Toy Dogs - Oops! Toys Have Come Alive!

A toy dog has the huge advantage that it is small. This often makes it an ideal dog for urban living or for older people with limited mobility. A toy dog does not need long walks. It will not take over a small apartment. A toy dog fits into the modern lifestyle of many people today.

There are a huge variety of toy dogs. They all have different characteristics just as larger breeds of dog do. It is important to get to know the what each kind of toy dog is like before you make your choice. Toy dogs are not all alike.

It is thought that the breeding of toy dogs first began in Asia but varieties of toy dog can now be found from every part of the globe. They were bred for a variety of purposes. That still influences the characteristics of the breed and will affect which one is right for you.

Perhaps the most well-known type of toy dog is the poodle. When anyone mentions a toy dog this is the kind of dog that most people think of. Toy poodles were bred from larger dogs that were used for hunting. Even the smaller toy poodles retain some of the characteristics of the larger hunting dogs. They are bold, intelligent dogs that can be readily trained. But they can be highly strung and are not necessarily suitable for a household with young children.

Somewhat similar in appearance is the Bichon Frise. They tend to look like an unclipped toy poodle. But their temperament is somewhat different. They are a boisterous small dog that interacts well with children. They are said to have been bred as lapdogs in pre-revolutionary France but after the revolution, they had to get by on the streets and did not very successfully. They are a street-wise lap dog. They will chase every rabbit and squirrel they see.

The Chihuahua comes originally from Mexico where it was bred as a source of meat. They have now become a favorite toy dog. Their fine, smooth coat means that they do not need a lot of grooming. They do not tolerate children well and can be snappish. But they are often loyal and devoted to their owners.

The Maltese is a toy dog that was bred as a lap dog for the wealthy. It is still popular in that role and is a fashionable lap dog that models and film stars like to carry in their oversized handbags. It is not good with children however and tends to bark at strangers.

The Pekingese was once one of the most sought-after toy dogs because they were so rare. Only a few had been imported from China. They are now well known in the West. They can be difficult to train but mellow with the years. They are seldom tolerant of children or other animals. Their coat requires a lot of attention since their ears can easily become matted and infection may result. Their short noses can become a problem. They always snuffle but can sometimes become badly blocked. They make good guard dogs and can, therefore, be a good dog for an elderly and infirm person since they do not need a lot of exercise.

Pugs have recently become very popular having been seen accompanying various fashionable starlets. The look like tiny bulldogs with their hanging folds of skin. They can have similar nasal problems to those of Pekingese because of their small nasal passages. But they make excellent pets. They do not need a lot of exercise. They are usually placid and will happily play with children. They are seldom aggressive with other pets. They are intelligent dogs that respond well to training.

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Dog Training For Beginners - What Breeds Are Known To Be Difficult To Train?

If you are taking the time to read this, you're probably a "dog person." There are four categories of dog people. First is the life-long dog person, with years of experience. They almost certainly had a dog when they were a child, and got the needed experience in being responsible for their care and training. Then there is the "I like dogs, but don't want one," person. Followed closely by the "We had a dog when I was a kid... but, I only played with it." And, lastly, the "I never had a dog, but want one now," person.

All dogs aren't created equal, especially in the training department. True, there are exceptions to every rule. None-the-less, fact is some breeds are known to be easier to train than others.

Generally, training issues are not from a lack of intelligence. Most often, the problems arise from the lack of the training experiences of the owner! What happens with several breeds are their instincts overpower their need to please their human. Often they are stubborn, strong headed and get bored easily. Some even resent being told what to do! They have been bred to rely on their instincts, such as high prey drive, independence and their senses, especially their sense of smell! It's almost guaranteed, as soon as their nose hits the ground, they don't hear a thing you are saying!

Basset Hound Harder to Train

Beagle Harder to Train

Chow-Chow Harder to Train

Bloodhound Harder to Train

Shar Peis HArder to Train

Afghan Hound Harder to Train

Shiba Inus Harder to Train

Pekingese Harder to Train

A lot of dog trainers will agree, breeds that have a reputation to be harder to train than others often include: Basset Hounds, Beagles, Blood Hounds, Chow-Chow, Shiba Inus, Shar Peis, Afghan Hounds, several terrier breeds, and the adorable little lap dog, fur balls, the Pekingese. As beautiful or cute as they may be, these dogs are not for novices, nor are they for people who are not willing to make a genuine commitment of time and energy to train.

Golden Retriever Easier to Train

Labrador Retriever Easier to Train

Poodle Easier to Train

Australian Shepherd Easier to Train

Border Collie Easier to Train

Australian Cattle Dog Easier to Train

For first-time dog owners, biddable breeds are the ones to check into. They come in all shapes and sizes. They are inherently less independent. They have been bred to connect with their human companion and to work as a team. If it's a larger dog you are looking for, there are plenty in the Sport and Herding groups that are bred to happily interact with their human companion. They include any of the Retrievers and Poodles. The dogs in the Herding group, such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Australian Cattle Dogs are easy to train because they too were bred to interact with their owner. Looking for a small dog that wants to please, and is recognized to be easy to train, do some homework. Check into the Pomeranian, Papillion, or Cairne Terrier.

Pomeranian Easier to Train

Cairne Terrier Easier to Train

Papillion Easier to Train

Bottom line: If you are a new or inexperienced dog owner, don't start with a hard to train breed. You will be doing an enormous disservice to yourself and the dog. Lack of training is a common cause why dogs are surrendered to rescues and shelters. Do your homework. Find a biddable breed that fits your family and lifestyle. Enroll in a recommended positive reinforcement, punishment-free Puppy Kindergarten or obedience class as soon as you can. You'll be glad you did!

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4 Great Lap Dogs To Have In Your Home

Are you thinking about getting a pet? You may have your hopes set on getting a dog, but would prefer to have a lap dog instead of a large one running around the house, especially if you are tight on space. There are certain breeds that are known for being the best lap dogs. If you are not exactly sure which one to buy or adopt, check out some of the best choices below.

Havanese

If you are looking for a playful pet that is small enough to fit on your lap, the Havanese puppy is a great choice. They are known for being great companions, but they are adorable too. These particular dogs tend to weigh around 10 pounds, but they may weigh up to 16 pounds at the most. Even so, they would still be small enough to fit right on your lap.

Maltese

These pups are well-behaved, affectionate and quite smart too. They always seem to know what is going on around them. If you are interested in becoming the owner of a gentle, soft and cute dog, a Maltese may be the perfect addition to your family.

Pekingese

Although they are slightly aggressive, these small dogs are affectionate and loyal to their owners too. They are intelligent and will naturally form a strong bond with you before you know it. They tend to weigh about eight pounds, but there are some that may even weigh up to 14 pounds, which is still light enough to fit comfortably on your lap.

Pugs

They are known for their sad signature look, but these dogs are actually quite happy when they are treated well in a loving home. Pugs love to play and have a good time, but they are also quiet, reserved at times and quite sweet. A pug would sit on your lap and would love any kind of positive attention you give it, including a nice head rub or back rub.

These four different breeds are some of the best lap dogs you could possibly own. These kinds of breeds are known for remaining loyal and being great companions to their owners. If you want to build a strong bond with an adorable small dog, consider buying or adopting one of these specific dog breeds. Before you know it, the whole family will end up falling in love with him or her.

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