Overview
- Lifespan: Typically 12-16 years
- Size: Small to medium (5-9 inches in height for Miniature; 8-9 inches for Standard)
- Maintenance Level: Medium
- Shed Level: Low to moderate depending on coat type
- Temperament: Brave, Energetic, Tenacious
- Friendliness: High with family, varies with strangers
- Barking Tendency: High
- Coat Colours: Wide variety, including solid, dappled, and brindle
Best For
- Families or individuals seeking a playful and alert companion
- Owners who appreciate a dog with a unique appearance and personality
Appearance
- Long body, short and muscular legs
- Weighs around 5kg kg for Miniature and 7 to 14 kg for Standard
- Comes in three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired
Temperament
- Independent, often brave to the point of recklessness
- Charming and affectionate with family
- Can be stubborn and strong-willed
Care Guide
- Grooming: Depends on coat type; regular brushing and grooming required
- Training: Intelligent but can be stubborn; consistent training recommended
- Diet & Nutrition: Balanced diet, careful monitoring to prevent obesity
- Exercise: Regular exercise needed, but avoid activities that strain the back
- Ideal Environment: Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments
Health
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Common in the breed; careful handling and weight management are crucial
- Obesity: Prone to weight gain; requires careful diet management
- Luxating Patella: Common knee issue; varies in severity
- Bloat: Can occur; prompt veterinary attention needed for symptoms
- Deafness: Can occur in puppies, especially with dapple colouring
- Dental Disease: Prone due to smaller mouths; regular dental care needed
- Ear Infections: Common due to floppy ears; regular cleaning required
- Epilepsy: May occur; requires veterinary management
- Eye Problems: Susceptible to several conditions; regular check-ups important
Additional Information
- Feeding Recommendations: Follow veterinarian’s dietary recommendations
- Training Challenges: Intelligent but may require patience due to stubbornness
- Grooming Needs: Varies with coat type; regular grooming needed
- Good Family Dog: Yes, affectionate and loyal to family
- Intelligence: High, but independent nature can make training a challenge
- Energy Level: Moderately active, enjoys playtime and walks
- Health Concerns: Prone to back problems and other health issues
Grooming Guide
- Skin Care: Regular checks and grooming to maintain skin health
- Coat Care: Brushing frequency depends on coat type; professional grooming recommended for long-haired and wire-haired types
- Eye Care: Regular checks for signs of eye problems
- Ear Care: Regular cleaning to prevent infections
