Kennel Cough in the Chihuahua

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If you plan to board your Chihuahua, enter him into a dog show, or enroll him into puppy school where there will be a lot of dogs around it is probably a good idea to vaccinate your Chihuahua against kennel cough.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The disease is thought to be caused by bacteria called Bordatella. In general kennel cough vaccines are not necessary for house dog Chihuahuas that have little contact with other dogs. The greatest risk is if your Chihuahua is in any of the above mentioned situations.

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Testing a Puppy's Personality

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Just as with humans, every dog has it's own personality. For dogs this can already be determined at a very young age. The object of a puppy test is to determine what kind of personality the dog has. Knowing this allows you to train your dog more effectively.

Some believe that a puppy test allows you to pick the perfect dog. This is nonsense. It allows you to pick a puppy which is mentally stable and has an easy-to-work-with personality. Plus from experience we can say that dog training is 70% the owners experience and mentality and only 30% that of the dog.

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Your Affenpinscher’s Early Days in His New Home

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The Affenpinscher develops a very strong attachment to his owner or owners. How the Affenpinscher puppy develops depends a great deal upon the care he receives as a young puppy. One of the first things you should do for your new Affenpinscher puppy is make him feel secure and comfortable with his new family.

Your breeder probably provided you with a health record showing all immunization vaccinations given to the Affenpinscher puppy prior to the sale. Some states such as California, Florida and Texas require breeders to provide a veterinarian proof of health on sale of a dog.

As soon as possible after bringing your new Affenpinscher puppy home you should take him to be examined by a veterinarian and finish the series of shots began by the breeder. These shots usually consist of vaccines for infectious hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, paraintiuenza and parvovirus. The frequency and combination of vaccines differs from vet to vet. If the Affenpinscher is to be entered into shows the vet may want to give him immunization against bordatella (kennel cough) and corona. Follow the advice of your own personal veterinarian.

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The Affenpinscher Breed Standard

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The general appearance of the Affenpinscher is a balanced, wiry-haired terrier-like toy dog. The Affenpinscher is sturdy and compact with medium bone structure. The preferred height at the withers is 9 ½" to 11 1/2". He has a square-like appearance. The head is in proportion to the body, carried confidently with a monkey-like facial expression. The Affenpinscher has eyes that are round, dark, brilliant and of medium size in proportion to the head. The eyes are not bulging or protruding. Eye rims are black. The ears are cropped to a point, set high and standing erect, or natural, standing erect, semi-erect or dropped. All these types of ears are acceptable in the breed standard as long as the monkey-like expression is maintained. The skull is round and domed, not coarse. The stop is well-defined.

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The Monkey-Face Ratter from Germany is our Loyal Affenpinscher Companion Mousetrap of Today

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The Affenpinscher does not have a detailed history of their arrival in America as many of the other toy breeds have. There was an article published in the April 1950 issue of the AKC Gazette that says the Affenpinscher breed was imported in the mid-thirties. Also known about the Affenpinscher breed is that Mrs. Bessie Mally of Cicero, Illinois imported at least a pair of Affenpinschers in 1935.

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An Overview of Some of the Health Problems Common to the Little Havanese Dog From Cuba

Photo courtesy of Candy Gaudry, Q-BinHavanese http://www.qbinhavanese.com

The Havanese is the National dog of Cuba. He was once called the Havana Silk Dog or the Spanish Silk Poodle mainly because of the coat being like raw silk floss, profuse but extremely light and soft. In its native country of Cuba the coat was never clipped and the hair never tied into a topknot. The Cubans believed the hair falling over the eyes of the Havanese protected them from harsh sun.

The Havanese was brought to Europe in the 18th century where it found favor in the courts of Spain, France and England. By the mid-eighteenth century Queen Victoria owned two Havanese and Charles Dickens had one. In Cuba during this same time period the Havanese became the family dog, playmate of children, a watchdog, and herder of the family poultry flock. Only a handful of Havanese found their way to the United States after the Cuban revolution. All the Havanese in the world today, except those from the iron curtain countries and those remaining in Cuba come from those 11 Havanese immigrants. Havanese type has remained almost unchanged from that of the dogs painted in the 18th century.

