Mini and Toy Poodles

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Click on Toy Poodle to view more Poodle pictures

The poodle is naturally a sporting dog, and was formally used just for that purpose. No dog surpasses him as a retriever from the water. He is still used for this in Europe. This breed is well distributed all over the world. There are three recognized varieties, which are separated by size. (Garafaxa Kennels only breeds Toy and Miniature Poodles) No dog surpasses the Poodle in intelligence; in fact, no other dog is his equal, and is best known as a cherished pet or star entertainer. The poodle has a quality of mind that borders on the human, his reasoning powers are evident - to know him is to love him, and there is no limit to his aptitude for learning. The poodle is usually seen clipped, the type of clips varying with the tastes of the owner and the age of the dog. Poodles are extremely intelligent and responsive to their owners. Poodles are happiest when they are with the one's that they love, and are quite loyal, which makes them out to be a wee bit yappy when strangers come about. Poodles do not take kindly to small children and much prefers the companionship of the mature adult. Do not own a poodle unless you can give them plenty of attention as they get nervous and yappy if left alone for too long a time.

Standard for the Poodle

Character:The poodle should contain grace, beauty, charm but more of all intelligence. A poodle that looks stupid is most assuredly stupid. Even old or senior Poodles contain a certain degree of charm. A Poodle should carry himself proudly with the tail always held up and slightly pointed to the direction of his head.

Colouring:Poodles do come in all colors; pay close attention to the whites and blacks. There should be no other color present, in the cafe-au-laits, apricots and the creams. The coat may show somewhat darker feathering of the ears and in the tipping of the ruff. Browns, Cafe-au-laits, Poodles have liver colored noses, eye-rims and lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, gray, silver, cream and white poodles have black noses, dark eye-rims and dark lips, black or self-colored toenails and very dark eyes. In apricot Poodles while the foregoing coloring is preferred, some do have liver colored noses, eye-rims and lips with amber eyes, when this happens it is all a matter of genetics at no fault of the Poodle.

Size:Miniature Poodles are 15 inches at the withers (shoulders) and males are approximately 10-17 lbs, and the female 10-14 lbs. Toy Poodles are 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, and the ideal weight being 6-8 lbs. and under. Under 6 lbs. is what some breeders call Teacup Poodles, but they are all recognized by the CKC or the AKC.

Eyes:Should be bright, and correct for the coat type, and color.

Teeth:The poodle should have a nice bite, not undershot, or overshot - a nice scissors bite.

Tail:Poodles do have the tail docked, the portion docked is about one third. Removing too much of the tail when docking makes it very hard to achieve a balanced outline and no room to put a pompon on the tail.

Nails:Should be in the correct color for the poodle coat. Note: all poodles should have dewclaws removed, and tails docked.

Coat:Should be soft and free moving and clean with no matting.

Grooming:Poodle clips varies from the continental clip to the english saddle clip. Most poodle owners who have poodles as pets in their homes prefer just to have a puppy clip done, which leaves enough coat to keep the poodle warm, and tidy looking. If no clipping were done on the poodle, the coat would grow in a corded dense coat, hanging in tight even cord of varying lengths, longer on the mane or body coat. Most people prefer to have the poodle coat clipped, as do the poodles, they do like to be clean looking. The poodle is the only dog in a class of its own, when we say no shed, so they are considered to be hypoallergenic thus not causing you any discomfort if you suffer from allergies to other dog fur or dandruff.

Life Expectancy:Poodles can live for 12-16 years if provided with:

• good source of nutrition or well balanced diet
• regular vet visit (at least once a year)
• regular dental care (every 16 months)
• heart worm prevention (is a must)
• flea protection (Most Poodles are very sensitive to flea bites, causing many irritations to the animals skin and loss of coat. Not to mention...how would you feel if you had these little fleabites on your body? So, prevention is worth a pound of cure, thus making you and your Poodle or any other animal in your home happy and flea free.)

