Many do not dare to have a four-footed petdue to improper living conditions. Of course, the big dogs, accustomed to the expansive expanses, will hardly fit in a small Khrushchev. Fortunately, along with large there are medium breeds of dogs that need much less space. Maybe that's why these individuals got such popularity?
Basic Classification of Dog Breeds
All varieties of dogs have their own individualdifferences in temperament, external data and purpose. As a result, the International Cynological Federation has put forward a single list of dog breeds according to their mission:
- Dogs for shepherd and cattle breeding.The group excludes Swiss cattle dogs. The category contains many kinds of sheep-dogs that successfully help the shepherds monitor and protect flocks and herds of farm animals. Representatives of this category are distinguished by their stamina and speed.
- Pinschers and Schnauzer make up the second grouppets. It also includes all the swords and Swiss cattle. Features of the section is that its representatives can be official, decorative and shepherd dogs.
- Terriers ("buly", "toi", etc.). These dogs are excellent hunters and companions.
- Separate clan allocated taxes, whichdiffer in the form of wool and size. Dachshunds are good normal dogs that are bred primarily for hunting foxes and other burrowing animals. Today they are used as decorative pets.
- Primitive dogs and all kinds of Spitz. This includes riding, hunting, shepherds and guard animals.
- Hounds and relatives. Representatives vary in size and are used in hunting for fast-moving game (for example, rabbits).
- Pug dogs have a well-developed hunting sensation. The group includes setters (English and Irish) and continental cops.
- Dogs that are designed to hunt waterfowl. The section consists of spaniels of all kinds, retrievers and other water dogs.
- The room-decorative group of pets is distinguished by a calm complaisant character and extraordinary beauty. There are 10 types of dogs.
- Greyhounds are characterized by strength and endurance. A refined, elegant constitution promotes quick running when hunting for game. The separation along the length of the fur assumes the presence of three sections.
- A separate section consists of dogs of unrecognized breeds. This includes those individuals who are recognized by the Russian Cynological Federation, but have not received a high evaluation from the ICF.
Features of medium sized dogs
Another popular classification of four-legged pets is the division of species according to size. According to this, dog breeds for an average-sized apartment are divided into:
- Small breeds of dogs with a body weight of not more than 12kilogram and growth less than 28 centimeters. Fluffy "kids" are intended for content only at home. Among small pesikas there are also hunters (dwarf dachshunds), and fighting breeds (for example, pugs). Due to circumstances, these breeds are used today as pets.
- Dogs are large.They are intended, mainly, for official and sentry purposes. Such giants can reach body weight up to 25-30 kilograms. The growth of individual rocks can exceed 60-70 centimeters at the withers. Large dogs can easily tolerate staying on the street, so it is recommended to keep them in spacious enclosures in the yard. Strong, with a good reaction, they are excellent defenders of the owner and his home.
- Average breed dogs. Universal in nature.On the one hand, they can protect a person with dignity. In addition, they are quite calm and friendly, they will become wonderful friends for children. However, the main advantage is that small pets are quite compact. Their weight in most cases ranges from 12 to 25 kilograms, and the height is 28-58 centimeters. A number of medium-sized dogs include hunting, service, and ornamental breeds.
Hunting medium breeds
The names of medium-sized dog breeds that are intended for hunting are as follows:
- Dachshunds
- Russian spaniels.
- English and American Cocker Spaniels.
- Likes.
- Setters (Irish, Scottish and English)
- Retrievers (golden and labrador).
Such dogs have great physicalendurance. Many breeds today are used as domestic. When starting a medium sized hunter dog, remember that a pet needs long walks. For example, a cocker spaniel needs to walk for at least an hour twice a day. Otherwise, the animal may get sick. Also, small hunters can not perform the duties of guards. Of course, they can notify the owner with a loud bark about the arrival of a stranger. But the pet cannot fully protect the dwelling.
