will do a good job of alerting you if something goes wrong in the home. In most cases, your dog will like to play with children, but some poodle varieties can be a little high-strung, so try to see the parents or even grandparents of the puppies you are considering before taking them home. Your miniature poodle will also be great at learning tricks in most cases, which means you can entertain family and friends.

The life span of a miniature poodle is relatively long compared to other dogs, so it will be essential for you to look out for any genetic issues that could possibly arise. Cataracts are common problems that occur in all varieties of poodles, and blindness could be caused by retinal atrophy, so you need to regularly take your miniature poodle to the vet to be checked up for vision and nervous system problems. Often it may also be necessary for your pet to be checked for you ear infections and runny eyes. Finally, the poodle’s skin tend to be very sensitive, for example skin rashes and allergies may occur with the use of certain shampoo or dyes, and in addition the use of clippers may also cause skin conditions to occur.

For more great information on how to care for your miniature poodle, visit www.poodle-lovers.com.

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