Decorative dogs: breed description and content

Initially, a man tamed a dog for utilitarian purposes - protection, hunting. But with the advent of free time in the rich strata of the population, the love for these animals did not disappear, and the desire to have them on hand (in the literal sense of the word) increased. It was then that small dogs appeared in the homes of noble citizens, which served the same purpose - to decorate the house and the owners. Although, they say that they also lured the host fleas to themselves. Nobody knows how true this is, but the fact that there were and there are breeds that were chasing rodents through castles is reliably known.

Remember how many portraits of famous persons with lapdogs are written: queens and empresses, celebrities and simply famous people. And the variety of breeds allows you to choose a pet in size, color, character, price - there would be a desire. But what kind of preference and how much effort will be needed in the care of an ornamental dog is a big question.

According to the classification of the international canine federation (FCI), decorative dogs belong to the 9th group “Toi and companions”, which currently includes about 50 breeds. According to other classifications, some breeds are added or excluded from this group, therefore there are discrepancies in their description. At all, this concept means dogs with height at withers up to 38 cm. They are not intended to protect, search, escort, hunt and other types of work. Their task is to bring pleasure to their kind to their beloved owners.

So, the first two features were defined: small growth and the absence of specified performance. Some breeds are really so small that they are called pocket, pan. At all, group name - toy - translated as “toy”. Therefore, the third feature can be called attractive external data, although this concept is very subjective, because some people do not like bald dogs, and others do not like long-haired dogs. But here the matter is not even in subjectivity, but in the origin of the breed and its selection.

When breeding, external signs were fixed, which the owners liked. Sometimes they are brought to excessive protrusion, exaggeration. The result is the appearance of mutant and dwarf forms. The next feature is character selection. A small dog should cause affection, like the owners and guests, to be tied to a person. It is these traits are considered correct. If the animal is aggressive, hysterical, then it is the fault of the breeders - they fixed only the exterior to the detriment of the behavior.

Another feature is the ringing voice of almost all small breeds. And it can be very annoying not only for you, but also for your neighbors. But thanks to the barking of water, the companions often saved the apartments and houses of their owners from the entry of strangers — they would not attack, they would scare them.

But among the decorative rocks there are a lot of those who have kept their performance. For example, West Highland White Terrier is an excellent hunting dog adapted to live in an apartment setting.. Like all terriers, an active, energetic, sonorous, loyal to its owner, while having a height at the withers less than 30 cm and a beautiful appearance. The work of breeders in relation to such dogs is to achieve a reduction in size for keeping in the house.

Of course, the main advantage of small pets is their compactness. Even in a small apartment there is a place for them. Some breeds are smaller in size than an ordinary cat. She eats little, which means that the cost of food will be much less than for large individuals. With such a dog easier to handle on the run, with it will be able to walk a woman or a teenage child. There are breeds of bald dogs or without undercoat, and this is a good chance for allergy sufferers to acquire a real four-legged friend. Among the small breeds there are good hunting dogs. But every medal has a downside.

• Very often, ornamental dogs have so fragile bones that careless handling of children with a small pet can lead to fractures. And in order to break the paw of a toy terrier or a chihuahua, they simply jump off the couch.
• Because of their small size, animals often freeze, especially short-haired or bald (bare) breeds. For them, you have to buy, sew, knit overalls, blankets and other clothes and shoes.
• For them, you need to more carefully pick up food, as they have a weak stomach. In addition, dogs of decorative breeds, often being hypoallergenic, themselves are prone to allergies.
• Many types of indoor miniature dogs have beautiful long hair, which requires special care: special cosmetics, groomer visits, trimming.
• Most breeds will not be able to protect or preserve your property - the qualification is not the same.
• Miniature dogs are hard to breed. Only males with a weight of at least 1.6 kg are allowed to mate. Infrequently they give birth on their own. And that means you will need to contact a veterinarian for a cesarean section.

On different sites you can find ratings of the most popular breeds of domestic dogs. But none of them can be objective, because each of us needs our own dog: smooth or fluffy, active or melancholic, hunting or knee. Therefore, we will not rank in our top pets, but only tell you about the most interesting breeds and their varieties, summarizing the data from different sources.

