10 Big Pooches Who Think They’re Lap Dogs

Bloodhound

Bloodhound Basics While the name might suggest a dog that comes from Transylvania, the true nature of Bloodhounds is far different than you might expect, particularly if you’ve never worked with a Bloodhound before. One of the most famous “noses” – that is, strength of scent detection – in the world of dogs, Bloodhounds aren’t only friendly and loyal dogs but make exceptionally useful assistants in the world of law enforcement and security. So why does this breed end up with such a nasty name? Well, before we get to that, let’s focus on what makes the Bloodhound unique in a world of hounds, spaniels, and terriers. Why would you want a Bloodhound for your family? They’re a relatively plain dog that usually wouldn’t be described as “cute” unless you’ve raised one from a puppy. As you’re about to find out, there’s always more than meets the eye, and a great pet is more reliant on personality. The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. So let’s get to it and find out if the Bloodhound is really a good choice for you and your family’s next pet. The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. Origin When you’re talking about Bloodhounds, you’re talking about an animal with a very rich and clearly defined history dating back to the Middle Ages. Essentially descended from a dog known as the St. Hubert’s Hound, the Bloodhound made its mark on history by accompanying nobility and royalty on hunting excursions.The Bloodhound’s personality is among the best in the world of dogs and makes for a loyal house pet, a friendly companion, and a great long-term friend. These dogs would be able to sniff out prey, track down a wounded animal and generally assist with various aspects of the hunt. Its legendary nose becoming more famous, the name “Bloodhound” is perhaps a reference to the way Bloodhounds were great at sniffing out the blood of wounded prey. Some report that the Bloodhound first made its way into England at around the time of the Norman Conquest under William the Conqueror, but there are no official sources to corroborate this. Nobility used Bloodhounds not only for the hunt, but eventually as tracking dogs to assist in law enforcement. One legend states that a dog was able to track down a criminal over seven miles along a route that was heavily trafficked. Pedigree

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer Basics In the world of dog breeds, there is perhaps no dog with a more intimidating name than the “Giant Schnauzer.” But when you actually take a look at the breed, you find that the Giant Schnauzer is really a fairly compact dog for its size and, given enough exercise, can actually be a calm companion. That being said, there are a lot of unique things about this breed you’ll want to be aware of before you’re sure that this is the right breed for you. Although they’re known as “giants,” this breed is simply a larger breed, and is only really a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. These dogs don’t have to be as intimidating as they sound, but you should certainly know what you’re doing if you want to be able to acquire a dog of this breed, train it, socialize it, and help it to grow into the confident, friendly dog that it deserves to be. If you’re a good owner, you’ll probably find that the Giant Schnauzer is perfectly capable of being a good dog in return. Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Origin Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Specifically, the Giant Schnauzer comes from the Bavarian areas of Germany, making it a true German country dog and one that has been bred and well-suited for an outdoor lifestyle. The Giant Schnauzer rose to prominence at the dawning of the 20th century, giving it a similar timeline to many of the more popular German breeds of today, including the German Shepherd. Closely related, of course, to the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer also comes from a lineage that includes German Pinschers. Known as the Riesenschnauzer in Germany – a simple translation of “Giant Schnauzer” or “the giant” – the origins of the Giant Schnauzer’s habits come from herding and driving cattle in Bavaria. The Giant Schnauzer also has a history of being used as a guard and police dog, as did many hearty breeds in the same area and relatively same historical timeline as that of the Giant Schnauzer. Pedigree

