- For Those With On-the-Go Lifestyles, Over 30 Small Breeds to Choose From
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NEW YORK, April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the American Kennel
Club(R)'s recent announcement of the Yorkshire Terrier's rise to the second
most popular purebred dog in America, small dogs have gained more attention
than ever before. As summer approaches, more and more travelers are packing
up their four-legged friends in addition to their sunscreen as they make
vacation plans.
Yet with the Yorkie in the news, and the steady presence of popular
pets like Chihuahuas and Maltese in pop culture, many other small breeds
are overlooked. The AKC(R) registers more than 30 small breeds -- those
weighing under 20 pounds -- and reminds dog lovers looking to add a
pint-sized pooch to the family to research all their options and make the
best choice for their lifestyle.
Here are some lesser-known breeds that will enjoy being brought along
on your next trip:
-- Affenpinscher -- Portable, spirited and distinguished. Although it may
be less well known in this country, the breed is popular in France,
where it is called the diablotin moustachu or the "mustached little
devil."
-- Chinese Crested -- Alert, elegant and graceful, there are two varieties
-- Hairless and Powderpuff. As the name implies, the Powderpuff has a
light-colored, fluffy coat. Sunscreen and adequate shade is a summer
necessity for the hairless variety of this lively companion.
-- English Toy Spaniel -- A compact dog, with a silky, flowing coat and
distinguished head -- a charmer who is affectionate and willing to
please. Its plush, chubby face has an air of refinement.
-- Havanese -- Centuries old, this breed is believed to have originated in
the Mediterranean. The Havanese became popular among wealthy Cubans in
the 1950's and is now the national dog of Cuba and its only native
breed. This is a happy, outgoing dog and is an excellent candidate for
obedience training.
-- Japanese Chin -- Chin means royalty in Japanese. This is an ancient
toy breed, whose main purpose is to serve as a companion. It is
intelligent, sensitive and very affectionate with its owners.
-- Norfolk Terrier -- Having originated in England in the early 1900's,
the Norfolk is a fearless companion with a good temperament and keen
sporting instincts. This compact canine has a wiry coat and can be
red, wheaten, or black and tan colored. The Norfolk is similar to its
Norwich counterpart, with the exception of the ears, which drop over to
the corner of the eye.
-- Norwich Terrier -- Weighing in at just 12 pounds, these wiry working
terriers are able-bodied outdoor dogs, thanks in part to their
virtually weatherproof coats and pointed tip ears, which stand upright
when alert. They are very adaptable and make ideal family companions.
-- Silky Terrier -- The Silky Terrier is an old Toy Breed, developed
around 1900 from a cross between Australian and Yorkshire terriers.
The coat is straight and silky in texture and presents a well-groomed
appearance. The Silky Terrier has a keenly alert air and is quick to
respond to its owner.
-- Tibetan Spaniel -- Referred to by the Buddhists in the 17th century as
"little lions," a "Tibby" is regarded as a highly intelligent canine
companion, weighing between nine and 15 pounds.
-- Toy Manchester Terrier -- The smaller of the Manchester Terrier breed
(there are two varieties, Standard and Toy), this sleek, elegant dog
has a black and mahogany coat, and is very alert and keen on pleasing
its owner.
-- Toy Fox Terrier -- The Toy Fox Terrier is truly a toy and a terrier and
both have influenced his personality and character. A lithe, muscular
and athletic breed that is highly adaptable to different situations,
the Toy Fox is courageous and animated.
"As appealing as a tiny dog can be, they are as much of a
responsibility to own as any other dog," said AKC spokesperson Lisa
Peterson. "Before selecting a small breed as a pet, make sure to do your
research and find a breed that suits your lifestyle. And remember that
small dogs live longer, sometimes upwards of 15 years, so be prepared to
commit to your new pet for the life of the dog."
As the popularity of small dogs increases, so does the amount of travel
people do with their canine companions. According to AKC research, the "AKC
21st Century Dog Owners Study" states nearly half of dog owners surveyed
stated that they look for hotels, motels and other travel accommodations
that permit them to bring their dogs. Additionally, 47% consider Fido when
buying a car to take that family vacation in*.
For travel tips go to: http://www.akc.org/public_education/travel.cfm
For summer safety tips go to:
http://www.akc.org/public_education/summer.cfm
Peterson also reminds dog owners to check ahead to confirm pet friendly
destinations before booking a summer trip.
*The American Kennel Club 21st Century Dog Ownership Study was
conducted by the Dieringer Research Group in September, 2006. The study was
based on the return of 750 completed questionnaires from owners of AKC
registered dogs. Margin of error is approximately +/-3.0 percent.
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit
organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the
world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC
is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the
sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its
nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations,
the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances
canine health and well- being, works to protect the rights of all dog
owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000
competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and
regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally,
tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field
trials and earthdog events. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC
Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum
of the Dog. For more information, visit http://www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design,
and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks
and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
SOURCE American Kennel Club
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Related links:
http://www.akc.org
CONTACT:
Daisy Okas of American Kennel Club,
+1-212-696-8343
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