All about lapdogs

Today it is impossible to find a person who has not met a lapdog at least once in his life. These charming decorative creatures walk in the parks in summer, and in winter they walk with their owners near the house. Their small shapes and elegant appearance are associated with grace and sophistication.

The lapdog is a decorative dog with miniature size and excellent character. These creatures have many varieties of rocks, but there is a significant connection between their external data.

The head of the lapdogs is characterized by a rounded shape, it is small in size, proportional to the body. The frontal part of the head is round. The brow ridges are absent.

The muzzle is small. The transition from the forehead to the nose is visually visible.

The nose and lips have small areas of pigmentation, corresponding to the coat color of the breed. The mouth of the lapdogs is completely closed, the lips are pressed tightly against each other. According to the breed standard, the bite should be scissor bite. Sometimes small or undershot options are allowed. So that a gap does not form. The teeth are set at 90 ° to the jaw.

The eyes are round in shape without bulges, most often brown in color. The pigment color is visible on the eyelashes. For this reason, the dog's gaze appears to be intelligent. The ears of the lapdogs are set high, differing in a triangular shape. The tips of the ears are slightly rounded. Hanging close to the muzzle. The outer surface of the ears is covered with hair of medium length.

The neck is set high on the body. The body does not have pronounced muscles. The body of the dogs is folded in a square, slightly elongated shape. The back is straight and wide enough. The lumbar part protrudes slightly. The muscular croup is distinguished by its rounded shape with a slight bevel. The chest of lapdogs, like large dogs, is very well developed, has an oval shape. The belly is tucked up.

The tail is set high on the back of the body, is ring-shaped, completely covered with long and thick hair. Most often, the tip of the tail of lapdogs is rounded behind the back. The front legs are parallel to each other. The thighs are well muscled and the joints are dry. Feet are medium in size and oval in shape. Dark pigmentation is present on the paw pads.

The hair is soft and pleasant to the touch. The coat of a dog in bright light looks shiny and silky. The color of lapdogs in most cases is white, although there are varieties with a black and brown shade of a fur coat.

The weight of adult lapdogs ranges from 3-4 kg. The height at the withers is 20-25 cm according to the standard. The life span of an animal is about 12-15 years, but with proper care and healthy heredity, lapdogs live for 20 years. The intellectual capabilities of miniature dogs do not always meet the requirements of the owners. Although in history there are quite smart creatures who were able to master the rules of home life as well as possible, ideally adapted to the daily routine of each family member.

The miniature size of an adult, their appearance and playful disposition attract the attention of lovers of decorative dogs as much as possible. However, do not rush to purchase an animal. The dog's mental abilities and the need for constant physical activity make lapdogs unusual representatives of indoor dogs. And such conditions for keeping an animal are not suitable for every breeder.

Further, it is proposed to get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of the breed, thanks to which it will be possible to make a decision regarding the acquisition of an animal. Initially, you should consider the positive aspects.

• Miniature dimensions. Due to its size, the animal easily adapts to the environment of even a small one-room apartment. Even a small living area can be a huge springboard for a dog to explore the environment.

• Development ability. With the right approach to the animal, the lapdog will take any new information with great interest, execute commands, and solve complex problems.

• No shedding. Lapdogs do not suffer from seasonal hair loss. For this reason, the owner does not have to do a spring cleaning every day and clean clothes before leaving the house.

• Lack of aggression. These dogs have a very kind and sweet disposition. It is extremely difficult to piss them off.

• Love for children. Lapdogs are very strongly attached not only to the owner, but also to his children.

• Health. An important indicator of a pet's strong immunity is good care and heredity.

• Hypoallergenic. Whoever said anything, but in the world there has not been a single case of an allergic reaction in humans to the wool of a lapdog.

Along with the positive aspects of keeping and raising lapdogs, there is a small list of cons that affect the decision to purchase a dog.

• Special care for the coat. The hair of the lapdogs is their property. Accordingly, you will have to be extremely scrupulous about the appearance of the animal.

• Activity of lapdogs. Dogs need daily walks, and not 2 times a day, but preferably 4 or 5 times a day.

• Loud voice. If the lapdog starts barking, it will be very difficult to stop it. A long and sonorous barking will be very annoying.

• Picky food. These dogs do not always eat what the owner gives. Sometimes they show a desire to taste another dish.