Health Problems of the Havanese

Cataracts in Havanese can develop early or late. They can cause blindness or be slow in growth and not progress to blindness. To date, all the early onset, blinding cataracts have been found in Havanese with chondrodysplasia. Surgical correction of cataracts (removal) is best done before they become mature. For this reason, annual CERF exams are highly recommended for the Havanese. Orthopedic abnormalities such as Chondrosysplasia are literally "faulty cartilage." It can be manifested in a variety of ways: * By premature closure

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The Havanese Standard

Photo courtesy of Candy Gaudry, Q-Bin Havanese, http://www.qbinhavanese.com/ (Amos: In Loving Memory of)

The Havanese is a small sturdy dog. He is slightly longer than tall. The Havanese's coat is long, silky and wavy. He has a plumed tail that he carries loosely curled over his rump. Size and Proportion The Havanese stands from a range of 8 ½ to 11 ½ inches tall. The ideal height is between 9 and 10 ½ inches measured at the withers, and slightly less than the length from point of shoulder to point of buttocks. His outline is somewhat of a rectangle rather than square. The Havanese should never appear fragile. A coarse dog with excessive bone is contrary to type and therefore undesirable according to the AKC standard. The minimum height stated here does not apply to males and females under

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You may also be interested in:

Havanese Books

by Dorothy GoodaleItem: B1245Current and helpful resource on the breed, including Standard and characteristics, training, health care, and breed-specific health problems.Ships the next business day.Price: $19.95


HAVANESE, A COMPLETE & RELIABLE HANDBOOK





by BrownTroutItem: B12450An 18-month calendar with a full color photo of your breed for each month! Ships the next business day.Price: $13.99


HAVANESE CALENDAR 2007





3.
by Barbara WalkerItem: BK174HA beautiful 1" by 6" laminated bookmark by artist Barbara Walker. Captures the look and personality of each breed and makes a wonderful gift.
Please Note: These bookmarks are handcrafted. There may be slight variations in color or design. Although we do our best to represent these items accurately, they are not always identical to the photograph.


HAVANESE BOOKMARK (HEAD)





4.
by Kathryn BraundItem: B1247About what makes a Havanese a Havanese. Also about practicality in breeding, raising puppies and understanding the essence of canine behavior.Ships the next business day.Price: $34.95


THE JOYOUS HAVANESE





LITTLE DOGS: TRAINING YOUR PINT-SIZED COMPANION
5.
by Deborah WoodItem: DTB7962004 Dog Writers Assn. of America Writing Competition Nominee! Contains all the information essential to the training success of both you and your little dog! Geared specifically toward small dogs 12" and under or 20 lbs. and under.Ships the next business day.Price: $12.95






HAVANESE (KCB)
6.
by Zoila Portuondo GuerraItem: B1246Information about breed history, characteristics and standard, as well as puppy selection, feeding, training, preventative health care and behavior of the breed.Ships the next business day.Price: $14.95

Basic Puppy Training

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It is never too soon to start training a puppy, however give your puppy as much freedom as possible until he is about 4 to 6 months of age. That does not include running amok in public places. Always keep a lead and collar on your puppy in public places where there is danger from road traffic and so on. In many countries it is against the law to allow a dog to run free, so be careful if that applies to your country.

Also be careful in parks if there are older dogs loose as they may attack a crazy pup they think is infringing in their territory. A boisterous young pup of a larger breed can also harm very young children or frail elderly people by jumping on them excitedly. Always keep your pup in sight when he's off a lead.

Plenty of exercise and fresh air is essential for a fast growing young puppy. He needs the exercise to strengthen his bones and fresh air for the development of strong lungs. Being in public places also allows him to interact with people and get used to the noises of traffic and life in general. He should be exercised daily if possible; with a side benefit being that he will sleep well and not get bored, which is the main cause of bad habits and destructive behavior seen in so many young dogs today. Another thing it prevents is shyness, which is primarily caused by isolation as a pup, although shyness is also a trait that can be inherited.

