It’s become standard for anyone wanting a glamorous aura to pick out their dogs like they pick out their shoes. “Ooh - I’ll have that darling one in the corner, great color - matches my handbag too!”

And they’re easy to find - anyone with enough money can pick out the doglet of their dreams.

Perhaps even scarier than the free availability of ‘designer dogs’ is the fact that almost anyone can create a new breed of dog. The sudden increase in dogs as fashion statements has meant that there are many unscrupulous breeders trying to make a quick buck from expensive dogs with cute names.

Unfortunately there are so many risks with these kinds of breeding practices. Anybody can mix any combination of dogs but few can master doing it in a way that is good for the dogs, and the humans who live with them. It’s about much more than genetics. Why create a dog that is very likely to have a painful future?

Imagine that your cute Yorki-poo puppy has a very expensive medical future before them. Or try to imagine that this adorable Puggle that you’ve just brought home might have to have his eyes popped back into their sockets at regular intervals!

Amateur breeders are unleashing all kinds of dangerous conditions upon dogs who are being bred to fit in with our lifestyles.

It can be argued that all dogs came to be as a result of interbreeding. Not only are all purebreds a result of mixing but in fact every single dog today has some history of crossbreeding in their past.

There is a well deserved stigma surrounding these new so called ‘designer mutts’.

Various Pug and Pekingese breeds have very sensitive eyes. Pugs are known to have problematic eyes as are Pekingese. You could end up with a dog whose eyes come out of their sockets. And fixing it could require expensive and painful corrective surgery.

Sounds like something from a horror movie rather than a happy family dog!

What about the mixing of some larger dogs? It can be just as harmful if two genetically inferior specimens are used. You could end up crossing dogs that are plagued by hip dysplasia and land up with a crippled dog.

It’s the lack of predictability that makes these dogs such a risk. You never know what you are getting. And while the odds might be in your favor - nobody can guarantee the health of your designer puppy.

The American Kennel Club is considering allowing some of the more established breeds into the list of accepted and recognized breeds. But this process requires some organization on the part of breeders.

In order to be officially recognized there needs to be evidence that the dogs have at least a three generation pedigree. The dog must also be widely spread across the United States - across at least 20 states.

Labradoodles are the most well known of the designer dog clubs. Labradoodles are also at the forefront of acceptance into the American Kennel Club. There are some breeders who have at least 15 generations of Labradoodles and claim they can predict with great certainty the look and temperament of the dog. There is much debate in the canine world about whether or not many of these new hybrids will be

Only time will tell whether these dogs will be accepted into the mainstream. Many people are enjoying the benefits of dogs designed to fit in a handbag or dogs designed to live in small spaces.

It’s important to remember that whatever you are looking for in a dog - you are looking for in the puppy’s parents too. With these expensive puppies you might be shelling out allot of money for a great disappointment.

Check as much as you can about the mix you are most interested in. Rather leave combinations that you can see might have similar weaknesses. Don’t buy puppies from people who seem to be more interested in your money than the wellbeing of their puppies.

At the end of the day - good puppies come from good homes. Knowledge about genetic disorders is as important as warmth and love when it comes to making great pets.

Until designer dogs become more widely recognized - it’s best to stick to the more traditional mixes. At least you will know what you are getting.

If a purebred puppy doesn’t really appeal to you - why not rather think about buying an adult dog from a shelter. At least this way you can have a bit more certainty about the dog’s temperament and looks.

At the end of the day your designer mutt might end up costing you more. If your dog has some suspect heritage you will need many tests to screen for a range of possible ailments. If your dog is your fashion accessory - you will be able to enjoy the added advantage of all kinds of colorful accessories for you little mutt.

Whatever you decide - giving them a happy home is more important above all else no matter what may come your dog’s way.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at allmypuppiesonline.com All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, carpetsecrets.com Carpet Secrets and movingsecretsguide.com Moving Secrets Guide

Tags: dog breed, shih tzu, yorkshire terrier

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Many assume that, because the Yorkie is such a small dog, it will have few needs. This is not true. As with any breed, the Yorkie has elements that may make it your perfect pet… or the worst choice you could make. Before deciding on any dog, you must consider certain aspects.

One: grooming. The Yorkie has a good deal of hair that requires high maintenance. You must brush every day and clip regularly. Though this breed sheds little to no hair, which makes it excellence for allergy sufferers or those concerned with ruining furniture, it still requires extensive care. Many owners chose to have their Yorkies professionally groomed, but this costs money. If you are not willing to take the time to have your Yorkie groomed, or to do it yourself, this is not the breed for you.