Boxer

Boxer Basics You don’t usually come across someone who doesn’t know what a Boxer looks like. Enjoying widespread popularity, Boxers sport that square jaw line and impressive under bite that gives them a fighter-like appearance. Sporting strong legs and deep, loud barks that make you take notice, Boxers are an impressive breed that is great for families. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Along with Golden or Labrador Retrievers, Boxers rank among the most popular dogs for this important work. It’s not just its intelligent that makes it a real people dog – Boxers love being around people! They love human affection, especially from children, and will never leave your side when you’re at home. There are plenty of reasons why a Boxer will make a welcome addition to your family – read on to find out more about this breed. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Origin We’ve filled you in on the recent history of the Boxer breed. They make great pets, service dogs, and even guard dogs. But let’s go back to its past, where you’re sure to find in much more interesting. Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were used by butchers to control cattle and for hunting purposes (they could run and hold down wild boar and bison), as well as being one of the first breeds of dogs used as police and military dogs. Unfortunately, they were also used for dog fighting – a Boxer would stand up on its hind legs and “box” with its opponent. Boxers were later imported to America after World War I, and gained popularity in the late 1930s. Pedigree

American English Coonhound

American English Coonhound Basics A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Loud-voiced and hard-working, the American English Coonhound is one of six official Coonhound breeds. Renowned for its speed, endurance, intelligence, and athleticism, this dog loves to be on the move. Good with children and friendly with strangers, you’ll find this dog to be fairly easy to train, making it a great family pet for novice owners. It will alert you (loudly) of strangers entering your property, but will make fast friends with anyone who gives it attention. This makes the American Coonhound a good watchdog, but not the best guard dog. Alert, confident and friendly to people and dogs, the American English Coonhound fits in well with a variety of households. Active owners will find that it makes a wonderful companion, especially if you like to spend time outdoors with a high-energy pet. Although not suited to apartment living, this breed loves to be with its people and will thrive in a loving household. If this is the first time you’ve heard of the American English Coonhound, read on – this dog may just be the perfect fit for your family. A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Origin The American English Coonhound was first brought to the United States by European settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries. First called “Virginia Hounds (and imported to the U.S. by Robert Brooke, Thomas Walker and George Washington), the American Coonhound was bred to adapt to a more rigorous terrain. These dogs were used to hunt raccoons and the American Red Fox. The American Coonhound was also used to hunt opossums, cougars, deer, boars, bobcats and bears. In 1905 the English Coonhound was first registered by UKC under the name of English Fox & Coonhound.

Dog Bike Basket – Snazzy Jazzy Pet Rattan Pet Bike Basket

This Dog Bike Basket is perfect to ensure your bicycle is built for two I like to bike, but my dog is too small to run alongside. I can’t put him in a regular bike basket – if I go over a big bump or stop suddenly, he may fall out and get hurt. What’s a joy-riding cyclist to do? A dog bike basket fits the bill perfectly. This dog bike basket has a wire lid that attaches with three leather straps to hold my pup securely. That’s why I was overjoyed to find the Rattan Pet Bike Basket from Snazzy Jazzy Pet. This dog bike basket has a wire lid that attaches with three leather straps to hold my pup securely. The basket is hand-crafted from durable natural rattan, so it stands up to the weather and there’s a snuggly, washable fleece pad so my dog can enjoy the ride. The Rattan Bike Basket will easily attach and detach from handle bars, thanks to its quick-release brackets. This dog bike basket is made for pets that weigh up to eight pounds. And I’m pretty sure that it’s not meant for competitive cyclist, which is perfect for my purposes – I just like to enjoy the scenery on my leisurely rides. The Rattan Pet Bike Basket sells for $100 at the Snazzy Jazzy Pet website.

Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherd BasicsThere are so many Shepherds out there to choose from: Dutch, German, Belgian, Dax, and more. All of them have special qualities. While you may be better acquainted with its cousins, the German Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd, the Dutch Shepherd is an all-around amazing dog that is a great fit for any active family (this pup will tucker you all out!). With three types to choose from (longhair, shorthair and wirehair), the Dutch Shepherd is a rare sight at the dog park. Thankfully, fanciers are working hard to increase its numbers. And it’s a good thing they are: this is a super intelligent dog that owns the ring when it comes to obedience competitions, guard duty, and field/agility trailing. While the Dutch might not be the most popular Shepherd yet, that will change. People are only just starting to realize what a special pooch this guy truly is!Even though the Dutch Shepherd made its debut on the farm, this breed now makes a wonderful companion for your family. Obedient and smart, this dog is a pleasure to train and will watch over your family. And because he’s loving and playful, kids will always have a pal to play with. He will fit in well to just about every home, provided that you have the space and energy necessary to keep him happy! If you have been considering bringing a Dutch Shepherd into your home, you’ve come to the right place! Keep your eyes on this page. We’re about to break down everything that you need to now about this special doggo.Even though the Dutch Shepherd made its debut on the farm, this breed now makes a wonderful companion for your family.Origin Hailing from The Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherd was traditionally used as a shepherd’s dog in the countryside. They would watch over flocks of sheep, keeping them in line and warding off any potential threats.. Not only did they have to guard them, these dogs also had to keep the sheep away from crops by patrolling the borders of the road and the fields. On top of all of that, Dutch Shepherds accompanied sheep as they made their way to common meadows, markets, and ports. These were highly trained (and highly useful) working dogs that proved to be quite popular for obvious reasons.The Dutch Shepherd was a jack-of-all-trades on the farm, which made him indispensable to farmers. They would keep the hens away from the kitchen garden, herd cows for milking, and pull the milk carts. This breed remains an excellent watch and guard dog to this day, as they alerted farmers to strangers for generations. By the 1900s, sheep flocks had all but disappeared in The Netherlands, so the Dutch Shepherd was no longer needed on the farm. However, this breed is now being used as a police dog, as a search and tracking dog, and as a guide dog for the blind. This is a highly trainable pooch who loves to serve.Sadly, the breed’s numbers have dwindled and it is not as popular as the Belgian Shepherd or German Shepherd in North America. Even in The Netherlands, the Dutch Shepherds are rare and the wire-haired variety is few and far between. Hopefully this will change because these are remarkable animals who deserve more happy homes.Pedigree

Study Finds Yelling At Your Dog Affects Them More Than We May Think

We know that yelling when we’re angry doesn’t typically produce beneficial results, but we are all human and it happens. A new study, however, showed that just because dogs don’t understand our words, that doesn’t mean they aren’t affected by our anger and the tone in our voice. It’s good food for thought and why we shouldn’t ever yell at our furbabies.

Say Bye to Tug O’ Walks: Best Dog Harnesses to Stop Pulling

There are many different dog harnesses to stop pulling to pick from–find out how to make the right choice.Every dog is excited to go outside and strut their stuff, but some pooches can get a bit too excited on walks, pulling and tugging you along. Not only that leash pulling can be frustrating as heck, but you might also experience shoulder and wrist pain from trying to keep your eager pooch under control. If you want your dog to behave when you walk them on a leash- and avoid those red sore palms and painful joints, no-pull dog harnesses are the answer. These specially designed dog harnesses to stop pulling use humane but effective tactics to prevent your dog from wiggling and tugging on the leash.

Choose High-Quality Nutrition for Your Dog With Rachael Ray Nutrish

As pet parents, we’re always on the search for the perfect food for our canine companions. This includes choosing food that supports their nutritional needs and offers a delicious taste they can’t resist. There are many different dog foods to choose from, but we prefer to feed a high-quality natural dog food free from unnecessary fillers and additives. That’s why we love Rachael Ray Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend.

