Alternate Name: Zwergschnauzer

Breed Group: Terrier (AKC/UKC)

History and Overview:

Initially used around farms for hunting rats, the Miniature Schnauzer is a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer that originated in Germany sometime in the late 1800s. This makes the Schnauzer one of the few terriers that did not originate in Great Britain. It is believed that this smaller breed was developed by crossing smaller Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers.  Today, the Miniature Schnauzer is popular across the world for its distinct look, wonderful temperament, and small size.

Physique:

Miniature Schnauzers resemble the larger Schnauzers, but Miniatures range in size from 14 to 18 lbs. They are normally 12 to 14 inches tall. The Miniature Schnauzer muzzle is equal in length to the skull, and is blunt and square-shaped. Miniature Schnauzers have small, deep-set eyes, and erect V-shaped ears that are either cropped or naturally folded. Their tails are thin and long, but are usually docked.

Character and Temperament:

The Miniature Schnauzer is an intelligent and alert dog. They are good family pets, however, they are generally considered a one-person dog and are very loyal to their master. Miniature Schnauzers get along well with most other dogs and new people. They generally do not wander away from home. They are obedient and willing to please. Unlike many terriers, they are usually not aggressive. Miniature Schnauzers are ratting dogs and may prey on small animals including cats. While they are very playful and friendly, they should be supervised with children. They adapt well to various living situations, including city and rural environments, however they should be kept  primarily indoors.

Health:

The average life span for a Miniature Schnauzer is 12-15 years. It usually maintains the same spry and energy throughout the majority of its life. Health concerns for the Miniature Schnauzers include allergy problems, diabetes, cataracts and peripheral retinal atrophy, melanoma and urinary stones.

Coat and Grooming:

The Miniature Schnauzer sheds very little compared to other dog breeds. It is double-coated, with a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat. It has a long head and muzzle, and is known for its distinct beard, mustache, and bushy eyebrows. The Miniature Schnauzer body is groomed short, but the legs and specific areas of the face are usually kept long. Schnauzers are salt and pepper colored, black, or black and silver. There remains some controversy as to whether or not white colored dogs are a true color variant of the Miniature Schnauzer.

Notable Crossbreeds:

• Miniature Schnauzer/Poodle
• Miniature Schnauzer/Affenpinscher

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Breed Group:

Toy (AKC); Companion (UKC)

History and Overview:

A descendant of one of the oldest dog breeds, the Shih Tzu originated from the area of present day China and Tibet. Documentation shows Chinese royalty receiving a pair of Shih Tzus as pets during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). In Chinese, Shih Tzu means “Lion Dog”, a name the breed was given because these dogs were bred to resemble the oriental-style lions depicted throughout Chinese art. Shih Tzus were reserved for elite ruling class, and during the Chinese revolution, the breed was almost destroyed. It is believed that all Shih Tzu’s descended from seven male and seven female dogs saved during the revolution. Today, the Shih Tzu is one of the most popular Toy breeds in the United States.

Physique:

The Shih Tzu weighs approximately 9 to 16 lbs. It averages 10 1/2 inches in height. It is slightly longer than it is tall and has a short, square snout. The Shih Tzu has a long tail that is held high and curls forward over its back. The coat of a Shih Tzu may be black and white (most common), solid black, solid red, solid liver, liver and white, blue and white, or silver and white. Many variations are common among the breed.

Character and Temperament:

The Shih Tzu is a friendly lap dog. As you’ll quickly notice, it carries itself very confidently. Having been bred to be a loyal companion for the Chinese ruling class, the Shih Tzu is highly affectionate. Shih Tzus should be introduced to children at a young age, but for the most part they get along with everyone. They are lively and alert, yet they do not require very much activity. This makes them great pets in an apartment.

Health:

The brachycephalic Shih Tzu may have breathing problems due to its short snout. Shih Tzus are very sensitive to heat and should not be subjected to hot temperatures. They may be prone to congenital liver shunts and hip dysplasia is common with larger Shih Tzus. They are also prone to allergies, cleft palate, eye problems, renal disease, and von Willebrand’s disease. Attempts to create a “teacup” size Shih Tzu have resulted in dogs with severe health problems and a much shorter lifespan.