Two: health concerns. Though the Yorkie is a sturdy dog, it is still a little one and prone to certain problems. Its size makes it likely to get hurt more easily from a fall or roughhousing. This does not make it suitable for families with young children. Also, Yorkies can suffer from teeth problems. The best way to handle this is to use dry food only to build up strength, and have regular Vet visits. Finally, if you intend to breed
Yorkies, you must realize that females can have problems delivering due to their size.

Three: exercise. Yorkies are, by nature, active dogs. Routine exercise will be at minimal since they will keep themselves busy during the day. Still, these dogs love to go for walks or to play in the yard. You must make sure they are secure, however, as they might run away. A Yorkie has high hunting instincts and is inclined to chase.

Four: training. The Yorkie is a bit of a contradiction. Though it can be easily trained, it will ignore that training when it sees fit. This can make it appear to be a breed of lesser intelligence. This is not true. Yorkies are actually quite clever and capable of handling most problems. They just also happen to be stubborn creatures. Training will be a constant thing and will require time and attention.

Five: temperament. Yorkies are blessed with that infectious, fearless Terrier temperament. This is both a blessing and a curse for owners. These dogs demand your time and attention. Also, they will do as they please–this extends to chasing down whatever animal happens to cross their path if they are able (including dogs as large as Great Danes). Because of this fiery nature, Yorkies require an owner with patience and a disciplined mind. Your Yorkie will be devoted to you; he just might not always listen.

If any of these characteristics seem too overwhelming, the Yorkie–or any other Terrier–is probably not for you. These are not timid animals and do not need timid owners. Instead, you must be willing to face the challenges of owning this breed for, with those challenges, comes a wonderful pet.

Richard Cussons is a champion for dogs of all breeds and Yorkshire Terriers in particular. You can find out more about the yorkshireterriersavvy.com/ Yorkshire Terrier at the yorkshireterriersavvy.com/yorkshire-terrier-sitemap.html Yorkshire Terrier Savvy web site.

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Tags: groom, yorkshire terrier

Grooming is important for the overall health and good looks of dachshunds. Dachshund grooming generally includes brushing out the coat, bathing, and giving special attention to its eyes, feet and skin. Grooming techniques and methods vary according to the different coats of dachshunds - shorthaired, wire-haired and longhaired.

Short-haired coats can be easily groomed with the help of a damp cloth. But fawn and chocolate colored, short-haired dachshunds have greater chances for skin burn if exposed to sunlight. Applying sunscreen with mink oil is effective for short-haired pets with skin problems. It is a big challenge to keep wire-haired dachshunds looking their best. This variety of dachshund is required to strip its coat at least 2 - 3 times a year. They also need a thorough brushing each week.

Grooming a long-haired dachshund also requires some expertise and skill. It is always advisable to seek the assistance of a professional to groom long-haired dachshunds. Long-haired dachshunds have to be blow-dried after bathing. They should be properly brushed, trimmed and clipped to maintain a shiny, longhaired coat. A comb or a brush with soft bristles can be used to untangle knots.

Problems like bald spots, bump, and swelling affecting dachshunds must be immediately brought to the attention of a veterinarian, as these signs may be symptoms of some kind of disease. Special attention must also be given to the ears, nails and teeth.

A soft, moist towel can be used to clean and remove earwax. Nails should be trimmed at least once a week to prevent digging in your garden. Cleaning teeth includes an oral examination, root scaling, root planning, polishing, and supragingival plaque and tartar removal using hand instruments. Proper treatment for worm infestations is also a part of dachshund grooming.

In the US, there are a lot number of dachshund grooming salons offering state of the art facilities for all your pet’s grooming needs, from hair cuts and exotic styling to pedicures and skin care.

i-Dachshund.com Dachshund provides detailed information on Dachshunds, Miniature Dachshunds, Dachshund Rescue, Dachshund Puppies and more. Dachshund is affiliated with e-yorkshireterriers.com Yorkshire Terrier Adoption.

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Tags: groom, yorkshire terrier

It’s every pet owner’s nightmare- your dog is lost. Your dog is outside facing the elements and the dangers all alone. You don’t know where they are and you have no idea how to go about finding them.

Most dogs just love to explore and some breeds are more prone to straying further than others. Hunting dogs like beagles are even more adventurous than other kinds of dogs and will quickly stray out of sight.

It’s not just hunting dogs that can go missing. Dogs and cats escape all the time. Whether it’s the dog that escapes underneath your feet as you open the door or the cat who has escaped over the weekend. Pets also face all kinds of dangers while traveling with their owners.