Leading positions in the list can be divided into three breeds: Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua and Pomeranian. York has variations: with a weight of up to 1.5 kg - micro York, 1.5–2 kg - mini, 2.1–3.1 kg - standard. Maximum height - 24 cm at the withers, the minimum unlimited. This is the favorite of the female half of humanity, but there is a suspicion that men just carefully hide this love.

The history of the breed's origin is rather prosaic - York was bred to catch rats in coal plants in Yorkshire County, Old England. But the long-haired dog at the coal plant was an unpleasant sight, but she really liked a noble lady in pure form. Soon the mobile, courageous, inquisitive, devoted Yorkies appeared in the houses. They treat all members of the family well, but even with short stature they try to dominate other animals. York Terriers need walks, but can relieve themselves in a tray. The minus of the breed is a loud (sometimes causeless) barking. And to clear advantages - hypoallergenic.

Men call a chihuahua a piglet. Short-haired little dog causes affection and a dumb question: "What is only the soul holding on?". But do not flatter yourself - these little ones are quite capricious, they can be offended if you don’t treat them as a treat or don’t take them for a walk. At the same time curious, active, observant, temperamental.They can be called conformists, able to understand and adapt to the character of the owner. Despite the height of 15–23 cm and weight from 0.5 to 3 kg, the Chihuahua will rush to protect its owner, barking loudly at the opponent.

The Pomeranian Spitz is an almost round fluffy toy with tough fur, playful character, and irrepressible energy. This is a true friend, a kind of psychologist, able to save a person from the blues and just a bad mood. The most popular color is red (orange is orange citrus fruit), therefore it looks like a fox. The breed was already known in the XVI century. The aristocrats of the Holy German Empire often kept a friendly and peaceful dog at home. And her immunity is quite strong. Only wool, which is better to pull out than to cut, needs special care.

Another favorite of the modern beau monde - Maltese (Maltese). The snow-white beauty of a height of 20–25 cm and a weight of 3-4 kg appeared supposedly on the island of Malta. If the owner has enough time and patience to care for the pet's pet, it will be a real decorative dog. Beauty is the main trump card of the breed, but not the only one. Curiosity, mobility, a high level of intelligence, coupled with stubbornness, restlessness, the desire to find adventure - that is still a cocktail, the owners just do not get bored. Many people note the extraordinary magic of the glance of Malta: it penetrates so deeply that, as the owners say, it is able to take on all the fatigue and care, to raise the spirits in order to feel like a person again.

Pug - funny creature with a flat face, once appeared a long time ago in China. The dog is compact, but not miniature. Bulging eyes, bent ears, tail in a little ring, waddling gait - all these exaggerated features cause not rejection, but emotion. The dog is not as mobile as hunting species, but with pleasure and runs, and play with the owner. Pet simply created for communication, including with children. Dogs are intelligent, and therefore happy to engage in training. Pug does not like to be alone, it requires attention and care. They live quite a long time, amusing people with their appearance, guilty eyes. And they are funny snoring in a dream, and sometimes snoring.

There are several types of poodles: large, medium, small, that. Plus, there are a large number of different colors. Initially, the breed was so popular that breeders crossed it with others quite often. As a result, several decorative breeds appeared precisely from the poodle. These are very clever dogs, perfectly give in to training, have aristocratic appearance. But if you train him, he will be a great hunter. The dog is not afraid of strangers, loves attention. She is affectionate and cheerful. Dwarf poodle is ideal for both children and the elderly. In withers reaches 35 cm, has a sharp muzzle and long hanging ears. Not subject to shedding.

The French say: "If you go to visit and carelessly take with you a Shar-Pei, do not be surprised that you simply will not notice." One side, Shar Pei - hunting, fighting, guard dog, and its height is higher than apartment individuals. On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly popular as a home decorative dog. Probably, over time, Shar Pei may decrease in growth to meet the standards of FCI in the group “Toi and companions”, but for the time being, this group includes amateurs, but not professionals.

This dog is loved for its unusual appearance - a large number of folds on the plush skin of the body and head want to cuddle that child or adult. Family members will be allowed to do this, but Shar Pei is wary of strangers.

