
Have you ever encountered a daisy dog before? They have the combined fun characteristics of the Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. They also look tiny and look so adorable, especially when half the length of their ears is semi-erect. Learn more about this dog breed and how to care for them in this comprehensive guide.
What Do Daisy Dogs Look Like?
At first glance, a daisy dog will capture you with its appeal. It also has a sturdy physique, and cheerful disposition.
You can see them having different sizes too. From small to medium, with well-proportioned bodies. They also have broad heads and distinct ears that sometimes stand up or fold down semi-erect.
Another thing that you will notice about daisy dogs is their long and pointed tail. While most dogs with this breed have pointed tails, some can also have fluffy ones.
It is said that the eyes of this dog are its most appealing characteristic. The shape is almost like an almond, sparkling to give a lively look.
Additionally, the sturdy short legs of daisy dogs being supported by its tiny rounded feet make it surprisingly fast. It also has a black nose, and fluffy coat described as dense and silky, giving this dog an adorable overall appearance.
The Origin Of Daisy Dog
It is uncertain when the breed began, but most people believe they were first bred around the 1980s. It was the time when designer dogs were increasing in popularity.
The daisy dog is characterized as a shaggy, cute dog. It has a great personality and temperament too. Plus, they don’t shed much hair over time.
To get to know this dog breed better, here is some information about its parents:
1. Poodle
The poodle is among the oldest dog breeds, originally from Germany. However, the first to breed the poodle into three size variants, namely, standard, toy, and miniature, is French. Aside from its different sizes, the French also introduced sculpting poodles to make cute figurines.
Daisy dogs got their innate intelligence and appeal from poodles. Circus performers adopted poodles to feature in their show back in the day, impressing the wealthy people with every performance.
2. Bichon Frise
Where this dog breed originated is still unclear. However, there are some signs that it came from the Mediterranean. The bichon frise was first spotted back in the 1300s, and people believed that French or Italian sailors brought the breed to Europe from the Canary Islands. The bichon frise became popular in Europe quickly after its arrival.
When it comes to attention, the bichon frise is one of those who need it the most. They are cheerful but tend to crave being at the center of everything. It also hates being alone and is susceptible to separation anxiety.
The good thing about this breed is that they learn fast. They are also obedient and can learn tricks easily.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is one of the three origin breeds of daisy dogs. Just like the poodle, they are among the oldest known breeds that still exist today. Back in 8000 BC, the bones of Shih Tzu were found in China. But people also believe that it originated in Tibet.
This dog breed is known as a loyal companion. Also, they are affectionate and love to be with their human family all the time.
Temperament Of The Daisy Dog
Daisy dogs are known for their adorable and friendly nature. They are small but are full of energy and love. Their need for affection also indicates that they love being playful, interactive, and connected with their humans. The intelligence of this dog breed is also notable.
Caring For Daisy Dogs
Here is a guide to help you take care of a daisy dog better:
Daisy Dog Exercise
By nature, daisy dogs, also called daisies, are energetic and active. It means that they also require a good amount of physical activities like exercise every day. You may take them for a jog or walk before going to work. Another way is to let them loose in a wide, enclosed yard so they can enjoy playing around, running, and chasing you or other dogs.
Letting your dog have enough time for physical activities can relieve its stress and keep its mental state healthy. But, unlike other dogs, daisy dogs only require little exercise. Walking them thirty minutes daily is enough. You may also gradually extend the time of your walks, and your pet will adapt to your lifestyle.
The right amount of exercise is essential for daisy dogs. It is primarily because less physical activity can result in health issues like joint damage and weight gain. But aside from exercise, it is also essential that you spend time with your dog. You can do so by having it relax on your lap or side.
Remember that lounging with your dog should not be the reason to neglect its walks. In dogs, unhealthy behaviors can also arise due to a lack of exercise. Mental exercise plays a vital role in keeping your dog sharp, alert, and properly stimulated. It is especially true of daisies as they are intelligent.
Among the most ideal ways to keep your pet engaged is through treat toys or puzzles.
Grooming
Proper grooming will help your dog achieve a beautiful and healthy coat. In the case of daisy dogs, you have to brush their coat at least three times weekly. It will help to retain the natural smoothness and sheen of its coat.
Another reason to brush your dog’s hair is to avoid it getting tangled and knotted over time. Daisy dogs have slightly long hair, which means it is most likely to have matted hair. You may also clip the coat of your daisy dog when it grows too long. Call a professional to help with the grooming, especially when its long hair interferes with its vision.
Aside from its hair, a daisy dog also requires regular grooming like ear cleaning, teeth brushing, nail trimming, etc. Most daisy dog owners also love having their dogs wear collars, tags, and other cute dog accessories.
Health Problems
Designer dogs like daisies are generally healthy as they are bred to eliminate serious health issues common to their parents. Despite this fact, you should never ignore the genetic histories of the dog breeds where they came from. Be informed about generic histories or health issues common within its bloodline. Also, find a reputable breeder who provides a health clearance certificate to its dogs.
Life Expectancy
A daisy dog has an average life span of 13 to 16 years. Unlike larger breeds, small dogs like daisies live for quite a long time. Right care and genetics also play a vital role in the length of a dog’s lifespan.
Diet/Feeding
Daisy dogs are similar to any other small breeds in terms of diet. But since they are susceptible to obesity, you have to maintain a recommended feeding portion. They also have to get the right amount of daily exercise to be healthy.
Feed your daisy dog foods high in carbohydrates and animal proteins to acquire minerals, energy, vitamins, and fatty acids. Their ideal food is dry, having balanced portions of the ingredients mentioned earlier.
Weight
The average weight of an adult daisy dog is around 10 to 30 pounds. However, it depends on which of its parents influences it the most.
Size
Just like its weight, the size of a daisy dog also relies on its parents. Meanwhile, the average height of this breed is around 7 to 11 inches.
Training
This dog breed is well-known for its obedience. They love to make you smile and be satisfied, allowing you to train them quickly.
It is best to socialize them from a young age by letting them play with your other pets and children. Your friends and relatives can also join so your dog gets familiar with new faces.
Giving positive reinforcement to them, like praising them, is a good reward. Aside from that, you may also give them treats and show them love and appreciation. Most importantly, let them know that you are the leader to avoid any misbehavior in the future.
Facts About The Daisy Dog
1. Daisy Dogs Are Sensitive Little Pups
Daisies are known to be emotional and affectionate. They will react depending on the way you interact and speak with them. It is amazing how they portray different emotions too. When you seem to be forceful or loud with them, they likely won’t handle it well.
Knowing about these things is essential, especially when training daisy dogs. You have to use positive reinforcement like petting, positive vocal encouragement, and treats to be more effective. When daisies exhibit terrible behavior, handle it by not raising your voice and using positive training techniques to establish good behaviors.
2. Daisy Dogs Are Very Possessive
Daisy dogs might be sociable and friendly, but they tend to be very possessive of their blankets, toys, or beds. They won’t growl or bark at anyone who would try to take their things, but their instinct is to try to keep it with them. So before taking a daisy dog into your home, make sure that you are prepared for very old toys to stay in your abode.
3. Bigger Families Are Ideal For Daisy Dogs
This dog breed is ideal for bigger families. Since daisies tend to experience intense separation anxiety and are not good in isolation, they thrive well in a family with many members.
They love playing and bonding with people. So, having many family members around means more attention and time to play.
Meanwhile, these furry friends are also mildly energetic. They can easily adapt to different people throughout the day. You can also spot them sleeping right next to you while you are busy working or relaxing on your lap while having a movie night with your family.
Other families worry that daisy dogs are not good with children, but they do. Just make sure that your kids are also knowledgeable on the right way to handle these dogs and respect animals. This way, you have nothing to worry about.
All dogs need socialization to establish good and acceptable behaviors around people. Daisy dogs, on the other hand, have an innate ability to get along well with people. It is especially when they are well socialized, starting from puppyhood.
4. Daisies Are Welcoming To Other Pets
Just like how well they interact with humans, daisy dogs also get along with other animals. You can observe this when a daisy dog encounters other dogs at a dog park. So, if you have other pets at home, you won’t likely encounter any problem taking in a daisy dog.
Daisies are a non-dominant and non-aggressive type of dog. The problem is when the other dog is not well socialized and is aggressive. This dog breed also shows low prey drive. It means that you won’t be seeing it chasing rabbits, squirrels, or other animals they may see in your yard.
Male VS. Female Daisy Dogs
If you are still unsure what gender of daisy dog you will get, here is the only difference between the two. Male daisies are slightly more playful and energetic than their female counterparts. Both females and males are loving and cheerful.
Aside from that, they are also accepting and friendly to those around them. You can see them play with your children, sleep anywhere in your home, and play with other pets without harming them.
Conclusion
To summarize, the daisy dog is too adorable not to love. It is a tiny dog breed that is best for big families, even households with little children. Most people like daisies because they are welcoming and accepting of other people and animals around them. They are likely to spend time with whatever and whoever is with them.
If you are planning to adopt a daisy dog anytime soon, note that this breed needs attention and emotional stimulation. Daisy dogs are ideal for those living in apartments too. They are small, require low exercise, and don’t bark as much as other dogs do. However, this dog breed is not ideal to leave for long periods alone as they are susceptible to separation anxiety.
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