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The Maltese is a small, adorable lap dog that loves to cuddle and be with its human as much as possible. With the popularity of cross-breeding these days, many people don't know much about the purebred Maltese. 📜 Origin of the MalteseThe Maltese is an ancient breed believed to have originated in the central Mediterranean region, with its development heavily associated with the island of Malta, which is how it got its name. The breed was well established in Malta long before it was formally recognized by kennel clubs. 👑 PurposeThe Maltese was seen as a symbol of high status in society and was owned by the wealthy and royalty. They were kept purely as pets and companion dogs and were often carried around in women’s sleeves, found sitting on their owner’s laps, and sleeping in their beds with them. This aristocratic companion role has been consistent throughout history. 🐕 Appearance of the MalteseThe Maltese is a small breed of dog that typically reaches a height of 18–23 cm at the shoulder and weighs under 3–4 kg. Pure white is considered the only acceptable colour standard in most major kennel clubs (like the AKC and FCI), although different standards around the world may allow very light cream or tan markings in parts of the coat. ✂️ Coat CareGrooming is a daily requirement for the Maltese, especially if they are kept in a full, long coat. Gentle brushing is required daily as their coat is very soft and prone to tangling. Pay extra attention behind their ears, under their "armpits," and on their belly to avoid matting and to remove any debris they may pick up when out and about. Their eyes should be wiped clean, gently with a warm cloth or an appropriate cleanser, daily to avoid the famous tear staining around the eyes. Their ears also require weekly checking and cleaning, and should have hair plucked out as needed by a groomer or vet to prevent infections. Regular professional grooming and coat clipping can help to keep their coat easier to maintain. A full-coated Maltese will also require the hair from the top of their head kept out of their eyes, often secured in a topknot or a similar style. They are a breed that sheds very little and can be a good fit for allergy sufferers. 💖 Temperament of the MalteseA happy, playful, and loving dog, the Maltese is a great companion. They enjoy a daily walk to get out and explore and are generally a very friendly dog if well-socialized. They love to play, and with a short walk, plenty of cuddles, and play time, they are perfectly suitable for apartment living and can manage well with just a small yard. They are a very loyal breed that is intelligent and easy to train with consistent and calm leadership. They are brave for their size and will happily alert their family to any strange noises or intruders. They can be picky eaters, especially if offered too much human food, which can cause them to reject their regular dog food. They can suffer from "Small Dog Syndrome" if they are allowed to be treated too much like a baby and not a dog, which can be very confusing for them. A dog that begins to think it is a human in charge can develop behavioural issues that can make them unsafe around small children and other animals, so calm leadership from the beginning is essential. The Maltese is very happy to sit on your lap and follow you around the house all day long and is an ideal fit for many different homes, from busy families to laid-back, calm, and relaxed homes with only one or two humans. 🩺 HealthThe Maltese is considered a generally healthy breed of dog. Depending on their coat length and the places where their fur parts, they can be prone to sunburn, and dog-safe sunscreen should be applied as needed. Their coat can hold water and dampness, so they should be checked after being outside in wet weather to ensure that they are completely dry, which helps to avoid hot spots. The breed can be prone to dental, eye, and respiratory issues, so health checks of breeding parents are essential. A healthy Maltese can live on average between 12–15 years, although some live as long as 18 years!