Decorative pets
Names of medium and small dog breedsThe decorative nature is often confused due to ignorance. Sometimes the same breed is attributed to both small and miniature dogs. Small decorative pets are:
- Chihuahua
- Russian toy terrier.
- Yorkshire Terrier.
- Japanese hin.
- Pekingese.
- Orange (dwarf spitz).
- Bolonka (all kinds).
Medium-sized decorative dogs are:
- Poodle.
- Dalmatian.
- Basset Hound.
- Fox terrier.
- Shih Tzu.
- Bichon
- Griffin.
- Kerry Blue Terrier.
- Schnauzer.
- Great German Spitz (tiger).
- Dutch spitz (keeshond).
It is noteworthy that many of these breedsare hunters. But thanks to their gorgeous looks, the owners prefer to see their pets as decorations on pillows. However, these plush miracles require long walks and outdoor games. Only then can pets be cheerful and energetic.
Small service dogs
Both large and medium dog breeds are excellent guards and watchmen. The difference between selfless defenders is in the size of the animal. Among the average service dogs can be identified:
- Doberman.
- American Staffordshire Terrier.
- American Pit Bull Terrier.
- Swiss Mountain Dog.
- Chow Chow.
- German boxer.
- Bull Terrier
- Sharpei.
Small guards are well trained, clearlythey perform commands and get along well with all members of the family, as well as other pets. They rarely bark and have excellent intuition: sharpened to protect the owners, easily calculate the source of danger and selflessly enter into battle. They can also be trusted to guard a large area. In moments of doing their duty, they can be aggressive and fierce.
Rare breeds of medium sized dogs
Among the small dogs there are also little-known representatives. In particular, the unique varieties include:
- The American Hairless Terrier is an animal,possessing dedication and good hunting intuition. The dog, which is a direct descendant of the Rat Terrier, is great for people with allergies. And this is not surprising, since the pet has almost no coat. Since the birthplace of the naked terrier is a warm US state (Louisiana), the animal is very susceptible to cold and requires maintenance in an apartment. In addition, during walks in the winter, he will need special clothes for medium-sized dogs. The ancestors of the American hairless terrier were excellent rat catchers. Therefore, the owner should not be amazed when one day the family's favorite will return from a walk with gray prey in the teeth. Thus, he demonstrates his loyalty and good hunting qualities. By the way, the breed is so rare in our time that on the ground there are no more than 70 individuals left.
- Next endangered breed of medium dogs -Norwegian lundehund. A descendant of the hunting dogs of the islands of Var and Growth, the animal still retains the ability to catch canyon birds. Since hunting for the latter (due to their disappearance) is forbidden, Lundehund must be content with cheerful outdoor games on the lawns. Pets have a light sweet temper, friendliness and willingness to support the company. At the same time, they are suspicious of strangers, either man or animal. Today there are about 200 Lundendi, most of whom live in Norway.
- Perhaps the most unusual representative of the rareDog breeds of medium size are Catalburun. A distinctive feature of the dog is its forked nose. Katalburun (another name is Turkish Pointer) is an excellent hunter. The birthplace of the breed is the ancient Ottoman province of Cilicia (modern district of Tarsus). It was there that dogs were bred with an exotic appearance, which was intended to hunt partridges, hares and other small game. Today, the Katalburun dogs are almost impossible to meet on the streets of America’s or Europe’s megalopolises. And the very name of the variety (which in Turkish means "Vilkonosy") is unusual for the European ear. The breed of dogs is so few that its representatives can be found only at home - in the province of Tarsus. Here they are used as hunting dogs, and as decorative.
Pet Care
Like small, medium breed dogs requirecareful care. Since many representatives of small doggie have long hair, it needs to be combed out quite often (about 3-4 times a week, and in the case of curly fur every day).
