Pure Bred Dog Introduction. How much do you know? (poodle, patella, breeder)

[Katie1]

Shih Tuz...snore & love beer!

[Carbondated]

1. Official Breed Name and Country of Origin
Miniature Pinscher, Zwergpinscher, or Dwarf Pinscher (old) Germany

2. What is this breed was bred for (some history)
The MinPin was a working breed. Originally bred to hunt and kill rats on farms. No clear concensus on their origin, since they are a very old breed. Widely considered a cross between Old Standard German Pinscher and Italian Greyhound. Not related to Manchester Terrier or Doberman Pinscher.

3. Breed Standards
10-12 1/2" tall at shoulders, weight in correct proportion to height
Small, compact, sturdy, muscular, sleek dog with square proportions and well-defined lines.
Colors: Solid Clear Red, Stag Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan
Be aware color can be an indication of trouble (poor breeding/health issues):
Silver, tan, dilute and any color other than listed above. Blue can be registered but are not able to participate in confirmation ring.
Thumb print (patch of black hair surrounded by rust on the front of the foreleg between the foot and the wrist. On chocolates, the patch is chocolate hair). Thumb prints allowed in Manchester Terriers, but not in Miniature Pinschers.
White on any part of dog which exceeds one-half inch in its longest dimension.
Skull appears flat, tapering forward toward the muzzle. Muzzle strong rather than fine and delicate. Head well balanced with only a slight drop to the muzzle, which is parallel to the top of the skull.

4. Health Issues/Genetics
Generally regarded as a healthy breed.
Life span: 14-17 years
Legg-Perthes is a disease of the hip joint.
Patellar Luxation is a condition involving the knees.
Epilepsy a neurological disorder. (My MinPin has fly-bite seizures, a form of epilepsy. It is controlled with Phenobarbital.)

5. Temperament
Very alert, curious, fearless, affectionate, a natural born critter hunter and a great watch dog

6. Why one should/ or should not own this breed
Shouldn't own this breed:
Any person who is not willing to make a long term commitment to this breed. The generally live very long lives.
Any person who is not willing to socialize the dog. Miniature Pinschers are naturally leary of strangers, and other dogs.
Any person who is not willing to spend the time watching their MinPin. MinPins are escape artists, who will chase anything at a moments notice. They are never to be left off leash or alone in a yard that is not secure.
Any person who does not assert themselves as leader of the pack and is not willing to train their dog in obedience. If you give in to spoiling a MinPin, you will get a little tyrant.
Own this breed:
If you are willing to invest the time with this breed.
If you enjoy watching a dog run and hop through tall grass, when you ask it, "Where's the bunny? or Find the bunny."
If you want a dog to curl up in your lap after a few hours of "hunting" for bunnies.

7. Any other info:
Originally Miniature Pinschers were shown in the Terrier Group. However, they were moved to the Toy Group. As a result, American Miniature Pinschers now look like a toy dog. Frailty, however, is still considered a fault.
In Europe, and the rest of the world, the Miniature Pinscher retains a much more strong, muscular physique. They resemble the original Miniature Pinschers that are a smaller copy of the robust German Pinscher.
MinPins are a big working dog in a toy dog body.

[Katie1]

That is so true. Another point Cropped tails should be done by breeder/vet between 3 & 5 days & ears [done by 12 weeks by new owner.. But honestly folks if you are not showing leave them natural most stand on there own!]

[ShepsMom]

I always thought they were related to Dobies, well, live and learn. Great info on Min Pins!!

[kelly3120]

1. Official Breed Name and Country of Origin : Australian shepherd / United states(surprise!)
2. What is this breed was bred for (some history): cattle / herding / be my buddy
3. Breed Standards : standard between 40-60 pounds / mini 10-18 pounds (really just two runts bred ...mini-me)
4. Health Issues/Genetics :hips,eyes,etc
5. Temperament : loyal, questionable of strangers, funny, goofy, calm in a comfortable setting, alert, loves children, sight driven
6. Why one should/ or should not own this breed : I think most people shouldn't own this breed. Its like having a 3 year old that can't talk. Ours can sit on a couch all day if needed but you better be ready to run a marathon at night.
7. Any other info: I LOVE MINE! others I have met drive me crazy w/ their needy personality ...but I blame that on their needy personality owners!!!

[barndog]

carbondated and shepsmom - that's so funny, i totally thought minpins were related to dobermans, too! what great info!

[Katie1]

Aussie do great in most situations. Love agility...but not quite as driven as a Border Collie. Coat comes in beautiful colors...mine was red merle.

[Carbondated]

LOL. Yeah, most people think Dobermans and MinPins are related.... but they aren't.

Mr. Dobermann made a recipe for beautiful breed, that may or may not include the following ingredients:

Rottweilers, Manchester Terriers, German Shepherds, Greyhounds, Beaucerons, Thuringian Shepherd Dogs, German Pinschers, Great Danes, German Shorthaired Pointers, Weimaraners
and a pinch of salt.