Starting Basic Puppy Training

You can start training a puppy from about 4 to 6 months of age. It is possible to train older dogs, but it's a lot harder. Don’t overdo these exercises, 10 minutes a day is adequate. You'll find that your puppy tires fairly quickly, and a tired pup won't learn anything. Be regular in your training sessions, taking him out at about the same time each day. Dress in the same shoes or jacket each training session, and the pup

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You might also be interested in this book:


FOR THE LOVE OF A DOG - UNDERSTANDING EMOTION IN YOU AND YOUR BEST FRIENDby Patricia McConnellItem: DTB890Sure to be another bestseller, Trish McConnell's latest book takes a look at canine emotions and body language. Like all her books, this one is written in a way that the average dog owner can follow but brings the latest scientific information that trainers and dog enthusiasts can use. Ships the next business day.Price: $24.95

5 Tips for Puppy Proofing Your Home

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Ah, puppies...so adorable, filled with boundless energy and curious about any-and-everything around them. That's why taking steps to puppy-proof your home will go a long way in protecting these little ones from harm. And on the flip side, your precautions will also safeguard your belongings from possible damage. Your first task is to get a puppy's point of view. How? By going from room to room, getting down on your hands and knees and taking a good look at what your puppy might be enticed by. Remember, they are new to the world and like toddlers; puppies are inclined to explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouths and poking around in nooks and crannies. Cabinets Cleaning supplies and personal care items that are stored in low storage areas like kitchen and under-sink bathroom cabinets can be poisonous to your puppy. The ingredients in these products are extremely harmful and can even cause death. If the cabinet doors can be easily pried open, think about storing these items in some other place. Another option is to purchase plastic child-proof cabinet locks that can be temporarily attached to the handles or knobs. These safety locks can usually be found online or in local pet supply (or baby) stores.

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Preparations for a New Chihuahua Puppy

At last your new family member is coming home! You need to make some plans before bringing home your bundle of joy of a Chihuahua puppy. Make some of your home off-limits at first. Now about furniture: Chihuahuas enjoy looking around their surroundings while perched on high....but they can hurt themselves jumping off high places. A good general rule to follow is if they can't jump up to a place by themselves, they shouldn't jump down from that place. You can buy or make a ramp that leads to favorite lookouts or nesting spots.

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Looking Through the Eyes of Your Dog

Unless you were born blind you already know how valuable your eyes and vision are in coping with life. Helping us to process information on the world around us, our eyes constantly work to help us enjoy life and avoid danger. Dogs also use their eyes in similar ways but with a few minor important differences. We see far and near fine detail in a wide range of colors and shades. Dogs however, even sight hounds which have good vision, have a poorer color range and they are much better at detecting movement rather than detail. This gives them an advantage with night vision but they are poorer at seeing fine or close detail. The main advantage dogs have is that they don't have to rely purely on vision for information on their world. An acute sense of smell and excellent hearing, along with good motion sensing vision, mean that dogs sense much more of their surrounds than mere humans. This extended sensory ability made them ideal companions to early man when danger lurked around every corner.

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A Little Bit about the Pekingese

A Little Bit about the Pekingese
by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)
The Pekingese, also known as Peking Palasthund and Little Lion Dog of Peking, are among the favorite American pets of the twenty-first century. The Pekingese is also referred to as a sleeve dog because it is said the Chinese royalty carried the little Peke in the sleeves of their robes. There were no real lions in China. However, the Lion of Buddha was a sacred symbol from about the first century A.D. The artist of those days portrayed Buddhist's symbols remarkably like the emperor's palace dogs. The Pekingese were probably the artists' models. Until 1860 the Pekingese was kept only by the imperial family. The Imperial family designated three types: * Lion Dogs for their manes and large forequarters; * Sun Dogs because of their golden red coats; * And Sleeve Dogs because they were often carried inside the rather large sleeves of the royal families. According to historians when the British raided the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they carried off five of these little dogs. One of these little dogs was presented to Queen Victoria and named "Looty." The remaining four were given to Admiral John Hay. In John Hay's Greenwood Castle these four Pekingese became the foundation stock for today's Western Pekingese. Very little is known or available of the ancestors of the Pekingese. We do know Oriental breeding was common to produce small type pug-faced dogs with flowing coats. The Pekingese is probably better suited to adult families or those with older children who understand the need of careful handling of small dogs. The Pekingese is sociable and loves to romp with its family. He can be somewhat stubborn, never loses courage or dignity. He is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. The Pekingese is a loyal companion. He is best trained with gentleness, consistency and with great patience. Reward every appropriate action with a kind word and a special treat. The Pekingese is usually not known as an alarm dog. He usually resents strangers, is bold, brave and may develop into a watchdog if encouraged. The Pekingese have not changed a lot since they were residents of the royal palace of China. They are still small and compatible little dogs. They were bred to please their royal owners. Following the fall of the Chinese palace in 1860 they were seen in Great Britain. The AKC registered the Pekingese in 1906 and the breed has grown in popularity since that time. Pekingese do not require a lot of exercise, long walks with its owner and backyard playtime is plenty for the Peke. Grooming You guessed it.....the Pekingese does require quite a bit of grooming. Its coat is abundant, long, straight, flat and flowing. Most Pekingese have a black mask that extends to the ears and are seen in many different colors. Grooming should begin very early in the life of a Pekingese puppy. The fine coat tangles easy. Care must be taken to straighten or clip out mats as they form. The top coat is coarse with a thick undercoat. There is a profuse mane extending beyond its shoulders which forms a cape around the neck. You will need a slicker or pin brush and a wide-toothed comb. Brushing regularly is essential. Pet Pekingese are more comfortable having their stomach, chest and genital area clipped very short. Show dog Pekingese, however, are not clipped in this manner.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to information about the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books, dog toys and supplies, and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, 12 picture video and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