Bernedoodle

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works. Bernedoodle BasicsIf you are looking for a smart and loyal dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle. Also known as the Bernese Mountain Poo, this breed is a combination of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. These hybrid fluffy pooches combine the best of both worlds: the intelligence and low shedding coat of the Poodle combined with the laid-back, yet incredibly loyal nature of the Bernese. For anyone who has owned either of those breeds, you’ll know that means that the Bernedoodle is one special pup, who combines the best traits of both parents into one cute package!The goal with crossbreeding these two popular dogs was to create a perfect companion for families of all shapes and sizes that will be both hypoallergenic and possess personality traits that make them ideal pets. That’s why the breeders didn’t stop at first generation mixes, but continued to select and perfect Bernedoodles in different sizes and with slightly different traits. Bernedoodles can vary widely depending on the breeder as there is no set standard for this breed (which is usually the case with all designer dogs). They can range from 10 to 50 pounds in size and can have quite different personalities from wildly energetic to a more stoic and calm demeanor. A lot will depend on which of the parental breeds' genes are more dominant in the mix and whose traits are going to be more apparent – the Poodle’s or the Bernese Mountain Dog’s. Luckily, this also means that there really is a Bernedoodle for every person and it’s hard not to fall in love once these special dogs enter your life.However, while Bernedoodle should ideally be a perfect mix of the parent breeds that only features the best of both worlds, with hybrids there is no guarantee either about their personality or their looks. In a litter of fluffy little Bernese Mountain Poos, all of the puppies might look different from each other and each one of them could have a wildly different temperament as well. For example, your Bernedoodle puppy might take after its Poodle parent more and be a furry brainiac that will learn tricks with ease and have an air of elegance to them. Or they might favor their Swiss ancestry and turn out a bit more stubborn than you’d expect, but with a heart of gold that will make it impossible to get mad at their antics. It’s hard for breeder’s to predict with this tricky hybrid, since there’s no proven “recipe” on how to ensure which breed gets to be more dominant in the mix. On top of the fact that you can’t predict their personality or looks with certainty, depending on the dog’s genetic makeup, they can have health issues more typical for one breed than the other.Related: 10 Best Harnesses For BernedoodlesAlthough there’s still a lot to learn about designer dog breeds, it’s safe to say that we now have a better picture about the Bernedoodle as these hybrid mixes have been around for quite a while now. Their name may sound a little funny, but these dogs make wonderful pets, and they are especially great with children, so they are often the first choice for families with young kids. There’s a reason why this designer breed has grown in popularity so rapidly. These are truly special pups. So, if you are looking for a fluffy dog that will be your companion for life, look no further than the Bernedoodle!

Morkie

Morkie BasicsTiny and adorable, the Morkie is an affectionate crossbreed who loves people and will get along with all of your other pets. By combining two popular breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier and the Maltese, breeders managed to create a beautiful dog with a loving personality. These petite balls of fluff are not all cuddles and smooches though. A Morkie can be as bullheaded as they come, so previous experience with small breed dogs might be beneficial. These little dogs can cause big problems if you aren’t careful. Morkies are also playful and will run to chase a ball for quite some time or find fun in interactive dog toys. They will surely keep older children in the home busy playing and then cuddle up in their beds at night to sleep. So it’s no wonder why these tiny pooches are one of the favorite family dogs! The Morkie attaches to his family quickly and tend to form strong bonds with their pawrents. While heartwarming and cute, his love for the family can create a problem when he needs to be left alone. These pups will become so attached to their families that they won’t be able to handle time on their own, so training them early and often in a must.Related: 10 Best Harnesses For MorkiesDue to their small size, Morkies are fragile and can be hurt easily if you’re not being careful with them. This crossbreed does best with families without small kids, who can seriously injure this furry baby in careless playing. They are best suited to families with mature children or even elderly couples looking to add a little fluff to their lives. As an adaptable and easy going pooch, a Morkie can be happy with a big yard in the suburbs or in a minuscule city apartment. A few, short walks each day will keep this Yorkie and Maltese cross content and well-exercised. That’s good news for urban dwellers. They can keep their pup in their apartment without fear of denying them the space they need to say happy and healthy.

Wax On or Wax Off – What You Need to Know About Paw Wax

Paw Wax. One of the most intriguing doggy aides of recent times. Sure, it might sound quirky, but what if it actually works? And what exactly have you heard about paw wax? Kevin Roberts clears up a few common myths about paw wax and the right way to use it. Could it be the next best thing for puppers and their owners? Let’s find out.

