About Toy Dogs

Scissoring Techniques for Poodle Grooming

2007-01-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.persephonesjazzenpoodles.com

The Poodle's origin is controversial. Many countries have claimed the origin of the Poodle. Some say it is Germany. Other says it is Denmark, and of course, France says the Poodle's origin belongs to them. Even Russia claims the Poodle's origin. Many say, however, the Poodle's most likely place of origin is Germany. The name Poodle is derived from the German word Pudel which means means to splash in water. In Franch, the Poodle was called Caniche, a derivation of canard or duck and described his chief function there.

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The Highly Esteemed Japanese Chin makes it Way to Britain and America

2007-01-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

The Japanese Chin was very fortunate to be held in such high esteem in Japan. This was not the case with many other dogs in Japan during the 1800's. One writer, Griffis, wrote in the Corea: the Hermit Nation (1882) that "in Japan, dogs are held in very little honor except the `chin' or Japanese Spaniel."

Earlier views were expressed by another writer, Robert Fortune. He wrote: "The street dogs appear to be the same breed as the common Chinese dog, and both have probably sprung from the same stock. On a warm summer afternoon these animals may be seen lying at full length in the public highway, apparently sound asleep; it was not unusual for our attendants to whip and kick them out of our road in a most unceremonious way. On many of them, the marks of the sharp sword of the yakoneens were plainly visible, and everything tended to show that, if the dogs were regarded as sacred by some, the feeling fails to secure them from being cruelly ill-treated by the common people. It was not unusual to meet with wretched specimens in a half-starved condition and covered with loathsome disease."

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The Japanese Chin: Royal Japanese Presents

2006-12-31T07:43:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.chinpuppies.com

The Japanese Chin has not always been known as the "Japanese Chin." In the beginning of the Japanese Chin in Europe and America he was known as the Japanese Spaniel and although called "Japanese," there is no real proof that its native land is Japan. Several Japanese Chin historians believe the term `Chin' must have been a mistranslation.

The Chin Dog in Japan was written in the early 1960s by Mr. Koichi Uoi, Dr. Hideo Wakui and Dr. Seikoh Yoshida. In this book they added a disclaimer about the name, which states: "The Chin is heretofore called "Japanese Spaniel' in Europe and America, but the term must be a mistranslation, because the Chin is neither of Spanish line, nor a house. Taking the opportunity of publishing this book, we propose you call it `Chin'." Still yet another writer feels there has been a further mis-translation and that "Spanish line" should read "spaniel." Read on at: About Toy Dogs

The Japanese Chin: One of the Most Ancient of Oriental Breeds

2006-12-30T03:48:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.chinpuppies.com

Just where exactly did this sweet and adorable little lap toy dog, the Japanese Chin originate? As with many of our toy dog breeds, there are several theories for us to remember as the history of this toy dog breed.

There is plenty of evidence that the Japanese Chin can be traced back to the dogs that arrived in Japan as precious gifts from China and Korea over 1,100 years ago. The Japanese Chin is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs.

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Grooming the English Toy Spaniel

2006-12-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

The English Toy Spaniel has a long history of royal favor. Selective breeding reduced the English Toy Spaniel down to its present size of about 9 to 12 pounds.

The coat of an English Toy Spaniel should be long, silky, soft and wavy, but not curly. There should be a profuse mane, extending well down in the front of the chest. The legs, ears and tail are feathered profusely. In fact, the feet should be feathered so thickly as to give the appearance of being webbed, and also carried well up the backs of the legs. The feather on the tail should be silky, and from 3 to 4 inches in length.

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Grooming the Chinese Crested

2006-12-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.badgercrest.com

The Chinese Crested was carried by sailors from Africa to China and nearly every other port of call. Fanciers are found everywhere; however the breed has never reached great popularity. It has been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a freak. This little dog has many qualities that go unrecognized.

The Chinese Crested is seen in two types. One is the hairless type and the other is called the Powderpuff type with a full coat. The Powderpuff type is nearly identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. Read on at: About Toy Dogs

Grooming the Chihuahua

2006-12-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of http://www.badgercrest.com

The Chihuahua is undoubtedly the oldest purebred canine native to the North American continent. He is known by no other name. The Chihuahua is a native of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. He appears in a short-or smooth-coated variety and another type that has a long coat. The distinguishing features of a Chihuahua are very small size (average weight is 3 pounds) large ears, prominent eyes and a long tail.

The Chihuahua was important in the ceremonial life of both Toltec and Aztex peoples and is still a very popular pet in his native land and all around the world. He is the smallest of all dogs. His purpose is to provide loving companionship. His very small size keeps him from being a good pet to children or toddlers, or even young adolescents. He makes a wonderful little pet for the elderly. His size makes him very easy to pick up, carry around, and to take care of during grooming chores.