Coat and Grooming:

The Shih Tzu’s long, silky coat demands constant grooming. Shih Tzus’ double coats are often clipped short, which makes grooming needs easier to maintain. Their hair is often kept in a front top knot to keep it out of their eyes.

Notable Crossbreeds:

• Shih-Poo – Shih Tzu/Poodle
• ShiChi – Shih Tzu/Chihuahua

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Alternate names: Caniche, Pudel

Breed Group:

Standard: Gun Dog (UKC); Non-sporting (AKC)

Miniature and Toy: Companion (UKC); Non-sporting (AKC), Toy (AKC)

History and Overview:

Popularly believed to have originated in Germany, the Poodle was initially used as a gun dog and water retriever. The name Poodle comes from the German ‘pudel’, which means “to splash in water”. The breed was standardized in France, where it gained popularity for both sport and leisure. They were first brought to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. The Standard, or large, Poodle is the oldest of the three varieties, according to the American Kennel Club. The Miniature and Toy breeds were developed shortly thereafter and became popular companions for European royalty. The smallest of the three varieties, the Toy Poodle, was developed in England in the 18th century. Smaller Poodles, which may have been crossed with terriers, were used for truffle hunting throughout Europe. The smaller size of their paws was preferred for digging up truffles, so that they did less damage to these delicacies in the process. Today, Poodles can often be seen on the show floor. Regarded as the second most intelligent breed of dog, the Poodle is incredibly popular for both its beauty and intellect.

Physique:

The Standard Poodle stands over 15 inches tall and weighs between 45-70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are 11-15 inches in height and weigh roughly 14-16 pounds. Toy Poodles are up to 10 inches in height and weigh 5-7 pounds. The Poodle is a slender, muscular dog, with a long muzzle and long ears. It has a long skull and dark, oval eyes. The Poodle’s tail is docked and erect. Its nose may be black or liver-colored. Usually, lighter-coated, brown Poodles have liver-colored noses.

Character and Temperament:

Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. They are considered the second most intelligent dog breed, after Border Collies. Poodles are affectionate and become very attached to their owners and family. Poodles do well with children and other dogs when properly socialized, but some may be weary of strangers. All three variations of the Poodle require moderate amounts of exercise, but the Standard Poodle specifically requires a very active lifestyle and lots of exercise.

Health:

The average lifespan for the Poodle is 15-20 years. The most common ailments for the Standard Poodle are Addison’s disease, gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat/torsion), epilepsy, hip dysplasia, sebaceous adenitis, renal disease, skin disorders and thyroid problems. The leading causes of death for Poodles are cancer, old age, and gastric dilatation volvulus.

The Miniature and Toy Poodles are susceptible to Addision’s disease, bloat, Cushing’s disease, renal disease, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes disease (degenerative hip disease), luxating patellas, and von Willebrand’s disease (blood coagulation disease). As testament of their generally good health, the most common cause of death for Miniature Poodles is old age. The most common cause of death for Toy Poodles is old age and kidney failure (renal disease).  There is an even smaller variety known as the “Teacup” Poodle, which is more likely to have health problems, including various cardiac anomalies.

Coat and Grooming:

The Poodle’s coat was developed to be water resistant to help this avid swimmer to more easily move in the water. Their coat may be apricot, black, blue, cream, gray, silver, brown, or white. The unique grooming for the Poodle was mainly developed in France, and the Poodle remains notorious for having a variety of clipping styles. Their coats are coarse and curly. While usually clipped, they can be left to cord, hanging in ropes. They are known for being hypoallergenic dogs, as they shed very minimally. However, they are not completely allergen free dogs. There grooming needs are extensive and can be demanding.

