Posted on 03 September 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, cavachon, cavachons, dog, dog breed, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, good dog, Ownership Advice, Tips and Advice
General Characteristics
The Cavachon is a friendly, personable and loyal medium to smaller sized hybrid dog that is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Most Cavachons will be less than 30 pounds at maturity however they are not a delicate or indoor dog, rather they are an excellent family pet. Their bodies are longer than they are tall with well formed legs and a moderately deep and wide chest.
The coat of the Cavachon is typically solid white or white and another color such apricot, black, sable, red or even a yellow color. Tri-colors are also possible but not common. The coat is longer and silky, wavy to straight, and is low shedding and like these dog types may be hypoallergenic for those with mild to moderate dog allergies. The head is round in shape with long ears that frame the face and alert, bright and intelligent dark eyes. The muzzle is moderately long and tapered giving the head a very balanced appearance.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Cavachon
Owning hybrid breeds is always a bit of a unknown factor since the puppies may favor either of the parents. With the Cavachon both breeds have been developed as companion dogs so you are much more likely to get a puppy with a gentle, friendly and outgoing temperament. They are easy to train and will respond very well to positive training methods.
The Cavachon is a canine hybrid with a high maintenance coat, although with routine care the grooming program should only take a few minutes every day. Clipping the coat every six to eight weeks in a puppy clip will cut down on daily grooming requirements. Eyes and ears may be problematic in the breed so be sure to carefully clean and monitor both eyes and ears to prevent infections.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 15 August 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, doggy, Hybrid Dogs, jack russell, jack-a-bee, Ownership Advice, terrier, Tips and Advice
General Characteristics
A Jack-A-Bee is a hybrid dog developed by crossing a Jack Russell Terrier with a Beagle. As can be imagined, these dogs are short coated, highly active yet playful, loving and all round great companion dogs. In appearance this is one canine hybrid that favors both parent dogs, including the slightly muscular body, stockier, shorter legs and the highly carried wagging tail.
Colors of the Jack-A-Bee range from the typical Beagle tri-color of black, brown and white through to the bi and tri-color markings found on the Jack Russell. Generally the head is a blending of both dog types with a slightly longer and narrower muzzle than the Beagle but longer, more turned over ears than the Jack Russell. The eyes are well set and dark in color, highly active and alert with a friendly expression.
The Jack-A-Bee is a good watchdog but not generally a yappy dog unless unsocialized and untrained. They are highly intelligent and will learn quickly, making them a good potential hybrid dog for a first time owner.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Jack-A-Bee
As a puppy the Jack-A-Bee can be more active and hyper than other smaller dogs and will need routine obedience work as well as exercise. Although not a large sized dog, typically maturing at less than 25 pounds, the Jack-A-Bee does love outdoor time. Since they will chase cats, squirrels, birds and other small animals they need to be in a fenced yard.
The Jack-A-Bee is very easy to socialize and gets along well with other dogs and especially loves children. They are large enough to romp and play but small enough to be non-threatening to kids of all ages. It is important that children learn not to tease these dogs as the terrier temperament can lead to nipping if they are teased or provoked. As mentioned above, once socialization and training is completed these problems do not occur.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 02 August 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, chihuahua cross, Chug, Chug Hybrid Dogs, dog breed, doggy, dogs, Ownership Advice, Pugawawa, Pughuahua, Pugwawa, Puppies, Puppy, Tips and Advice
Photo by Laura M. Stolpman, Esq.
General Characteristics
The Chug is a true family dog that loves to be in the center of the action. They are a smaller hybrid dog measuring about twelve inches and the shoulder and weighing in at around twenty pounds when fully grown. The Chug, also known as the Pugawawa, Pugwawa or the Pughuahua can have short, dense hair like the Pug or can also have the longer, silky hair of the long-haired Chihuahua. They have the tightly curled tail of the Pug as well as the short muzzle found in both parent breeds. This canine hybrid can be several colors however black and tan, black and white and fawn with darker colors on the feet, muzzle and tail are the most common.
Although they are a smaller breed the Pugawawa is a good watchdog and has a loud bark for its small size. As with many smaller dog types they do need to be trained not be problem barkers but are easy to work with, housetrain and obedience train. The Chug is one of the most common hybrid dogs and is high demand.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Chug
Chugs are terrific dogs for small spaces, however they are strong and durable for talking on long walks and outings. Like many short-muzzled hybrid breeds they do have the same respiratory problems associated with both the Pug and the Chihuahua including heat intolerance, snoring and wheezing when exercising. Most breeders recommend using a harness and leash rather than a collar and leash when training and walking this hybrid to avoid putting any unnecessary stress on the trachea and respiratory system. Pugawawas are known to have early tooth loss and dental problems with tartar build up so start early with routine grooming and feed only high quality dry kibble whenever possible.
Very friendly by nature, the Chug will need to be routinely socialized to prevent them from becoming somewhat possessive and territorial. As a whole the breed is a terrific family dog and loves children, making it a good match for most homes.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 18 July 2010. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, doggy, dood, golden, goldendoodle, goldie poo, goldiepoo, goldipoo, good dog, groodle, Ownership Advice, Tips and Advice
General Characteristics
This canine hybrid goes by many names including the Dood, Groodle, Golden and Goldie Poo and the Goldendoodle. They are a gentle, fun-loving and friendly hybrid dog that is a result of a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. There are also Miniature Goldendoodles that are second generation cross between a Goldie Poo and a Miniature Poodle, resulting in a smaller overall dog.
