All about lapdogs

To date, it is impossible to find a person who would not have ever met a lap-dog at least once in his life. These charming decorative creatures walk in the parks in the summertime and stroll with the owners near the house in the winter. Their small forms and elegant appearance are associated with grace and refinement.

The lap dog is a decorative dog with a miniature size and beautiful character. These creatures have many varieties of breeds, but there is a significant connection between their external data.

The head of the lapdog has a rounded shape, it is small in size, proportional to the body. The frontal part of the head is round. Brow arc missing.

The muzzle is small. Visually visible transition from the frontal part of the nose.

The nose and lips are small areas of pigmentation, corresponding to the coat color of the breed. The lapdog's mouth is completely closed, lips tightly pressed to each other. According to the breed standard, the bite should be scissor-like. Sometimes a small snack or undershot is allowed. So that there is no gap. The incisors are positioned at an angle of 90 ° relative to the jaw.

The eyes have a round shape without bulges, most often of hazel color. On the eyelashes visible pigment color. For this reason, the look of the dog seems smart. The ears of lapdogs are set high, differ in a triangular shape. The tips of the ears are slightly rounded. In a hanging state adjacent to the muzzle. The outer surface of the ears is covered with medium-length wool.

The neck is set high on the body. The body has no pronounced muscles. The body of dogs is folded in a square, slightly elongated form. The back is flat, quite wide. The lumbar portion protrudes slightly. Muscular croup is distinguished by rounded shapes with a slight slant. The rib cage of lapdogs, as well as large-sized dogs, is very well developed, has an oval shape. Stomach is picked up.

The tail is set high on the body from the back, has the form of a ring, is completely covered with long and thick hair. Most often, the tip of the tail of the lapdog is rounded behind the back. Front legs are parallel to each other. Hips muscular, dry joints. Paws are medium in size and oval in shape. There is dark pigmentation on the paw pads.

The coat is soft and pleasant to the touch. The dog's coat in bright light looks shiny and silky. Color lapd in most cases, white, although there are varieties with a black and brown shade coat.

The weight of adult lapdogs ranges from 3–4 kg. Growth in the withers according to the standard is 20-25 cm. The life span of an animal is about 12-15 years, but with proper care and healthy heredity, the lapdog live for 20 years. The intellectual capabilities of miniature dogs do not always meet the requirements of the owners. Although there are quite clever creatures in history that were able to master the rules of home life as well as possible, they perfectly adapted to the daily routine of each family member.

The miniature size of an adult individual, their external data and playful disposition attract the attention of lovers of decorative dogs to the maximum. However, do not hurry with the acquisition of the animal. The dog's mental abilities and the need for constant physical activity make the lapdogs unusual representatives of indoor dogs. And such conditions of the animal are suitable not for every breeder.

Further, it is proposed to get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of the breed, thanks to which it will be possible to make a decision regarding the acquisition of an animal. Initially, you should consider the positive side.

• Miniature dimensions. Due to its size, the animal easily adapts to the atmosphere of even a small one-room apartment. Even a small living space can be a huge springboard for a dog to explore the environment.

• Ability to develop. With the right approach to the animal, the lap dog will take in any new information with great interest, execute commands, solve complex problems.

• No molting. Bologna do not suffer from seasonal hair loss. For this reason, the owner will not have to carry out general cleaning and to clean clothes before leaving the house.

• Lack of aggression. These dogs have a very kind and sweet character. Bringing them out of themselves is extremely difficult.

• Love for children. Bologna very strongly attached not only to the owner, but also to his children.

• Health. An important indicator of a strong pet immunity is good care and heredity.

• Hypoallergenic. Who would not say, but in the world there was not a single case of an allergic reaction in a person to the wool of the dog.

Along with the positive aspects of keeping and growing the lapdogs, There is a small list of disadvantages that influence the decision to acquire a dog.

• Special care for wool. The hair of lapdogs is their property. Accordingly, it will be necessary to monitor the appearance of the animal extremely scrupulously.

• Activity lapdogs. Dogs need daily walks, and not 2 times a day, and preferably 4 or 5 per day.

• Loud voice. If the lapdog started to bark, it would be very difficult to stop her. A long and sonorous wail will be very annoying.

• Picky nutrition. These dogs do not always eat what the owner gives. Sometimes they show a desire to taste another dish.

