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| Terrier mixes are wonderfully spirited, playful, mischievous dogs. They often display the quick-to-bark watchdog qualities for which terriers are so well known. These high-energy dogs can be stubborn and difficult to train. Some may be nippy, especially with children. Terrier mixes range in size from small to large. Their coats are usually wiry and medium length, but some can be soft and wavy or short, smooth, and shiny. Their ears can range from small prick ears to larger, semiprick ears to flap down, fold-over ears--virtually any type except long and pendulous. Mixes with long, wavy coats will need brushing several times a week to avoid matting. A professional trim several times a year will keep the coat in prime condition. Terriers have notoriously high energy levels indoors and out and demand an owner with a strong commitment to exercise. |
| Mixed Breed Characteristics |
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| If you are wondering how a mixed breed will look and act, look up one of the breeds involved and read the discription. Just remember all dogs are unique and my not fit the discription for their type of mix. But this will hopefully give you an idea of what type of mix would work the best for you. |
| Retriever mixes are generally sweet, gentle, tolerant dogs that respond well to children. They love outdoor activities, especially fetch, and are among the easiest dogs to train. Retriever mixes can range from medium to large in size. Their coats are typically water-resistant (water beads up on the fur); hair length ranges from short (indicating Labrador blood) to longish and fluffy with feathering around the tail and ears (indicating golden or flat-coated retriever blood). Coat colors vary, as in purebred retrievers, and can be gold to red or black to chocolate, sometimes with white markings on the toes, legs, and chest. Mixed-breed retrievers with long, feathered coats need regular brushing to prevent mats from forming, especially around their ears and tails. Daily exercise is essential. |
| Spaniel mixes are friendly, outgoing, wonderful family pets. Behavior problems common in purebred spaniels, such as possession-aggression, are often tempered in or absent from spaniel mixes, depending, of course, on the temperament of other breeds represented in the mix. The extremely high energy levels common to purebred field stock spaniels are also often tempered in mixed-breed spaniels, again depending on the breed mix. Spaniel mixes tend to be of medium height, with a stocky, somewhat hefty build, a gentle sweet face with a soft expression, and warm brown eyes. They usually have a wavy coat, in a variety of colors and markings, with feathering on ears and tail. The ears and tail may require extra brushing in order to prevent matting problems. Although spaniel mixes tend to have more moderate energy levels than purebreds, they still need to be exercised daily. |
| Shepherd/Herding mixes are generally outgoing dogs that take well to training. Most are fairly stable and some can even be submissive, but they can display a wide personality range, so it is important to assess temperament when choosing a shepherd mix. Some may be inclined to dominance, depending on their parentage and protection or guarding instincts. Such dogs can be aggressive with women and children; these need an experienced owner who can give them intensive training and maintain control. Shepherd mixes usually have long, wolfish muzzles, with ears that are pricked, semi-pricked (bent over at the tips), or flopped down at the sides. Coats can be either short or long, thick, and wavy; colors range from black to tan, with markings of either color. Most shepherd mixes are medium-size to large dogs weighing between thirty-five and sixty-five pounds. Shepherd mixes are year-round shedders and need to be brushed at least twice a week. They have moderate to high exercise requirements. Most will need at least one hour of daily aerobic exercise beyond the usual three walks, and some may require even more physical activity. |
| Hound mixes are playful, even-tempered dogs that make good family pets and are generally social with other dogs. Their exceptional noses can get them into trouble. You may have to work to keep their attention at times, as they are easily distracted by the scents around them. They typically have robust appetites and can easily become overweight if owners aren't watchful. Though not prone to nonstop barking, scent hounds howl and bay (especially when left alone); it is in their nature to do so. Scent hound mixes tend to have short legs, longish bodies, and long pendulous ears. The coat is short and often tricolored (tan, black, and white). The skin sometimes appears to be bigger than the dog, hanging in loose folds on the neck and forehead and drooping under the eyes. The coat is easy to care for, needing no more than a weekly grooming with a rubber brush or a hound glove. Scent hounds generally like to run, so expect scent hound mixes to need a lot of exercise. |
| Poodle mixes are usually bouncy, perky, affectionate dogs with lots of energy indoors and out. These dogs are so outgoing, playful, and smart that they are easy to train. Poodle mixes are usually rather small. Because they are sensitive to pain, they are not suitable for households with children under seven years of age. Poodle mixes have wavy to curly coats that often need to be professionally groomed or trimmed. Most mixes are small, but those originating from standard poodles can be medium to large. Purebred poodles are always solid colors, but poodle mixes inherit coat patterns from different breeds and can have various markings and ears of a contrasting color. The coat needs several brushings a week and professional trimming or grooming about four to six times a year. Large poodle mixes usually need several long, brisk walks a day. Small poodle mixes are good with a short walk every day. |
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| Guard Dog Mixes, these mixes include Boxers, Bulldog, Doberman, Rottwieler, and any other guard dog mix. Many german shepard mixes fit into this group too. This mixes are extremely loyal to their family and can be cautious around strangers and other dogs. They instictively bark when they sense a change in their surroundings. They also are very protective of the members of thier family. Because of their size, they do best around kids 10 and older. They can be protective of surroundings and family, especailly children. These are very intellegent dogs that can get bored quite easily. They need plenty of exercise, usually a couple of long runs every day. The cautions on this mix is that they can be territorial aggresive towards people and other animals outside of the family. However with proper training, they make great pets. They are typically on the larger scale at around 60-100 pounds. They come in many sizes, colors, and shapes depending on the breeds in the mix. Most have short hair, that is easily cleaned and maintained, by brushing once a week |
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| By:Katie Barrett with information from petsmart.com |
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| Pit Mixes are special dogs. They are mixes of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terrier. They are often very outgoing and friendly with people including strangers. They can be anywhere to 20-70 pounds depending what breeds it is mixed with. Pit mixes usually have a short smooth coat of fur. Larger square heads complete with brown eyes that will melt your heart. Ears are usually triangle shaped and either fold back against the head or hand down when not cropped. They do not like to be left alone, but when trained can be just fine. They do not have extreme energy requirements, but they can excel in agiliy and other sports. A couple of good walks or runs a day should be sufficient. They are usually athletic and are very healthy. As pets, they are unlike any other type of dog. When properly raised, socialized, and obedience trained, the pit mix makes an ideal dog for couch-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. However, it should be noted that this is NOT a good breed for a beginning dog owner, a careless/lazy owner, or a child. Pit mixes will do anything to please you but they can be stubborn. They are extremely loyal and loving though. |
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| My dog is a mixed breed 1/3 full of love 1/3 filled with zest for life 1/3 good looks and charm 100% my best friend |
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