Doxiepom is originated from United States but Pyrenean Shepherd is originated from Spain. Doxiepom may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than Pyrenean Shepherd. Doxiepom may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Doxiepom and Pyrenean Shepherd has almost same life span. Doxiepom may have more litter size than Pyrenean Shepherd. Both Doxiepom and Pyrenean Shepherd requires Moderate Maintenance.
The Doxiepom is a small dog known as a designer breed which has originated from crossing the well known Dachshund dog with another well known pure-breed dog, the Pomeranian.
This has resulted in the hybrid breed – the Doxiepom.
Both these pure bred dogs have their own history each but the Doxiepom is a new dog breed. It is believed that this mix of Pomeranian and Dachshund was originally developed in the United States in the 1990’s and while he doesn’t have much of a history, you can have a look at the history of the parent dog breeds.
The Pyrenean Shepherd hails from Spain where he has always been used to herd sheep. Some people believe he is a descendant of the French Catalan Sheepdog while others say from the Briard. Nobody is too sure.
He is actually the smallest of the French herding breeds. It is interesting to note that he still does this herding job today. It was in the 19th century that a few of these dogs left for America with shepherds who found work herding flocks in the American West.
These dogs were also used in World War 1 as messenger dogs.
It was during the 1970's and 1980's that breeding programs were started for the dog and The Pyrenean Shepherd Club of America was formed in 1987. The dog was also recognized in 2009 by the American Kennel Club.
The Doxiepom is a small dog - a cross between the Dachshund and the Pomeranian, and this means he can have characteristics from each of these breeds.
They’re short dogs, standing at roughly 12cm to 27cm. A full grown Pomeranian Dachshund mix can weigh between 3kg and 12kg.
With a fairly long body from the Dachshund side, he has floppy ears or they can be semi-erect and the tail is long.
You can’t really say what the dog will look like exactly and the coat may be long or short with some of the coat colors being tan, black or brown.
Their dependent nature can mean these little dogs battling with separation anxiety, and he is a dog that doesn’t like being left alone for long periods of time.
He easily attaches himself to just one member of the family while being friendly and loving to everyone else as well.
They’e fun loving, playful dogs and want to be involved in their family’s activities, whether indoors or out. They’re friendly, but are aloof with strangers. He makes a great watchdog too, barking when strangers enter the property.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is a medium-sized dog standing at between 38 and 50cm in height and weighing between 14 and 20kg.
His head is fairly small with large, bright, expressive eyes. The ears are semi-erect. The tail has always traditionally been docked but often left long these days.
He comes with two different coat types – rough and smooth with sometimes both types being in the same litter. The dog is a regular shedder. The coat can be medium length or long and slightly wavy with a harsh texture. The coat can be of the shorter type with finer, softer hair. The coat is available in different colors and patterns, and can be a fawn color or grey and you will find a black overlay occasionally with some white. The coat can be tri-colored or he can be in solid colors such as cream or white.
Your feisty Pyrenean Shepherd is a dog with plenty of personality. He is also full of energy and will love to live with a outdoorsy-type family who are always on the go, because he’s in on everything.
He is distrustful of strangers and this together with the fact that he is so alert, makes him a splendid watchdog too.
He will need to be trained and socialized as he can be overly robust. He becomes obedient and well mannered, being totally dedicated to his owner. It isn’t easy for him to be separated from his beloved human owner.
One of the strong characteristics of the the Doxiepom is that he shares a strong bond with his human family.
He is such a amicable little dog, ready to join in with the children in their games as well as in the activities of the adults.
He craves human companionship, and if you provide him with a happy home, he promises to give you devoted companionship throughout his life.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is essentially a one-person dog, becoming totally attached to one particular person in the family.
He is known as a dog who becomes totally loyal to his human family, getting on well with children as well as with other pets in the home.
He is aloof and wary of strangers. Training and socialization is important so as to avoid aggression and fear. This is one dog that requires being diligently exercised every day.
He is a great watchdog, and when you add up all his fantastic qualities, you get to realize what a splendid companion and pet this wonderful dog makes.
The Doxiepom is a little dog who isn’t going to cost you a lot of time at the vet, however there are some typical dog illnesses that you will do well to know about.
Generally the Doxiepom has a lifespan of about 12 to 16 years and with good care, your pet can reach this age too.
As far as health problems go, your dog could be affected, although it is unlikely, as he is a robust dog breed.
Your pet could inherit health problems more common to either of the breeds. Little dogs suffer with their own set of heath problems and these could be back problems, dental- and eye disease and allergies.
A common health problem with a small dog like this is obesity. They don’t need a lot of food but because they’re so friendly and entertaining, some owners over-feed them.
The Pyrenean Shepherd is such a jovial little dog that you just can’t imagine him ever being sick. When he is lethargic, you'll know there is something seriously wrong with him because he is always as bright as a button.
He can however get sick, and there are a few dog illnesses such as epilepsy, eye problems and hip dysplasia that can be very painful ad debilitating for such an energetic dog. You don’t have to be too concerned though, as he is a dog known to have minimal health issues.
The Doxipom has moderate grooming requirements, shedding somewhat throughout the year, so brushing him twice a week will keep the coat shiny and healthy.
If your pet has turned out to have more long hair than short, he may require some professional grooming. His nails will also need clipping and his ears will also need to be checked for infection.
Small dogs often battle more with dental and gum problems, and plaque and tartar buildup results when food gets trapped between the teeth, leading to gingivitis which can lead to premature tooth loss. Keeping the teeth clean is therefore important.
Small dogs have quicker metabolisms than big dogs and they also mature faster than the larger dogs. Smaller dogs actually require more calories per kilogram than big dogs because they burn up energy faster than larger breeds.
It is therefore important to feed your small dog the right amount of food to support their growth rate and to maintain weight in adulthood. Homemade foods for your Doxiepom are always wonderful, but of course many people who work make use of some of the good commercially manufactured dog foods out of sheer convenience.
Go for the better quality brands which have top ingredients in them so as to avoid deficiencies.
Raw meat should also make up part of the diet – fish, chicken and red meat. Always make sure your pet has access to fresh, cool water.
This will depend on the coat type. Both coat types will essentially require you brushing him twice a week.
The Pyr Shep’s activity levels are very high and this dog will require living with people who love outdoor activities. He’s the perfect companion for those camping trips or hikes. He is always ready to join you on your walks and will be ready and waiting to jump right in when he sees you with a ball or frisbee.
For all that energy, your Pyrenean Shepherd will be needing the best dog food there is. Food full of preservatives and colorants can be bad for your pet, detrimental to his health.
Good food full of vitamins and minerals will ensure your pet stands a good chance of living a long, healthy life. If you feed him commercially manufactured dog food, ensure its the best there is, with labeling on the packaging that tells you its for his age, his size and energy levels.
Consistency and simplicity is what your Pyrenean Shepherd wants, and home-made food can enhance his dry kibble. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure your pet’s eyes are continuously bright and alert and his tail constantly wagging.
Some raw meat added in occasionally will also go towards ensuring his good health. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.