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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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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The reason is obvious. How can you praise a dog for doing something right if you are not there to see it? The owner should go outside with his dog. Supervision is crucial at this time!

This means that somebody has to take the dog outside. Somebody must place him in the proper position and the proper place for elimination, so that the action can be followed by praise. Somebody must be there to praise him. Dogs learn by associating their actions with pleasing or displeasing results. It is not enough that somebody is there to chastise and verbally admonish the dog for doing wrong; someone must be there to praise him for doing right.

The praise will be relatively meaningless unless it comes from the leader of the pack. This is you, his owner. If you fail to live up to your responsibilities, then you cannot justifiably blame your mature dog for failing to live up to his. Someone must show him the way. In the dog’s mind, it only counts if the teacher is the person the he loves and in whom he has confidence.

When you take your dog outside and fifteen minutes have elapsed without him eliminating, bring him back inside the house. But the supervision should not stop. In fact, it should be more constant. When the dog drops his nose to the floor and starts sniffing again, the owner should once again take him outside.

When your dog eliminates outside, you should be right there when it happens and praise him, then bring him back inside the house immediately. It is the same method that should be used if dealing with a puppy. Praise and correction are the keys with which we can successfully communicate with your dog.

It takes four days for the average dog to learn an average thing. For the mature dog or puppy who has unlearned something, it also takes four days for that dog to unlearn a learned behavior. Supervision is crucial to your success. The dog must be kept under constant watch while indoors so that positive corrective action can be taken.

The methods are identical for the dog that has never been housetrained. When a person adopts a mature dog from a pound, the dog is brought home and inside the house where he immediately eliminates on the floor. Training is therefore, crucial. It is much easier to train a mature dog than it is a puppy. Any dog, whether a year or twelve years old, can be trained to eliminate outdoors if the four day rule is followed through. The four day requirement for learning to take place in your dog’s mind should provide you with all the necessary patience.

Regardless of your dog’s age, praise is the communicating factor. Too many people feel that chastisement is the key. This is not true! Praise is the main ingredient. But in order to praise the dog for doing the right action, one must be with him nearby so that he can administer the praise.

There are five basic principles that a knowledgeable dog trainer always follows: Patience, knowledge, repetition, praise, and correction. By following these principals, you will have your housetrained dog back in less than a week. Good luck!

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That is, communicating your desires to your pet and requiring that he respond in a certain manner, all the time. But when a normally trained canine suddenly behaves in a manner differently than from the way he has been trained to behave, the owner must search for the cause before trying to find a cure.

Is it possible for an occasional accident to become a learned behavior in your mature dog? If an occasional accident goes unnoticed by a dog owner for any length of time, the possibility exists that the dog’s actions will become a habit. Consistency in performing a particular act results in that act becoming a learned behavior. Therefore, it is possible for a perfectly housebroken dog to become “trained” to use the bathroom indoors due entirely to lack of proper supervision.

When this situation happens, there is no alternative except positive retraining methods. Removing the motivator is fine in the early stages, before the bad act become a learned behavior, but when the act has been allowed to become a routine, then it is the owner’s responsibility to retrain the dog.

Retraining is relatively simple and requires a minimum amount of patience, but a maximum amount of supervision. The training, on the surface, is similar to house training a puppy. The primary difference, and a fact which is in the dog owner’s favor, is that the new puppy doesn’t know he has done wrong when he makes a mistake in the house. A new puppy is not quite sure at first why he’s scolded in the house and praised in the yard. The mature dog is quite tuned in to two of the five basic principles of training – correction and praise.

The keys to successfully re-housebreaking the older dog are supervision and the judicious application of praise and correction. It would be unwise for the dog owner to follow the dog from room to room and, in fact, this tactic just might prevent the dog from making the mistake; thus, it would prevent corrective measures from being established. The dog’s actions must be completely supervised, but he should not feel that he is being watched.

A typical situation might find the family sitting in the kitchen eating dinner, with the family pet sleeping near the living room. Suddenly, the dog gets up, stretches, yawns, and slowly makes his way down the hallway to another room. The dog owner should then follow, unobtrusively, to keep an eye on the actions of the dog.

