Is Your New Family Dog a High-Sticking Terrier Mix?
A terrier mix mixes one dog from a pure terrier strain with another purebred dog entirely. They usually come in an astonishing number of different shapes, colors, sizes, and temperaments. When deciding how to train a terrier mix the first thing you must do is establish what type of lifestyle you hope for your new family pet. If you are a new owner then this decision will be harder to make but it will be well worth the effort in the end.
Before you start to look at the different terrier mixes it helps to know what the breed standard of the different dogs is. In this way, you will know what type of food you can feed your pups. A common error made by novice dog owners who are looking for homes for their dogs is that they try to feed their puppies or dogs with whatever brand or variety is available to them. Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” formula when it comes to these breeds. So it is important to research the different types of dogs and find out which one is most suited to your lifestyle and requirements.
One of the main characteristics of a good terrier mix is temperament.
The temperament of dogs varies greatly depending on the breed. Poodles are known for being gentle, loving, and very affectionate, while Beagles are famous for being brave, bold, alert, and quite self-centered. A mix between a Great Dane and a Poodle will probably produce a much happier, calmer family dog that will be more than eager to please and be your best friend for life!
Another thing you should think about before you decide how to adopt a terrier mix is whether or not it is a designer dog. Designer dogs are dogs that are bred to be a particular ‘look’. A Chihuahua is a designer dog, so if you are adopting a Chihuahua make sure that the breeder is licensed and that they are practicing good animal husbandry principles. You want a happy, social dog who will grow up with your family and not one that has been treated roughly or otherwise mistreated. If you are not sure whether or not your new Chihuahua is a designer dog, do your research.
Also, keep in mind that many purebreds from certain breeds have been crossbred to create more popular and more designer dogs. These designer dogs are often used for show purposes or in breeding programs to improve the genetics of the mixed breeds. You may also find dogs who have been crossed with other less desired dogs to create a new dog, called a mutt, that is often even more unusual than its purebred counterpart.
Extra frills and extra wiry coat: some terriers have been bred to shed a lot.
This can make them undesirable in some cases. But a wiry coat and extra fringes can make the dog very appealing to many people who want a dog who will stand up to the dog park. It also makes for a great pet.
Fun-loving pups: the mix is just as likely to have a lot of energy as it is to be laid back. A lot of poodles are high strung, which is a trait found in many excitable dogs, and it can make them a little harder to handle. Yet many poodle mixes love to be in the middle of the fun, going for a walk, chasing the ball, or even getting into silly scrapes with the rest of the family.
Of course, personality is affected by the breed of a dog as much as anything else. Look at any list of the most popular mixed breeds and you’ll see that there is a pretty wide range in terms of temperament. You will also note that these dogs have different temperaments and quirks and are likely to be a little different in each generation as well. Be prepared for a little wiggle room when it comes to choosing a family dog that has the potential to be a good fit for all.
