7 Awesome Black Cat Breeds You'll Want to Take Home

1 min read

Black cats are friendly, playful, effortlessly elegant and have a lot of love to give. Discover some of the most popular black cat breeds here. Black cats have had a rough time compared to other cats. Through no fault of their own, black cats became known as the pets of witches a few centuries ago, and their bad reputation has created superstition and fear around them. To this day, some people are still fearful of crossing paths with a black cat, while some Instagram-conscious cat owners keep away from black cat breeds for fear that they don't photograph well. This means that black cats end up waiting the longest to find a loving home in animal shelters everywhere, so we think it's high time to show these cats some much-deserved love. Forget everything you think you know about black cat breeds and join us in falling in love with their beautiful coats and gentle natures. 7 amazing black cat breeds 1. Bombay - a breed for black cats only If you're looking forward to endless kitty cuddles on the couch, there is one black cat breed that will be happy to comply. It's the Bombay cat, a kitten truly dedicated to the colour black - their glossy coats come in this shade only. Bred to resemble their distant relative, the panther, the Bombay cat has a truly stunning appearance. Big, bright eyes and a smooth coat that has never known a "bad fur day" - what's not to like? These stunning black cats crave plenty of attention and will give lots of love in return. Plus, these cats like to say what's on their mind too, so be ready for all those lovely purrs about to come your way. 2. Oriental - a black cat worthy of all your attention Whether you're a fan of black shorthair cats or you prefer longhair cats instead, Oriental cats come in both hairstyles so you can take your pick. These slender cat breeds are full of energy, extremely devoted and affectionate, so you'll often find them peeking over your shoulder or greeting you at the door with sincere enthusiasm.

6 Small Cat Breeds

1 min read

Tiny cats are completely adorable, probably because they remind us so much of kittens! Find out which cats always stay small and keep their kitten like personalities well into adulthood. No one can resist the big eyes and playful personality of an adorable kitten. They melt the hearts of anyone they come into contact with and are always guaranteed to put a smile on our faces. Sadly, the kitten period never lasts for long and while our adult cats are just as wonderful and cute, we often find ourselves missing the good old kitten days. If you want a teacup cat that stays small and playful forever, there are certain small cat breeds that keep their kitten-like appearance and attitude far into their adult years, so you can treasure the precious playful moments for longer. Small cat breeds It's quite hard to define specific small cat breeds, as even the larger breeds will sometimes have the odd small kitty, but there are some which are naturally smaller in stature. Here are our top 6 teacup cats that will always stay petite. 1. Singapura Known as one of the smallest cat breeds in the world, the Singapura is half the size of the average cat. Possessing a kitten size throughout their lives, their bodies are petite and delicate and they usually don't weigh more than 5 pounds (yep, you heard that right!). But don't let their tiny stature fool you, Singapura cats are incredibly agile and make fantastic climbers! Plus, they're the perfect companion if you want a cuddly kitty, as they love nothing more than snuggling on your lap and having a good pet. 2. Munchkin Named after the magical folk in The Wizard of Oz, the Munchkin is possibly one of the most famous small cat breeds. Their tiny size is due to a gene mutation that means that they have little dumpy legs that are much shorter than normal. While their bodies are only slightly smaller than average, their shoulders are very low to the ground, which is why they have such an adorable pottering gait. These small cat breeds may not be able to jump as high or far as the average cat, but they're very fast and active, so be prepared for plenty of kitten-like good fun in your home. Fun fact: The shortest ever munchkin was only 5.25 inches from paw to shoulder! 3. American Curl The American Curl comes in a wide range of sizes due to its diverse gene pool, however most tend to be quite petite. Their most famous characteristic is their ears which curl backwards toward the base of their skull, hence the name. Because of the curl to their ears, they require a little extra cleaning than other cats, but other than that they're a pretty low maintenance breed. This teacup cat breed is perfect if you want an affectionate cat as they have people loving personalities and incredibly playful attitudes, making them ideal for families. Fun fact: American Curls are not actually born with their unique ear shape. At birth, their ears are straight and begin to curl back within 2 to 10 days. 4. Cornish Rex The Cornish Rex is a small cat most commonly identified by its unusually curly coat. Possessing only down hair which is super soft to the touch, they're also a hypoallergenic cat breed as they don't shed very much. Where their bodies may look lithe, they tend to only weigh around 8 pounds and keep their adorable kitten like appearance and attitude forever. Fun fact: You'll have to be sure to keep the snacks locked up with this small cat breed as they have long, agile toes which are excellent at opening cabinets and doors. 5. Devon Rex

What Types of Dog Growl Mean

4 mins read

Many people believe that dogs growl due to aggression, however there's so many different reasons why your dog may be growling. Read our guide to find out the different types and what they mean. Dogs try to communicate with people in different ways, one of which is growling. As pet owners, we often assume that dog growling is a signal of displeasure or aggression, but it isn’t always that simple. There are a range of things that your dog may be trying to convey when they make these growling noises, and if you listen closely, they may not all sound exactly the same. Read on for more information on the different types of dog growl and what they may be trying to tell you when they do so. Why do dogs growl? Dog growling is simply a method of communication – it’s your dog trying to tell you something. Dogs growl to communicate lots of different things, from fear and aggression to encouraging play. That’s why you need to understand the types of dog growl to interpret what the sound means. Always pay attention to the situation that your dog is in when they growl. You may find that your dog makes different types of growling sounds in different situations, and learning to recognise the circumstance of each dog growl will help you to identify what it is your dog is trying to say. Those sounds may seem similar to us, but it’s all about context! Where one growl may be saying: ‘I feel threatened’, another could be saying: ‘I’m having fun!’ Dog growling when playing You may have noticed your dog growling during play. It can seem strange when dogs do this – why would they suddenly make a sound of aggression when you’re having fun together? The simple answer is: they aren’t! This type of dog growling indicates that your pet is having fun; your dog might even be trying to tell you that they want to keep on playing! Although it’s hard for the human ear to pick up on subtle differences in dog growling, play growls can be distinguished from other more aggressive types of growl. Although every dog is different and has their vocal range and individual ‘voice’, in general dog play growls will sound higher pitched than other kinds of growling. They will also often be shorter, and may be accompanied by body language like bounding motions, or your dog bending down onto their front legs, raising their rear-end in the air. Don’t be intimidated if a dog growls during play, with either a person or with another dog. Do keep an eye on the situation in case it escalates, but usually growling during play indicates that a dog is just having fun. Aggressive dog growling Aggressive dog growling is all about an expression of power. A dog might be trying to establish their position as the ‘alpha’ over another animal, or they may have spotted something that has triggered their natural hunting instinct. It’s important to not encourage this kind of dog growling, and to try to separate your pet from what is triggering their aggression. Always be cautious and take into account the situation your pet is in when dealing with aggressive dog growling.

Behaviour & Training

Your Cat's Age in Human Years

1 min read

According to popular legend, one human year is the equivalent of seven ‘cat years’, but in reality, a one-year-old cat is much more mature than a seven-year-old child. How old is my cat in human years? Although there’s no reliable scientific way to calculate the relationship between human and cat years, it’s generally agreed that the first two years of a cat’s life are roughly equal to the first 25 of a human’s. After this, each additional year is around four ‘cat years’. This means if your cat is six years old, their equivalent cat age in human years will be around 41. Find out how old your feline friend is using ourcat age calculator Don’t worry, we’ve done all the math for you! Check our calculator at the bottom of the page and find out your cat’s age in human years at a glance. What is the average life expectancy of my cat? The true answer is that it depends, but indoor cats usually live longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats live 16 to 18 years and some even reach the venerable age of 20. Life expectancy in cats also varies depending on the breed, as some cat breeds will naturally live longer than others. For example, Siamese and Manx breeds are said to live the longest, so could reach a ripe age in human years! Did you know that according to some sources, the world’s oldest cat lived to be 34? That’s 153 in cat years! Read more fascinating cat facts here. Cats’ life expectancies have increased dramatically in the last few decades. Although it’s never enough, we’re spending more and more time together with our feline friends and that can only be a great thing. How can I tell my cat’s age? To find out how old your cat is, it’s best to take them to a vet. But you can still look for tell-tale signs of a cat’s age and health. Teeth Teeth can’t pinpoint the exact date for your feline friend’s birthday party, but they are still a great indicator of a cat’s age. The milestones are: • A kitten’s first teeth appear between two to four weeks. • Their permanent white teeth come in at around four months. • Yellow stains (aka tartar) on a few teeth can mean your cat might be between one or two years old. • If the stains appear on all teeth, the cat is likely at least three to five years old. • Missing teeth are usually a sign that your cat is a respectable senior, between 10 to 15 years of age. • But keep in mind that some cats can just have worse teeth than others regardless of their age.

Senior Care

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a robust, short legged little dog with a leonine expression and a characterful personality. A feature of the breed is the long, profuse coat covering the body, legs and tail and creating a mane around the head and neck. The coat is short on the face and muzzle, but long on the ears. Eyes are large and the muzzle is short, with a wrinkle above it, but the nostrils should be wide and clear and the wrinkle should not obscure the eyes.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Enjoys gentle walks
Enjoys walking half an hour a day
Little toy dog
Some drool
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed
Quiet dog
Not a guard dog
Great with other pets
May require training to live with kids

Lifespan:

12 – 15 years

Weight:

Around 5kg

Height:

Between 15-22cm

Colours:

The Peke's coat can be any colour or have any markings, including black and tan, fawn or red brindle, and part-colour, which is white with another colour.

Size:

Small

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Toy

Lifespan:

12 – 15 years

Weight:

Around 5kg

Height:

Between 15-22cm

Colours:

The Peke's coat can be any colour or have any markings, including black and tan, fawn or red brindle, and part-colour, which is white with another colour.

Size:

Small

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Toy

Personality

Dignified and stately, the Peke has a comical side with their family, but can be reserved with strangers. Under the coat there is a robust little dog, but even if clipped short they are not inclined to strenuous activity. Preferring to be with their people at all times, this is very much a companion breed, and they will not thrive if left alone for very long. Clever and brave in their own way, Pekes are stoic little characters for the most part, but can be surprisingly strong willed and determined, despite their small stature.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: China

The Pekingese or Peke has been around a long time, since the Shu Dynasty, around 2000 years ago. At this time China had recently become a Buddhist country, however the major symbol of Buddhism, the lion (which Buddha tamed and turned into a faithful servant and powerful protector) does not exist in China. So, the Buddhist monks created their own miniature lion by selectively breeding the Pekingese!

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food. You can find out more about balanced diets for dogs with our step-by-step guide.

Exercise

The Peke is a brachycephalic breed, which means they have very short noses. Coupled with their heavy coats and short legs, they are not built for fast walks or long walks. Of course, keeping your Pekingese as lean and fit as possible will help them, so half hour walks at a steady pace and off lead running in secure places is ideal as a dog exercise. Take care in hot weather or even warm weather, to exercise before the temperatures rise or late at night once they have cooled. Be aware that being low to the ground, temperatures can remain high at pavement level, even if things feel cooler for you, higher up.

Ideal Owner

Ideal Peke owners will have the ability to groom this heavy coated dog frequently, and the budget for expensive vet bills, as this breed does have a high risk of health issues due to their short necks and short faces/noses and extreme coat. The Peke is a steady companion with bags of character, who is friendly, personable and won’t demand hours of exercise.

Other Information

Space requirements

Suited to any size home as long as owners are almost always present – the Peke left alone is a sad and deeply unhappy dog. Not great with stairs, so single-storey living is ideal, and a decent sized garden will be appreciated, but ensure it is well fenced! Suited to city or countryside as long as there are safe places to walk and train, the Pekingese really doesn’t mind where you live, as long as you are there!

Training pekingese dogs

The Peke responds well to kind dog training methods using food or toys as rewards. They are not overly inclined to enjoy training for its own sake, but you should work hard to teach your Pekingese to walk nicely on the lead without pulling, a good solid recall and of course, socialise well with other animals and people whilst young. Pekes are capable of learning, they are far from stupid, but you will need to work hard to motivate a Peke to do as you ask.

Best family dog

Ideal for those who are home a lot, and want a companion dog who is not demanding. However, they do need an owner who understands the implications of a brachycephalic breed, and someone who enjoys grooming every day. Not really suited to smaller children due to the time taken up by grooming, and the difficulty very young children have in discerning real dog from toy. Better with older children, but would prefer a quieter and more sedentary home than most families can provide. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Did you know?

The Pekingese really found fame with the character Tricky-Woo in James Herriot’s veterinary books and the subsequent TV series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’. In the books, Tricky-Woo suffers from ‘cracker dog’ and ‘flop-bott’ (likely excessive energy and ‘zoomies’ and anal glad issues respectively). In the recent remake of the series, Tricki-Woo is played by a Pekingese called Derek who apparently would upstage the actors by adding his own ad-lib ‘grrs’ and ‘woofs’ when addressed during a scene!
In ancient China, the smallest and fiercest Pekingese were kept up the wide sleeves of Emperors and couriers who would release them to fend off any potential attackers

Chow Chow (Smooth)

The Chow Chow is a small, compact dog with an apparently square stature. The tail is curved over the back. The inside of the mouth and the tongue have a blue / black colour. There are two types of coat - rough and silky - and a wide variety of colours (black, red, blue, fawn, cream or white). Adult males measure 48-56 cm and weigh about 26-32 kg. Adult females measure 46-51cm and weigh 20-25kg.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Enjoys active walks
Enjoys walking an hour a day
Giant dog
Minimum drool
Requires grooming every other day
Hypoallergenic breed
Quiet dog
Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
Great with other pets
Great family dog

Personality

The Chow-Chow is an independent dog, suspicious and can be obstinate. They are peaceful and gentle dogs; however they can change their behaviour in dangerous situations. They look like a furry, fluffy bear. Breeders have improved their temperament in recent years, and it is assumed that the Chow-Chows' bad mood is due to a lack of training and appropriate socialization at an early age. Avoid inappropriate behavior by introducing them to children, cats and other domestic pets early.

History and Origins

The origin of the Chow-Chow canine breed is a real mystery, but they probably come from Mongolia and Manchuria, where their meat was considered a delicacy and their fur was used for clothing. They were later introduced to China. Over the centuries, this race has been used as a guardian of temples with hordes of malevolent spirits. Chow-Chow was also used as a hunting dog by the aristocracy, as a guard dog against intruders, as sled and cart pullers and as watchdogs. Spitz breeds are believed to have descended from Chow-Chow.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet requires a good balance between the main nutritional groups, including a constant supply of clean water. Check his physical condition regularly to ensure that your dog is healthy and remember to feed him at least twice a day and in accordance with the guidelines for his specific food.

Exercise

Chow-Chow does not require much exercise, about an hour a day outside the hottest hours of the day. He highly appreciates his stay abroad, so the owners must provide a space in the yard to satisfy their needs. If he lives outside, keep your dog in the summer in the shade. Exercise should be accompanied by a dog, as too much exercise can cause bone and joint problems.

Other Information

Health and common issues

The most common health problems in Chow Chow are elbow dysplasia and eyelid problems. As with many breeds, there are some reports of hip dysplasia (a condition that leads to mobility problems). Thus, it is important to screen for hip dysplasia in dogs before reproduction.

Best family dog breeds

Although many breeds of dog are traditionally considered good with children, everyone and dogs and children must be taught to relate and respect each other so that they can be together safely. In any case, dogs and small children should not be left alone without adult supervision.

Pomapoo

If you’re looking for an active, fun toy dog that doesn’t need much exercise and doesn’t shed as much coat, the Pomapoo might be the one for you.

The Pomapoo is one of the smaller designer crossbreeds, which is growing in popularity. And for good reason. The breeds that make up the Pomapoo are two adorable toy dogs: the Pomeranian and the Toy Poodle.

The Pomapoo can be a first cross (with one Pomeranian and one Poodle parent, they can be bred back to one of the original breeds, or be two Pomapoos bred together (although in-breeding can be an issue in this case). This means that there are varieties in shape, colours and coat types, but in all cases this crossbreed is all about very small and friendly companion dogs.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Enjoys gentle walks
Enjoys walking an hour a day
Little toy dog
Minimum drool
Requires grooming daily
Non hypoallergenic breed
Chatty and vocal dog
Not a guard dog
Great with other pets
May require training to live with kids

Height:

The Pomapoo can be anything up to 28cm, but you can expect them to be on the smaller side of that number, considering the parents’ heights. Pomeranian - categorised by weight and not height, should be between 1.8-2.5kg. They are generally around 16-18cm h

Colours:

The colours of a Pomapoo vary as well depending on their parents’ coats, so they can be any of these solid colours with or without white markings. Pomeranian: all whole colours are permissible. Poodle: All solid colours

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Toy (Pomeranian) and Utility (Poodle)

Height:

Colours:

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Toy (Pomeranian) and Utility (Poodle)

Personality

Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Pomapoo depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared. Since both parents are affectionate companion dogs who bond closely to their owners, you can expect to find similar characteristics in a Pomapoo puppy.

The Pomeranian is a surprisingly active little dog who can excel at training, with some even competing in mini agility games. They are sociable, friendly, and outgoing. They have big personalities, sometimes not even realising they are tiny dogs at all!

History and Origins

Like many of the designer crossbreeds, the Pomapoo originated in the United States in a quest to find a small companion dog that didn’t shed as much as a pure-bred Pomeranian. The result is a crossbreed that can fit into any family’s lifestyle no matter how small their home and garden.To understand more about the origin of the breed requires an understanding of the two breeds that go into the formation of the Pomapoo.

Nutrition and Feeding

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. Because of their small stomachs, they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

While this is a surprisingly active small dog, the Pomapoo will be happy with half an hour’s walking each day, as long as they have plenty of games and owner interaction.

Ideal Owner

The Pomapoo would suit an owner or a family with older sensible children who may have a smaller property. If you want a fun companion who doesn’t need a great deal of exercise, but will still enjoy joining in all the family’s activities, the Pomapoo might just be the one. They are very trainable so will suit an owner who enjoys discovering just how smart this cross is. However, they do not like to be left alone and so would need an owner who is either at home most of the time or can take their dog with them wherever they go.

Other Information

Health and common issues

One of the aims of crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within the breeds. This dilution or elimination is likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, all parents should be health tested prior to breeding: Pomeranian - a fairly healthy breed, although like many small breeds can be prone to luxating patellas. Poodle - eye tests and hip scoring should be done. Separation related behaviour problems are very common in the Pomapoo. The Pomapoo can have a lot to say for themselves - especially if bored or if left alone. Toilet training can be slow in this breed and so owners need to be patient and consistent.

Space requirements

This is a small dog who can live in a flat or a smaller property, as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.

Training the pomapoo

The Pomapoo is far cleverer than many people think, so make sure you include plenty of dog tricks and games to their daily routine and you’ll have a happy dog. They should also be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called. While this may look like a cute fluffy dog, the Pomapoo can be surprisingly game when out and can chase squirrels and even the neighbour’s cat! Keep in mind that they can also forget they are small dogs when they meet other far larger dogs, so don’t be surprised if they get territorial with fellow canines twice their size. This is a breed that needs early and ongoing dog socialisation so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.

Best family dog breeds

The Pomapoo makes a fun family companion who can turn their hand to training, games or tricks. But, as they are small and rather delicate, they suit families with older sensible children.

Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is a great dog to be around and will no doubt charm everyone in the family with their smarts and good looks. The breeds that make up the Sheepadoodle are Old English Sheepdog and the Standard Poodle, two friendly and playful dogs that pass on plenty of their good traits to the Sheepadoodle puppy. The aim of this cross is to get an Old English Sheepdog type that doesn’t shed and includes the characteristics of the Poodle. Sometimes a Miniature Poodle is used to produce a smaller dog but this is rarer.

Depending on how they have been bred, there are varieties in size, shape, coat types and temperaments. In theory, the Sheepadoodle can be a first cross (with one Old English Sheepdog parent and one Poodle parent) or can be bred back to one of the original breeds or be two Sheepadoodles bred together.

In reality, this is a very rare cross (usually a first cross only), so there is slightly more consistency in size, shape and temperament. However, this depends on the breeder, so make sure you look out for those breeders that breed them responsibly and ensure all parents are health tested.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Some training required
Enjoys vigorous walks
Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
Large dog
Some drool
Requires grooming daily
Non hypoallergenic breed
Chatty and vocal dog
Guard dog. Barks and alerts
May require training to live with other pets
May require training to live with kids

Height:

The height of a Sheepadoodle depends on the size of the parents used (especially the Poodle), so can vary widely from 40 to 64cm. If the Miniature Poodle is used, a dog as small as 36cm is possible. Old English Sheepdog - 56-61cm. Standard Poodle - Over 3

Colours:

The colour of a Sheepadoodle depends on the parents’ coats, but it’s usually a mixture of black and white. Old English Sheepdog - any shade of grey, grizzle or blue. Body and hindquarters of solid colour with or without white socks. Head, neck, forequarte

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Pastoral (Old English Sheepdog) and Utility (Poodle)

Height:

Colours:

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Pastoral (Old English Sheepdog) and Utility (Poodle)

Personality

Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Sheepadoodle depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared.

Old English Sheepdogs are protective, intelligent, loving and watchful dog with appealing personality who bonds closely to their owners. They enjoy being involved in all activities, but can become overly boisterous without training.

History and Origins

Given the relative low numbers of Old English Sheepdogs and the breed club’s desire to protect the breed, the Sheepadoodle is an unusual crossbreed in the UK.To understand more about the origin of the Sheepadoodle, we need to look at the two breeds that go into its formation.Country of Origin: England

Nutrition and Feeding

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients compared to smaller-breed dogs. Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition?scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

It is difficult to predict the exercise needs of this cross, but you can usually expect a dog with moderate to high levels of activity. The Poodle is an active working dog who needs plenty of exercise, thrives on having a job to do, and loves training and exercising their busy brains. The Old English Sheepdog is calmer but still active and clownish - and of course he is a working dog at heart. As such, the Sheepadoodle will need 1-2 hours a day exercise but will also enjoy training, and time outside in the garden along with playing with their owner. Old English Sheepdogs have huge coats and are designed to withstand the cold - and so they do not do well in the heat of the summer so exercising first thing in the morning and last thing at night when the sun is cooler may be necessary. Take advice from both your breeder and your vet as to how much dog exercise they will need as they grow up.

Other Information

Health and common issues

Potential issues

Plenty of early and ongoing dog socialisation is important in such a large breed. It is also important to build up their social skills in order to counteract any potential guarding issues that may come with the protective Old English Sheepdog temperament. Jumping up can be an issue and so polite greeting behaviour should be taught from puppyhood.

Space requirements

The Sheepadoodle is a large active dog who needs a good-sized living space. Plus, they will also appreciate a large garden and access to the great outdoors.

Training the sheepadoodle dog

This is a large breed who will need dog training so you can walk them easily on a lead and ensure they will come back to you when you call them. They also need to learn not to jump up at people, or knock them over in their enthusiasm! The Sheepadoodle needs plenty of early and ongoing socialisation to ensure they are happy around people and other dogs. Both breeds are clever and highly trainable. They will enjoy working with their owner and can excel in training classes. The two breeds that go into the Sheepadoodle are very owner-oriented, and so training and handling should always be positive and reward-based. It is important to train a Sheepadoodle to enjoy handling and grooming (as they will need a lot of it).

Family friendly dog breeds

If the Sheepadoodle is sourced from a reliable breeder who prioritises temperament and health, and is well-trained from puppyhood, they will make fabulous family dogs, be a joy to own and will get on with everyone.

Bernedoodle

The breeds that make up the Bernedoodle are the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Standard Poodle, but sometimes a Miniature Poodle is used to produce a smaller dog. The aim of this cross is to get a Bernese Mountain Dog type with the enchanting natures of both, that doesn’t shed or drool so much and lives longer.

In theory, the Bernedoodle can be a first cross (with one Bernese Mountain Dog parent and one Poodle parent), can be bred back to one of the original breeds or be two Bernedoodles bred together. In reality, this is a rare cross and as such is usually a first cross only (F1), so there is slightly more consistency in size, shape and temperament - but this depends on the breeder as such crossbreeds are often produced irresponsibly from ‘less than great’ parents or even parents of dubious breeding themselves.

If you are considering this cross, make sure you buy a puppy from a responsible and ethical breeder.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for owners with some experience
Some training required
Enjoys gentle walks
Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
Giant dog
Some drool
Requires grooming daily
Non hypoallergenic breed
Chatty and vocal dog
Not a guard dog
May require training to live with other pets
Great family dog

Lifespan:

12 to 18 years, although smaller Bernedoodles tend to live longer than the standard version of the breed

Weight:

4.5 (tiny variant) – 40kg (standard variant)

Height:

25cm – 73cm

Colours:

The colours of the Bernedoodle coat can be any of those standard to the Bernese Mountain Dog or Poodle, or a combination of both. Most commonly they’ll be: black; black and white; black and brown or tri-coloured with patches of black, white and brown.

Size:

The size can range between tiny to large, depending on if a Miniature Poodle is used or not.

Lifespan:

12 to 18 years, although smaller Bernedoodles tend to live longer than the standard version of the breed

Weight:

4.5 (tiny variant) – 40kg (standard variant)

Height:

25cm – 73cm

Colours:

Size:

The size can range between tiny to large, depending on if a Miniature Poodle is used or not.

History and Origins

The Bernedoodle, while more popular in the US and Canada, is an unusual crossbreed in the UK - given the relative scarcity of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the breed club’s desire to protect the breed. However, the Bernedoodle was first intentionally bred by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels in 2003, as she wanted to combine the Poodles clever and goofy personality with the unfaltering loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Nutrition and Feeding

If you have a large Bernedoodle, they’ll have significant appetites and will benefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting different joint and cartilage needs. The Bernedoodle can be prone to bloating and stomach problems, so try feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimise the risk. Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed them at least twice daily in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.

Exercise

It’s difficult to predict the exercise needs of this cross. The Poodle is an active working dog who needs plenty of exercise, thrives on having a job to do, and loves training and exercising their busy brains. The Bernese Mountain Dog is far calmer and laid-back and is often happy lying around watching what is going on. So, you could end up with a light-ish build dog who needs a lot of exercise and training, or you could end up with a heavier dog whose body and brain is more that of a friendly couch potato! Even an active Bernedoodle may not mature for quite some time, so short periods of exercise several times a day are far better so as not to permanently damage growing bones and joints. If your Bernedoodle inherits the thick coat of the Bernese Mountain Dog, it’s worth noting that these are designed to withstand the cold of the Alps and so they don’t cope well in the heat of the summer. With this in mind, exercising first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening when the sun is cooler may be necessary. Take advice from both your breeder and your vet.

Other Information

Health and common issues

One aim with crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within one or other of the breeds. This dilution or elimination is only likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, all parents should be health tested prior to breeding: Bernese Mountain Dog - eye tests and hip and elbow scoring should be done, and there are several DNA tests that should be done. Also, this breed takes a long time to reach maturity and is one of the shortest-lived breeds, so prospective owners should be prepared for the possibility of losing their dog earlier than they might expect. Poodle - eye tests and hip scoring should be done. Information on DNA health tests for both breeds can be found on the Kennel Club’s website and via their respective breed clubs.

Space requirements

The Bernedoodle varies in size quite drastically, but for larger types, a good-sized living space will be required. Plus, they will appreciate a large garden and access to the great outdoors.

Training bernedoodles

For larger Bernedoodles, they will need training so you can walk them easily on a lead and ensure they will come back to you when you call them. They also need to learn not to jump up at people - or knock them over in their enthusiasm! The two breeds that go into the Bernedoodle are very owner-oriented and so training and handling should always be positive and reward-based. It’s important to train a Bernedoodle to enjoy handling and grooming (as they will need a lot of it). Given the Poodle has a working gundog background, they should be well socialised with cats (who they can learn to live with very happily) but they should be watched with caution around other small animals and birds.

Best family dog breeds

Did you know?

If the Bernedoodle is sourced from a reliable breeder, and well-trained from puppyhood, they will make fabulous family dogs, be a total joy to own and will get on with everyone. In other words, almost the perfect dog!

Schnoodle

The Schnoodles are dogs that come in many guises but are always a joy to have around. The breeds that make up the Schnoodle are the Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard or Giant) and the Poodle (Toy, Miniature or Standard).

Given that any of the three sizes of Schnauzer can be used and any of the three sizes of Poodle, the result is a happy and quick-witted crossbreed in pretty much any size and with a variety of temperaments and behaviours.

The Schnoodle can be a first cross (with one Schnauzer and one Poodle parent), they can be bred back to one of any of the sizes of the original breeds, or be two Schnoodle bred together.

The need-to-know

Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
Some training required
Enjoys active walks
Enjoys walking one to two hours a day
Medium dog
Minimum drool
Requires grooming every other day
Non hypoallergenic breed
Chatty and vocal dog
Guard dog. Barks and alerts
May require training to live with other pets
May require training to live with kids

Height:

The usual height of a Schnoodle depends on the size of the parents used, so it can vary widely. But they are usually classified as being Toy (under 30cm), Miniature (30-38cm) or Standard (above 38cm). Dogs growing above 65cm are rare in this cross. Schnau

Colours:

The colours of a Schnoodle vary as well, depending on the colours of their parents, but black predominates. Schnauzer: Black, pepper and salt (shades ranging from dark iron grey to light grey: hair banded black/light/black). Dark facial mask. The Miniatur

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Utility (although Giant Schnauzer is in Working group)

Height:

Colours:

UK Kennel Club Groups:

Utility (although Giant Schnauzer is in Working group)

Personality

Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Schnoodle depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared. In this cross however the size of Schnauzer used has a marked difference in temperament as the Giant Schnauzer is a strong-minded, powerful, active working dog whereas the Miniature is far softer (although still with terrier-type tendencies!) and more of a companion dog.

History and Origins

The Schnoodle is a fairly new and still rare crossbreed. Created in the US during the 1980s, the goal was to design a friendly, low-shedding dog breed, that would fit in with family life.The two breeds that go into the formation of the Schnoodle are the Schnauzer and the Poodle.

Nutrition and Feeding

The Schnoodle diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition?scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed him at least twice daily in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Exercise

Both the breeds that make up the Schnoodle are active and enjoy exercise and will be happy with up to two hours every day (less for smaller Schnoodles). They will enjoy games, training, interactive toys and being involved in all family activities.

Other Information

Health and common issues

One aim with crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within one or other of the breeds. This dilution or elimination is only likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, all parents should be health tested prior to breeding: Schnauzers - eye tests and hip scoring should be done, DNA test for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Standard), DNA test for Mycobacterium Avium Complex (Miniature) Poodle - eye tests and hip scoring should be done Information on health tests for both breeds can be found on the Kennel Club’s website and via their respective breed clubs.

Potential issues

This cross can be noisy - especially if bored or left for long periods of time. Giant Schnauzer crosses need early and ongoing dog socialisation. They may be suspicious of strangers (human and canine) and can become territorial. If bored, chewing and destructive behaviour can become an issue.

Space requirements

This depends on the size of dogs used in this cross. The Smaller Schnoodles can live in a flat or a small house and as long as they have access to outdoors for toileting and exercise (and as long as neighbours don’t mind noise!) they’ll be happy. Whereas the larger ones need a much bigger living space, a well-fenced garden and access to long walks.

Training the schnoodle

This is a very active dog who is smart, busy and who will need dog training early on. They are a joy to train as both the breeds are intelligent and love working with their owner, but they will learn bad habits as quickly as good ones so reward-based training should start early and be ongoing. Smaller Schnoodles will enjoy agility and even heelwork to music, while larger ones can excel in obedience classes and do need training to ensure they are happy around other dogs and people, walk calmly on a lead and have a good recall. Early and ongoing socialisation is important. Toy Poodles can be quite sensitive and any rough handling or raised voices can worry them greatl. Therefore, all training and handling should, as always, be positive and reward-based. It is important to train a Schnoodle to enjoy handling and grooming (as they will need a lot of it).

Family friendly dog breeds

The Schnoodle can make a fabulous family dog who will enjoy all family activities, but make sure you choose your breeder and your puppy wisely.

Did you know?

Labradoodles make great therapy dogs. Their warm personality is often a match for people with autism or physical disabilities.