Adopting a puppy can be an exciting journey, but it is vital that you make the appropriate selection for you and your family.
Request full health information on both parents, as well as seeing the mother to assess her temperament, activity level and size potential.
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Dachshund
Dachshunds possess an instinctual hunting drive and will alert their owner if any small creatures enter your yard. While adaptable, they prefer living in homes with backyards where they can dig and trail scents.
Dachshunds can suffer from back issues, particularly slipped discs. Obesity and jumping up on or off furniture and cars may put extra strain on their long backs, leading to ruptured discs requiring surgery by a veterinary neurologist.
Dachshunds can suffer from gastric torsion, which occurs when their stomach twists and irritates their digestive tract. Signs include pacing, trying to vomit but being unable to, drooling and bleeding from the mouth – so if these signs appear take your dog straight to a veterinarian immediately.
Pomeranian
As one of the smallest members of the Spitz breed family, Pomeranians are highly energetic and playful companions. Their double coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats; heavier seasonal shedding periods may require brushing your pet daily or using all-natural shedding aid products to meet his/her shedding needs.
These little dogs are fearless and possess an incredible ferocity far surpassing their size. They boast confidence to an almost brash level, refusing to accept orders from anyone whom they perceive to be below them in status.
Cats and other animals can find themselves in trouble without early, positive experiences with people and other animals. Unfortunately, cats don’t make ideal playmates for young children who might accidentally step on or roughhouse them accidentally.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dogs, yet possess big personalities despite being small breeds. They’re lively, amusing and fiercely loyal to those they trust – yet can sometimes become aggressive when confronted by strangers. Chis tend to form tight bonds with their families while being sensitive to even slight touches from strangers.
Early training and socialization can help reduce these undesirable traits.
Chihuahuas should not be kept with young children due to their fragile nature, which does not tolerate rough play well. Chihuahuas can develop health conditions like eye issues, loose knee joints and even idiopathic epilepsy which necessitate veterinarian visits for ongoing monitoring and treatments.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are beloved small breeds, boasting plenty of personality in a small body. Ideal companions for people leading busy lives, Miniature Schnauzers thrive with daily walks, playtime outside and agility training sessions.
This energetic breed is a quick learner. However, they may become bored of repetitive training sessions and require variety in their training schedule; proactive socialization during puppyhood will help prevent this.
Miniature Schnauzers share with other terriers an inherent drive to chase and dig, which can be channeled into earth dog activities such as tracking rodents in safe underground enclosures. This helps keep their minds and bodies occupied while also decreasing destructive behavior around the home. Unfortunately, Miniature Schnauzers can also be susceptible to heart diseases including congenital and acquired heart failure which must also be considered.
Miniature Pinscher
Minpins, affectionately referred to as minpins, make excellent watchdogs with lots of personality. Brisk and energetic, they enjoy interactive games and vigorous exercise – although if not trained properly early they can become aggressive towards other animals as well as children. Minpins require cuddling but only on their terms; not yours!
Reputable breeders conduct health screenings, prioritize mental and physical well-being for their puppies, and offer a caring environment. To ensure the best outcome for your new furry family member, adopt from a shelter or rescue group instead. Doing so will prevent irresponsible breeding practices that could potentially pass down negative traits as well as pet store puppy mills that often contribute to serious health issues and poor temperament in animals.