• Companionable character. It is very important that a person is with the dog throughout the day. Lapdogs love human interaction and cannot stand loneliness.

• Lack of attention. The lapdogs believe that they are one of the main members of the family. Therefore, they require special interest from the owner. In the case of attention deficit, the animal may deteriorate in temperament.

• Health. Unfortunately, lapdogs are prone to many inherited diseases.

Bolonki is a generalized name for miniature decorative dogs, distinguished by their extraordinary hair, often snow-white in color. Accordingly, under the general name there are many varieties of decorative creature breeds. And each of them has distinctive characteristics. Some species are known in many countries of the world, while others are in demand only in certain areas of the globe.

The second name is maltese.

This dwarf breed is the most common among miniature dog lovers. Maltese are distinguished by snow-white wool, in some cases an ivory shade is allowed. The length of the wool, elegantly falling down, fluctuates within 3-5 cm. Information was found in historical documents that the Maltese lapdogs previously lived in the possessions of the Chinese emperors. Although according to other sources it is known that maltese first appeared in Egypt.

Like any other decorative dog, the Maltese lapdog needs careful care of its fur coat. With due regard, its coat does not shed. With proper upbringing, the dog does not break out during walks, obeys its owner and treats others good-naturedly.

This type of breed has one important difference from its comrades-in-arms, namely the color of the coat. Russian colored babies are never white. In most cases, there are representatives of gray, brown, red and beige colors. A little less often, representatives of the Russian colored breed have a gray tan shade of a fur coat. On the exterior of the breed, the presence of even a small spot of white color on the fur coat is a marriage.

There is a direct clue in the name of the breed indicating the origin of these dogs. The Russian colored lapdog was bred on the territory of Leningrad. The ancestors of these creatures are Shih Tzu, and no matter how strange it may sound, poodles. For a long time, this breed was not recognized by the canine association, but that all changed in 1960.

Russian colored lapdogs are distinguished by a special character trait that is not characteristic of their brethren, namely the presence of a protective feeling.

The second name is Bichon Frize.

The history of the origin of the breed began over 2000 years. The external data of modern representatives of the French lapdog are different from their ancestors. The fur of these creatures is snow-white, and the main highlight is the black eyes, expressing special curiosity.

In texture, the hair of the French lapdog is curly, silky, and therefore requires careful care. The coat of these dogs grows throughout life. For this reason, show representatives of the breed need grooming in beauty salons.

The willful temperament of modern representatives of the breed originates from their aristocratic past. Even visually, these little creatures look royally proud and respectful. The first records of Italian lapdogs date back to the 12th century. Although at that time they already had immense popularity among the aristocrats of Italy. French mini-dogs were an adornment of the female image at social events. Very often, puppies of Italian lapdogs were presented to the heroes of the occasion for important dates.

Today, bologneses are a common breed in European countries. Outwardly, they resemble a cross between the Bichon Frize and other representatives of decorative dogs. Thanks to the fluffy coat, the dog appears to have a rounded shape. But in fact, under a huge shock of hair, a slender and graceful body of an animal is hidden.

According to the exterior standard, the wool of the Italian lapdog should be snow-white, without any admixtures of other shades.

By nature, the bolognese is a companionable dog. They need constant communication with people. Thanks to their kindness, they easily get along with any person, but it is best to have them in families with grown-up children.

The second name is havanese.

The birthplace of this young breed of lapdogs is Cuba. The attractive appearance of miniature Hawaneses contributes to the rapid spread of the animal throughout many countries of the world. Quite often, the Havana lapdog is found in the hands of glamorous stars. Moreover, some of them argue that when they pet their pet, they get peace of mind and balance.

Havana lapdogs have always lived in comfortable conditions, and this need of them has come down to our days from genetic memory. Without proper care, the dog cannot survive.

Havanese require constant attention to themselves, for this reason they are not suitable for busy people who are unable to devote the necessary time to the animal.

A very rare type of lapdogs, as it has a very high cost. Families with average incomes simply cannot afford such a creation.

The birthplace of the breed is the island of Madagascar, where it has become a symbol of the country. Unfortunately, there is no exact data on how the dogs appeared on the island. Someone claims that they were brought there by accident. Others say that these pets were bred in an artisanal way within the country.

According to the standard, Coton de Tulear must have a snow-white coat. The length of the curly pile ranges from 7-8 cm. The head is characterized by a triangular shape. Hanging ears, long. The eyes are dark. The physique is strong.