The ninth section of the IX FCI classification group includes the continental toy-spaniels of Papillon (Papillon) and Falene, as well as the Russian Toy Terrier. Papillon and falen differ in the setting of the ears: in the Papillon they are upright, resembling butterfly wings, in the fallen - refracted. These breeds knew secular receptions and halls of royal palaces. They are created exclusively for decoration, previously considered a symbol of monarchical power. Pets are very attached to their owners, but they require the same from a person - separation in 10 minutes is considered a tragedy.

They love to play and caress, but often become selfish and will not tolerate resentment. But even with a strong chagrin, they will never allow themselves to bite someone. The dogs are smart, but they need to be brought up, as well as a lot of walking and daily combing long hair.

Russian toy terrier reaches a height of 20-28 cm and weighs up to 3 kg. A Russian toy appeared in the middle of the 20th century and significantly reduced the appearance of the illegal importation of English decorative dogs. Breeders breed definitely succeeded: smooth-haired, nimble, funny, active, with good hearing and a sonorous voice. He loves to travel, but also feels great in a big city. Has a strong physical and mental health: the desire to be the best among the four-legged (regardless of size) just rolls over.

Chinese shih tzu (lion, dog-chrysanthemum) - one of the oldest breeds. The dog was called the lion because, allegedly guarding the Buddha, it was able to turn into a lion. And chrysanthemum - due to the peculiarities of hair growth on the nose, which resembled a flower. Shih Tzu is distinguished by beautiful wool, which will require a lot of time for care. Color can be absolutely any. And to maintain the beauty you need a very balanced diet.

This is the kindest pet who loves to communicate and play with both people and animals. A proud creature that prefers to be the center of attention. These daffodils are so engrossed in their beauty that they admit to themselves not only their own, but also a stranger. Therefore, they will not be guards.

Chinese crested belongs to the subgroup of hairless dogs. Height - from 23 to 33 cm, weight - up to 5.5 kg. But the dog is very lean and beautiful. The tuft on the head, fluffy tail, mane and paws make it look like a horse in apples (the color is often spotted). To give such an exterior will help a groomer. Another subspecies of the crested - Pauderpuff - longhair. The nature of a quiet, peaceful, easy to get along with other animals, often being in their submission.

Despite the name, there is an assumption that the dog began its history in Africa or Mexico. Animals are very sociable, do not tolerate loneliness, and are naughty. Well, if the house will be someone else from the pets, so it will be easier to keep an adventurous nature of the crested. But they are very dedicated and docile. From early childhood puppies need to be educated, in 4-5 months, begin to train.

The Japanese Chin, like the Pekingese and Shih Tzu, was bred for the emperor. The task of the "precious" was to improve the mood of their masters. No one had the right, except for members of the imperial family and a specially trained person, to touch chin. It cost fabulous money. A soft and silky dog ​​can only be in two color combinations: black and white or red and white. The structure of the skull, the muzzle - from the spaniel, the thickness of the wool - from the Shih Tzu. The height of the dog at the withers is 20–25 cm, the weight is between 1.8 and 4 kg.

Royal manners make themselves felt: the dog is aristocratic, neat, reserved. Her character is easier than that of other members of the group.Active dogs need movement, although historically hin lived only indoors. Japanese suitable for families with children and the elderly. The dog is betrayed to the highest degree - he will not leave the owner for a minute.

This is only a small part of the list of decorative dogs, but you can talk endlessly about each breed - they are so interesting, and sometimes unusual.

For keeping in an apartment and a private house any of the listed breeds will do. The only question is what do you expect from your pet, how much time are you willing to devote to it and how much money to spend on the purchase and maintenance. In addition, there are a few items that need to be well thought out:

• whether there is enough space in your house or apartment so that the dog does not interfere under your feet;
• the dog is not in vain like its owner: the temperaments of all family members should be considered before choosing a puppy (an active dog can encourage your melancholic child, and a calm one can neutralize hyperactivity);
• will there be enough time for family members to walk the dog on time, visit the vet, bathe, comb;
• do you plan to dog mating;
• puppy of what sex is preferable for you;
• Does it matter to you that the dog will / will not participate in exhibitions;
• are you ready for the fact that the dog can get sick, because it will need treatment and care;
• would you like to see a pet during your trips next to you or will you be sad at home.

If the answers to these questions appear, it is worthwhile to choose a nursery. Decorative breeds are defined in canine associations, which means that every purebred puppy will be supplied with documents. If this is important for you, it means that you only need to choose the nursery that is registered in the canine environment. If the availability of documents is completely unimportant, it means that you can afford absolutely any puppy of a suitable breed, but immediately take care of the registration of a vaccination passport with a veterinarian.

All the little puppies are cute, but do not rush to buy at first sight. If you can, watch the puppy's parents, and even yourself. Pay attention to the conditions in which the puppy was born and lives: the uncleanliness of the owners can affect the health of the baby. Carefully inspect it for activity, cleanliness of the skin, discharge from the eyes, nose, anus: everything must be clean, no wounds, scars, wet. Breeders of purebred dogs always have the results of tests for the genetic diseases of the parents of puppies - do not hesitate to ask such documents.

Some potential owners of miniature dogs choose small pets, thinking that they have less worries with them. For example, there is a myth that decorative individuals do not need to walk. Yes, indeed, they can be taught to the tray, but walking is compulsory: the dog needs physical exertion so that the muscles do not atrophy, so that obesity does not appear, to maintain immunity, to communicate with their fellows.

Before the appearance of the puppy apartment you need to prepare: choose a place for the bedding, feeding, tray, remove all small items from places accessible to the pet (he, as a child, pulls everything in his mouth), prepare combs, shampoo, cosmetic products for hair and paws, purchase a harness, clothes for walking, of course, you need toys, as well as learn in detail how, what and how many times you need to feed the puppy of your chosen breed.

In many families, a puppy is purchased for a small child. As a result, one of them cannot be explained that it is impossible to squeeze a little friend endlessly, and the other does not understand that biting a friend is bad. A puppy is not a toy. And even an adult little dog can not always adequately respond to the harassment of children.For a child, choose a dog not by size, but by typical character traits.

Another myth suggests that a small, quivering animal does not need to be raised and trained. This is a very deep misconception will lead to the fact that the dog will not obey, will run away or constantly bark, rush to people and animals. In addition, for many breeds, training is a game, an interesting occupation with the owner. Therefore, each dog, regardless of size, must know the obligatory commands: “Phew!”, “Stand!”, “Place!”, “To me!”, “Sit!”. And also all dogs should be able to walk on a leash.

Owners of decorative breeds need to know that due to excessive care from miniature individuals, there is a change of milk teeth later. The reason is not only in the structure of the jaw, but also in the fact that the owner is sure: it is difficult for a small dog to chew solid food. This is not so - the load on the jaw must be mandatory (not only a carrot, an apple, dry food, but also hard toys, bone-toothpicks).

Due to problems with reproduction, allow only planned knitting, and if you do not want to lose the baby, then check it regularly during pregnancy. She may need to give birth in the presence of a veterinarian. In decorative dogs, metabolism is accelerated, which is why the body temperature is higher than in large breeds. The result - they often freeze, tremble. Caring owners get the right clothes to their pet. But they often forget that this is a dog, not a doll. Things must first be comfortable and only then beautiful.

The famous proverb “a little dog to an old age puppy” is absolutely unfair. Because of the accelerated metabolism, dwarf breeds grow up faster, but the owners do not always understand this, continuing to lisp, forgive mischief, not paying attention to obvious deviations from the canine standards of behavior. And some continue to feed more saturated puppy food, condemning adult dogs to obesity.

And one more important note: since 2019 the rules for keeping dogs have changed. The regulations clearly spelled out where and how you can walk with them. For decorative breeds, there are some indulgences, but there are also general obligations, for example: each owner is obliged to clean up excrement after his pet, you can walk away from children's playgrounds and medical institutions, etc. Each city has developed its own standards, therefore the dog’s owner must be familiar with the rules, because their violation is punishable by a fine.

In the next video, interesting facts about the Toy Poodle breed are waiting for you.