A Little Bit about the Pug

A Little Bit about the Pugby Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) The Pug is known as the Carlin in France, Mopshond in the Netherlands, Mops in Germany and Chinese Pug or sometimes the Dutch Pug in Great Britain. So how did he come about with a name of the "Pug?" The name Pug may have come about from the shape of the dog's head or the name refers to the dog's resemblance to a marmoset or monkey. The Pug was developed as a pet and entertainer. His clownish face and happy demeanor wins friends just about everywhere he goes. The little Pug is an ancient Oriental breed and was probably first developed in Tibetan monasteries prior to the first century A.D. He resembles the Pekingese and other Oriental breeds. The Pug was seen in Japan in early years as well. Some claim the Pug originated from Mastiff stock. This is not a proven fact and is doubted by many because several other toy breeds with large heads and curled tails came from the Orient. It is more probable that the Pug was carried from China by Holland's trading ships and on into the Netherlands where he became the Clown Prince of many European courts in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The Pug is said to be a wonderful companion. He fits in nicely with young families if the small kids are well informed about handling small dogs. The Pug makes a good companion to the elderly and is sufficiently active enough for young adult as well. Pugs love to run and play. A backyard is usually enough space for their exercise. They enjoy leashed walks and make good hiking partners in cool weather or shady environments. The Pug is affectionate, ready to please and sensitive. The Pug can provide hours of entertainment for its owner with many comical antics. He is sensitive to the moods of its owner. They are trustworthy, loyal and socialize easily with other pets. The Pug can exhibit a jealous streak if not given enough attention and may even pout. He is extremely trainable. The Pug's coat is short, lies flat, and requires regular brushing and combing to control shedding, which can be a lot. A rubber slicker brush is effective in removing loose hair and a grooming glove is often used. The Pug's coat is fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy. It is neither harsh nor woolly. The colors are usually fawn or black. They have a black mask, ears and facial wrinkles. The nails should be black. The Pug is easy to maintain. It only needs regular brushing. The overnose wrinkle and ears should be checked daily and kept clean. If a sore develops, a vet should be consulted. Special attention should be given to the Pug's eyes. The eyes should be kept clear and a vet consulted if not clear. The older Pug's eyes are particularly vulnerable and occasionally require eye drops. You will need a brush or a grooming glove, a selection of combs is useful. Brush the coat daily. Bathe in a suitable natural-ingredient shampoo and rinse well.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy breed dogs. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog toys and supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

A Little Bit about the Chihuahua

A Little Bit about the Chihuahua
by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

The Chihuahua is know by no other name and has been popular north and south of the Rio Grande for many years. It is the oldest purebred canine native to the North American continent.

The Chihuahua's origin is filled with tales and extends back to the Toltec civilization of Mexico in the ninth century. Discovery of the earliest Chihuahuas were in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Ancestors of the Chihuahua could include a small hairless Chinese dog, which could account for the size reduction of the original Chihuahua. The ancient people in Mexico first developed a prairie dog or gopher, which was mute, longhaired and larger than the present-day Chihuahua. Tales are many about the uses of this tiny dog in Toltec and later Aztec religious rites. Nearly all Chihuahua fanciers accept one fact: This is that the modern Chihuahua that was discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, in the mid-1800s stands apart from all other canines. This tiny breed prefers its own kind to all other dogs.