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A dog of this type could develop a psychosomatic urinary tract infection, therefore giving him a reason to eliminate at will anywhere in the house. Such a condition can be inspired by the arrival of another pet like a cat or a bird, a new baby, or any other attention-stealing tangible. Verbal punishment in such cases will only perpetuate the problem.

The dog is getting attention which is, after all, what he wanted in the first place. As long as he is getting this extra attention, whether it is shaming or admonishment, he will continue whatever action prompts his attention. Competition can cause a breakdown in toilet habits without the problem evolving into a psychosomatic urinary tract infection. The dog owner should understand that competition alone can be the cause of the problem. And when there is competition, the dog wets!

The competition can be real or imagined. In either case, a thorough examination into any recent changes in household routine would be in order. Something may be giving the dog a feeling that his position, or your affection for him is in jeopardy. Whether actual or simply imagined, it is very real to the dog. If competition is to blame, extra time spent with your dog, and maybe even exaggerated affection, will normally suffice in removing the motivator of his bad deeds.

Then there is the sort of dog who indulges in the type of wetting where he lifts his leg against everything; bedding, curtains, furniture, etc. and finds it necessary to try and own or control his environment by wetting on it. This is the type of dog who is self-oriented, selfish, narcissistic animal that he wets on everything to make it more his own territory. This is a dog that needs a master in all the purest and literal sense of the word.

That type of dog suddenly realizes that he is the leader of the pack, although he really doesn’t want to be. This dog is insecure and wants, in fact needs, strong and confident leadership. These actions usually materialize as a result of soft, permissive, easy-going dog owners who spoil and baby their dog. The ratio of love and discipline are tipped only in the direction of love.

Love in this instance is not a healthy love, both for the dog owner and his dog. It’s permissiveness by an owner who is afraid that discipline may cause the dog to not like the owner. In reality, mistaken kindness can be a bitter and unneeded cruelty. When these dogs are placed in the pound and put to sleep, there’s nobody to blame but their owners who thought so little of their pets that they failed to bring them up with the proper balance of love, discipline, and control.

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These are difficult questions, since a dog five years of age can be considered old, while a six-year old dog may still be, to a certain extent, a puppy. No two dogs are exactly alike. One dog’s metabolism may be old at four years while another may not show signs of the aging process until eight or ten years old.

The first solution is to go to your vet. The reason is simple – the aging process is not the only medical reason why a perfectly well-housetrained dog may suddenly backslide and forget his toilet training. The reason for the unwanted activity must be discovered and properly dealt with though. Unwanted activity, when not properly corrected, can soon become a learned reaction.

Your dog’s vet can examine your pet and rule out such possibilities as nephritis, diabetes, or both. These two diseases can cause a dog the inability to hold urine. A urinary tract infection may be the cause, whether your dog is considered old or simply middle-aged. Your vet can check to make sure parasites or infections are not causing the incontinence.

Whether your dog is young, middle-aged, or old, a thorough medical examination by a vet is the first and most important aspect to consider when a dog that was perfectly housebroken suddenly forgets and has accidents. Only when all possible medical causes are ruled out should you start examining the possible psychological causes.

To have a better understanding of the many possible psychological causes, we must start with the simple and progress to the complex. If you own a male who quite suddenly forgets that he is housebroken, examine the possibility of a female in heat right next door. The compulsion to lift a leg in such cases is very overpowering and surpasses even the most rigid puppy training.

The problem here is, once the “mark” is left on the leg of the dining room chair, the scent remains long after the female dog next door completes her heat cycle. The scent instinctively draws the dog back to that same location for repeated leg raises.

The problem becomes worse if shag carpeting is involved. Wiping it up with water magnifies the problem because of the possibility of mildew. Mildew is notorious for attracting dogs. This type of accident (and it is considered an accident) is quite normal when a female dog is in heat nearby. Even the well-trained dog feels the compulsion to leave his marking. This lets the female dog know (or so the male dog thinks) that there is a perfectly capable and willing stud close by.

One of the best formulas for removing the urine scent from furniture, drapes, and carpeting is club soda. Removing it is a must if you are to return your dog to the status of the well-trained household pet that you know he is. Scolding and verbal reprimand at the time of the accident is perfectly in order as long as you have ruled out medical causes.

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