Looking very much like a shaggy, curly to wavy coated retriever the Dood can be any color from chocolate through to a very light cream and all variations in between. They tend to have a squarer retriever face and the longer, turned over ears of both parents. Tails can be long and plumed like the retriever or more narrow like the Poodle. Eyes tend to be dark brown but hazel eyes may be noted in some of the lighter coated color variations. These dogs are medium to large in size, well build and very muscular and athletic.
In general the Goldendoodle is one of the hybrid breeds that needs to be around people to be happy. They are very well suited for families and get along well with kids, other pets and other dogs.
What You Need To Know About Owning A Golden Poo
For those that have mild allergies to dogs a first generation Goldendoodle may be an ideal pet, as will most dog types with Poodle in the lineage. People with more severe allergies may wish to consider an F2 or second generation cross with a Goldendoodle bred back to a Poodle. This tends to enhance the hypoallergenic issues with the Golden Poos coat, although each person needs to check their sensitivity to the dog before bringing it home.
While very intelligent and fun loving, the Goldendoodle still needs routine training and socialization. They love to be with people and seem to really enjoy pleasing their owners. As with any of the very intelligent hybrid breeds, they will also learn bad habits as quickly as they learn good behaviors and routine, consistent training is important from a young age.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 09 July 2010. Tags: Bordoodle, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, Cock-A-Poo, dog breed, doggy, Doodle, Jackoodle, Labradoodle, Lhasapoo, Ownership Advice, poodle, Pooshih, Schnoodle, Shih-Poo, Spoodle, Tips and Advice, yorkipoo
Poodles have long been a favorite and are one of the top dog breeds with the highest number of recognized dog breeders in almost every country. Poodle dogs and Poodle crosses are extremely popular as companion dogs, known for their intelligence and gentle temperament when properly trained and socialized. Poodle hybrids also incorporate the traits of booth the Poodle as well as the other breed to create an intelligent, loving and low shedding hybrid. Some of the better-known hybrids with poodle dogs in the line include:
• Cock-A-Poo
A cross between a purebred American or English Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, they sometimes refer to a Cock-A-Poo as a Spoodle. These loyal, intelligent, energetic dogs make wonderful family pets.
• Doodle
This adorable designer dog is a cross between a poodle and dachshund. Great for people with allergies, doodles make excellent family dogs that are very energetic and love to play. They are happiest when with their human family.
• Labradoodle
A Labrador Retriever/Poodle purebred cross, these popular hybrid dogs are highly intelligent and extremely trainable. Non-aggressive, friendly and loyal dogs, they make excellent family pets, guide dogs for the disabled or blind and therapy or assistance dogs. Dog breeders are working to have the Labradoodle as a separate breed since they can breed true to their own unique characteristics and breed traits.
• Lhasapoo
A poodle and Lhasa Apso cross, the Lhasapoo is a small dog that originated in the United States. Brushing, a trim and bath when necessary will keep the Lhasapoos luxurious low-shedding, long coat looking gorgeous. Wonderful family dogs, these regal looking, playful designer dogs should be socialized at an early age.
• Schnoodle
A low to non-shedding dog, Schnoodles are hybrids resulting from crossing a purebred Poodle with a Schnauzer. Excellent for allergy sufferers, these designer dogs adore their human family, love being the center of attention, are highly intelligent and always ready to play. They require mental stimulation, daily walks and exercise to keep from becoming bored.
• Shih-Poo
Also knows as Pooshih, these adorable hybrid dogs are a cross between a Shih-Tzu and Poodle. Alert, playful and intelligent, they are sometimes a little standoffish and shy around strangers but wonderful with family children and other pets. Easy to train because they love pleasing their human family, they also enjoy showing off and being the center of attention.
• Yorkipoo
Certainly one of the most common of all the Poodle hybrids, Yorkipoos are little dogs that are a cross between a purebred Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle. One of the most popular of all hybrid dogs, a Yorkipoo is an excellent choice for families with older children, companions for elderly people and make great therapy dogs.
There are many other common poodle hybrids along with lesser-known ones such as the Bordoodle, which is a purebred border collie/poodle mix, and the Jackoodle, which is a Jack Russell Terrier/poodle mix. Poodle dogs will continue to be used in many dog breeders hybrid programs with good reason.
Posted in Breeds/Hybrids/Mixed Breeds
Posted on 03 July 2010. Tags: a dog year, dog, dog book, dog breed, doggy, good dog, Recommended Reading
A Dog Year : Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me
by Jon Katz
Change sometimes comes on four legs. Jon Katz has two low-maintenance Labs named Julius and Stanley whose chosen work is to lick neighbors and to accompany him through midlife. His year begins with a new arrival at the airport, a two year old border collie named Devon. Devon escapes from his cage and goes tearing around the terminal and is captured and taken home to meet his other two dogs, Julius and Stanley, who are not quite sure of what to make of this new collie. The collie turns out to be very demanding and Katz's training of him is very slow and agonizing. Devon eventually settles in. Later on in the year, after Katz appears on the Oprah Winfrey show, he decides to take her advice and adopt yet another border collie named Homer, who is a sweet puppy that is everyone loves except for Devon. But the two seem to get on easier when he takes them to a farm where they herd sheep. Katz reflects on how important it is to be devoted and have a total understanding of any animal that one brings into their home and how to live peacefully with border collies. It's still obvious that the most important ingredient in a human/dog relationship is love.
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