Teacup breeds of dogs

The Toy group of dog breeds in the American Kennel Club (AKC) consists of small breed dogs. They are primarily bred to be just pets, unlike the working and herding groups of dogs. Most of the breeds range in size from 6 to 20 pounds. While most toy breeds are small, some breeders have gone to the extra small versions of those breeds. The most common term used for those tiny versions are Teacup, because as a puppy they will fit into a teacup.

You can find puppies for sale around the world that are teacups, not just in the USA. The most common breeds that are bred extra small are Pomeranians, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. One of the main reasons for this trend is the popularity of celebrities seen with their dogs when out shopping. The next main reason is that many families lack large yards for the larger dog breeds and toy breeds offer the same amount of love in less space.

A new puppy

The last 2 weeks has been a dog owners nightmare for me.

My little buddy, for whom I have had for 9 years got killed. It was a freak accident. He startled a wild animal in the dark and there were probably more than one. I heard the commotion and a small "yip." I was inside a shed and did not see what happened. Found him next morning with evidence that he was probably stomped on by a deer.

Of course I was devastated. He was my little shadow who followed me every where. I would cry at a drop of a hat. I was especially affected when I would come home...you see he would greet me before I even got in the house, before anyone else, which was great on those days when I had a terrible day at work.

I decided about 4 days after his death that I had to get another dog to replace him right away. Doing that would take my mind off of mourning him. He was gone and not coming back but I felt so lonely.

Almost exactly a week after his death someone needed to find a home for an Italian greyhound puppy. We texted each other then I met the pup. He was small and not a young pup but a lively 6 month old. It was love at first sight.

Duke was welcomed into my home.

Now comes the time to arrange for shots, neutering and house breaking. He already has an assortment of toys, came with his own bed but I might do a few changes around the house for him. I was thinking about installing a dog door. Someone told me to put a bell on his collar so I could find him. I laughed at the thought until today when I have accidentally stepped on his toes 3 times while trying to make dinner. He has not learned to stay away from feet.

Life with a new dog in the house............let the fun begin.

Are you traveling safely with your dog in the car?

Just the other day I saw someone driving with a small dog on their lap. The little dog was trying to stick its head out of the driver's side window. The owner seemed oblivious to the dangers that the dog was putting into that ride. All it would take is just an instance of the dog getting in the way of maneuver of the steering wheel or distracting the driver at the wrong time for an accident to ruin everyone's day. You can forget about paying for cheap auto insurance for a few years until that accident goes off your record.

Here are a few safety tips for traveling with your dog in your car

• Use a dog harness designed and made to connect to the seat belt system of your car.
• Keep your dog away from the driver.
• If you have a window locking system in your car use it. That will prevent you dog from opening a window without your knowledge and trying to jump out.
• Look for insurance companies that cover your dog the next time you compare car insurance rates
• Check the local ordinances of the places you are traveling through regarding dogs in cars.
• If you use a crate to keep your dog in during the trip, anchor the crate to prevent it from moving around. Should the car experience a sudden stop or get rear ended the a loose crate with a dog inside could go through a window or hit an occupant in the car.
• Think about what would happen to your dog if you were in a car accident. If you are taken to the hospital - where would they take your dog?

Those are just a few tips. I am sure that you, a dog owner, can think of more. Remember that the cheapest car insurance does not always cover your dog as an occupant if you are in an accident

Dog breeds and genetics

Puppy shopping is not as easy as finding a puppy and falling in love with it. It is not even matching the right breed for your lifestyle, no it goes deeper than that. That pup you just brought home might end up with a debilitating health problem that can cost you money and heartache in just a few years.

Certain breeds are known to have health issues. Dalmatians are prone to hearing loss. German Shepards and other large breed dogs are prone to hip dysplasia. Even some of the smaller breeds have their own set of unique genetic problems. This article on the Shih Tzu's genetic problems can shed some light on that breed.

Before buying that cute pup do some research on the breed and the parents of the pup. The breeder should be able to show you the results of any genetic testing done on the parents. Most really good breeders have genetic testing done on their breeding stock.