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Grooming the Cavalier King Charles

2006-12-20T23:21:00.000-08:00

The Cavalier King Charles has a coat of soft, gently-waving, never curly longish hair that is silky. There should be a profuse mane extending down in the front of the chest. There should also be thick feathering on the ears and feet, and well up the back of the legs. There should be plenty of feathering in the coat of a Cavalier King Charles. The coat should not be trimmed for the show ring.

Its red and white color type is called "Blenheim" after the Duke of Marlborough's estate. Other colors include ruby, black and white and tricolor, which is a combination of black and white with russet brown accents.

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Grooming the Brussels Griffon

2006-12-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.kmc-kennels.com

There are two types of Brussels Griffon - the Rough and the Smooth. Both are equally delightful companions. The rough coated Brussels Griffon is probably the most common. The smooth coated Brussels Griffon is easier to groom.

The rough coat should be wiry and dense, the harder and more wiry the better. The Brussels Griffon should never look or feel woolly. There should be no silky hair on the Brussels Griffon. The coat of a Brussels Griffon should not be long and shaggy. The rough coated Brussels Griffon should be distinctly different all over from the smooth coated Brussels Griffon. The Brussels Griffon is a rugged little dog that should look natural and not overly trimmed. The Brussels Griffon colors are red, black and black and tan.

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Topknot Dog Bows

2006-12-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

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Fleece T-shirts

2006-12-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

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Toy Dogs in Art Part IV: Toy Dogs in Pottery

2006-12-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most favorite subjects for the craftsman in porcelain and earthenware has been toy dogs in particular. In Chinese work it has been hard to distinguish between the lion and the dog. The lion-dog and the dog-lion share a lot of Chinese myth. The dogs of Fo during the reign of K'ang Hsi were dogs, however, and not lions. In the city of Peking in 1680 the Emperor K'ang His set up an imperial kiln. At that time it was possible there were a million people working porcelain at 3,000 kilns. This production situation has never been matched.

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Toy Dogs in Art Part III: Children and the Cavalier King Charles

2006-12-17T20:14:00.000-08:00

The artist Sir Joshua Reynolds painted dogs into his portraits especially when he was painting children, which he did often. The most frequently seen dog was the King Charles spaniels. In one of his famous paintings, a portrait of `Maria Gideon and her brother' in Viscount Cowdray's collection, the dog was a rather large long-nosed version of the King Charles. The King Charles spaniel has one paw raised as if clearly ready for a game with the boy whom he looks as if he obviously adores in spite of the fact that boy is carrying a stick. The boy is probably about to throw the stick and the King Charles spaniel is waiting anxiously for this to occur.

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Author: Connie Limon, Toy Dog Fancier. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, advertising in our newsletters and article promotion marketing. To my knowledge, no other toy dog breeder directory offers this same package of advertising services to the toy dog breeder.

Toy Dogs in Art Part II: The Little White Toy Dog That May Have Been a Maltese!

2006-12-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

There is a painting at the Prado in Madrid that is almost certainly a breed that we have now lost, or just as likely, it is a crossbred resulting from the inter-mixing of the various strains of tiny toy dogs. Tiny toy dogs were the playthings of the houses of fashion and the courts of the mid-seventeenth century. This little dog is white in color with a face and eyes like our present day Maltese. The solid white coat is identical to the kind of a Maltese. The painting done in 1650 is called `The Holy Family of the Little Bird.' The artist is Murillo.

An interesting point to mention is that this little white dog in the painting has the kind of tail found on a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Even though it had the tail like the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, it probably was not that breed, because the color was white. The subject of Murillo's paintings is biblical. He often included his own dogs in his paintings, or the dogs he saw around him, or even dogs belonging to the sponsors for whom he painted the picture.

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Topknot Bow - Everyday Dog Bow

2006-12-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

This bow is hand sewn. Made with grosgrain, satin, and lace ribbon. Ribbon width is between 5/8 and 1". Bow length is 1". All bows are stiffened so you can use them repeatedly for your little one.

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Toy Dogs in Art Part I: The Italian Greyhound

2006-12-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

Fortunately for us, the members of the royal and noble families of Spain were particularly attached to dogs, especially toy dogs. Many of the famous painters of the time painted family portraits which included their dogs. Works by Velasquez, Murillo and Goya in particular painted portraits of royal families and their dogs, many of them being, "toy dogs."

The walls of Prado in Madrid are covered by portrait after portrait of dogs and their families or just dogs alone beautifully painted. Anyone very interested in dogs would certainly enjoy the experience of surveying the walls of Prado.

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Grooming the Affenpinscher

2006-12-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.badgercrest.com

The coat of an Affenpinscher is harsh and rough-textured. His category is short-haired breed. His hair is about one inch in length on the shoulder and body, may be shorter on the rear and tail. The head, neck, chest, stomach and legs have longer, less harsh coat. The mature Affenpinshcer has a mane or cape of strong hair which blends into the back coat at the withers area. The monkey-like expression of the Affenpinscher is created by the longer hair on the head, eyebrows and beard, which stands off and frames the face.

