Breed Overview:
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years, record holder lived 29 years
- Size: Small
- Maintenance Level: High, due to coat care
- Shed Level: ModerateTemperament: Intelligent, Watchful, Affectionate
- Friendliness: Moderate, can be wary of strangers
- Barking Tendency: High
- Coat Colours: Wide range, including black, white, grey, and brown
Best For:
- Families or individuals looking for a small, intelligent watchdog
- Those who enjoy regular grooming and caring for a long coat
Appearance:
- Height: 10-11 inches
- Weight: 5-8 kilograms.
- Distinguishing features: Long, thick coat; flat face and short nose
Temperament:
- Smart, alert, and can be protective
- Affectionate with family, but may be reserved around strangers
- Makes a solid watchdog due to alert nature
Care Guide:
- Grooming: Requires extensive brushing, frequent grooming recommended
- Training: Obedience and socialisation training recommended from an early age
- Diet & Nutrition: Balanced diet with careful monitoring to prevent obesity
- Exercise: Moderate exercise needs; enjoys walks and playtime
- Ideal Environment: Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments
Health:
- Eye Conditions: Prone to PRA, cataracts, glaucoma, and KCS
- Patellar Luxation: Displacement of the kneecap, common in small breeds
- Dental Disease: Regular dental care needed due to susceptibility
- Renal Dysplasia: Hereditary kidney disease; regular vet check-ups advised
Nutritional Considerations:
- Omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for skin and coat health
- Balanced commercial diet, preferably vet-recommended
- Monitor food intake to prevent overfeeding and obesity
Behaviour & Training Tips:
- Personality: Energetic, intelligent, potentially protective
- Behaviour: Can be barky; may chase small animals due to prey drive
- Training: Responds well to positive reinforcement; early training essential
Grooming Guide:
- Skin Care: Regular baths every 2-4 weeks with gentle shampoo
- Coat Care: Brush 3-4 times weekly to prevent tangles and mats
- Eye Care: Daily wiping with a soft cloth; keep hair trimmed around eyes
- Ear Care: Regular cleaning every 1-2 weeks; check for signs of infection
Considerations for Pet Parents:
- Requires significant grooming and coat care
- Best suited for households without very young children
- Needs patient training and socialisation
- Good Family Dog: Better with adults and older children
- Intelligence: High, excellent for obedience training
- Cuddliness: Enjoys being close and cuddling with familiar people
- Watchdog Ability: Very attentive and alert to noises, making a good watchdog