The second name is levhen.

The highlight of the breed is the two-tone color of the coat, although most breeders pay attention to the original shape of the dog's coat, given by nature. On the other hand, this feature causes a lot of hassle, since throughout the dog's life it will have to maintain its presentable appearance.

Levhen is distinguished by a short muzzle, broad head, black expressive eyes, a scissor bite and a two-tone coat that is soft to the touch. These babies have no undercoat, which is why they need extra care when bathing and brushing.

Most lapdogs are characterized by a good-natured and companionable character. They take root well in any family, especially where there are children.

Bolonki are playful creatures that can attract all family members to their games. They feel especially comfortable next to children. It is only important for parents to understand that they should not acquire a small decorative dog until the kids have reached the age of 7, otherwise the pet may be injured, since an unintelligent baby is able to strongly pull the animal by the paw or tail.

The hallmark of lapdogs is endurance. Despite its diminutive size, this dog is capable of covering long distances while walking. With her small paws, she can sift more than one kilometer.

In addition, lapdogs are distinguished by their intellectual abilities, which are revealed during the training process. The main thing is not to forget that raising a decorative dog should take place in a soft and calm atmosphere. There should be no rudeness or punishment. Under such conditions, the owner will be able to teach the small animal many tricks and commands.

Breeders assure that lapdogs are able to understand the emotional state of all family members. In moments of depression, they come to the rescue. It is enough just to touch the soft and delicate fur coat of the animal, as all adversity recedes away.

Charming decorative creatures are very strongly attached to their owner and show sincere love for him. They easily contact people and easily adapt to new conditions, which is very convenient when traveling to the country or on a trip.

Lapdogs do not like loneliness. If necessary, they will be able to entertain their owner, but at the same time not pester him with games. It is important to note that lapdogs are characterized by mood swings. If you do not pay enough attention to the animal, the pet will become depressed and may get sick. So the lapdogs manifest a psychosomatic syndrome.

Choosing a lapdog puppy for home keeping, there are several important factors to consider.

• A full package of documents for the corresponding nursery, a health passport, which contains the marks of the vaccinations made. Documents confirming the title of parents, their medals, awards and main activities.
• Even at a young age, dogs must have a presentable appearance. Their fur coat should be soft and pleasant to the touch.
• Absence of breed defects. In this case, we are talking about the presence of spots of a different shade on the coat or an incorrect bite.
• Playful behavior of the animal. A healthy puppy should be active.
• Breeders do not recommend purchasing an adult dog in the family. All varieties of lapdogs are very strongly attached to the first owner and another person will no longer be able to replace him. And if we take into account the excessive sensitivity of the lapdogs, they will acutely experience separation from a person dear to them, and it is not known what this may turn out to be.

Keeping a lapdog is a rather complicated process, but if you prioritize correctly, then no problems will arise. It is important to remember that lapdogs of all breeds must live in apartments or comfortable cottages. A private house is not the best option for decorative dogs. This is due to the miniature size, because of which the animals are defenseless even in front of yard cats.Also, lapdogs have no undercoat. If the animal jumps out of the house onto the street, then there is a high probability that it will freeze, and the wool itself will turn into one big mug.

Dog owners living in cottages can release the animal unaccompanied by the owner for a short period of time. The main thing is to make sure in advance that there are no loopholes in the fence and the dog cannot escape.

For a comfortable stay, the lapdog needs a separate corner and a small personal area.

• In a separate room, it is enough to allocate a small space where you can lay a bed or install a decorative house. In the kitchen, you will need to put special utensils for food and water.
• Your dog will need toys for personal entertainment.
• Lapdogs need an individual collar and leash. At the same time, it is important to make a special tag on the collar, where the owner's data is indicated in case the dog escapes.
• For high-quality dog ​​care, you will need to acquire grooming tools, for example, combs, brushes, nail clippers.
• If the owner decides that the pet will go to the toilet at home, he should stock up on several packages of disposable diapers and a tray. At first, the puppy will do its "business" in the wrong place, but gradually it will get used to its toilet.
• In the fall and spring, even an adult dog must wear special clothing. In it, the animal heats up and does not stain the wool. For the winter period, the lapdog will need to purchase boots.

Feeding lapdogs of any breed should be timed. Portions should be limited, as with a large amount of food consumed, dogs gain excess weight, and this can lead to various diseases. The most suitable option for feeding a lapdog is a balanced feed, which contains important vitamins and minerals. The lapdogs themselves prefer food made from natural ingredients.

