“Poodle, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise Mix”
The sweet, pint-sized Daisy Dog is a mix of three tiny, lovable breeds, namely the Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. It enjoys playing, and loves to meet new people and pets. It loves playing and running around, then snuggling on its human’s lap. It also rarely barks. Thus, it is great for dog lovers with limited living spaces.
Quick Info about the Daisy Dog
| Height | 10 to 12” |
| Weight | 10 to 30 lbs. |
| Suitable for | Households with children and pets, home-based workers, apartment dwellers, people who prefer minimal-shedding dogs |
| Life Expectancy | 13 to 16 years |
| Comparable Breeds | width=”319″>Shih Tzu, Shichon |
| Temperament | Energetic, intelligent, loving, obedient, friendly |
Although the exact time when the breed began cannot be determined for certain, it is believed that the Daisy Dog was first bred sometime in the 1980s. It was when designer dogs started to become popular. Breeding two different purebreds was done to produce puppies that do not inherit the health issues of their popular parent breeds. The pups are often gentler, smaller, and hypoallergenic versions.
The Daisy Dog was bred to come up with a cute, shaggy, and non- to low-shedding dog with a great temperament and personality. To better appreciate the designer breed, it is important to first learn about the parent breeds. By knowing the unique traits of each of the parent breeds, you will understand where the Daisy Dog got its adorable traits from.
- Poodle – The poodle is one of the older breeds today. Poodles originally came from Germany, although the French first bred the poodle into three different sizes (toy, miniature, and standard). The French likewise introduced the art of sculpting Poodles.
The standard-sized poodle served as retrievers for waterfowl hunters. The miniature poodle was used in the forests to snuff out truffles. The smallest or tiny-sized poodle was often a companion dog to many noble and rich people during the time. They were carried around in their owners’ large sleeves. This was why tiny poodles were also called sleeve dogs.
The poodle’s innate intelligence first got the attention of circus performers. They then started to adopt poodles, and produced shows that featured them. Poodles appeared in shows in colorful costumes and sculpted fur. The wealthy people who saw the performances were impressed. They then adopted the practice of clipping and dying the fur of their poodles.
The poodle was first registered in Britain in the year 1874. The breed first came to America 1in 1886. Today, the Poodle is quite popular as a clever and highly-devoted dog to its human. It is loving and playful, making it the ideal family dog. It is also easy to train and because it is wary of strangers, it is perfect for a watchdog.
The poodle is quite sensitive. This is why it is not good to leave it alone for long stretches of time. Although other people may think of the Poodle as aloof, it can actually be very loving, entertaining, and playful once he warms up to you.
- Bichon Frise – The real origin of the Bichon Frise is unclear. But, there are indications that it originally came from the Mediterranean. The earliest traces of the existence of the breed can be traced back to the 1300s.
It was believed that Italian or French sailors brought the breed from the Canary Islands to Europe. Once the dogs arrived in Europe, they quickly became quite popular. They soon became the favorite breed of the wealthy and noble families. Thus, they were often found in the royalties’ courts.
The popularity of the Bichon Frise remained even after the reign of Napoleon III. At that time, the first duly-elected French president lost his power, although he came back in the middle of the 20th century to become the emperor of France.
Today, the Bichon Frise is considered as a common dog that was once admired for its intelligence. It was popular among circus performers and organ grinders. At the end of the First World War, the French decided to preserve the breed. In 1934, it was officially recognized in France.
The cheerful little Bichon Frise craves for attention, and demands to be right at the center of everything. It uses its natural charm to win everyone over to its side. It hates to be left alone, and is known to experience attacks of separation anxiety. It is a fast learner, and it fares well in terms of performing tricks and showing obedience to its human family.
- Shih Tzu – Like the Poodle, the Shih Tzu is one of the earliest known breeds that are still around today. Shih Tzu bones were found in China that date to as far back as 8000 BC. The breed is said to have originated in China or Tibet. Shih Tzus were valued highly by the Chinese royalty.
During the 1200s, Marco Polo reported that Kubla Khan had a little lion dogs that he used to calm his lions. Some historians say that these little lion dogs were actually Shih Tzus. There are references to the breed throughout Chinese history. It is also depicted in many art forms.
Empress T’zu Hsi ascended to the throne in 1861. She was well-known for her love for animals, the Shih Tzu in particular. She protected the breed and set up breeding programs for them. Some Chinese historians even say that the dogs were trained to sit up, and then wave using their paws each time the empress walked past.