If you’re pet does get lost finding them soon will reduce the threat of serious harm coming to them. A pet that is lost after nightfall has significantly less chance of being found safe and returned alive. The cold temperatures and dangers of traffic are increased and your pet becomes more vulnerable to attack by wild animals too.

If this all sounds like a nightmare to you there is a method of keeping track of your pet which might alleviate your worries. Using satellite technology you can keep tabs on where your pet is. GPS technology is not new for cars and boats but for pets it’s pretty new. Global Positioning Systems can now be used to keep track of your dog or cat.

The system uses governmental surveillance techniques with satellites; enabling a Mobile System for Communications (GSM). This means you can use your phone or laptop to keep track of anything from your car to your dog. You will need a service provider to relay the information to you which you will need to pay for.

A tracking device can be attached to your dog’s collar; so it doesn’t hurt or hinder them in any way. Except for curbing that adventurous spirit a bit! The system is very personalized - you can set perimeters and zones and you can change them as you travel or even move house to house. These “safe zones” can be set so you are alerted whenever your pet leaves an area determined by you.

If you choose GPS; remember it is only effective as part of a wider strategy. There’s no substitute for proper training but there are some tools you can use to make your pet safer.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at allmypuppiesonline.com All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, carpetsecrets.com Carpet Secrets and movingsecretsguide.com Moving Secrets Guide.

Tags: dog breed, shih tzu, yorkshire terrier

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Breed standards are a set of guidelines commonly used to ensure that dogs measure up to certain characteristics typical of the breed. Breed standards are used to judge dogs in competitions and are considered to be the hypothetical ideal of the breed.

If you want to compete with your Maltese and are concerned about following these requirements to the letter it might also be helpful to take into account that these ideal specifications can vary in different countries. These are the standards from the American Kennel Club

So you must be wondering.. how does your Maltese measure up to the official ‘conformation’ points? Keep in mind that these refer to the ideal dog and variations in your own Maltese are not in any way a poor reflection on your pet. Unless you want to compete that is…The following is adapted from the American Kennel Club Maltese Breed Standard guidelines which have been in effect since 1984.

General Appearance:

The Maltese is a gentle-mannered and loving toy dog. Covered from head to foot with smooth, silky hair. Despite the dogs size it should be eager and energetic.

Head:

The head must be in proportion with the size of the dog. The skull should be slightly rounded on top and the stop should be moderate.

The ears are low set and hang close to the head. The ears should be covered with hair hanging over them. The eyes are not set too far apart and should have a gentle but alert expression. The eyes are surrounded by black rims.

The muzzle is of medium length, fine and tapered at the nose. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in even bite.

Neck

The neck is long enough for the head to be held high.

Body

The body is compact. The shoulder blades are sloping and the elbows well knit. The back is level and the ribs well sprung. The chest is deep and just slightly tucked underneath.

Tail

Covered in long hair and gracefully carried over the back the tip should lie to the side over a quarter.

Legs and Feet

The legs should be fine-boned and feathered. The forelegs are straight and the joints well knit. The hind legs are strong and slightly angled at stifles and hocks. The feet are small and rounded. Toe pads are black.

Coat and Color

The coat is long, flat and silky. It should hang over the sides of the body almost to the ground. The long hair on the head may be tied up or left hanging. Any curl, kinks or woolly texture is considered a fault. The color must be pure white. Light tan or cream shades are allowed but frowned upon.

Temperament

The ideal Maltese is without fear. A gentle mannered dog with an affectionate manner is the ideal. Lively and playful.

Size

The weight must be less than 7 pounds. Between 4 - 6 pounds is preferred.

Gait

The Maltese moves with a smooth, flowing gait. When in motion the forelegs reach straight and free from the shoulders. The hind legs move in a straight line.

Faults:

Color

Cowhocks

Curly coat

Whether you want to compete or are just interested in how your dog measures up these are the most widely recognized guidelines.

Caring for your Maltese will require grooming to prevent the coats from matting. Try to keep the face clean especially around the eyes to avoid the typical “tear staining” which can spoil your Maltese’s’ lively expression.
Maltese are excellent companions and lively playmates. This aristocrat of the canine world is a pleasure to own and love. And if your Maltese meets the breed standards, it’s a pleasure to show off your beautiful Maltese. If for some reason they don’t meet the standard it doesn’t mean a darn thing. They are beautiful through and through.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at allmypuppiesonline.com All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, carpetsecrets.com Carpet Secrets and movingsecretsguide.com Moving Secrets Guide

Tags: dog breed, groom, shih tzu, yorkshire terrier

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Tags: dog breed, groom, shih tzu, yorkshire terrier