Petersburg orchids: features of the breed of dogs, temperament and grooming

Petersburg orchid is not a flower, but the original name of a small breed of dog. Such an elegant companion can be easily kept in the apartment or carried with you on a walk. Buying such a pet is not easy, which further fuels the interest of breeders.

There are breeds that have been known to man for a long time, and there are those that have recently appeared. Petersburg orchid belongs to the second type, since it was recognized only since 1997.

Breeding this mini-dog engaged in St. Petersburg, hence the name. To get a dog with an exceptional exterior, breeder Nina Nasibova needed to use several breeds of dogs for crossbreeding:

• chihuahua;
• toy poodle;
• Yorkshire Terrier;
• lapdog.

Not immediately, the woman managed to achieve the desired result; she had to spend a lot of time on work. Only three years after crossing, animals were born, distinguished by their bright appearance and excellent character. The appearance of a new breed was timed to the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg.

Today there is a detailed description of this Neva breed, by which it can be determined whether the puppy meets the selection requirements or has a marriage. Generally speaking, small dogs have a stretched body, small muscle mass and an average skeleton.

With a more detailed examination, it is difficult not to notice a pronounced sexual dimorphism, which is manifested both in the appearance of the animal and its behavior.Among the advantages, breeders especially highlighted the appearance of the dog. The coat falls in waves down from the spine. A fringe flaunts in front of the muzzle, which is perfectly complemented by long ears.

The individuals of the described breed do not grow more than 300 mm at the withers. Weight can vary from 2.5 to 4 kilograms. It is dangerous when a female St. Petersburg orchid weighs less than 1.5 kg. The lack of mass leads to the fact that she cannot give birth on her own.

Inside the finished standard, dogs are described in more detail. The head is small in size, characterized by rectangular lines. The muzzle is shorter than the head - on average a third of its size, slightly sharpened towards the end.

The transition from the forehead is clearly visible, but not sharp. The nose is black or painted a different shade to the color of dog hair. The lobe is small.

Representatives of the breed have small, oval-shaped eyes that are at a great distance from each other. The view is meaningful. The breed is not eyed.

Ears are high, drooping, but small. It goes well with the size of the head.

When examining teeth, the bite must be correct, scissor-like. The jaw is formed by small, but rather sharp teeth.

The neck is dry, slightly elongated, characterized by a slight bend. A straight line is visible on the back. She is quite broad and muscular. You can easily see the withers, which flows smoothly into the lower back. The chest is deep, the stomach is retracted.

Paws are thin, are located exactly, absolutely parallel to each other. The tail is below the back; it can be trimmed by breed until the animal has grown. With proper relief, leave 2-3 vertebrae. If left long, then it can stick out straight, or it can twist.

Special attention is paid to the description of the breed of wool. It is not only long, but also thick, sometimes slightly falling in waves. There is a separate subspecies - shorthair. This is a Neva orchid.

As for the coloring, there is no clear definition. Any color is allowed; only white is missing from the description. There are individuals with a monochromatic color, but there are multi-colored ones.

Stand out from the crowd of dogs and the following colors:

• brindle;
• Muruga
• black and tan.

Tanning can also be of different colors. Most often found red, cognac, smoky, gray and yellow.

The overall tone of the coat can vary greatly. If it is a dog of a red tint, then it is not always the same, ranging from light wheat to dark, as close as possible to cognac.

There is red coat. The palette is quite wide. You can see a representative of the breed with a shade of cream rose or dark burgundy with a little black.

You can meet representatives of the breed silver or even blue. They look very interesting and unusual.

The creator of the breed continues to work on breeding dogs with other coat colors. The plans include bright representatives of the St. Petersburg orchid with a spotty color, white with red or even black and white.

If you ensure proper care and nutrition of the dog, then she lives in the house with the owners for about 14 years, which is quite a long time. It is important to ensure that the dog does not jump from a great height, since the skeleton of the animal is very fragile, such a fall can cause a dislocation or fracture, and often bruised internal organs. As a result, the pet's life span is reduced.

The creators of this decorative breed can talk for a long time about the advantages of small dogs. They have a playful disposition, flexible, friendly.It is recommended to start such pets in those families where there are not enough positive emotions, since the St. Petersburg orchid can guarantee them. Communication with the animal allows you to get rid of stress, socialize the child.

Of the advantages of the breed it is worth highlighting:

• attractive appearance;
• unpretentiousness;
• small size;
• good natured character.

If you want to devote yourself to exhibitions, then this breed is best suited. Dogs have a special exterior, ideal for the role of champions.

Small sizes make it possible to keep a pet even in a small apartment, where it will not interfere. These dogs normally relate to the absence of the owner, do not cheat and dutifully wait for his arrival at home. Breeders appreciate the St. Petersburg orchid for its complaisance and good breeding. It is difficult to resist the charm of the breed.

The animal gets along well with children, loves active games, but it should be handled very carefully. Any wrong move can harm the pet. Of the negative qualities:

• not a guard;
• can often get sick.

Such a dog is not able to protect the owner, but by breed it is not required from it. Petersburg orchid is a decorative animal that requires care and love. Be sure to do timely vaccinations.