Domestic Medium Hair

Domestic Medium Hair Breed HistoryLike the Domestic Longhair and the Domestic Shorthair, the Domestic Medium Hair is not a single, recognized breed. Rather, these cats are referred to as mutts because they are mixed breed felines that can have the looks and characteristics of a combination of different breeds. And because these cats are commonly found in shelters and feral colonies throughout the world today, they are one of the most popular and beloved breeds.In terms of their history, it’s believed that these cats first arrived in America with the Pilgrims, who decided to bring them along on their ships in order to help control the rodent population. Many generations of mixed breeding among these felines created the Domestic Medium Hairs that are found in cat loving homes around the world.However, as mentioned above, the thing to keep in mind is that a Domestic Medium Hair isn’t actually a specific feline breed. Basically, whether you are looking at a Domestic Shorthair, a Domestic Medium Hair, and a Domestic Longhair, you are looking at kitties from the same “breed.” And when they have kittens, these cats can showcase every length of fur, so this means that a Domestic Medium Hair could give birth to kittens that have long fur or short fur.  So, what makes the Domestic Medium Hair special and what sets them apart? Well, the main difference between the Domestic Medium Hair, the  Domestic Longhair, and the  Domestic Shorthair is the fact that the Medium Hair has a – you guessed it – medium coat gene that produces its rarer, distinctive fur that’s somewhere between the length of short and long. But, because these cats are related, if you have experience with the Longhair or Shorthair, you will have a really good idea of what a Medium Hair cat will be like.Breed Traits

Saint Berdoodle

Saint Berdoodle Basics Some big dogs a giant and intimidating creatures destined for protection. Others are lovable lugs who act more like a big, furry, lovable, and huggable roommate. The Berdoole falls into the second category. This is a dog destined to be bring nothing by smiles and cuddles into your life, despite their massive frame. Smart, social, and affectionate, the Saint Berdoodle is a gentle giant that will charm you in an instant. These friendly dogs have quickly gained popularity, mostly owing to their fluffy teddy bear looks and wonderful personality. They are intelligent, people-oriented, and make good therapy or service dogs, but it’s mostly the role of companionship that they were bred from. These are designer dogs bred for their affection and companionship. To say they deliver on those qualities would be an understatement. Saint Berdoodles inspire joy everywhere they go. As a mixed breed dog that comes from crossbreeding a Standard Poodle with a Saint Bernard, this hybrid will inherit traits from both of his parents. Needless to say, this unusual combination of breeds is attractive to many, mostly because of the potential for the combo of low-shedding coat and intelligence from the Poodle parent, as well as the calmness and sweetness of Saint Bernard. The breed might be too rare and recent to make definite conclusions, but it does seem that the breeders managed to create a new hybrid that inherits some fantastic traits from both mom and dad. The hybrid offers a winning canine combination for any owner. While loving and good natured, the Saint Berdoodle comes in a large size, which means he may not be a good fit for families with extremely young children (it’s far easier to train children to play gently with small and fragile dogs than the other way around). That said, he does do well with other dogs and family pets and his social nature means he loves to be the center of attention. He will not appreciate any other animals stealing away the attention of his owner. Because of this intense need for human interaction, he would do best in a household where he is not left on his own for extended periods of time because he has a destructive side that may surface. Does this designer breed sound like the right dog for you? Read on to find out more about the quirks and needs of the Saint Berdoodle before you adopt one of these big teddy bears. They are wonderful pets to be sure, but whether or not they will fit into your home is another question entirely. So keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to find out if the Saint Berdoodle will be coming home with you sometime soon. The Saint Berdoodle does well with other dogs and family pets and his social nature means he loves to be the center of attention. Origin Just like most designer dogs, the origin of the Saint Berdoodle remains unclear. No one knows with certainty when people started intentionally breeding Poodle and Saint Bernard mixes. The key word in that sentence being intentionally. There have probably been accidental crosses of the two breeds throughout history, but they weren’t recognized as a designer dog breed until recently. It’s highly likely that this hybrid was first developed during the 1980s, when designer dog craze first started. Breeders started crossing Poodles with various different breeds to get a new ‘doodle’ mix that would combine the best of both worlds. The Saint Berdoodle was one of the many designer dogs to result from this trend. This hybrid originated in the U.S and while it is a relatively need breed, the Saint Berdoodle’s lineage dates back to 1885 when the St. Bernard was first inducted into the American Kennel Club. Described as patient, friendly and outgoing, this wonderful family dog also shares some genes with the Standard Poodle, which joined the AKC in 1887 but has been around since the 17th century where he was used as a working dog in the military. Just like every other designer dog, the AKC sadly does not recognize the Saint Berdoodle. Pedigree