Notable Crossbreeds:

• Labradoodle (Labrador Retriver/Poodle)
• Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle)
• Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier/Poodle)
• Lhasa poo (Lhasa Apso/Poodle)

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History and Overview:

Dachshunds originated in Germany around the 16th century. The word “dachshund” is German for “badger dog”. As suggested, the standard size Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing prey. The smaller, Miniature Dachshund was bred to hunt smaller prey, including rabbits. It is commonly believed that Dachshunds descended from scent hounds, such as Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, and Pointers. The Dachshund is also believed to be relative of the Terrier. The breed became popular as a companion dog in the United States in the 1930′s and 40′s.

Physique:

Dachshunds are well known for their long bodies and short stubby legs. They have long ears, long noses, and long tails. Their paws are designed specifically for digging. The standard sized Dachshund can weigh from 16-32 lbs., while the miniature is usually under 11 lbs. The slightly loose skin of the Dachshund allows it to move efficiently when chasing prey in confined spaces. Dachshunds usually come in one of three coat varieties: wire haired, smooth coated, and long haired. Their coloring may be red, black with tan markings, tan, chocolate, blue, red and cream, or fawn. There are also pattern varieties including dapple, brindle, piebald, and wild boar (salt and pepper coating).

Character and Temperament:

Dachshunds are very loyal to their owners and families, but may be standoffish and weary of strangers. They need to be introduced carefully to children. They are friendly and fun-loving dogs. They are intelligent and playful. Some Dachshunds are very active, while others are more sedentary. Dachshunds can adapt to various living environments and the Miniature Dachshunds do especially well in apartment settings. While they can be stubborn at times, they are trainable to a certain degree.

Health:

One of the most important health concerns with Dachshunds are their backs, due to their long vertebral column and short chest and legs. They are susceptible to intervertebral disc disease. They need to be discouraged from jumping onto furniture or other high surfaces. They should have doggie stairs against beds or other high places where they may be allowed. Obesity is common in dachshunds and puts an extreme amount of strain on their long backs. Paralysis may occur if their backs are not given proper attention. Other health concerns include bloat, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

Coat and Grooming:

The short-haired Dachshund requires a minimal amount of grooming while the long-haired variety requires regular grooming. The wire-haired Dachshund requires moderate grooming as well.

Notable Crossbreeds:

• Chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund)

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Breed Group: Non-Sporting (AKC), Companion (UKC)

History and Overview:

The English Bulldog, known simply as the Bulldog, originated from Great Britain. It was primarily bred for holding bulls for butchers and later used for bull baiting, a popular gambling sport in the 1600′s. The original Bulldog was a bit larger than the Bulldog we know today. In the 1800′s, Bulldogs were crossbred with Pugs and became popular pets. The loveable Bulldog is currently the seventh most popular breed in the United States and is also one of  the most popular mascots, representing thirty-nine major American universities and the United States Marine Corps.

Physique:

Bulldogs have a very distinct build. They are medium-sized, but heavy with thick-set bodies. Their weight ranges from 40-50 lbs and they are 12 to 16 inches tall. They have large, broad heads and  square, prognathic lower jaws. They have dark eyes, black noses, and small rose-shaped ears. Bulldogs are deep-chested with relatively short backs. They have naturally short tails (rare for dogs) that are either straight or curled. Bulldogs also have loose, wrinkly skin, especially around their necks.

Character and Temperament:

Bulldogs can sometimes be strong-willed, but overall they are affectionate and adaptable dogs. They are friendly and get along well with children and other pets. Bulldogs tend to stay attached to their owners and are not inclined to venture off and run away from home. Bulldogs often snort, drool, and experience frequent flatulence. While they require a small amount of daily exercise to prevent excessive weight gain,  Bulldogs can adapt well to apartment life. They get along with almost anyone, but they may need extra socialization to become accustomed to other dogs, especially more energetic dogs. Bulldogs are somewhat less intelligent than many other dogs and often have more difficulty learning commands and tricks.

Health:

The average life span for a Bulldog is about 8-10 years. Approximately 74% of Bulldogs have hip dysplasia of varying degrees. Bulldogs are also prone to brachycephalic syndrome, small trachea, patellar luxation, eye problems and allergies.

