Miniature Dog Breeds Explained – A Complete Guide

Miniature or toy dogs are a group of very small canine breeds. Sometimes these miniature dogs are also referred as teacup varieties. There are many different breeds which are classified as toy dogs. These miniature dogs have many characteristics that separate them from other breeds and types of dogs.

Miniature dogs are very popular due to many great advantages that these dogs offer. Due to their small size, these dogs eat very little, are easy to exercise and can easily live in a small apartment or small yard. Although they are small in size, these dogs are not small in personality. Miniature dogs can have great personalities, can be very sociable and can raise the alarm by barking if intruders enter your premises.

There are heaps of different miniature dog breeds available. Chihuahuas are just one breed that is excellent for anyone to own. Chihuahuas are originally from Mexico and are easy to care for dogs that have heaps of personality and love to give.

Miniature Poodles are an excellent choice of dog. Poodles are renowned for being smart, friendly and obedient. Miniature poodles are great humans as well as other animals and will make a great addition to your home.

There are also many other breeds of miniature dogs. Breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Min Pin, Terriers, Shih Tzu and Pugs can all make great family dogs. Purchasing a miniature dog should be the same as purchasing any dog in that you should always research which breed will best suit your lifestyle.

If you are looking for a new puppy or an older dog, these smaller breeds can make great companion dog’s and are also great with families. Consider a toy breed dog and you will be sure to get a great dog that will love you for life. Toy dog breeds are numerous so it is important to study which type of dog breed will best suit you before going out and buying a new dog.

By Dan Fletcher

How to Find a Responsible Breeder

Animals love people and they learn their social skills early in life. If an animal is isolated and neglected he may develop undesirable character traits that would cause him to be fearful or even hostile around humans. Choose a breeder that raises animals “under foot”. This means that the kittens or puppies have the freedom to roam throughout the house, rather than being locked in cages. All pups should be breed for structure and sound temperament. Puppies from good breeders will not be sold until they reach at LEAST 8 weeks old.

A clean environment is also very important. When visiting breeders check to see whether the animals are living in a well kept area. Does the breeder take pride in his or her animals? Ask specific questions about the breed and test their knowledge. You will be able to distinguish between a breeder that is only in the business to make money and one who truly cares for her animals.

If possible meet the mother of the puppy or kitten to get an idea of her health and how she rears her little ones. In most instances some of the kittens and pups may still be nursing so it usually isn’t a problem to see the mother. If the mother is healthy her babies are also likely to be very healthy because they get their milk from her. Check her eyes for clarity and look at the condition of her coat and paws. If the mother has fleas, ticks, pink eye or other problems, her offspring will also suffer with the same symptoms.

In addition you also want to avoid breeders who run puppy or kitty mills. Over-breeding for profit is a major problem. Many over-breed animals suffer horrible health conditions and display painful symptoms. Some animals have sores on their bodies and problems walking. These conditions are very sad to see and one wouldn’t want to support this type of breeding by purchasing a cat or dog from an unethical breeder. If you come across one of these breeders move on and report this person to the local animal control authorities.

Questions to ask the breeder:

How long have you been breeding cats or dogs?

Do you give your females a rest between litters?

When do you retire your females?

How many pregnant females do you have at one time?

Does the breeder have a contract and papers for each puppy or kitten?

Whether you want puppies suitable for showing, obedience or just loyal family pets. Whether you seek puppies which are pedigreed or a non-pedigree, do take care to make sure that your puppy will be :

1.Healthy, happy and home raised.
2.Supplied with health guarantees and contracts provided.
3.From a healthy adult dog, as this leads to a healthier litter.
4.From a dog breeder that has the availability of facilities to isolate a mother and her pups from the rest of the adult dogs.

There may be more requirements which you may have, but the point is that there is scarcely a pet store than can guarantee that these requirements have been met. Pet stores cannot tell you any personal stories about the parents of your puppy, nor can they tell you about the grandparents. Also, you cannot call pet stores to tell them stories about your puppy like its first experience with an obedience command!

Exotic Pets Are Great

Owning an exotic pet can be a fantastic rush. It is like bringing a part of the wild home with you. There are many different kinds of exotic animals. The definition of an exotic pet is: An exotic pet is a rare or unusual creature kept as a pet, or a creature kept as a pet which is not commonly thought of as a pet.

The definition includes some rodents, reptile ( such as snakes ), amphibians. Sometimes any unique and wild-looking pet (including common domestic animals such as the ferret) is called as an exotic pet. Many major pet stores, veterinary insurance carriers or online retailers, classify any animal besides cats, dogs or fish as exotic pets. Exotic pets may also be used for a species which is non-indigenous to the owner’s locale.

Exotic Pets are great but they can cause severe problems to eco-systems if not kept in check. This is because introducing an exotic pet into the wild near your home could cause it to eat everything in site with no predators and with an abundance of food and no enemies it will start reproducing rapidly. It is of great importance that those who seek and attain exotic pets to take responsibility for their actions.

Finding Exotic pet of your choice may not be easy. Depending on where you live and what is available there. You may have to get your Exotic pet from a dealer or specialized shop that is in a different part of the country. You should be prepared for this and the additional expense of having your pet shipped to you. The Internet will be a valuable tool to help you with your search. Many Exotic animal traders only advertise on the Internet.

The trade of some exotic pets around the world is moderate by CITES, The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, to prevent any threats to their survival and ecological damage. Certain animals are strictly regulated or restricted outright due to their conservation status and the possibility of the animal becomes an invasive species.

When thinking about purchasing or acquiring an exotic pet you need to make sure you check the laws where you live. Some exotic pets also fall under federal statutes. But, your local and state wildlife department will have that information. In most cases you will have to get a license. This could just require a monetary payment, or to take some sort of class. This depends on your state and local statutes; check them.

Veterinary costs for treatment of exotic animals may be significantly higher than for a more conventional pet due to the increased specialization. Having your exotic pet on a regular check up with a veterinarian is an important part on your exotic pet’s health as well as your family health some animals are known to carry diseases that can affect humans, such as salmonellosis and rabies. Similarly, some human diseases can be dangerous for certain animals (like strep throat).

Now you’re ready to become an exotic pet owner. Choose the best exotic pets for you.