The first days after purchasing the puppy, you must feed the same as the breeder fed him. And after a few weeks, you can transfer the animal to a different diet. The main thing is not to forget to monitor the puppy's reaction to new foods.

An inexperienced dog breeder needs to familiarize himself with common mistakes when feeding lapdogs of any breed.

• Despite the cute and sensitive look of a dog asking for a treat, it is forbidden to give it food from the human table. After a few treats, it will be impossible to wean the animal from begging.
• In no case should you give the dog sweets, for it it is a real poison.
• Smoked foods should not be present in the diet of lapdogs.
• Feeding the dog must be done according to the established schedule and not deviate from it a single step.
• After a hearty meal, don't play with the animal or lead you outside. After eating, the lapdogs need to rest.

Further, it is proposed to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the process of feeding a lapdog.

• Fractional nutrition for puppies should consist of 5-6 feedings per day, for adults - 2-3 times.
• The feeding process must be done at the same time.
• Portions of the puppy should be small, maximum 90 g. For an adult, the norm is 120-140 g.
• When choosing a natural diet, the owner should know that 80% of the dog's daily diet should consist of meat products, the remaining 20% ​​are vegetables, fruits, dairy products and cereals.
• Many breeders have noticed that lapdogs show special love for quail eggs. Only you can give them to the animal no more than twice a week, a maximum of 2 pieces.

Timely grooming is a prerequisite for quality animal care.Lapdogs of any breed need to be washed often - once every 8-10 days is enough. To wash the wool, you need to purchase specialized shampoos that contain various oils, which will allow the wool to remain silky and soft. After washing, the soapy foam must be thoroughly washed off, otherwise the animal's coat will fade and the skin will become irritated. After the shampoo, the animal's fur coat is treated with a balm or conditioner to facilitate the further brushing procedure.

The lapdog's wool is dried with a towel, after which a hairdryer is used. During drying, it is important to comb the hairline of the animal in the direction of growth.

Do not forget about the timely haircut of the animal, since their fur grows at the maximum rate.

An important part of animal hygiene is cutting the nails on time. The overgrown nail plates will constantly cling to the flooring and cause the dog to feel discomfort. In some cases, the animal may even be injured. The clipping procedure should be done every two weeks. It is best to do this after bath procedures, when the nails become soft.

Dental care should be done daily. Every day, the wearer needs to check the jaw for plaque and calculus. Brushing your teeth is done once, maximum twice a week with a special toothpaste and brush.

Once every two weeks, it is necessary to deal with the treatment of the dog's ears - to cut the regrown hair and wash the ear canal, as well as get rid of unpleasant discharge.

A dog's eyes are a very delicate organ and therefore require special attention. It is important to constantly examine and remove any mucus that has accumulated there. If the animal has frequent purulent discharge, you should contact your veterinarian. Many new owners confuse painful eye discharge with ordinary tears. This is due to the hairs growing near the corners of the eyes, falling on the eyeball and being an irritant.

All lapdogs need to undergo training and education. Moreover, each owner in this case pursues his own specific goal. Some prepare the dog for the exhibition, others want to learn to understand the animal and instill in the dog the skills of communicating with humans. Still others want to make their dog an object of pride in the eyes of others. The main thing is to find the right approach to the dog so that its education is effective.

Dog training should begin at puppyhood. For the completed tasks, the dog is rewarded with goodies. The main thing is to choose the right reward, since the body of a small puppy is still developing. The second method of training is imitation. Small puppies, like children, try to perform the actions of adults. Many breeders claim that it is the imitation method that allows you to raise the nicest and most obedient dog.

The training process must take place at a specific time. This will help the dog determine its daily routine. It is important for the owner himself to determine the time for training - it is convenient for someone to train the dog 2 or 3 times a day before feeding or after eating after three hours.

The owner must pay special attention to the ammunition of the animal for training. Be sure to have a collar, muzzle and several leashes with you. The treat should be in a special bag so that the puppy can see where the reward is coming from. It is important to give encouragement to the animal with the right hand only.

At first, when training, the animal must be praised with words, saying that the dog is great, doing everything right and well.Bolonkas understand kindness and praise, respectively, they will try to please their owner in the future.

You will learn interesting facts about lapdogs in the following video.