In the apartment the dog must have its place.It is unacceptable when the dog (no matter how beloved he was) slept in the same bed with the owner. It is best to place the pet bedding in an obscure corner so that pets do not cause inconvenience to the animal, which, in turn, does not prevent people from moving freely around the room. Well, if for comfort you can put a small house where the dog will feel like a full owner. Place the dog should be away from heating appliances, a refrigerator and be lit with enough natural light.
No matter how many dogs in the house, each musthave an individual litter. Since the dogs are quite tall, bowls in which food is placed and water is poured are best placed on a small stand. In this way, the development of an animal’s incorrect posture can be prevented. In addition, it is more convenient for a dog to absorb food from a bowl on an elevation. It is advisable to have a separate bowl for food and water.
Снаряжение для питомцев разнообразно.The main equipment of dogs is a collar or a harness and a leash. Collars for large, small and medium-sized dogs should be comfortable and not rub the neck of the animal. It is best to purchase a two-layer tie made of leather or a quality substitute. However, it is possible to use and slip from tarpaulin and other durable fabrics. The length of the collar should be at least 40-60 centimeters, and width - 4-5. In this case, the resistance to rupture should be several times the weight of the pet.
Поводки и ремни тоже могут быть различными.For smaller dogs, you can buy a leash-roulette. And for hunters and watchmen it is best to buy a leather halter with a length of 1.5-2 meters with a loop-handle at the end. Even as a leash can come up and a chain of 2-2.5 m. It should have a counterweight to the gap, which corresponds to 100-150 kg. It is convenient to drive service dogs, hunting dogs and dogs with a difficult character on the chain.
In crowded places, medium sized dogs shouldmuzzle. Carrying a pet on public transport, spreading the guard or working in the field the owner is obliged to protect others from possible aggression. The best and most convenient is a soft leather product, which securely covers the animal's face. In this case, an excessively tight fit of the accessory to the skin is undesirable, otherwise it may cause rubbing and other inconveniences. It is undesirable to keep a dog for a long time in a muzzle.
Bathing Shorthair Dog Breeds Mediumsizes recommended at least once every six months. Water should be running, clean, moderately warm (20-22 ° C). When washing, use special shampoos or other detergents. It is necessary to bathe dogs only before feeding, since water procedures are hard for a pet to carry on a full stomach. After the procedure, the animal must be thoroughly dried. You can also use a hairdryer. Long-haired and curly representatives well combed after bathing in order to avoid tangles.
Many breeds of medium sized dogs requirehaircuts This grooming procedure is best carried out by a specialist, especially when the dog is to participate in the exhibition. Separate breeds (for example, fox terriers) are exposed to model plucking of wool - trimming. If the owner does not plan to exhibit a pet and possesses some skills, it is possible to trim the dog at home.
Pet feeding
Average breed dogs for an apartment, like dogslarge sizes, must move a lot. At the same time, they spend a lot of energy that needs to be replenished by feeding. It happens that two representatives of the same breed can eat differently. It all depends on the way of life of the animal. An active, mobile pet, performing direct duties, absorbs food more than its relative, leading a quiet lifestyle.
Для кормления собак небольших размеров organic (live) food is recommended to use only fresh produce. Pet should be given food 2-3 times a day in small portions. The diet should include raw or boiled meat of cattle and poultry (except pork). A useful additive in the diet will be welded fish - sea or river. You can also give offal in boiled form. For better saturation and replenishment of the body with useful carbohydrates, porridge can be added to meat at the rate of 2 parts of fillet and 1 part of cereals. Almost all kinds will do, but oatmeal, rice, millet, buckwheat will be especially useful.
The list of permissible animal feed products includes:
- The galety.
- Stale bread from a mixture of rye and wheat flour.
- Vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes and cabbage of all kinds), which are lightly boiled in water.
- Greens (lettuce, parsley, young nettle).
- In order to strengthen and prevent damage to the bones of the skeleton, bone meal can be mixed into the food.
- For the best wool add brewer's yeast.
- In order to prevent abundant molting, a small amount of pharmaceutical sulfur is mixed in food.