And I just found out after reading Kelly3120's post that Australian Shepherds are not Australian LOL. Those are fun dogs!

[kelly3120]

Originally Posted by Katie1

Aussie do great in most situations. Love agility...but not quite as driven as a Border Collie. Coat comes in beautiful colors...mine was red merle.

not quite as driven results in a calmer dog ...which I appreciate!!!!!!!!
red merles are gorgeous! I love red tris too. My boy is a black tri! he's special ...he loves people more then agility! =)

[leorah]

1. Official Breed Name and Country of Origin
Poodle (Pudel) origin probably Germany, although the French disagree.

2. What is this breed was bred for (some history)
The Poodle was originally used as a hunting companion, for retrieving waterfowl. The current "show clip" is a modification of the sporting clip used to protect the body core and joints from cold water. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. Standard Poodles are the oldest form of poodle and the mini and toy were bred down from the standard size.

3. Breed Standards
Poodles may be any solid color, and while some shading is acceptable, parti-colored and phantom colored poodles are not acceptable. Brown and mocha colored Poodles must have liver noses, eye rims and lips and dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, grey, silver, white and cream Poodles should have black noses, eye rims and lips, while toenails can be black or the color of the coat, and the eyes must be dark brown. Apricot and red Poodles can have either black or liver colored noses, eye rims and lips. In all colors, the skin must be a solid color, with no spots or patches of another color.

Standard Poodles are at least 15 inches high at the shoulder.
Minis must be over 10 inches and under 15 inches at the shoulder.
Toys are 10 inches or under at the shoulder.
There is no such thing as a Royal Standard, a Moyen or a Teacup poodle despite what designer dog breeders might advertise.

The Poodle standard is for a squarely built dog whose measurement from the front of the chest to the rump is approximately equal to the measurement from the top of the shoulder to the ground.

The coat can be curly or corded.

These dogs are elegant in their bearing and graceful in movement.

4. Health Issues/Genetics
Health issues thought to have a genetic component are Addison's, Cushings, Epilepsy, Legg-Calve-Perthes, hypothyroidism, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Sebacious Adenitis (particularly in Standards), von Willebrand's, and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Poodles have been historically inbred, with some Standards 70% or more inbred. Poodles are prone to ear infections (those silky floppy ears!) and dental tartar.

5. Temperament
Poodles are generally active, curious, and highly intelligent. Many have a high prey drive which can be focused on games of fetch that can go on for hours with a willing human. They are adaptable, people-centered dogs that do well in family situations. Poodles need training and structure in addition to exercise. Poodles that don't have enough of each of these things can become bored, causing them to seek out stimulation that may not be appropriate.

6. Why one should/ or should not own this breed

Don't get a Poodle if:

• You won't/can't commmit to training and ongoing reinforcement. Because they are so intelligent, Poodles need intellectual stimulation and human attention. Without training and reinforcement they can become "rulers" of the household and display resource guarding and other negative behaviors. Standards and Minis require lots of exercise.

• You are a couch potato.Even the smallest Toys need physical activity to remain well-adjusted.

• You are not prepared to make it a member of your family.Poodles are indoor dogs that need regular human interaction.

• You have a tight budget. Poodles can be expensive to own. They require grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, including bathing, hair clipping, ear hair pulling and nail trimming. Professional grooming can cost from $30 to over $75 for Standards. Ears that are not cared for can--and often do--become infected with bacteria or yeast. Because some genetic health issues do not show up until the dog reaches adulthood, ongoing medical care may be required and some medications and treatment are expensive.Poodles are prone to dental problems, so regular dental cleaning is necessary.

• You want a wash-and-wear dog. Poodles need daily brushing or their coats can become matted.

• You aren't prepared to make a long-term commitment. Poodles can live to over 17 with proper care and nutrition.

DO get a Poodle if:

• You want a true companion, with all that entails.
• You want a dog that will pay attention to everything you do and say--(or don't do and say!)
• You are willing to be accountable for your training and socialization efforts.
• Having a dog that is almost as smart as you are won't be a problem.
• You want to minimize the possiblity of an allergic reaction for people who have a problem with dog dander.

7. Any other info:
Poodles are intensely loyal, and so attentive to their humans that their ability to understand their people is uncanny. They excel at agility and obedience trials and they make excellent therapy dogs.

Poodles are the most popular breed to cross with other breeds to make "designer dogs" like "goldendoodles". There is no guarantee that these crosses will have 'hypoallergenic" poodle coats or poodle temperament or intelligence characteristics.

There are far too many puppymill poodle puppies, both poodle mixes and purebreds. If you do want a poodle, go to a reputable Poodle rescue group and adopt one. Many health issues will already be apparent in older dogs. Don't buy from a backyard breeder or a pet store. If you "need" a puppy, go through the Poodle Club of America to find a breeder that has a record of breeding healthy dogs. There are too many genetic issues to take a chance. And please spay or neuter...