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The Dachshund, the Sausage Dog, Hotdog or Schnitzel Von Krum – whatever you call them, they are adorable, full of personality and absolutely lovable. 🐾 Origin of the Dachshund The Dachshund originated in the early 1600s in Germany. The breed was created by crossbreeding several German hunting dogs, including types of Bracke hounds, Pinschers and other scent-tracking breeds. Selective breeding over the years produced the small, long Dachshund we know today. 🎯 Purpose The Dachshund was developed to be a fierce and fast hunting dog. Their short legs and long bodies allowed them to follow prey into burrows underground. They were primarily used to hunt badgers and rabbits and were also employed to track foxes and even otters. 🐕 Appearance There are three recognised coat varieties of Dachshund: Shorthaired, Wirehaired and Longhaired. All three varieties come in two sizes, standard and miniature. The Standard Dachshund can reach up to 27 cm in height and weigh up to 15 kg. The Miniature Dachshund can reach up to 18 cm in height and weigh up to 5 kg. Their coats come in a wide range of colours and patterns. These include solid colours such as red, black and chocolate, as well as combinations like black and tan, chocolate and tan, and blue and tan. Acceptable patterns include dapple, brindle and piebald, which may appear over any base colour. ✂️ Coat Care Longhaired Dachshunds require daily brushing and grooming. Being low to the ground, they easily pick up sticks and dirt that can tangle in their coat. Extra attention should be paid behind the ears, along the belly and under the arms. Wirehaired Dachshunds should also have their coats checked daily for debris. They can be wiped over with a damp cloth, but they require professional grooming and trimming once or twice a year. Shorthaired Dachshunds are very low maintenance. They only need cleaning when dirty. All Dachshunds tend to grow nails quickly, so regular nail trimming is essential to avoid discomfort and difficulty walking. 💛 Temperament The Dachshund is a perfect example of a big personality in a small package. This brave little dog is full of confidence and character. They require a calm, consistent leader, as they can be strong-willed and may challenge authority if boundaries are not set early. Rules and routines should be established from the moment a Dachshund joins your family. Without guidance, they may develop poor behaviour or even become snappy. Early socialisation with new people, places and animals is essential to keep them balanced and well-adjusted. A well-balanced and happy Dachshund is playful, affectionate and energetic. They love spending time with their people and enjoy a decent daily walk, as they have impressive stamina for their size. 🩺 Health Jumping should always be discouraged and care should be taken when picking up a Dachshund to protect their spine. Their body shape makes them prone to intervertebral disc disease, a common back problem in the breed. They may also be predisposed to urinary tract infections, diabetes, mast cell tumours and heart disease. Dachshunds gain weight easily, which can put strain on their back and legs, so a well-managed diet and regular exercise are crucial. The expected lifespan of a Dachshund is between 12 and 15 years. Share your beautiful Dachies with us at our socials below! We love to see your little hotdogs!
📷🌭 The Tibetan Terrier is a medium-sized, loving, and brave little dog who, despite the name, is in fact, not a terrier at all. 🏔️ Origin The Tibetan Terrier breed originated over 2,000 years ago in Tibet. This breed wasn't created through crossbreeding of modern dogs, but instead developed naturally over time by Tibetan monks in monasteries. They are believed to be descendants of ancient dog breeds that no longer exist today. Originally named the ‘Tsang Apso’, their Tibetan name translates to ‘Shaggy’ or ‘Bearded Dog.’ They were later known as Lhasa Terriers, and when the breed was introduced and recognized in America, the name Tibetan Terrier became their new title. The word “Terrier” was added to their name by European travellers in the 1920s because of the dog’s size and appearance, which resembled other terrier breeds. However, Tibetan Terriers are not terriers by function or temperament and Kennel Clubs today list them in the ‘Non Sporting’ group as they do not meet the criteria of a Terrier. 🎁 Purpose Tibetan Terriers were bred and raised by Tibetan monks and were highly treasured. They were believed to bring good luck and were only given as gifts, never sold. Even the Dalai Lama gave them as presents. One of these occasions was when a British doctor working in the Women’s Medical Service of India received one as a gift and later used that dog to establish the breed in England, where its popularity steadily grew. The Tibetan Terrier also played a role in the development of other well-known Tibetan breeds, including the Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, and Tibetan Spaniel. 🧼 Coat Care The Tibetan Terrier has a thick double coat that requires considerable grooming. Daily brushing is essential to prevent knots that can quickly become mats. The coat should always be lightly dampened before brushing to prevent breakage and discomfort. Regular baths, ideally every two weeks, are also recommended. Many owners opt to keep the coat clipped short, especially in summer or if the dog isn’t being shown. When well-maintained, the breed can be suitable for allergy sufferers, as they are low-shedding. However, they are not a low-maintenance breed and require consistent coat care and professional grooming appointments. 🎨 Appearance Tibetan Terriers come in a wide variety of colours, including both solid and mixed patterns:
🧠 Temperament The Tibetan Terrier is a smart, affectionate, and energetic breed that makes a great addition to most households. They are known for being gentle yet brave, full of life, and playful. Despite their size, they make excellent watchdogs, offering a bark that’s much louder than you would expect for their size. However, excessive barking can be an issue without proper training. They require daily walks and plenty of exercise, and a large space to run and play in is ideal. Without sufficient activity, they can become bored and destructive. With proper socialisation and leadership, they are generally good with children, strangers, and other pets. A well-balanced Tibetan Terrier enjoys being a part of the family, playful during the day and cuddly at night. They also excel in agility, obedience, and other dog sports. 🩺 Health With an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, Tibetan Terriers are a generally healthy breed. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions, including:
Are you lucky enough to have a Tibetan Terrier in your life? Or maybe one of the other Tibetan breeds that were created using the Tibetan Terrier?