The Chihuahua can be sociable with other dogs, but most definitely still is more content when surrounded by other Chihuahuas. Because of this fact it probably is not a good idea to own other pets if you desire to own a Chihuahua. Your household will be better of with multiple Chihuahuas if that is your chosen breed. The Chihuahua has no claims of ties to royalty and any hunting abilities or heritage.

The Chihuahua is known primarily as a wonderful little social able human companion and that is the main purpose of the Chihuahua today and in time past. The Chihuahua is quite content to have no work assigned to it. He fits nicely even in the smallest spaces and is content to spend his days lying in the sun or being pampered by its humans. The Chihuahua makes a perfect pocket pal and can travel with you just about anywhere almost invisible to strangers. The Chihuahua is not a big eater; therefore, food expense for the Chihuahua is quite minimal. He actually requires no kind of special care beyond a warm place to sleep and his treasured humans.

Chihuahua is usually most comfortable with senior adults and other adult families. They do not fit well into homes with preschoolers, toddlers or young adolescents. Preschoolers may try to grab at the Chihuahua, toddlers are likely to step on it or fall over it and young adolescents in their busy rush of a day may injure it. Personality The Chihuahua will usually claim ownership of one family member with whom it bonds tightly. He is brave, loyal, affectionate and intelligent that can be highly sensitive and stubborn. He does not do well walking on a leash and being taken for long walks. It is just easier to pick up the Chihuahua and carry him on your walk rather than have him in a collar and on a leash. They are mostly house companions and adornments. Some are able to learn tricks and may even enjoy performing for guests.

Appearance

The Chihuahua has no height standard but usually stands about 5 inches tall and weighs no more than 6 pounds. Its skull is described as an apple dome shape, with or without a spot spot. Its muzzle is short and pointed. The Chihuahua is shown in smooth- and longhaired varieties. The smooth variety's coat should be soft, glossy and close. The longhaired variety coat has a soft texture withor without waves or curls, its ears are edged with fringes, and its tail, feet, legs and neck are well feathered. Colors are any color or combination of colrs, solid, marked, or splashed.

Grooming

You will need a cushioned bristle brush and a medium-toothed comb for both the smooth coat and long haired varieties. The long haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain with weekly brushing. The short haired coat also benefits from weekly brushings. You can use a chamois cloth to bring the coat up to a shine in the short haired Chihuhua.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com/ and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breed directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource bo

A Little Bit about the Chinese Crestedby Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) Other names the Chinese Crested is known as are: * Chinese Edible Dog * Chinese Ship Dog * Chinese Hairless * Chinese Royal Hairless * Pyramid or Giza Hairless * South African Hairless * Turkish Hairless The "crest" in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair that graces the dog's head. The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, but has never reached great popularity. It has often been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a "freak." However, this little dog has many assets that go unrecognized. There are two types of the Chinese Crested: * Hairless * With a full coat, which is called the Powderpuff The Powderpuff is just about identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. If you breed a hairless to a hairless or a Powderpuff to a hairless you can end up with either type or both types of puppies. Breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the Powderpuff type puppies. Some authors claim the origin of the Chinese Crested is Africa. Others find its origin in Mexico or any of several other warm countries. The Chinese Crested is known to have been carried by trading ships from and to many different ports where it was bought and sold. Therefore, its origin is shrouded by sea tales. The date of origin of the Chinese Crested is considered to be during the thirteenth century. Oriental countries concentrated on breeding miniaturized dogs, so the Chinese Crested ancestors probably include some of these small, hairless mutations. The Chinese Crested originally enjoyed a pampered life with few duties except those associated with being a good companion. Very early in the development of the Chinese Crested breed it was probably used as a ratter on trading ships and was even sometimes eaten by human residents of these trading ships (how horribly awful to think of eating such a beautiful creature). Personality The Chinese Crested is said to be "a nimble and cunning playmate." He is a vigilant and sensitive house dog. The Chinese Crested is a loving and obedient pet. He socializes well with other pets and is only a little cautious of strangers. The Chinese Crested is lively and active, but is rarely seen in agility contests. He is easily trained and should do well in obedience work. Appearance The Chinese Crested is fine-boned and graceful. He stands about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighs 5 to 12 pounds. He is athletic-looking and well muscled. The legs of a Chinese Crested are straight and strong. The Chinese Crested has a copious shock of silky hair that graces his head. Hair is absent over much of the remainder of its body except for tufts of hair on the tail and feet. The Powderpuff has a flowing double coat of silky hair that covers its entire body. It is seen in any coat color or combination of colors. Exercise Requirements As with most toy breeds the Chinese Crested needs a minimal amount of exercise which can be obtained in your backyard. Grooming The Chinese Crested needs to be kept clean with frequent baths using a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer like baby oil or baby lotion. This routine is especially true for the hairless type. The Powderpuff requires regular brushing and combing. The teeth need cleaning regularly. You will need a good-quality bristle brush and a safety razor (to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. For the Powderpuff coat you will need a good-quality bristle brush, a wide-toothed comb and clippers. The skin of the Hairless type responds well to frequent oiling by massaging baby oil or Nivea face cream into the hairless parts. This helps to keep the skin on the Chinese Crested Hairless type smooth and nicely moisturized. The Powderpuff puppy requires frequent brushing with a bristle or pin brush particularly when the puppy coat changes to the adult coat, at which time daily grooming may be needed. The coat of a Powderpuff Chinese Crested should be brushed in layers with the lie of the coat. After bathing, grooming and blow-drying, the face should be shaved using clippers (10 mm blade). Take a line from the outer corner of the eye to the ear and in a gentle curve from the ear down to the "Adam's apple." This cut is similar to the face of a Poodle. In the U.S. the Powderpuff face is not shaved. Finish off the entire body with a wide-toothed comb if desired. The comb will find any remaining tangles in the coat. Of note in the Chinese Crested is that the dog's nails should be moderately long.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, and advertising in our newsletters for one year at the rate of $25 per year. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