Coat and Grooming:

Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat, with a minimal amount of shedding. They are considered relatively low maintenance dogs. However, they require that their facial wrinkles be cleaned to prevent irritation and infection. Otherwise, brushing a few times and providing a monthly bath should be sufficient in keeping your Bulldog clean.

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13 Foods That Could Kill Your Pet

1. Grapes and Raisins: These cause kidney failure and death when ingested by dogs. Even a small serving can be lethal.

2. Onions: Onions kill red blood cells, resulting in anemia in your pet. High intake can result in death.

3. Chocolate: Seizures, coma, and death can result from your dog consuming chocolate. Highly concentrated chocolate such as baking chocolate is the most lethal to your pets, but even milk chocolate can be quite dangerous.

4. Coffee, Coffee grounds, tea and tea bags: Drinks/foods containing caffeine cause problems similar to the problems caused by chocolate.

5. Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts: Muscle tremor, paralysis, and weakness are a result of macadamia nut and walnut consumption. Other types of nuts can cause bladder stones, so it is recommended that you avoid feeding your pet nuts altogether. Peanut Butter seems to be the exception to the rule. Make sure to use organic (salt free/sugar free) peanut butter. Regular peanut butter contains toxins, and is full of pesticides.

6. Animal fat and fried foods: Pancreatitis can result from too much animal fat or fried foods, so avoid feeding your pet things like fried chicken, too much red meat, etc. It can also lead to obesity as well if too much is eaten, which can lead to diabetes.

7. Bones: They can splinter and, if swallowed, lead to internal organ damage.

8. Tomatoes: Heart arrythmias and tremors may result from your pet consuming tomatoes.

9. Avocados: Found in guacamole, this fruit is very toxic to your pet. Avocados cause difficulty breathing and leas to fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen, and heart.

10. Nutmeg: If consumed, nutmeg can lead to tremors, seizures, and possibly death.

11. Pits and Seeds of Apples, Cherries, Peaches, etc.: These are extremely poisonous to both dogs and humans. The fruit itself is great, but dogs will not stop eating once they reach the core/pit. Dogs have reported being dead within 24 hours of consumption.

12. Raw eggs: Just like in humans, eating raw eggs can poison your pet with samonella.

13. Salt: Large amounts of salt can lead to kidney issues for your dog or cat.

…and there you have it. Remember, this is not a complete list of all foods that can be harmful to your pet. As always, consult your vet if you have any questions. Play it safe and stick with regular dog or cat food. Also, if you wish to take things a step further, ensure your dog or cat’s health by investing in an automatic pet feeder that will precisely control the amount of food your pet consumes.

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Since it takes twenty to thirty days for eggs to hatch, an infested home should be treated at ten-day intervals, at least four times, then once a month for two or three months. Sprays and insecticides used should be marked as a acaracide. Other insecticides appear to have little-to-no effect.

Usually it is only necessary to spray as high as two or three feet from the floor up the walls (unless tick infestation is heavy). If the family dog is accustomed to sleeping on the sofa or in overstuffed chairs, spraying should include those areas, paying particular attention to cushions as well as the edges of rugs and baseboards.

To man, the tick represents the disease known as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Originally, it was thought that the disease was restricted to the region of the Rocky Mountains – thus its name. However, it is not regional at all, and may be acquired over a considerable portion of the United States, east and west, and even in Canada. (The tick is also responsible for “rabbit fever” in rodents, which is transmissible to man.)

In the southern portion of the United States, as well as in France and Africa, there is an intestinal protozoan parasite – Babesia – which attacks blood cells in a dog and causes extreme anemia. This protozoan is spread from dog to dog by ticks. Heavy infestation of ticks upon a dog can cause an extreme loss of blood, anemia, paralysis, and even death.

Flea and tick collars are available commercially, but while such collars might eventually cause the tick to die, much damage and infestation can be done in the interim. Veterinarians can also prescribe tablets, which, when given to a dog, ensure that any tick that bites the dog will die.

The consequences of tick infestation should dictate the importance of tick control in homes and kennels. The approach of warmer weather signals the approach of Rhipicephalus Sanquineus. Now if THAT sounds like a blood-sucking monster from a science fiction movie, you’re partially right. Blood sucking monster? Yes! Science fiction? No way!