We love dogs and we love seeing your dogs! Be sure to share them with us at our socials! The Manchester Terrier is a sleek and athletic little dog, with the bravery of a lion and an endless drive for their human’s love! Although they may resemble a miniature Doberman, this energetic "pocket rocket" is an ancient and distinct breed of its own. 🏙️ Origin The Manchester Terrier is one of the oldest known terrier breeds, with roots tracing back to the early 19th century. Developed in Manchester, England, by John Hulme, they were originally bred for rat hunting. The breed was created by crossing the Whippet with the now-extinct Black and Tan Terrier. Interestingly, the Manchester Terrier has contributed to the development of other breeds, including the Doberman Pinscher and Airedale Terrier. 🎯 Purpose There are two types of Manchester Terrier: the Toy and the Standard. The Toy variety became popular as a lapdog, while the Standard version is considered one of the most effective vermin hunters among all dog breeds. Today, the Standard Manchester Terrier still maintains its strong hunting instincts, but both types are now primarily kept as loyal companion dogs. 🧼 Coat Care Manchester Terriers are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, sleek coat requires minimal care, just an occasional brush or wipe-down and baths only when necessary. Routine care should also include checking and cleaning their ears and trimming their nails regularly to keep them short and healthy. 🐕 Appearance Manchester Terriers are black with distinctive tan markings.
💬 Temperament True to their terrier roots, Manchester Terriers are intelligent, agile, confident, and full of character. They are highly loyal and eager to please, making them responsive to training, especially with a calm and consistent owner. These dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation and require at least one structured walk daily. They also enjoy more vigorous activities like running or keeping up beside you on a bike ride. Early and consistent socialisation is key, as a poorly socialised Manchester can become snappy or display aggression toward other dogs, animals, or even small children. Supervised interaction from a young age is essential. When properly exercised and socialised, Manchester Terriers adapt well to indoor living, including apartment or unit life. They love being close to their humans and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Owners should maintain a calm and assertive presence to avoid "small dog syndrome." Due to their strong prey drive, Manchester Terriers should not be trusted around small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, or birds. ❤️ Health The Manchester Terrier is generally a healthy and hardy breed, with an average lifespan of 15 years or more. However, some bloodlines may be prone to glaucoma, a condition that can be screened for through responsible breeders. Always ask for health clearances when considering a puppy. Do you have a Manchester Terrier? Be sure to show off your adorable pooches with us!