A Little Bit about the Toy Poodle
by Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com)

The name Poodle is probably derived from the German word pfudel that means puddle. The origin of the Poodle is generally assumed to be France. It probably was actually first seen in Russia and Germany. The standard size in Russia and Germany were used as water retrievers. In France the Poodle is known as the National Dog of France. The standard version of the Poodle originated in the fifteenth century. The Toy variety came 300 years later. The ancestors of the Poodle were probably the Barbets and other ancient curly-coated breeds. The Toy Poodle's original purpose was that of a companion and friend and in France it was sometimes used as a truffle-scenting dog. Its tightly curled coat was developed to capture shedding hair, making the dog a very clean house companion. The British Poodle club was established in 1886. The Poodles were seen in America soon thereafter. In the American Kennel Club standards for the Poodle there are three varieties listed. The Toy Poodle's height is stated to be less than 10 inches tall at the shoulder. The Toy Poodle has emerged as one of the finest companions available. Normal-sized Toy Poodles are robust little dogs that make excellent pets for older children and adults of all ages. The Toy Poodle is probably not recommended for a household with toddlers or as a toddler's pet. Personality The Toy Poodle is said to be "super intelligent," playful and active. The Toy Poodle is sensitive and bonds quickly to its family and may be reserved toward strangers until properly introduced. The Toy Poodle responds well to handlers and is sociable with other dogs and small household pets. Toy Poodles are often "barkers," but with appropriate training the barkers can be curtailed. The Toy Poodle is loyal and affectionate. Because of the Toy Poodle's inherited scenting abilities he succeeds very well at hide-and-seek games and retrieving. One of the best uses of a Toy Poodle is as a therapy dog. They are quite sociable. Appearance The Toy Poodle stands less than 10 inches tall and weighs about 8 to 10 pounds. They have a long, straight muzzle and bright, dark eyes. Pigmentation of eyelids, lip margins and nose rubber are either black or dark in color, depending on the coat color. The back is short. The body is muscular and athletic. The legs are straight. Colors are all solids in shades of blue, gray, silver, brown, café au lait, apricot and cream. Exercise Requirements The Toy Poodle is capable of providing its own exercise provided it has a backyard to play in. The Toy Poodle needs people contact to balance and enjoy life. They do not do well all alone for long periods of time. They enjoy playing toss the ball, tug of war games and because of the inherited scenting abilities they also enjoy hide-in-seek games. Grooming A Toy Poodle's coat should be trimmed and shaped every five or six weeks by an experienced groomer if you want it to look like a traditional poodle. At home, the Toy Poodle requires brushing and combing every few days to prevent matting and knotting of the coat. Many Toy Poodle owners like keeping their Toy Poodles in a puppy or sporting pattern, which is done by clipping the dog's coat to the same length all over its body, then shaving the face a little shorter and trimming the topknot, tail and ear hair with the scissors. This is probably most practical for the pet Toy Poodle everyday appearance if you have no interest in dog shows.

Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com/ About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, and advertising in our newsletter for one year at the rate of $25 per year.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

A Little Bit about the Havaneseby Connie Limon (Email: connielimon@yahoo.com) The Havanese is a shaggy little dog of ancient European lineage. The ancient Havanese breed has common ancestors with the Barbichon, Bichon and Maltese. It is felt the Havanese probably traveled with Mediterranean trading ships from Europe and the Canaries to the Caribbean islands. In the 1700s the Havanese was bred and owned by rich landowners and the plantation aristocracy of Cuba. These little dogs were also clever at performing in circuses during this period of time after it lost its popularity in these prominent society circles of Cuba. The Havanese has always been admired most for its intelligence and adaptability. It is an excellent companion dog. The Havanese migranted from Cuba to the United States in the 1950s and was admitted to the AKC in 1999. Grooming the Havanese The coat of a Havanese is long and silky and tangles easily. It can be wavy or slightly curled. Grooming will need to be carried out frequently. The double, wavy and profuse coat isn't trimmed for normal purposes or the show ring except for nominal scissoring of foot hair. Havanese pets are either clipped or scissored down to a manageable length. The Havanese is seen in all colors from black to white. You will want to achieve a loose, natural look for the Havanese. Brush through the entire coat to removing any tangles. Then comb the coat with a wide-toothed comb. Brush along the back. When the Havanese shakes his hair it should fall nautrally in a parting. Do not try to make a perfectly straight part. A topknot can be tied up away from the eyes. Topknots are not usually used in the show ring. Grooming Equipment Needed You will need a pin brush, a wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush. The slicker brush is used on tough tangles, otherwise use the pin brush for normal daily brushing because the slicker brush can be too harsh on the Havanese coat. Exercise Requirements The Havanese exercise needs are easily met. A short walk, a romp a day with the kids in the backyard is about all it needs to stay in good physical shape. Personality The Havanese is sensitive, playful, friendly, accommodating, affectionate and comical. The Havanese is outgoing and adapts easily to adults. The Havanese gets along well with other pets. He is highly trainable. He does not respond well to yelling. He wants to please. The Havanese has a good memory and is quick to learn. Appearance The Havanese is generally about 10 inches tall and weighs about 10 pounds. He is a sturdy little dog. He is not delicate or frail. The Havanese is quite athletic. The legs of a Havanese are usually short, straight and strong. Pigmentation of nose, lip and eye margins is always black or solid dark brown on chocolate brown dogs. He has a "happy" sort of a look with his drop ears, straight topline, high tail set and animated gait. The Havanese is usually good with children of all ages. They are not frail and delicate so even smaller children can learn to handle a Havanese with ease. Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com/ and sign up for our FREE bi-weekly newsletter. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog training resources, dog books, dog supplies and a toy dog breed directory. Purchase a full page ad with up to 3 pictures to showcase your breed's website, kennel or puppies for sale for $25 per year. Our website will also create a video of your breed using up to 12 pictures with links to your website and feature you in our newsletter. This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

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HAVANESE, A COMPLETE & RELIABLE HANDBOOK





by BrownTroutItem: B12450An 18-month calendar with a full color photo of your breed for each month! Ships the next business day.Price: $13.99


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by Barbara WalkerItem: BK174HA beautiful 1" by 6" laminated bookmark by artist Barbara Walker. Captures the look and personality of each breed and makes a wonderful gift.
Please Note: These bookmarks are handcrafted. There may be slight variations in color or design. Although we do our best to represent these items accurately, they are not always identical to the photograph.


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by Kathryn BraundItem: B1247About what makes a Havanese a Havanese. Also about practicality in breeding, raising puppies and understanding the essence of canine behavior.Ships the next business day.Price: $34.95


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LITTLE DOGS: TRAINING YOUR PINT-SIZED COMPANION
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by Deborah WoodItem: DTB7962004 Dog Writers Assn. of America Writing Competition Nominee! Contains all the information essential to the training success of both you and your little dog! Geared specifically toward small dogs 12" and under or 20 lbs. and under.Ships the next business day.Price: $12.95






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by Zoila Portuondo GuerraItem: B1246Information about breed history, characteristics and standard, as well as puppy selection, feeding, training, preventative health care and behavior of the breed.Ships the next business day.Price: $14.95