• Friendly character. It is very important that a person be near the dog for the whole day. Bologna love human communication and do not tolerate loneliness.

• Lack of attention. Bologna believe that they are among the main members of the family. Therefore, they require special interest from the owner. In the case of attention deficit in the animal can deteriorate the nature.

• Health. Unfortunately, lapdogs are prone to a variety of inherited diseases.

Bolonki is a generic name for miniature decorative dogs, distinguished by unusual hair, often of snow-white color. Accordingly, under the common name there are many varieties of breeds of decorative creatures. And each of them has distinctive characteristics. Some species are known in many countries of the world, others are in demand only in certain territories of the globe.

The second name is Maltese.

This dwarf breed is most common among lovers of miniature dogs. Maltese differ snow-white wool, in some cases allowed shade of ivory. The length of the wool, elegantly falling down, ranges from 3-5 cm. In the historical documents found information that the Maltese lapdogs previously lived in the possessions of Chinese emperors. Although according to other data it is known that the Maltese first appeared in Egypt.

Like any other decorative dog, the Maltese needs careful care for their fur coat. With due respect to her wool does not shed. With proper upbringing, the dog does not break out during walks, listens to its owner and good-naturedly treats others.

This type of breed has one important difference from its colleagues, namely coat color. Russian colored babies are not white. In most cases, there are representatives of gray, brown, red and beige color. Slightly less often representatives of the Russian colored breed have a tan of a fur coat. On the exterior of the breed, the presence of even a small white spot on the fur coat is a marriage.

In the name of the breed there is a direct hint indicating the origin of these dogs. Russian colored lap-dog was bred in the territory of Leningrad. The ancestors of these creatures are Shih Tzu, and however strange it may sound, poodles. For a long time, this species of breed was not recognized by the canine association, but that all changed in 1960.

Russian colored lapdogs have a special character trait, not peculiar to their fellows, namely the presence of a protective feeling.

The second name is Bichon Frize.

The history of the birth of the breed began more than 2000 years. External data of modern representatives of the French Bichonka are different from their ancestors. The hair of these creatures is snow-white, and the main highlight are black eyes, expressing a special curiosity.

The texture of the hair of the French french lapworm is curly, silky, and therefore requires careful care. The coat of these dogs grows throughout life. For this reason, the exhibition representatives of the breed need grooming in beauty salons.

The willful temperament of the modern representatives of the breed originates from their aristocratic past. Even visually, these little creatures look royally proud and respectful. The first entries about Italian lapdogs date back to the XII century. Although at that time they already had great popularity among the aristocrats of Italy. French mini-dogs were an adornment of the female image on social events. Very often, puppies of Italian lapdogs were given to the heroes of the occasion for important dates.

To date, the Bolognese are a common breed in European countries. Outwardly, they resemble a cross between Bichon Frize and other representatives of decorative dogs. Due to the fluffy wool it seems that the dog has a rounded shape. But in fact, under the huge mop of hair hides the slim and graceful body of an animal.

According to the standard of the exterior, the wool of the Italian lap-dog should be snow-white, without any impurities of other shades.

By the nature of the bolognese - companionable dogs. They need constant communication with people. Due to their kindness, they easily get along with any person, but it is best to bring them into families with older children.

The second name is Havanaise.

The homeland of this young breed of lapdog is Cuba. Attractive appearance of miniature havanez contributes to the rapid spread of the animal in many countries of the world. Quite often, the Havana lapdog is found in the hands of glamorous stars. And some of them claim that when they stroke their pet, they get peace of mind and balance.

Havana lapdogs have always lived in comfortable conditions, and this need has reached our days according to genetic memory. In the absence of proper care the dog will not be able to survive.

Havanese require constant attention, for this reason they are not suitable for busy people who are unable to devote the necessary time to the animal.

A very rare variety of lapdogs, as it has a very high cost. For families with average incomes such a creation simply can not afford.

The birthplace of the breed is the island of Madagascar, where it became a symbol of the country. Unfortunately, there are no exact data on how dogs appeared on the island. Someone claims that they were brought there by accident. Others say that these pets were taken out in an artisanal way inside the country.

According to the standard, Coton de Tulear should have a snow-white coat. Curly hair length varies from 7 to 8 cm. The head is characterized by a triangular shape. Ears hanging long. The eyes are dark. Build strong.

The second name is Levkhen.