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Central Asian Shepherd Dog Basics If you’re looking for a dog breed that has lived well alongside humans for several millennia, then look no further than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. It would tough to find a dog that’s been domesticated for longer and frankly, this one lives up to the hype. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest of dog breeds in the world with a history spanning back more than 5,000 years. This is not a breed created by man and instead this is a breed that originated as a result of their climate and circumstance, for better or worse. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerfully built dog. Its legs are well-boned and muscular. Its back is broad and powerful. The dog’s head is large and its short, powerful neck has an abundance of dewlap. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs come in long and short coat varieties. The most common colors for this breed are white, fawn, black and brindle. One unique characteristic with this breed is that it can encompass a variety of breed types. And thus the temperament of each dog can vary depending on its breed line. In other words, there are many different types of Central Asian Sherpard out there, even if they may look similar. Thousands of years ago when these dogs first formed their bonds with the humans of the Central Asian region, they were used for a variety of purposes ranging from herding to dog fighting. Therefore three distinct breed types exist today with specific temperaments and instincts based on the purposes that they were originally bred for. An important point to note here is that dog fighting is an important part of the culture of many of the regions from which these dogs originated. We certainly do not approve of dog fighting, however it is undeniably an important part of the history of this specific breed. In ancient times, the shepherds of these regions would gather on occasion and fight their most prized dogs to determine the strongest. These fights were rarely lethal and often the weaker, more submissive dogs would back down before there was an actual physical fight. Breed lines that are bred as fighting dogs often have a higher propensity towards aggression towards other dogs and need much more experienced handlers. So, it’s worth mentioning and keeping in mind should you choose to pursue this breed. Breed lines that have been bred as herders and livestock guardians have very different protective instincts. Whichever breed type a Central Asian hails from, they are in no way suitable for first-time dog owners. These are dogs that require an experienced hand and delicate approach to raise right. For the right owner, they can be extraordinary companions. For the wrong owner, it will be a disaster for dog and human. Which group do your fall into? Well, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to learn everything that you could possibly want to know about the Central Asian Shepherd Dog! The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest of dog breeds in the world with a history spanning back more than 5,000 years. Origin It is believed that the first Central Asian Shepherd Dogs originated in the regions of Ural, the Caspian Sea, Asia Minor and the Northwest border of China. The former USSR first created the breed standard for this breed. However, with the end of the Soviet Union, a modern breed standard was created in Russia which has resulted in a modern version of the breed called the Central Asian Ovcharka. The history of this breed is deep and varied. There’s no one specific breeder or even region that can be pointed to as a place of origin. The story of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is simply too rich for any simple answers like that. Pedigree