Click on American Cocker Spaniel to view more American Cocker Spaniel pictures

The Cocker can fit in with most every lifestyle. They are merry in disposition and a pleasant companion for both young and old. Cockers do not take well to being left alone for great lengths of time. They are also less tolerant than many of other dogs of the tail pulling that can come from young children, and may react with a warning growl or snap. This is why parent supervision is very important with a young Cocker pup, Occasional trips to the groomer is needed to keep the Cocker's coat neatly clipped and odor-free.

Standard For the American Cocker Spaniel:

The American Cocker Spaniel, is the smallest member of the sporting group of dogs. They are a dog capable of great speed, combined with great endurance and classic movement, almost like they are walking to a great musical composer. Since the American Cocker Spaniel are of a noble breed, above all, the American Cocker Spaniel must be intelligent and merry, and this should reflect in all aspects of work and in play. The American Cocker Spaniel is a trust-worthy companion, which makes him a great choice for all. Keeping in mind that to own a American Cocker Spaniel is to respect him. This includes those who have young children that may not intend to harm or abuse the American Cocker Spaniel dog. It has also be said that the American Cocker Spaniels today are of bad breeding which makes them to be bad with children and some adults. This is not so! When you are considering a American Cocker Spaniel for your home, it is very important that you see the parents of the puppy who you will be bringing home. This puppy will be a combination of both mother and father dog - so if the parents are of sound bodies and mind, then we can say that the pups from this pair will be off to a good start; not to say that a good puppy can't go bad.

As a breeder of American Cocker Spaniel's I strongly recommend that all who buy a American Cocker Spaniel for their family should be involved with an obedience program. This is done as soon as their veterinarian thinks that the pups risk to contagious disease is past, and that the pup is ready for this learning program. A happy American Cocker Spaniel is one that feels safe in his home, and is one that knows that his family truly do love him. This love is evident when you sit back and watch him play with his family, or just resting, but always close by. A American Cocker Spaniel that has not found his place in his family will most always be off by himself, and playing the role off guard-dog instead of the role as companion and friend. This is a sad fate for such a noble and loving breed. A lonely American Cocker Spaniel, is a dog not to be trusted. Making them to be very unpredictable, which increases the chance of being bitten or harmed. Never approach a American Cocker Spaniel that shows any signs of bad or uneven temperament. I can assure you that no good will come of this encounter. If you want a guard-dog, as a breeder, I would advise you not to purchase a American Cocker Spaniel. There are many other breeds that can provide this service for you with better understanding as to what their job is. The American Cocker Spaniel is such a noble and elegant breed and should not be used for such a distasteful service. The American Cocker Spaniel comes from a beautiful background of selective breeding, within the general spaniel family, and should be respected as a breed with great poise and charm. The American Cocker Spaniel is for the family that take pride in who they are, and contain values in there daily life, spiritually and socially which makes the American Cocker Spaniel not the dog for a violent home, or undisciplined household. A calm and relaxed home is preferred for most American Cocker Spaniels'.

Appearance:The American Cocker Spaniel is sturdy, with a compact little body, with the overall dog being in complete balance and of ideal size.

Colouring:All colors are acceptable excluding all black's that have any white markings, except on the throat, is not acceptable. In the black and tans American Cocker Spaniels this is limited to the feathers on the legs, and behind the tail, with small tan spots over each eye and the sides of the muzzle and on the cheeks. Make note that not more than 10% of the black can be tan.

Size:At the withers (shoulders) for the adult dog is 15 inches (female 14 inches). Males are approximately 30-35lbs.and females approximately 22-30lbs.

Note: Most American Cocker Spaniels in Canada and the USA are over weight, which contributes to many medical troubles the American Cocker Spaniels have today. American Cocker Spaniels do need exercise to help maintain healthy bodies, and to stay trim. American Cocker Spaniels love the water and this is a good place to provide them with good exercise. American Cocker Spaniels also love to play a good game of ball, and are very good little retrievers. This activity can also help keep your American Cocker Spaniel trim and fit. American Cocker Spaniels love to walk as they tend to have a endless supply of energy. So, if you are in need of a little exercise to help you stay trim and fit, but cannot keep up to a more active exercise program, then this may also be something that you can do. Also, walking is good for the young and old (both humans and dogs).

