Small Breed Dogs

February 15th, 2009 by Dog Trainer

In Portugal the dog is called Cao de Agua (pronounced Kown-d’ahgwa), or ‘dog of the water’, and is also known as the Portuguese Fishing Dog, Diving Dog or the Sea Dog. This refers to their use in past centuries by fishermen to guard their boats and the catch. It’s also suggested they would dive and retrieve escaping fish in water, as well as carry messages between fishing boats at sea, but in modern times the dog is primarily a companion animal.
Male Portuguese Water Dogs usually grow to be about 20 to 23 inches (51 cm to 58 cm) tall, and they weigh between 40 and 60 pounds (18 kg to 27 kg), while the females usually grow to be about 17 to 21 inches (43 cm to 53 cm) tall, and they weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.

Portuguese Water Dogs have a single-layered coat that does not shed [6] (see Moult), and therefore their presence is tolerated extremely well among many people who suffer from dog allergies. Some call PWDs hypoallergenic dogs, but any person with dog allergies who seeks a dog with these qualities should actually spend time with the animals before purchasing, to test whether the dog is truly non-allergenic to them.

While frequently mistaken for a Poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog really only has a form of grooming - the lion clip - in common. This is usually maintained on show dogs and has a full coat covering the shoulders, front legs and head, while the back legs, tail and muzzle are closely trimmed. The coat is curly and somewhat like that of the Poodle in that it’s claimed to cause fewer problems for people with allergies to animal fur.

These dogs are intelligent and easier to train than many other breeds. While loyal and affectionate, these dogs do show a degree of stubbornness. Texts suggest the Portuguese Water Dog has great stamina, which could be exhausting for some prospective owners.

February 7th, 2009 by Dog Trainer

The Chihuahua (which means Chihuahueño in Spanish) is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. I had a lovely long haired Chihuahua who was my little mate for years. Sadly she passed away and where I now live isn’t really suitable for dogs. I called her Contessa.

Longhaired Chihuahua

Here is what Don Burke of Burke’s Backyard has to day about their temperament.

Talk to an owner or breeder and you’ll soon hear words like, ‘feisty’, ‘cunning’, ‘clever’ and ‘protective’. Chihuahuas will usually become very attached to their owners and you can expect them to be reserved around strangers, especially around children if not used to them. A feisty attitude may be normal, but aggression in any breed of dog, regardless of its size, is not to be tolerated. Don’t buy pups bred from adult dogs which show aggressive tendencies.

While owners say Chihuahuas are trainable it does take some time compared with other breeds. Owners report difficulties in house-training entire males. Many examples of the breed are yappy around strangers. Breeders say that with proper training from an early age, a Chihuahua is just as likely to be as obedient as any other breed.

Shorthaired Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are a favourite with the elderly and those living in apartments. Large, boisterous families are perhaps not well matched to a Chihuahua’s size and temperament, but rather singles or couples who prefer constant companionship and an impressive early warning system when strangers approach. A real lap dog, the Chihuahua will remain by its owner and demands affection, even to the point of shivering for attention!

I can certainly attest to that! They tend to be more loyal to one person in the houshold.