Bichpoo

Bichpoo BasicsSure, the name might be a bit questionable if you say it too quickly, but there’s no denying that the Bichpoo is one of the most delightful pups that you’ll ever meet. Fluffy, smart, and friendly, this lovely designer dog makes for a perfect family pet. Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) Poodle. He has a small but sturdy stature. He’s also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes him easy to train (a highly underrated quality in any dog breed). Newbie dog owners should definitely consider this designer dog, as they’re very beginner-friendly breed. This is an ideal first dog to bring into any home and one guaranteed to make you a dog lover for life.The Bichpoo is also quite adaptable when it comes to sharing his home with other animals, making it a perfect fit for families who already have pets. This pup will happily make friends with any furry member of your family. While the Bichpoo makes a great little watchdog, he can be prone to excessive barking so needs to be taught to downplay this trait when he is young and learning his socialization skills. Proper training will curb his yappy tendencies and ensure that this breed is suitable for apartment living. It’s important to train and socialize early to avoid your Bichpoo developing the dreaded “little dog syndrome.”Designer dogs are still a mystery to many pet owners. They generally aren’t recognized by the AKC and it’s hard to get much of a sense of the history of most hybrid breeds. Purebred dogs remain more popular than designer dogs, but slowly that’s changing. Many new breeds offer a lot of impressive qualities in one adorable package. The Bichpoo is one of those breeds who stand out with their great personality and absolutely adorable appearance. So is the Bichpoo the dog that you’ve been hunting and needs to become part of your family? Read on to learn more about what makes these hybrids special and find out if you’ll be bringing one home soon.Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) poodle.OriginMany designer dogs have something of a mysterious past – you can’t exactly pinpoint when and where the overwhelming majority of these hybrid breeds came to be. One of the reasons for this is that it’s difficult to discern when a certain crossbreed became a product of intentional breeding between two purebred dogs, and when, well, it was just a happy little “accident”. The Bichpoo might not have a more detailed past such as the Labradoodle or similar more popular designer dog breeds, but we can definitely say approximately what time and place this breed was originally developed.The Bichpoo originated in Australia in the late 1990s and was bred specifically for families wanting a robust and active little dog with a non-shedding coat and a temperament that worked well with children. While this hybrid might not have a long history in comparison to his prestigious parents, he’s already proven to be a lovely dog with plenty of desirable traits. It didn’t take long before breeders in the United States and the United Kingdom started developing this hybrid. The popularity of the Bichpoo spread quickly and it soon became a mainstay of the designer dog world. Now there are many happy families that have a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix as their furbaby.Pedigree

