PET CORNER
June 11, 2010

Little Pooches

Last week we looked at “Big Dogs”. Today, let’s look at our little dogs.

Most of us who own little dogs could testify to their loudness. Giving credence to the saying “Little dogs bark the loudest”.

Small dogs will get away with lots of things that “big dogs” will not be let off the hook lightly for.{{more}} For example, if a German shepherd should jump up on you, especially if you are in your Sunday best, you may become furious at him, but if a 5 lb Yorkie does the same it could be considered cute. Or similarly, if you are taking your dog on a walk and a big dog growls at a passerby, it could elicit a response of fear from the person, but if a 2 lb Chihuahua growls at the same person, they may think it is cute instead of being scared.

As guard dogs, the racket that “little dogs” make if there is an intruder is second to none.



In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, these would include the following breeds:

1. Pomeranians.

2. Jack Russell Terriers

3. Cocker Spaniels

4. Yorkshire Terriers.

5. Crosses between the above breeds.

6. The so called “Bequia Poodles”, which is believed to be crosses between the Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. This undocumented breed originated in SVG over 100 years ago.

I know that there is no documented evidence of this, but one of my long standing clients, of over 18 years, Mrs. Eileen Punnett, of Queensbury, in the Penniston area, who has always bred “Bequia Poodles” and whom I consider to be as knowledgeable about this breed as anyone else in SVG, has explained to me on numerous occasions, the origins of this breed.

There was a time when she had as many as 40 of these dogs rearing and she knew each and every one of them by name. She could have recited their entire life history without a problem.

After all of these years, I still look for an excuse to sit with her and listen to her doggy stories that span a period of over eighty years.

I myself, being the proud owner of two “Bequia Poodles”, could attest to the fact that it is very rewarding to own the little pooches. They could be very protective, noisy, intelligent and loving. They remind me of the energizer bunny, always going and going ….

n For further information, contact: Dr. Collin Boyle

Unique Animal Care Co. Ltd. Tel: 456 4981

Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com