Cross Breed

The Miniature Schnauzer is a breed of small dog of the Schnauzer type that originated in Germany in the mid-to-late 19th century. Miniature Schnauzers developed from crosses between the Standard Schnauzer and one or more smaller breeds such as the Poodle or Affenpinscher.

The affenpinscher is a terrier-like toy breed of dog. It has harsh rough coat and a monkey-like expression (Affe means monkey in German). Its coat is shaggier over the head and shoulders forming a mane, with shorter coat over the back and hind quarters. It is harsh and wiry in texture. The FCI and UK breed standards specifies that the coat must be black, but the AKC also allows gray, silver, red,and tan, and belge (not beige; belge is a mixture of red, black and white hairs); other clubs have their own lists of acceptable colours, with black being the preference. The affenpinscher is a dog with a shaggy, wiry-type coat.

Affenpinschers have a distinct appearance that some associate with terriers. They are different from terriers, however, in that they are actually part of the pinscher-schnauzer of group 2 in the FCI classification and so often get along with other dogs and pets. They are active, adventurous, curious, and stubborn, but they are also fun-loving and playful. The breed is confident, lively, affectionate towards family members and is also very protective of them. This loyal little dog enjoys being with its family. It needs consistent, firm training because some can be quite difficult to housebreak. The training should be varied because the dog can easily become bored. The affenpinscher has a terrier like personality.

Affenpinschers are somewhat territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so they are not recommended for very small children. This dog is mostly quiet but can become very excited if attacked or threatened and shows no fear toward any aggressor. It is best suited for a family who likes a show and has a sense of humor.

Source: Wikipedia

Pets

"You become, forever, responsible for what you have tamed."

"It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important."

"You must observe the proper rites."

All of the above quotes are taken from Antoine de Saint-Exupery's "The Little Prince", one of my favorite books.

These just show why we are so hooked up with our pets, whether dogs, cats, mice or roses. We have come to tame them and care for them. The time, effort and attention we have given our pets make them unique from the rest of the dogs, cats, mice and roses. They are OUR very own pets whom we have squeezed in to our lives.

We observed certain daily routines with our pets. In our case, we get up early so we can walk the dogs and feed them. The same things are done before retiring to bed. Of course there is bath time, grooming chores, buying dog food and supplies, taking them out to socialize and check-ups with the vet.

At times, when my schedule is so tight and faced with life's challenges, I ask, "why do I have dogs to take care of in the middle of all the things I have to do and fix?"

Well, it all boils down to being in love with these creatures and back to the quotes . . .

"You become, forever, responsible for what you have tamed."

"It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important."

"You must observe the proper rites."