Head:Cleanly chiseled and refined

Ears and Eyes:Paying close attention to the American Cocker Spaniels ears and eyes, as this is the area that most American Cocker Spaniels have their troubles. American Cocker Spaniels have very heavy ears and when they get wet they do not dry out as well as dogs, who's ears are upright, letting air in to the ear canal, or dogs that do not carry as much hair on the ear leather as these beautiful dogs. Many veterinarians will recommend that you clean and treat your American Cocker Spaniels' ears every week to help maintain healthy ears. It is so very important to start this when you first bring home your new American Cocker Spaniel puppy. American Cocker Spaniels can become very agitated when suffering with chronic ear infections, thus making what we know is a "good" American Cocker Spaniel, into one that will snap and growl at the veterinarian, or anyone that may just touch the American Cocker Spaniels ears when just trying to befriend the American Cocker Spaniel dog.

Life Expectancy:The American Cocker Spaniel of sound body and mind can live a long life if proper care is given throughout its growing years.

Shihtzu

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The Shihtzu has enjoyed a royal heritage and was the favoured dog bred in the Imperial Palace in China. This breed is thought to date back to over 1000 years to a time when the breeding of fine Shihtzu was entrusted to court eunuchs who strived to develop specimens that would please the Emperors of China. The Shihtzu, whose name translates to Lion Dog in Chinese, is believed by many people to have evolved from the interbreeding of the native Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. The Lhasa stock coming as presents from the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

The Shihtzu was always a well-protected breed, and very few specimens of the breed were offered for exportation. A few dogs did find their way to Europe. Soldiers returning from the hostilities of World War II in Europe are credited for introducing the Shihtzu to the United States. More then twenty years later the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club and were permitted to compete in the Toy Dog Group.

Today they are quickly becoming one of the most popular toy breeds, doubtless their regal bearing and elegant appearance are winning the hearts of many dog lovers today.

The Shihtzu still has the endearing personality and humorous temperament that is commonly favored by women and children. The Shihtzu has an endearing personality and serves strictly as a companion for the home. The Shihtzu may appear quite aloof, but underneath they are warm, affectionate and get along very well with children and adults alike.

Standard for the Shihtzu

Character:Very active, lively and alert, with a distinctly arrogant carriage. The Shihtzu is a proud little dog, being much like his proud ancestry, he walks around with his head held high, nose in the air and his tail carried gaily over the back.

Colouring:All colors (solids and part colors)

Size:Height at withers is 9-11 inches tall; a mature dog is about 8-15 lbs.

Head:Large and round.

Eyes:Should show warm expressions, and not protrude to far from the face.

Ears:Large, with long leathers, and carried dropping, not to be upright.

Muzzle:Square and short, but not wrinkled.

Teeth:Level or slightly undershot bite.

Feet:The Shihtzu is a short stocky little dog, the feet look massive on the account of the wealth of hair.

Nails:All Shihtzu's should have the dewclaws removed on both the front and back paws, if not removed it is most likely that the dewclaw will get caught on something and tear causing great pain to the Shihtzu.

Grooming:Potential owners must be willing to take time to groom and brush the coat of the Shihtzu everyday. Without this attention the coat will mat up and require cutting and trimming. So, if you know that you do not, or will not groom your Shihtzu, then we suggest that get a puppy cut on your Shihtzu - which does not need to be brushed everyday. But you should brush it at least twice a week, as this is good for your puppy or adult Shihtzu - and most do not mind it if you are gentle with them.

Life Expectancy:Shihtzu's can live for 12-16 years if provided with:

• good source of nutrition or well balanced diet
• regular vet visits (at least once a year)
• regular dental care (every 16 months)
• heart worm prevention (is a must)
• flea protection (Most Shitzu's are very sensitive to flea bites, causing many irritations to the animals skin and loss of coat. Not to mention...how would you feel if you had these little fleabites on your body? So, prevention is worth a pound of cure, thus making you and your Shihtzu or any other animal in your home happy and flea free.)