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The tick then feasts upon the dog’s blood in this manner until she bloats to about the size of a pea. The male tick (brown, and a fraction of her size) then mates with the female. When she has received her fill of blood from the dog, she withdraws her barbed probe, and drops off of the host dog. She’ll then crawl into tiny crevices between sofa cushions and carpeting to lay her thousands of eggs.

Once a home or kennel is infested, eradication is no simple process, any more than ridding a dog of the parasite is a simple process. A single tick found on a dog necessitates immediate and zealous efforts at all stages of its life cycle.

Removing a tick – or ticks – from a dog can be done by the owner, providing the tick has not attached itself to the inner ear, on the eyelid, or some other inaccessible place that would require anesthesia. And because the tick’s probe is barbed (similar to a fish hook), brushing or combing by the dog owner may rid ticks that haven’t yet “locked on”, but does nothing for those that are already attached.

The dog’s hair should be pulled back from around the tick for the benefit of full exposure. A few drops of iodine or rubbing alcohol can then be applied directly on the tick. This will momentarily shock the parasite, and in some cases, cause it to loosen its probe.

Using a pair of tweezers, and getting as close to the skin line as possible, the tick can be pulled out with a slight twisting motion so that the head is not severed and allowed to remain embedded in the dog’s skin. If that should occur, secondary infection could result. It is always wise to reapply iodine, alcohol, or other antiseptic to the puncture once the tick is removed. If the tick’s head remains beneath the dog’s skin, applications of hydrogen peroxide can be helpful.

Once the dog is free of ticks, complacency on the part of the dog owner usually results in reinfestation. It should be remembered that if the dog picked up a tick, he may well have picked up larvae from four or five thousand recently hatched eggs. Dousing with a tick powder or other acaracide would be beneficial here, but if the larvae have dropped off in your home or yard, removing the original tick is only the beginning of the battle.

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Although there are several different species of ticks (wood tick, brown dog tick, etc.), a tick by any other name is still a tick. Because of resistance to insecticides, the tick is one of the most difficult external parasites to control. The female tick will lay up to five thousands eggs in the crevices of a kennel, baseboard, or under the carpeting in the home. Eggs are never deposited upon the host animal. After twenty to thirty days have elapsed, the eggs hatch and become larvae. The larvae then seek out a host dog, gorge themselves on his blood, then drop off again to hide.

Six to twenty-three days later, the larvae molt and become eight-legged nymphs. The nymphs obtain another blood meal from a dog, drop off again and go into hiding. Twelve to twenty-nine days later, the nymph tick molts and becomes an adult. As an adult, it once more seeks the dog, engorges blood, and mates. From the time the eggs hatch – and before the tick becomes an adult – it returns to the host dog more than once to feed on the canine’s blood. Once hatched however, a tick can live in a house for up to two years without needing a host dog to feed on.

Out of doors, ticks climb onto branches and into foliage to await the arrival of a dog host. A dog napping under a bush, or walking within jumping distance of the tick is all that is needed to provide the parasite with a host. In the home, ticks will emerge from beneath rugs and carpeting, climb walls, table and chairs, and even up as high as wall pictures, to await the passing of a dog. They may even have to wait up to six months, but a tick can instantly sense the approach of a dog and jump on it as it passes.

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Cat owners, do not be afraid, there is a device that will help protect your Christmas tree.  It is called the Ssscat Training Aid.  It is a positive method to controlling your cat’s territory and behavioral problems. Using two elements, a motion detector and an aerosol can, SSSCAT detects your cat’s motion and releases a sound, then a spray when the cat enters an off-limits area. Harmless, painless, requires no training.

The Ssscat is the best product on the market for keeping your cat away from the Christmas tree.  It also serves well in deterring your cat from the counter tops, kitchen table, or any other place that they are not allowed to be.

Our Ragdoll, Massimo, loves to get into the tree, but not this year.  We just recieve our Ssscat from Petronic.com.  Sorry Mo, no ornaments for you to destroy this Christmas.

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