Shih-Poo

Shih-Poo BasicsAre you ready for some action, Shih-Poo style? If you are looking for a dog breed with a name that you will never stop laughing about, then you just found it. But, apart from a funny designer name, this crossbreed has so much more to offer. The Shih-Poo is a fun-loving and energetic little designer dog, whose zest for life is intoxicating. They are happy-go-lucky tiny doggos that thrive around people and will love to be included in your every adventure – heck, they’ll demand to be a part of everything you do and vice versa.A mix of Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle, he’ll have everyone in the family running around and chasing a ball alongside of him. Although he doesn’t need loads of exercise, he is spunky when he wants to play and will wear his family down long before he ever tuckers out. Shih-Poos will race around the house or run around the yard. It doesn’t matter much to them. They are little balls of energy always looking for the opportunity to explode. This crossbreed is a great companion for families who live in small apartments or have large backyards in the suburbs. He’s quite adaptable to a variety of living situations and will find ways to burn off that energy just about anywhere.This is a sponsored placementNot unlike most designer dog breeds, the Shih Poo is also susceptible to the diseases that are common for its parental dog breeds – or, in this case, the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. Add to that some of the problems with health that are common for small breed dogs and tend to come with age, such as dental issues, cataracts, or arthritis, and it’s clear that regular vet visits are a must if you want to make sure your crossbreed pet stays in top shape. This is why many owners opt for pet health insurance – without it, vet bills can be quite a strain on the budget. Lemonade Pet Insurance provides plans that cover anywhere from 70% to 90% medical expenses for diagnostics, procedures, and medications, so you don’t have to worry about astronomical bills in case your pet gets sick or hurt unexpectedly. And it’s affordable, too – as an example, you’ll pay $29.50 each month for a 3-year-old Labrador in Texas, with 80% co-insurance, an annual limit of $20,000, and an annual deductible of $250. If you want to add the Preventative package, which includes a wellness exam, vaccinations, and more, you’ll pay $45.50 each month.Always a clown, the Shih-Poo seems to have a way of cheering people up and making even the saddest person smile. These pups have a magnetic personality that will pull in people of all ages. Their loyal and sweet nature makes them ideal companions, especially for retirees looking for a four-legged friend to spend their golden years with. Nothing will make you smile in your autumn years quite like having a Shih-Poo bouncing around your home.While quite intelligent, this Shih Tzu and Poodle mix dog might not be a wise choice for beginner dog owners. They can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak, and unless you had previous experience with dog training, you might find them a handful. Training this fluff balls will tax even the most patience and experienced of professional dog trainers, so new dog owners don’t stand a chance. Also known as Shoodle, Shihpoo, Shih-Doodle, and Shi-Poo, this adorable little hybrid definitely has a lot to offer to his family. Read on to find out more about this popular designer dog breed!The Shih-Poo is a mix of Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle breeds.OriginIt’s always difficult to determine the origin of individual designer dog breeds. Breeders have been intentionally crossbreeding purebreds for decades now, but it doesn’t change the fact that the majority of mixed breed dogs came to be by the way of accidental mating. This is why it’s sometimes impossible to know when a breed came to be unless someone steps up to claim it as their own “creation”. There have probably been many Shih Tzu and Poodle mixes throughout history, but the moment of interest for the history of the Shih-Poo is the one when that crossbreeding became intentional. That’s the moment that can’t be nailed down. At some point these designer pooches became popular, yet it’s unclear precisely when. Sometimes you simply have to embrace the mystery and go with it.Even though there’s no clear information about the origin of the Shih-Poo, it’s safe to assume that these hybrids share their story with the majority of other designer dogs. This means that the breed probably had its start in the United States at some point in the last 30 years. Not exactly an enriching a detailed history to be sure, but it is the most accurate possible assessment. However, even though we might not know when the breed was created and who did it first, it’s easy to see the reason behind the creation of the Shih-Poo. These dogs were developed to make perfect compact companions with the added benefit of hypoallergenic coats. Simple as that!Pedigree

Chiweenie

Chiweenie BasicsDesigner dogs come in all shapes and sizes – and all sorts of diverse looks. But not all hybrid breeds can claim to be amongst the cutest out there. As far as designer dogs go, the Chiweenie is one of the most adorable ones around, and proudly makes that claim. As a mix of Dachshund and Chihuahua, these hybrids pack a big personality inside of a small body. Owing to its purebred parents, the feisty Chiweenie will sport adorable appearance and a compact size, and a charming, spunky personality. It really is no wonder that this adorable hybrid is picking up in popularity! Let’s find out what exactly makes them as special as they are!Dogs of this breed are friendly and loving, and make for ideal lap dogs. But don’t be fooled into thinking that these petite pooches are lazy couch potatoes! After a Chiweenie is done with cuddling, he’ll want to play… a lot. And only when he’s all tuckered out from playing, he’ll be content to sleep beside you on the couch.Ideal for singles, seniors and those who like to travel (the Chiweenie is quite portable) or live in an apartment or condo; this breed is attractive to a wide range of households. In many ways, it is this versatility that contributes to their widespread popularity. However, the breed does tend to bark, which they put to use in their role of chief watchdog. Is the Chiweenie the right dog for you? Read on to learn more about this cute breed.As far as designer dogs go, the Chiweenie is one of the cutest ones around. Long and small, this adorable hybrid is picking up in popularity.Origin The overwhelming majority of designer dogs has a mysterious past. Apart from the few of the most popular hybrids, dogs like Chiweenie have no origin story. However, even if there is no single breeder or clear creation timeline for this Chihuahua and Doxie mix, we can give an estimate of its origin. The Chiweenie is a relatively new breed of designer dog, which likely had its start in North America. They were bred as early as the 1990s, but are gaining popularity has more owners and fans sing their praises.Pedigree

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