The highlight of the breed is the bicolor coat color, although most breeders pay attention to the original shape of the dog's coat, bestowed by nature. On the other hand, this feature causes a lot of trouble, as throughout the dog’s life, it will have to maintain its presentable appearance.

Levkhen has a short muzzle, a broad head, black expressive eyes, a scissor bite and soft-to-touch wool with a two-tone color. The undercoat of these babies is absent, which is why they need extra care during bathing and combing.

Most lapdogs have a good-natured and sociable character. They are perfectly acclimatized in any family, especially where there are children.

Bolonkas are playful creatures that can attract all family members to their games. Especially comfortable they feel next to the children. Only it is important for parents to understand that it is not necessary to acquire a small decorative dog until the kids have reached the age of 7, otherwise the pet may be injured, as the unintelligent kid is able to strongly pull the animal by the foot or tail.

A distinctive feature of lapdogs is endurance. Despite its miniature size, this dog is able to cover long distances during a walk. With her little paws she will be able to see through more than one kilometer.

In addition, the Bologna are distinguished by their intellectual abilities, which are revealed in the process of training. The main thing - do not forget that the upbringing of an ornamental dog should be held in a soft and calm atmosphere. No rudeness and punishment should not be. Under such conditions, the owner will be able to teach a small animal a variety of tricks and commands.

Breeders claim that the Bologna are able to understand the emotional state of all family members. In moments of a depressed mood, they come to the rescue. It is enough to touch the soft and delicate coat of the animal, as all adversities recede away.

Charming decorative creations are very strongly attached to their master and show sincere love to him. They easily contact people and easily adapt to new conditions, which is very convenient when traveling to the country or on a trip.

Bologna don't like loneliness. If necessary, they will be able to entertain their owner, but not to pester him with games. It is important to note, lapdogs inherent variability of mood. If you do not give the animal proper attention, the pet will become depressed and may get sick. So the lapdogs manifest psychosomatic syndrome.

Choosing a puppy for home keeping, There are several important factors to consider.

• A full package of documents of the relevant nursery, a health passport, which indicates the marks of vaccinations. Documents confirming the titling of parents, their medals, awards and main activities.
• Even at a young age, dogs must have a presentable appearance. Their fur coat should be soft and pleasant to the touch.
• No breed defects. In this case, we are talking about the presence of spots of a different shade on the coat or the wrong bite.
• Fervent behavior of the animal. A healthy puppy must be active.
• Breeders do not recommend purchasing an adult dog in the family. All varieties of lapdogs are very strongly attached to the first owner and another person can no longer replace it. And if we take into account the excessive sensitivity of the lapdogs, they will be acutely worried about separation from a person dear to them, and it is unknown how this can turn out.

The maintenance of the dog is a rather complicated process, but if you prioritize correctly, then no problems will arise. It is important to remember that all breeds must live in apartments or comfortable cottages. A private house is not the best option for decorative dogs. This is due to the miniature size, due to which animals are defenseless even in front of domestic cats. Also, the lap dance has no undercoat. If the animal jumps out of the house into the street, then it is likely that it will freeze, and the wool will turn into one big koltun.

Owners of dogs living in cottages, you can release the animal without being accompanied by the owner for a short period of time. The main thing is to make sure in advance that there are no loopholes in the fence and that the dog cannot escape.

For a comfortable stay, the lapdog requires a separate corner and a small private area.

• In a separate room, it is enough to allocate a small space where it will be possible to make a bed or to install a decorative house. In the kitchen you will need to put special dishes for food and water.
• The dog will need toys for personal leisure.
• Bolonka requires an individual collar and leash. In this case, it is important to make a special tag on the collar, which shows the owner's data in case the dog runs away.
• For quality dog ​​care, you need to acquire grooming tools, for example, combs, brushes, and a claw cutter.
• If the owner has decided that the animal will go to the toilet at home, he should stock up on several packs of disposable diapers and a tray. At first, the puppy will do its “business” in the wrong place, but will gradually get used to its toilet.
• In autumn and spring, even an adult dog must wear special clothes. In it, the animal is heated and does not stain wool. For the winter, the lapdog will need to purchase boots.

Feeding the lapdogs of any breed should be on time. Portions should be limited, as with a large amount of food consumed dogs are gaining excess weight, and this can lead to different diseases. The most suitable option for the nutrition of the Bologna are balanced feed, where important vitamins and trace elements are present. Themies themselves prefer food made from natural ingredients.

