Poshie

by Mary Simpson

Published: November 14th, 2017

About Poshie

Weight

13-17 pounds

Height

10-13 inches

Lifespan

12-16 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

First time dog owners, families with kids but without other pets, those living in houses versus apartments

Temperament

intelligent, affectionate, alert, energetic

Comparable Breeds

Pomeranian, Sheltie

Poshie Basics

The fun-loving little Poshie brings together the outgoing personality of the Pomeranian and the playful but cautious nature of the Shetland Sheepdog for a loyal little family dog that is smart, easy to train and adores nothing more than hanging out with his family.

The Poshie brings the outgoing personality of the Pomeranian together with the playful nature of the Shetland Sheepdog.

Origin

Your Poshie is considered a Designer Dog and likely originated in the U.S. in the 1980’s when breeders first began crossing various pure-bred dogs in order to create smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler variations of some of the more popular breeds.

Pedigree

The Poshie is not a purebred dog and therefore doesn’t qualify to be a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC). That said, both parent breeds are members; the Pomeranian joined their “toy” group back in 1888 while the Sheltie joined the “herding” group in 1911.

Food / Diet

Poshies are a high energy pooch that will need a top quality kibble designed for his age, size and activity level. Choose a nutrient rich product without a lot of fillers (carbs) that will cause him to over-eat to feel full. Keeping his weight in check is crucial for a dog that is prone to joint issues later in life. Feed him 2 to 3 times daily (versus free-feeding) and provide him with healthy treats and plenty of water.

The Poshie is a great family dog who is highly loyal, bonds closely with his owner and loves to cuddle.

Training

The Poshie’s DNA includes a dog with strong herding instincts and will require early socialization to break him of the need to herd other animals – which can make him an unpopular boy. This is an exceptionally bright dog that is known to train easily and requires fewer repetitions making the process fairly quick. Taking a consistent, rewards-based approach is the best way to encourage this pooch – lots of verbal praise and treats of your choice with get the results you want over time.

Weight

Your Poshie will weigh between 13 and 17 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

The Poshie is a great family dog who is highly loyal, bonds closely with his owner and loves to cuddle. He gets along well with kids and can be trained to play nice with other dogs but is a little cautious around strangers and becomes quite vocal when he feels it is necessary – making him a great potential watchdog.

Common Health Problems

It’s typical for mixed-breed dogs to completely side-step the issues that plague their pure-bred parents however new owners should always be familiar with what their puppy can inherit. For the Poshie, that can include orthopedic issues including patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease as well as vision disorders.

Life Expectancy

The Poshie will typically live for between 12 and 16 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Poshie is a high-energy pooch who will need a lot of activity to keep them out of mischief. Short daily walks of no more than ½ hour, interactive indoor and outdoor playtime as well as the occasional visit to the dog park should be sufficient to keep him physically fit and mentally stimulated.

The Poshie bonds closely with his owners and loves to cuddle.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Sheltie Pom, the Poshie is recognized by the the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Poshie’s long double-coat is typically fluffy like the Pomeranian and results in a dog that sheds moderately throughout the year but more heavily during typical shedding season (twice a year). He will require brushing 3 – 4 times a week to keep his fur mat- and tangle-free and bathing can be done only as needed. Because small dogs can run into dental issues, daily brushing should be an important part of his maintenance regimen.

Puppies

Poshie puppies are particularly small and while socialization and handling is important for this head-strong breed, it should always be supervised when children are involved. Tiny joints can become damaged and present as bigger issues for a dog that is already prone to joint issues.

Photo credit: Nick Chase 68/Shutterstock.com; Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock.com; Erik Lam/Shutterstock.com

Mary Simpson

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

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The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?

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.

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