Physical attributes
- Coat: A very distinctive, abundant double coat consisting of a long, harsh outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat. The coat can be a variety of colors and patterns.
- Tail: A high-set, heavily feathered tail that lies flat on their back.
- Ears: Small, erect, triangle-shaped ears that can sometimes be hidden by their plush coat.
- Face: A foxy-looking face with dark, almond-shaped eyes.
- Size: A small breed, typically weighing between 3 and 7 pounds.
Personality and temperament
- Personality: Perky, bold, curious, intelligent, and playful. They have a "big-dog" personality in a small body.
- Loyalty: Fiercely loyal and affectionate with their family, often bonding closely with one person.
- Guard dog instincts: Naturally alert and will bark to warn their owners of unfamiliar sounds, though their barking can be excessive if not trained.
- Intelligence: Smart and quick-witted, which makes them excel at dog sports but can also lead to them being stubborn or manipulative if not given clear rules.
- Energy: High-energy, despite their small size, and require daily walks and playtime.
- Socialization: Can get along well with other pets, especially if raised with them, but need proper socialization to manage their potential defensiveness.
Care and health
- Exercise: Needs daily exercise, such as a short walk, to stay happy and healthy.
- Training: Respond well to positive reinforcement training, and their lessons should be kept short and fun.
- Grooming: Their thick double coat requires frequent brushing.
- Health: Generally healthy but are prone to certain conditions like luxating patella, collapsing tracheas, and hypothyroidism.
Best dog food according to us what we use for our dogs is:
Montego Karoo:
- Key ingredient categories
- Proteins:
- Chicken meal, lamb meal, and hydrolysed chicken
- Lamb, beef, and ostrich in specific wet or dry food lines
- Added pure collagen protein
- Carbohydrates:
- Rice (the only grain in some formulations)
- Beet pulp
- Other fibers like pea fiber and cellulose
- Fats:
- Chicken fat, animal fats, and vegetable oils
- Fish oil and salmon oil
- Encapsulated fatty acids
- Fruits, Vegetables, and Other additions:
- Whole egg powder
- Brewer's yeast
- Inulin
- Carrots, butternut, and other vegetables in wet foods
- Rosemary and pumpkin in some special formulas
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- A broad range of vitamins (A, D3, E, C)
- Essential minerals like zinc, iron, copper, and potassium
- Taurine, particularly in cat food
- Other Additives:
- Salt
- Sodium bisulphate
- Kaolin
- Palatability enhancers
- Antioxidants
- Lionels Choice: