Daisy Dog

by Mary Simpson

Published: December 19th, 2017

About Daisy Dog

Weight

10-30 lb

Height

10-12 inches

Lifespan

13-16 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

families with kids and other pets, apartment dwellers, those working from home, those seeking a low-shedding dog

Temperament

loving, intelligent, energetic, friendly, obedient

Comparable Breeds

Shichon, Shih Tzu

Daisy Dog Basics

The sweet little Daisy Dog is a mini-mix of all our favorite pint-sized pooches. It brings the intelligent Poodle together with the curious Bichon Frise and the outgoing Shih Tzu for a fun family dog that loves to play, enjoys meeting new faces and seldom barks – which makes him a great choice for apartments dwellers.

The Daisy Dog brings the fun character traits of the Poodle, the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu together in one dog!

Origin

The Daisy Dog is a mixed breed dog that likely dates back to the 1980s when Designer Dogs first became popular. Breeding two different purebred dogs could be tailored to produce puppies that side-stepped the health issues often present in their parent breeds and could result in a smaller, gentler or even hypoallergenic version of a popular breed.

Pedigree

The Daisy Dog is the proverbial “dog’s breakfast” when it comes to lineage and with three breeds contributing she isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) roster of pure-breds. His parent breeds however are all members in good standing; the Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Bichon Frise was also named to the “non-sporting” group in 1972 and the Shih Tzu joined the “toy” group in 1969.

Food/Diet

The high energy Daisy Dog is small- to medium-sized and needs a food that reflects his size, age and activity level. Opt for a nutrient-rich kibble without fillers (carbs) and because he comes from breeds that are prone to joint issues and to gaining weight, be careful to not over-feed. As Poodles can experience digestive issues, avoid high fat meals and plan to feed him 2 to 3 meals daily versus free-feeding.

The Daisy Dog loves to play, go for his walks and snuggle on a lap.

Training

Daisy Dogs are bright, keen to please and quick to obey commands which makes them an easy dog to train. Obedience and socialization training should be a snap as they respond extremely well to lots of verbal praise and treats of your choosing for a job well done.

Weight

Depending on which breed more heavily influences your Daisy Dog, you can expect him to weigh in the range of 10 to 30 pounds once he reaches adulthood.

Temperament/Behavior

The super friendly Daisy Dog loves to play, gets along well with kids and other animals and seldom barks – meaning he isn’t watchdog material. He has a keen to please personality and enjoys human companionship, interactive playtime and snuggling on a lap. This pooch doesn’t do well when left on his own for long periods so having a family member at home or a regular visit by a dog walker will be key to keeping him mentally healthy and out of mischief.

Common Health Problems

Designer dogs are often bred to cancel out some of the serious health issues that present in their parents and while the Daisy Dog is generally healthy, one should always be aware of what they could inherit over time. From his 3 parent breeds, this could include joint problems, portosystemic liver shunt, Addison’s Disease, bloat, epilepsy, bladder stones and bladder infections.

Life Expectancy

The average life span of a Daisy Dog is 13 to 16 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Daisy Dog is an active little pooch who needs regular exercise to keep him from gaining weight and running into joint issues later in life. His small size means a couple of short, daily walks and some active indoor or outdoor playtime will be enough to keep him happy and healthy. Adding visits to an off-leash park is an ideal way to keep him mentally stimulated, socialized and physically fit.

Daisy Dogs are bright, keen to please and quick to obey commands.

Recognized Clubs

With all his backgrounds, its clear the Daisy Dog (AKA Shichon Poo) isn’t a purebred and therefore isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the Dog Registry of America, Inc.(DRA).

Coat

The Daisy Dog is considered a low- to non-shedding pooch and his thick, silky coat is super low maintenance. Brushing 1 to 2 times per week will keep him matt and tangle free with bathing only as needed and periodic visits to the groomers to keep his coat looking its best. Because small dogs can have dental issues, brushing his teeth should be done weekly as should cleaning his floppy ears to prevent a build up of dirt and potential infection.

Puppies

Daisy Dog pups are extra tiny when born and although socialization is important, handle with care as this little dog can be prone to joint issues later in life. Training and exercise should be done slowly with an eye toward not over-exerting his tiny limbs. They love their toys and will become fast friends with anything you give them at this age.

Photo credit: kozzi2/Depositphoto; graphicphoto/Depositphoto; BonNontawat/Depositphoto

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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A homeless veteran and his dog were recently struck by a motorist as they were biking across the country raising money and awareness for a great cause. I have the best job. I get to meet the most amazing people and write about pets and their humans. One of my favorites was Harold Palmquist, a homeless veteran who travels the country with his fantabulous dog Daisy, raising money for homeless veterans with pets. You see, it wasn’t all that long ago that Harold and his 10-year-old dog Daisy were homeless. They had been living in a taxi, and when they had to find other shelter, they found no places that would allow Daisy to accompany him. Related: Cross-Country Cycling Tour Highlights the Plight of Homeless Vets and Their Pets Harold contacted the organization Veterans and Their Pets, who worked with him to help keep Daisy with him in shelter. Harold found that compassion and service inspirational, and he decided he and Daisy would like to help the over 40,000 homeless veterans in America who have no place to be with their pets. Pets who are sometimes the only loved ones these heroes have left. Since writing about Harold, I’ve followed his and Daisy’s journey across the country, and was horrified to see that while just outside of Natchez, Mississippi, Harold and Daisy were struck by a car. The pictures Harold posted that day were terrifying, showing how lucky they both were to be alive. Harold said it came out of nowhere, and he felt like a rag doll being hurled by abominable forces.