The Affenpinscher with a correct coat needs little attention and no trimming. He should be combed on a regular basis to keep the coat in good condition. You will need a medium- or fine-toothed comb. Brush your Affenpinscher with a nylon or bristle cushion hairbrush to remove loose hairs. One of the best kinds of brushes to use for Affenpinscher brushing is a small good-quality bristle nylon ladies hairbrush. Brushing also helps to keep the coat looking tidy. You want your Affenpinsher to have a "shaggy

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Topknot Dog Bows

2006-12-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

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Fleece T-shirts

2006-12-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

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The Miniature Pinscher: Probably the Most Neatest and Cleanest of the Toy Breeds

2006-12-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

The Miniature Pinscher is an ancient breed, although not in the form that we know today. Opinions differ about the origin of the Miniature Pinscher. He just might be the "neatest" of the toydogs. He makes an admirable, clean pet for any size home.

Most authorities agree the Miniature Pinscher is the German development of the toy terrier and has been known in Germany and other European countries for hundreds of years. There are old pictures showing the Miniature Pinscher as a ratter and it is said that he still retains his keenness as a watchdog and in his vocation of being a ratter. He looks like the Doberman, but he is not related.

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Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com/ and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video of your breed, advertising in our newsletters and article marketing promotion. To my knowledge, no other toy dog breeder directory offers this unique package of advertising services.

The Poodle: So Loved and Famous that his Birthplace is Claimed by Many Countries

2006-12-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: Fancy Poo 4 U (telephone: 601-886-7381)
http://www.fancypoo4u.com

For hundreds of years the Poodle has been one of the most popular breeds in the world. The Poodle seems to be most associated with France, however, many countries claim the breed. Denmark, France and even Russia claim the Poodle's original birthplace. Poodles probably originated in Germany so say many more authorities. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German Pudel which means to splash in water.

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Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy breed dogs. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video of your breed, advertising in our newsletters and article marketing promotion. To my knowledge, no other toy dog breeder directory offers this same unique package of advertising for toy dog breeders.

The Pug: Quite A Dignified Little Fellow

2006-12-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

The Pug is undoubtedly a very old breed, but from where they came is a bit confusing. Authorities differ very much in their opinions of the exact origin of the Pug. Some Pug authorities' feel they were brought from Holland many years ago having been imported there from the Cape of Good Hope, and later brought to England. Others say they came from Muscovy. Many writers say they are a cross between the English Bulldog and small Dane.

There were dogs resembling the Pug we know today in the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet before 400 BC. They were also seen in Japan and Europe becoming the favorite of royal courts in those countries. The Pug became popular in Holland around the mid-1500's.

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Purchase Fleece T-shirts at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu

Purchase Professional Topknot Bows and Everyday Dog Bows at: Stain Glass Shih Tzu Receive a FREE gift with every bow order.

About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video of your breed, advertising in our newsletters and article marketing promotion. To my knowledge, no other toy dog breeder directory offers this unique package of advertising services.

2006-12-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: Tiny Town Yorkies: http://hometown.aol.com/tinytownyorkies/welcome.html

The Dainty little Yorkshire terrier ranks high in the top ten of American's favorite toy dogs. It might be a bit difficult to find a more intelligent, bright and generally attractive little guy in the doggie world. The Yorkshire terrier well deserves its rank among the American pet owners.

When we trace the origins of this famous toy dog we will have to go back to the days when he was a broken-haired terrier killing rats around and about his home. There are different opinions about how he first got to Yorkshire and Lancashire. Some say he was by Paisley weavers. Others say the broken-haired terriers known sixty years ago or more in the West of Yorkshire at Bradford and Huddersfield were the ancestors of our present breed. These were bright little guys weighing from to 10 to 20 pounds

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The Chihuahua: Perfect Apartment Companions

2006-12-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: http://www.webepups.com

One of the smallest of the toy dogs is the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua is most likely from Mexico many centuries ago. In his native land they thought he helped passage into the afterlife and was a sacred dog. The Chihuahua is known for a rounded, apple shaped head with erect, pointed ears. Chihuahuas are found in short smooth hair coats and long and soft coats. He generally weighs 2 to 5 pounds.

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The Elegant and Graceful Italian Greyhound

2006-12-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Italian Greyhound is a charming little dog of grace and beauty. They are usually jolly little guys. This is a breed that was kept in England as far back as the 17th century. They enjoyed the royal favor of many while in Prussia. The famous Frederick the Great simply adored his Greyhound pets and even left instructions in his will that his body should be buried among his pets in the Greyhound cemetery in the Park of Sans Souci.

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Please visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, advertising in our newsletters and article marketing promotion. To my knowledge no other toy dog breeder directory offers this unique package of services.