The breed reached England in 1928. On the other hand, the American Kennel Club officially recognized it in 1969.
Today, the Shih Tzu is still often used as a loyal companion. It loves to be with its human family all the time. It doesn’t behave well when left all by its lonesome for long stretches of time. It is an affectionate dog that loves to sit on its master’s lap. It is also clever, alert, and friendly. While the Shih Tzu is at its best when given lots of adoration, it is also capable of giving back the same to its owner.
Daisy Dog Pedigree
When it comes to lineage, the Daisy Dog is known as the “dog’s breakfast.” Because it has 3 parent breeds, it isn’t eligible to be part of the American Kennel Club’s list of pure-breds – even if all three parent breeds are members of the AKC in good standing (with the Poodle and Bichon Frise joining the non-sporting category in 1887 and 1972, respectively, and the Shih Tzu joining the Toy category in 1969).
Diet and Nutrition
As a small to medium sized, high energy dog, the Daisy Dog needs food appropriate for its age, size, and activity level. It is best to give your pooch nutrient-rich kibbles without carbs. Because its parent breeds are prone to gaining weight and joint issues, a diet high in fat must be avoided.
The Poodle parent breed is known to experience digestive issues from time to time. Thus, you should refrain from free-feeding your Daisy Dog. Instead, you should only provide it with 2 – 3 meals each day with good nutrition.
Daisy Dog Puppy Training
The designer breed is intelligent, thanks to the genes of its parent breeds. It loves to please, and is quick to follow commands. This makes the Daisy Dog very easy to train. Socialization and obedience training would be a breeze. The pooch responds very well to generous treats and verbal praises each time it does a great job.
Weight
Depending on the dominant parent breed, your Daisy Dog can weigh anywhere between 10 and 30 pounds as an adult.
Temperament and Behavior
The Daisy Dog is extremely friendly and loves to play a lot. It can get along well with children and other pets, making it the ideal family dog. But, because it rarely barks, you cannot expect it to be a great watchdog. The Daisy Dog has a need to please its humans, and snuggle on their lap.
On the downside, the Daisy Dog doesn’t like to be left alone. You need to make sure that a family member stays home with it or have a dog walker visit on a regular basis to keep your pooch away from mischief.
Common Health Issues
As mentioned, designer dogs are typically bred to skirt the serious health problems of its parent breeds. Thus, they are healthy, in general. But, over time, they may inherit and show signs of health problems that beset its parents. These may include portosystemic liver shunt, joint problems, bloating, Addison’s disease, bladder infections, bladder stones, and epilepsy.
Life Expectancy
Daisy Dogs have an average lifespan of anywhere from 13 – 16 years, maybe a little bit more if taken care of well.
Exercise Needs
Because it brims with energy, the Daisy Dog needs regular exercise. This will help keep it within its normal weight, and prevent the onset of joint issues. Because of its small frame, the pooch only needs short walks every day, as well as regular playtime. It doesn’t matter whether it plays indoors or outdoors.
The Daisy Dog is intelligent, obeys commands quickly, and is keen to please. A good way to keep it well-socialized, physically fit, and mentally alert is to take him out for regular visits to off-leash parks.
Recognized Daisy Dog Clubs
Because it is not a pure breed, the Daisy Dog is not eligible for American Kennel Club recognition. Instead, it is a member of the DRA or Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Coat and Grooming Needs
The Daisy Dog is a low or non-shedding dog. Its thick, silky coat requires minimal grooming. You only need to brush its coat once or twice a week to keep the coat mat and tangle-free. Bathe the dog only when necessary. Periodic trips to the groomers may be necessary from time to time to keep its coat in great shape.
Small dog breeds are prone to dental issues. Thus, you should brush your Daisy Dog’s teeth at least once a week. Weekly cleaning of your pooch’s floppy ears will also prevent dirt build-up, as well as infections.
Daisy Dog Puppies
A Daisy Dog puppy is extremely tiny at birth. Thus, you must handle it with extreme care to protect the joints, and avoid causing problems later in life. Exercise and training must be done slowly. Make sure not to over-exert its tiny limbs. This may pose some challenges because as puppies, Daisy Dogs love to play with their toys, and are easy to befriend anyone they meet at this stage in their life.