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With the news of the recent American Bully XL ban in the UK, conversations around dog muzzles have been popping up all over social media. The growing discussion has opened the door for dog owners in the United States to consider the benefits of using a muzzle for their own dogs for many reasons, including scavenging, reactivity, and even short-term use for veterinary and grooming appointments. But with so many different styles of muzzle on the market, how do you choose the best muzzle for your dog? We have you covered! In this guide, we will discuss the different muzzle types available, what each type is best suited for, and the proper fit of a dog muzzle. Plus, I will share which muzzle we currently use with our reactive dog, Lucifer, and why. Let’s get started… Things to Consider When Shopping for a Muzzle for Your Dog When selecting a muzzle for your dog, there is no singular “best option” that will work for every dog and situation. On one hand, this can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling overwhelmed navigating the wide assortment of options. On the other hand, it means you can purchase a muzzle uniquely suited for your dog’s needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision: MaterialThere are several materials to consider when shopping for a muzzle, including metal, plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, Biothane, fabric, silicone, and more. To determine the best option for your dog, there are a few critical deciding factors: Do you need a muzzle that can prevent a determined dog from biting? Will your dog be wearing the muzzle outdoors in the elements? Is weight a factor for your dog? Does your dog engage in “muzzle punching” when wearing a muzzle (ramming into people with the muzzle)? Will your dog likely shove the muzzle into the dirt while trying to smell the ground? It is important to note that most muzzles are not considered “bite-proof.” This means they shouldn’t be relied on to prevent a bite from occurring. If you are muzzling as a safety precaution due to a bite risk, the best options are vinyl or wire basket muzzles. Ease of Use Like harnesses and collars, some dogs make fastening a muzzle easy, while others can make the process a challenge. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the muzzle or aren’t properly conditioned to the muzzle. For example, if our boy Lucifer is overly excited about going somewhere, he sometimes gets the zoomies. He usually will stand still to let us buckle his muzzle, but it’s hard to control the zoomies when they hit! A muzzle with a quick-release buckle will be your best option if that sounds familiar. This is faster to secure than a traditional threaded buckle. Airflow One primary concern for those considering muzzling their dogs is the airflow that they will offer, and for good reason! This is especially important if your dog is going to be active while wearing the muzzle. Wire basket muzzles are often a favorite for high-energy dogs, allowing for uninterrupted airflow and making it easy for your dog to drink while wearing it. In comparison, leather and Biothane muzzles, especially those designed to prevent scavengers from being able to pick up “goodies” on their walks, generally limit airflow. Carefully consider your dog’s lifestyle and the situations where a muzzle may be needed.

Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

A senior dog found living in the woods in the U.K. has been rescued and is now looking for a loving home.The dog, named Rose, was first spotted near Crawley Down in West Sussex, England. The Lost Dog Recovery UK South shared in a social media post that they’ve received a message from a concerned member of the public about a small black dog running in the road.The person who saw the dog “stopped the traffic” and let the pooch disappear into the woods, knowing it’s best not to follow. After visiting the nearest property, the person learned that locals were familiar with the dog and that drivers often stopped by saying that the pooch had been on the road. The locals explained that the dog was a stray fed by people.The individual who spotted the dog was troubled by the idea of a dog living in the woods and contacted the Lost Dog Recovery rescue organization with this information. Knowing that this could be a case of an “owned dog allowed to roam” the organization decided to investigate by setting out food for the pooch along with cameras to track its movements. The dog was caught on camera five times in two days and by the third day appeared to be waiting for meals.The organization also talked with residents in the area about the dog and were told that the dog was a stray who lived locally for about ten years. The residents also said that the dog should be left alone because was in good condition, fed, and cared for. After talking about this situation with another household, which has been leaving food for wildlife and were allegedly responsible for the dog’s care, the rescue decided to help the dog. Over the following week, the organization established a feeding schedule and confirmed that the pooch was indeed a senior dog. They set a trap for the dog by serving a warm roast chicken and managed to catch her.“Understandably she was shocked and scared, but very gentle, and was taken immediately to the warmth and safety of kennels,” the organization shared.  After taking her to the kennels, the organization made a shocking discovery - the dog was microchipped! Her name was Rose and she had gone missing from her owners less than 24 hours after they adopted her in 2017! A now 12-year-old Patterdale terrier, Rose, has gone missing from Ashurst Woods, located only six miles away from Crawley Down, where the organization found her. Unfortunately, there was no happy reunion for Rose. The organization managed to contact Rose’s registered owners, but they explained that they were in no position to take her back since their circumstances had changed dramatically and they had moved away. “After the initial shock, our absolute joy at finding a long-lost dog is tinged with sadness as there is no happy reunion for Rose; she never got the chance to know the love of her family,” the organization said in a post. They added that Rose is going to need time, patience, and rehabilitation, and being a senior dog she’ll likely need ongoing vet care and medication. Rose is going to be cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, U.K. After sharing Rose’s story, the rescue received several inquiries about her from families willing to adopt her and give her a safe, warm, and loving home.“Please don’t leave a dog straying for longer than they have to be...not only for them and their wellbeing but also for the sake of humans who love them,” the organization added. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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