The first days after the puppy is purchased, it is necessary to feed the same as the breeder fed him. And after a few weeks you can transfer the animal to a different diet. The main thing - do not forget to follow the reaction of the puppy to new products.

An inexperienced breeder should be familiar with the frequent mistakes when feeding lapdogs of any breed.

• Despite the sweet and sensitive look of a dog asking for a treat, it is forbidden to give her products from the human table. After several treats, it will be impossible to wean the animal from begging.
• In no case can not give the dog sweets, for it is a real poison.
• Smoked meat should not be present in the diet of lapdogs.
• Feeding the dog must be done according to the established schedule and not deviate from it by a single step.
• After a hearty lunch, do not play with the animals or lead to the street. After eating, the lapdogs need to rest.

Next, we propose to get acquainted with the subtleties of the feeding process of the Bologna

• Fractional nutrition of puppies should consist of 5-6 feedings per day, adults - 2-3 times.
• The feeding process must be carried out at the same time.
• Portions of a puppy should be small, maximum 90 g. For an adult, the norm is 120-140 g.
• When choosing a natural food owner should know that 80% of the daily diet of a dog should consist of meat products, the remaining 20% ​​are vegetables, fruits, dairy products and cereals.
• Many breeders have noticed that a special love for bichon shows to quail eggs. Only give them to an animal can be no more than two times a week, a maximum of 2 pieces.

Timely grooming is a prerequisite for quality animal care. Whites of any breeds should be washed frequently - once per 8–10 days is enough. For washing wool, you need to purchase specialized shampoos that contain different oils, which will allow the wool to remain silky and soft. After washing, the lather must be thoroughly washed off, otherwise the coat of the animal will fade and skin irritation will occur. After the shampoo, the animal's fur coat is treated with a balm or conditioner, which makes it easier to further combing.

Wool hair dry towel, and then used a hairdryer. During drying it is important to comb the animal's hair in the direction of growth.

We should not forget about timely haircut of the animal, since the growth of their wool is at the maximum pace.

An important part of animal hygiene is timely trimming of claws. Regrown nail plates will constantly cling to the flooring and cause the dog a sense of discomfort. In some cases, the animal may even be injured. The claws trimming procedure must be done every other week. This is best done after the bath procedures, when the claws become soft.

Teeth care should be done daily. Every day, the owner must check his jaw for plaque and calculus. Brushing your teeth is done once, a maximum of twice a week with a special toothpaste and brush.

Once every two weeks, it is necessary to treat the dog's ears - shear off the regrown hair and wash the ear canal, as well as get rid of unpleasant secretions.

The eyes of a dog are a very tender organ, therefore special attention is required for them. It is important to constantly inspect and remove the mucus that has accumulated there. If the animal has frequent purulent discharge, you should contact your veterinarian.Many new owners confuse painful discharge from the eyes with ordinary tears. This is due to the hairs growing near the corners of the eyes that fall on the eyeball and are an irritant.

All lapdogs need to undergo a course of training and education. Moreover, each owner in this case pursues a specific goal. Some prepare the dog for the exhibition, others want to learn how to understand the animal and instill in the dog a person’s communication skills. Still others want to make their doggy a source of pride in the eyes of others. The main thing is to find the right approach to the dog so that its upbringing is effective.

Training of the dog should begin with puppy age. For the tasks performed the dog is awarded delicacies. The main thing is to choose the right reward, as the body of a small puppy is still developing. The second method of training is imitation. Small puppies, like children, try to perform the actions of adults. Many breeders claim that it is the method of imitation that allows you to bring up the most good and obedient dog.

The process of training should take place at a certain time. So the dog will be able to determine his daily routine. It is important for the owner to determine the time for training - it is convenient for someone to train the dog 2 or 3 times a day before feeding or after eating after three hours.

The owner must pay special attention to the ammunition of the animal for training. Must be with him a collar, a muzzle and a few leashes. The treat should be in a special bag so that the puppy can see where the award comes from. Encouragement is important to give the animal only with his right hand.

At first, when training, the animal must be praised with words, saying that the dog is a good young man, does everything correctly and well. Bologna understand kindness and praise, respectively, will try to please their owner in the future.

Interesting facts about lapdogs you will learn from the following video.