Производители ненатуральной пищи выпускают и Special dry food for dogs of medium breeds. You can also use canned meat for animals. It should be remembered that the combination of natural and industrial food is unacceptable.
Top 10 popular medium sized dogs
Each era dictates its fashion on many things, including pets. Today the most popular names for dog breeds with average sizes are:
- Labrador Retriever - good-natured, docile,A cheerful favorite of the whole family, especially if young children live here. A good companion and a good caretaker, Labrador is often used as a guide dog.
- Retriever Golden - a close relative of Labrador. As a family trait he possesses a resilient disposition and friendliness.
- In recent times, bigly - dogs with a keen sense of smell and a rather wayward character have become very popular.
- Cocker Spaniel enchants with its gorgeousgood looks and cheerful character. When starting a spaniel, it should be remembered that, in addition to its decorative purpose, the dog has a wonderful character. Without a periodic departure for nature and labor as intended, the animal will be bored in a city apartment.
- Поклонники собачьих боев без правил, да и просто safe existence give birth to an American Staffordshire Terrier. The dog has a special ferocity and great devotion to the owner. All the others around are perceived as enemies - it is worth the owner to submit the appropriate command. In some countries of Europe, as well as in the USA, the breed is equated to personal weapons, and their acquisition requires special permission.
- Dalmatians are the favorites of esthete people. The spotted fur of an animal will suit any situation, and a cheerful disposition will help get rid of depression. In addition, they are excellent companions and intelligent intellectuals.
- Husky - charming blue-eyed little dogs,designed for transportation and racing sleigh rides. Recently, however, they are often used as home-decorative pets. When starting a husky, it should be remembered that in order to avoid animal diseases, it is necessary to provide as many walks and outdoor games as possible.
- Luxury German Spitz - dogs not forthe poor. The high cost of a pet is justified by its great appearance and friendly character. They can be happy to accompany their glamorous hosts to all kinds of parties. When buying a spitz, you should not forget about the careful care and special feeding of the doggie, otherwise the pet runs the risk of losing its brilliant appearance.
- Пудель снова входит в моду.Decorative dog, owner of a luxurious curly hair, poodle conquers his cheerful disposition and beauty. In addition, it practically does not shed, which is its additional advantage.
- Dobermans are distinguished by their proud posture and watchdog intuition. The owner of the dog of this breed is in reliable "paws" of his pet, which will protect him under any conditions.
How to choose a puppy
Сравнительно небольшие питомцы – хороший выбор for a family with young heirs. Medium breeds of dogs are especially well suited for children who simply cannot cope with big dogs, and can torture small ones with their obsessive desire to play.
Choose a pet should be given itdestination. If the future owner - a lover of hunting and fishing, you can stay on the Cocker Spaniel, Setter, Dachshund. In the case of the appointment of an animal as a plush toy, it is more expedient to purchase a spitz, poodle or bichon. “Staffs” and “pitas” will be good defenders of the owner and his home. Should choose active puppies of medium breeds of dogs. Sluggish and supreme calves should raise suspicion. It is better not to take such dogs, since excessive calm may indicate health problems.
Interesting facts from the life of small dogs
In the history of cynology, there are unusual episodes from the existence of medium breed dogs. Here are a few of them:
- В развитии басенджи человек не участвовал.The dog was formed completely independently, by natural selection. And this dog does not know how to bark. In case of anxiety or joy, he gives out special rumbling sounds.
- The famous today fox hunters - dachshunds - were initially bred as pursuers of badgers.
- Poodles are the dogs most crossed. The descendant of the poodle is considered Labradudel and Cockapoo.
- The average short-haired Dalmatian breed of dog is born completely white. Famous spots appear on the coat as the dog matures.
The dwarf gene is inherent in a single breed - the basset. This is evidenced by undeveloped short limbs, which, at first glance, are not in harmony with the large head and long body.