Dog and Puppy Health, Training and Obedience Tips » Small Dog Breeds

The Little Known Affenpinscher Dog Breed Is a Good Watchdog

Dog lover — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 20:17:10 +0000

How much do you know about the Affenpinscher Dog Breed?

It’s quite possible that you have never heard of the Affenpinscher before, but once you read a bit about him, it just may find that this breed is perfect for you and your family.

The Affenpinscher is an adorable and funny little breed with an almost cute monkey-like appearance. In fact, the prefix ‘Affen’ is a German word for monkey. In his country of origin he is often called Zwergaffenpinscher (‘Zwerg’ meaning dwarf.)

The French have dubbed it the “mustached devil.” In any case, he is an appealing comical little dog, the smallest of the Schnauzers and Pinschers breed. He is alert, gentle, intelligent, and very affectionate. He is cautious of strangers and is always prepared to defend his home and yard which makes him a good watchdog.

Size: The average height for this breed is about 9 1/2 to 11 inches. His average weight should be about 6 to about 9 pounds.

History and origin: Miniature Pinschers and Affenpinschers were, until 1896, classified as a single breed. However, in that year at the Berlin show, it was decided that the long-coated variety should be known as the Affenpinscher. The Affenpinscher is a very old German breed that was depicted by Jan van Eyck (1395-1441) and Albrecht Durer (1471-1528). However, there are some controversies as to where his origin began, although his nationality was never been in doubt. Some people believe it to be related to the Brussels Griffon while others attribute the Brussels Griffon to the Affenpinscher. Another theory is that the Affenpinscher is a toy version of the German coarse-haired terrier, the Zwergschnauzer. In any case, this wonderful dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936. He was introduced into the United Kingdom in 1975 and was first shown at Crufts Dog Show in 1980.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for this breed would be 1/3-1/2 can of quality meat product (13.3oz size), with biscuit added in equal part by volume; or 1-11/2 cupfuls of high quality dry food. When feeding this dog dry food, make sure that he has an ample supply of water.

Exercise: Just like most toy dogs, he will be satisfied with a short walk around the park, but will gladly walk you off your feet if that is to your pleasure.

Grooming: Regular brushing will keep his coat in great condition, as well as all normal grooming habits of most dogs.

Although you may not be familiar with the Affenpinscher, it is one small breed that you may want to look into further.

How To Determine What Your Poodle Puppy Will Be Like As An Adult

Dog lover — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:59:15 +0000

Dog breeders and behaviorists may use what’s called “puppy tests” or “temperament tests” to predict what a Poodle will act like when it grows up. Technically, temperament testing assesses puppies for motor ability, sensory and emotional states, sociability, problem-solving ability, interaction with other dogs, and interaction with people.

Poodle puppies are tested at specific ages for their responses to stimuli or situations; they are then assessed as having temperaments such as outgoing, aggressive, passive or timid, dominant or dependent.

Besides temperament testing, it’s also called puppy testing, puppy evaluation testing, or puppy aptitude testing – which can make the task of deciphering terms and meanings breeders and other canine professionals use difficult for prospective puppy buyers. However, you can determine some characteristics through puppy tests, such as:

1. Level of dominance.
2. Whether the pup is receptive to training.
3. Whether the pup will retrieve.
4. Whether the pup is outgoing or introverted.
5. Whether the pup 1s people oriented or antisocial.

Shih Tzu Dog Breed

Dog lover — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 18:15:18 +0000

The Shih Tzu is a proud toy breed of noble bearing and arrogant carriage whose long, silky, flowing coat, distinctive facial features, top knot, and tail plume over his back assure his unquestionably pure Chinese lineage.
The Shih Tzu is a hardy, playful, feisty, alert, and very intelligent, little breed. Few dogs are as unconditionally loving to their owners as the Shih Tzu. He loves to be carried around. He is an attractive, curious, and happy dog who loves to be around people and hates to be neglected. This is an intelligent breed and can be a good obedient dog if trained properly. Spoiling him could result in a pushy, nippy behavior as well as timidity. The Shih Tzu may be difficult to housebreak and can be a picky eater.

Size: This Shih Tzu stands 8-11in at the shoulder and weighs between 10 and 16lb.

Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Shih Tzu is ½ – 1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal amount or 1 ½ cupfuls of a complete, dry food.

Exercise: An apartment is fine for this toy breed provided he is walked several times a day.

Grooming: His long, silky shedding coat requires a daily brushing with a pure bristle brush. Do not neglect this task to avoid the painful combing out of tangles. Keep the topknot from getting into the eyes and make sure that the ears are free of matted hair. Periodic clipping is also necessary. His coat can be kept in a shorter clip to reduce the grooming maintenance.

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