We love to see your pooches! Share them with us at our Facebook or Instagram pages! 📸📱 The Kelpie is a sturdy, fast, and determined breed of dog. From the farm paddocks to the couch, they are guaranteed to entertain and love unconditionally. 🐶 Origin The exact origin of the Kelpie’s creation is still unknown. Some theories suggest they are a cross between the Australian Dingo and the Border Collie. However, further investigations indicate the breed may have developed from Collies brought from northern England to Australia, which were then bred together. The Kelpie has been recognised as its own breed since the late 1800s. Their name comes from the novel Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson, which mentions the mythical 'water kelpie.' 🐕🦺 Purpose The Kelpie was bred as a working herding dog and has always excelled in this field. Even today, they still work as sheepdogs and are capable of controlling cattle, goats, poultry, and even reindeer. 🧼 Coat Care The Kelpie has a smooth, short double coat that is easy to maintain. They only require brushing as needed and should be bathed only when absolutely necessary. Being a breed developed to work outdoors in all kinds of weather, the Kelpie’s skin produces natural oils that repel water and dirt. Overbathing can break down these oils and cause that dreaded ‘dirty dog smell.’ They are average shedders. 🐕 Appearance The Kelpie is a small, compact dog with a broad chest and solid hindquarters. They are only slightly longer than they are tall, which contributes to their agility and speed. They can grow up to 51 cm tall and weigh up to 20 kg. Their coat comes in a variety of colours including black and red, black and tan, red, tan, fawn, chocolate and blue. 🧠 Temperament The Kelpie is a driven working dog through and through. They are exceptional herders and can run and work all day long. They are not suitable for non-active families, as they require hours of physical and mental stimulation each day. Kelpies thrive when given a job and are perfect for working farm environments or very active families. Without enough stimulation, boredom sets in quickly—and a bored Kelpie can become destructive or mischievous. Because they are still bred for work, their herding instinct can kick in at any time. When excited or in "working mode", they may nip—just as they would when moving livestock. They are highly agile and excellent jumpers, which can make them escape artists in suburban backyards. While not naturally aggressive, they are capable of protecting and defending when needed. This is a highly intelligent breed that learns quickly. Kelpies excel in obedience and respond well to confident leadership. ❤️ Health The Kelpie is generally a very healthy dog. The most common hereditary condition found in the breed is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), so it's important to check this when buying a puppy. Their average lifespan is 10–14 years, but the oldest recorded Kelpie, living in Victoria - Australia, reached an incredible 30 years of age! A true testament to the hardiness and resilience of the breed. Ozzie, our beautiful Dog of the Month for September 2025 during his post operative care stay. Do you have a beautiful Kelpie you want to share with us? We love to see your pooches! Share them with us at our Facebook or Instagram pages! 📸📱 The English Pointer is a sturdy, high energy, loveable dog. There are two variants of Pointers, The English and the German Pointer. The difference between the two exists in their appearance and their hunting purposes. Let’s dig into the English Pointer and learn more about this ancient breed. 🌍 Origin: Born to Point, Bred in England. As their name may give away, the English Pointer was bred in England with the first of the breed being recorded in the mid 1600's. A number of breeds were mixed together to create the English Pointer we know today, including the Foxhound, Greyhound, Newfoundland, Bulldog, Setter, Italian Pointer and Bloodhound. Their name is drawn from the stance the dog takes when they spot something that gains their attention, with them appearing to point in the direction of the spot. 🎯 Purpose: Pointing in the Right Direction. The Pointer became a popular breed among hunters in the early 1700's. Their incredible ability to track a scent paired with their natural drive to point their humans in the right direction, made them the ideal hunting mate. They are able to track a scent and cover a lot of area in a very fast amount of time however are by no means a dog that will collect and return a kill or be willing to enter any water. Their advantage over other hunting dogs is their pointing skills and ability to flush out birds. ✂️ Coat Care: Easy and Smooth. Grooming a Pointer is easy. They require brushing as needed to remove shedding fur and can be bathed only occasionally. Their sleek, smooth coat does not mat or tangle and repels dirt and doors effectively. They are average shedders. 👀 Appearance : Build to point and Cuddle! The English Pointer is a solid dog, with a long neck, deep muzzle, and rounded head. On average, males grow up to 62 cm and can weigh up to 30 kg, while females grow up to 60 cm. Accepted coat colors for the breed include primarily white with:
❤️ Temperament: Energetic, Loyal & Loving The English Pointer is a high-energy, active, and happy dog. Hunting runs in their blood, so supervision with smaller animals is always advised. They are loyal companions to their families and can be reserved with strangers. Although not ideal guard dogs, they will bark at unknown people or noises. They require plenty of exercise—at least two long walks daily, ideally with off-leash runs if safe. Without sufficient exercise and stimulation, they may become destructive and anxious. Socializing them from a young age helps ensure they enjoy the company of other dogs as adults. The pointing stance often begins around 8 weeks of age and continues throughout their life when they are focused. If given enough daily exercise, they can adapt to apartment living, though they prefer a large yard to romp around in. 🩺Health: Long Life In general, the Pointer is a healthy breed. They can be prone to thyroid issues and hip dysplasia, and cases of dwarfism have been recorded. Their deep chest places them at higher risk for bloat, so precautions should be taken around mealtimes and exercise. Their average lifespan is 13–14 years. Does your life include a beautiful Pointer in it? We would love to see them and know what makes them amazing! Be sure to share them with us on our Facebook page here! 📸🐶 The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the most popular small breeds—and for good reason! With their signature bearded look, lively attitude, and loyal heart, these pint-sized pups make wonderful companions. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Mini Schnauzer, from its origin story to grooming tips and health facts. 📜 Origin: A German Creation The Miniature Schnauzer originated in Germany in the late 19th century. Breeders set out to create a smaller version of the Standard Schnauzer, and did so by crossing:
🎯 Purpose: Born to Be a Ratter Originally bred as a farm dog, the Mini Schnauzer’s main job was to hunt and catch rats and small vermin. Their:
✂️ Coat Care: Low Shedding, High Style Mini Schnauzers are known for their wiry, double-layered coats. While they shed very little—great news for allergy sufferers—they do require regular, daily grooming: Grooming Tips:
❤️ Temperament: Energetic, Loyal & Loving Mini Schnauzers are known for their confidence and loving nature. Here’s what to expect: Personality Traits:
🏥 Health: Long Life Mini Schnauzers tend to live around 15 years, often maintaining their playful energy well into old age. Like all breeds, they have some genetic predispositions: Common Health Concerns:
Have a Mini Schnauzer you want to share with us?!
We’d love to see your Mini Schnauzer! 🐾 Share your photos or videos with us at our socials below! Origin:
The original Poodle, the Standard Poodle, doesn’t have a confirmed origin. Named the ‘French Poodle’ for many years, they were thought to have originated there, however others believe they originated in Germany. Over time, the Standard Poodle was developed into smaller sizes, creating the Miniature, Toy and Teacup Poodle. These smaller breeds came about due to the popularity of the breed among Royal families, wanting a smaller lap dog. It’s believed to have been in the early 20th century that the Toy Poodle came about. The name Poodle is believed to have derived from the German word ‘Pudel’ which means ‘one who plays in water’ relating to the Poodles love for the water. Purpose: The Toy Poodle was bred as a companion dog but was also used in circus performing. Being a highly intelligent breed and also driven by a want to impress their owners, they were the perfect dog to train for tricks. Coat care: The poodle is popular for anyone with allergies and is the reason the breed has been cross bred with hundreds of other breeds in recent years. Grooming is high maintenance for a Poodle as their coat is actually considered hair and not fur. It continues to grow, as does human hair, and requires bathing and clipping at least every 6 – 8 weeks. They do not shed any hair and for this reason it must be clipped and brushed daily, to help remove dead skins cells and maintain a clean coat. They are prone to wax build up in the ears so require the hair inside their ears to pulled when groomed. There are a number of clips suitable for the breed, with the well known Poodle clip very popular. This keeps hair around the ankles and bracelets and tail and hips. This clip was originally used for working Poodles, to keep their extremities warm and protected when in the water. Trimming around the eyes and snout helps to keep eyes clean and avoid too much build up from eye discharge too. Health & Temperament: The Poodle is a very intelligent, loving and sweet breed of dog. They are said to be one of the most trainable breeds of dog so can quickly adapt to a new household with good leadership and boundaries. They are very versatile and do great in small apartment living as well as with a large space and area to roam around in. They are very happy to snuggle up on the couch with you and laze around the house, providing they have received enough exercise, with a daily walk being suitable. When socialised well and from a young age, they get along well with other dogs and pets. They can be good with children but are best to be supervised with smaller children and most ideal for a house hold with older children. Being small and adorable, the Toy Poodle can often be treated like a human baby, which leads to Little Dog Syndrome and serious behavioural issues. These behavioural issues are not natural traits of the Toy Poodle, however are brought on by poor leadership and guidance. They are, in general, considered a very healthy breed of dog and have a life span of 14+ years. Origin:
The original Boston Terrier is very different from the one we know and love today. Sadly, the breed was bred for pit fighting as such, was originally a much larger dog, weighing around 20kg. They are one of the few breeds of dogs that have originated out of America, and as their name suggests – they originate from Boston in Massachusetts. The breed was created by crossing the English Bulldog with a English White Terrier (the latter now being an extinct breed.) The original Boston Terrier, known as the Olde Boston Bulldogge, was then bred down over time by cross breeding with French Bulldogs and then leading to the Boston Terrier that we know today. It was in 1893 that the ‘Boston Terrier’ was first recognised by the American Kennel Association. Thankfully, the breed we know today is a very VERY distant relative of its original breeding. Purpose: As mentioned, the original Olde Boston Bulldogge was bred for a pit fighting dog. Thankfully, overtime they have bred into smaller companion dogs making them ideal for families as well as being great therapy dogs. Coat care: The shorthaired and smooth coat of the Boston is easy to maintain, requiring brushing at least once a week and bathing only when needed. Their eyes will require more attention and should be wiped and cleaned gently daily to avoid any build up. They are prone to catching grass seeds in their ears, so should also have these checked daily. They are a breed that produces little to no doggie odour and is only an average shedder. Health & Temperament: This happy little dog is very gentle, keen and intelligent. Training, with the correct approach, is easy although they are known for being a little challenging to toilet train. Their small size should not fool you, they are little pocket rockets who require a good amount of daily exercised. Without this, they can become quickly bored and destructive. Prone to small dog syndrome, they love to be a part of the family but it’s important they know they are not the boss, this can quickly lead to serious behavioural issues. With the right balance, the Boston makes for a wonderful family pet and are fantastic companions for children and the elderly. When well socialised from a young age, they get along well with most other animals too. The protruding eyes of the Boston do mean that they require extra care. The breed is prone to a number of eye conditions including juvenile cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, cherry eye, dry eyes, late-onset cataracts just to name a few. They are also prone to deafness, luxating patellar (dislocation of the knee caps) and tumours. Breeding parents should be well researched and health reports conducted when looking for a pup. Being a brachycephalic breed (short, squished faces) they are a breed that struggles in extreme weather changes, both hot and cold so need to be watched closely when exposed to high and low temperatures. Origin:
Originating in England in the mid 1800’s, the Jack Russell Terrier was named after Reverend John Russell. John was better known as ‘Jack’ and was an avid fox hunter. Over time, the ‘breed standard’ for the Jack Russell Terrier became very broad, allowing varying body types and sizes. In 2003, the Jack Russell Association of America tightened the reigns and this when the ‘Parsons Russell Terrier’ was created. This separated the ‘working’ line of Jack Russell Terrier to remain known as the Jack Russell and the show lines from then onward known as the Parsons Russell. Purpose: The Jack Russell was a small game hunting dog, trained especially for hunting fox and having the ability to get them out of their dens. Over time they have also been used in tracking, agility and trick performing. Coat care: The Jack Russell’s short coat is easy to maintain. It comes in two style, smooth or rough. Brushing a handful of times a week will help to remove any dead coat and they only require to be bathed if they become extremely dirty. Rough coats will require to be stripped out twice yearly. Health & Temperament: The Jack Russell is a sturdy, confident and merry little dog. They are devoted and loving and make a great companion dog. Their obedient personality makes them easy to train and they thrive on boundaries and being put to work. They have plenty of energy to burn so require at minimum, one long daily walk. Aside from this, they will happily play games and be entertained with adults and children alike. As with all dogs, exposure and socialisation from a young age is essential to ensure a confident, kind and well-balanced dog. With this socialisation, they can be great with children and other house hold pets. A nervous or anxious Jack Russell or one that thinks they are the boss can lead to behavioural issues such as snappy, separation anxiety, barking or resource guarding. The breed is well known for being a good jumper/climber so a secure yard is essential. Some Jack Russell’s can suffer from luxating patella’s (dislocation of the knee cap) eye diseases, deafness and a disease by the name of Legg Perthes, where blood flow to the hip joint can be disrupted. They are also prone to mast cell tumours, so health reports of breeding parents should always been requested as well as regular vet checks yearly, especially as Jack Russell’s age. Most health issues for a Jack Russell don’t arise until later in life and the breed has an average life span of 15 years +. |
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