Your Next Pet – 3 Small Dogs Compared
April 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
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.
Our Constructive Guide For Taking Care Of The Needs Of Your Small Puppy
March 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
Taking care of a small dog would involve the same functions as with larger dogs. The owner of a small dog must however make some adaptations to suit the animal’s specific needs. Just think about some of the everyday events that may need to be looked at when considering certain needs.
When it is feeding time:
You must consider the size of the food you buy them from the grocery store as they won’t be able to eat the normal type of food ordinarily purchased for a regular size pooch. You’ll need to be sure to buy a kibble designed to fit his smaller mouth (these are easy to find among the premium dog food brands). Fortunately, canned food should not be a problem and will definitely be easier to obtain.
Where they will stay – safely:
Every dog needs the following: regular exercise, an outdoor place for his potty needs, and an enclosed area which provides the animal with security. Smaller dogs are much more nimble that larger dogs and what might be a secure environment for one is not necessarily for the other. It is also important to remember that fences can not provide top protection where you might find hawks eyeing your tiny pet as they are known to come down fast and sweep away minute dogs and puppies. Hence, get your pet a kennel which is covered on the top for the right protection.
Training your dog to obey your commands:
Dog professionals tend to agree that tiny dogs are no more trouble to train than their larger cousins however, owners have a history of treating them in a way that spoils them and makes it more difficult. Small dogs don’t think any differently to their larger cousins and believe they are part of the pack where you are their leader but if you show signs of weakness they will start ruling you. One of the most important aspects of training is that the dog must imperatively be house trained even if the mess seems insignificant. Most dog professionals agree that pet dogs should be made to work as this makes it easier to train them and keep them obedient. Before you reward him with a treat or with his meal for having obeyed your commands, make his sit or run or do small tricks.
Dog collars:
You can find all kind of small dog collars online. There are a variety of different styles you can choose from: studded and plain to leather. Whichever small dog collar you choose for your pet be sure it is comfortable. You want to be able to have enough space between the dog collar and their neck.
Their appearance and smell:
Keep in mind that grooming a small dog is slightly different to larger ones and cater for this. These diminutive pets usually require more frequent nail trimming than larger dogs, because they typically spend less time on rough surfaces wearing them down. If the pet is on soft canned diet, make sure that he brushes his teeth at least twice a week. Small dog care is not that different for a large one except you have to be aware of certain needs that will affect a smaller animal. The differences between each dog, may look minor and insignificant, but when you pay extra attention to each one aspect, it can provide the correct answer to a dog’s specific requirements.