Each time the dog is nearby, care must be taken not to accidentally crush it. The same goes for games with children. It is better to allow the child to the animal at a conscious age, otherwise it can cause injury.

Do not think that decorative breeds of dogs are stupid - this statement is incorrect. Petersburg orchid is distinguished by intelligence, quick wit, so it has such a meaningful look. These dogs love their master, sharply react to his mood and are not intrusive.

The breed is perfect for those who want to see an affectionate, gentle pet. Friendliness to animals is not to occupy, they do not show aggression even to strangers, are not jealous. The dog greets each guest on the doorstep with great joy.

A dog can make friends with any other pet, be it a cat or a parrot. She will not take the palm and dutifully accept the designated place. The breed is good because it naturally developed a craving for new acquaintances.

If the opportunity arises, the dog will be next to the owner 24 hours a day, while it can not always be seen, since it will not get in the way underfoot. She knows how to feel the mood and keep her distance. The animal has an aristocratic character, so it does not fuss in vain.

The pet will be infinitely happy if everyone around him pays attention. Feeling love, he will respond the same, only three times. These animals have a loving heart, so people with the same character are advised to start them.

If the dog is unloved in the house where she lives, then most likely the animal will become depressed and begin to hurt. The owner should always have time to caress the dog, play with him. Living with a feeling of abandonment, loneliness, these pets can not. But sometimes they like to be alone, so they go to a quiet corner. At such times, you need to let the dog rest.

A balanced diet affects not only the appearance of the dog, but also behavior. If there are enough minerals, vitamins and useful substances in the body, then the animal will be active, cheerful and playful.

You can cook a complete balanced diet yourself or buy ready-made dog food, designed for small breeds. In the first case, the owner independently regulates the consumption of certain products, makes a menu, taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal. This is especially important if the pet has health abnormalities, such as diabetes.

As for commercial feeds, they are easy to use, have an affordable cost. High-quality products give the dog the necessary amount of minerals, vitamins, protein and carbohydrates that are required per day, taking into account the activity and age of the pet.

Speaking specifically about the St. Petersburg orchid, the breeders initially laid the foundation for the breed to use in the future commercial feed for raising puppies. It was assumed that this will greatly simplify the process of caring for animals.

Pellet feed is much better than canned food. It is more balanced, more nutritious. It is enough to give a serving in the morning and in the evening, but it is required to provide access to clean water around the clock. It is best to establish a clear feeding regimen at strictly set hours.

It happens that even when feeding natural products, the pet needs to be given additional vitamin supplements. The use of commercial feed eliminates unnecessary costs. The additional inclusion of vitamins in food can lead to the appearance of hypervitaminosis.

Like any other dog, St. Petersburg orchid loves to feast on tasty, but not very healthy products from the table. The owner needs to be extremely careful, some types of food familiar to humans only harm the animal. As an example, you can take chocolate.

The use of baked, sweet, sausages leads to disruption of the digestive system. But vegetables and fruits are allowed to be given, this breed loves them very much, except for garlic and onions. The total amount of fiber should be no more than 15% of the daily diet of the dog.

As for the amount of food, the portion should be such that nothing remains in the bowl. You can’t provide your pet with round-the-clock, uncontrolled access to food. This threatens obesity, although this breed is not predisposed to it.

If you want to encourage a dog, it is better to use a piece of cheese or a boiled cow heart.

It is useful to give the animal olive oil and fish oil, they are often added to natural food. Thanks to these products and the trace elements contained in them, the pet's condition improves.

Puppies and adult dogs need care, only then the animal will look beautiful. St. Petersburg orchid belongs to the decorative species, so conventional hygiene procedures are not enough. Grooming is an integral part of keeping a dog.

In a month, the wool of a St. Petersburg orchid grows by 1 centimeter. After a month, this is not so noticeable, but after two or even three it becomes clear that it is time to clean the length. Do not touch the bangs, mustache and beard. Ears should not be cut off, as the hair grows evenly on them and lays down well.

As for the tail, it is completely cut. On the extremities it is required to trim the hair. They clear the space between the fingers and the paws.

Once a week, the owner should inspect the ears of the animal. Appearing dirt is removed with a special veterinary solution that is applied to a regular cotton pad. If there are signs of a more serious problem, you need to seek help from a specialist.

Eyes have a peculiarity to flow. For washing, special means or simple boiled water are used.

The oral cavity also requires special attention. Although an animal does not need to brush its teeth as often as a person, it is necessary to conduct sonation once every five days.From time to time you will have to visit a veterinarian who knows how to properly remove tartar. At home, sometimes it is very difficult to do.

Most of all, it is necessary to take care of the hair, since the St. Petersburg orchid is long and dense. Among the advantages of the breed in question, the absence of a molting period can be distinguished, therefore, the house remains clean. However, this also has its drawbacks, because due to the fact that the wool does not fall out from time to time, mats are formed. This happens when the owner does not have enough time for regular use of the comb.

The breed needs frequent combing of the hair, if this is not done, dirt and bacteria gather under the tangles gathering near the skin. Often there are pressure sores, they cause infection of the animal.

Every few months a dog is sheared. Some breeders prefer to go to specialized salons, others independently remove wool in accordance with the scheme. Buying special equipment for trimming is also not a problem today; it is available at pet stores and the Internet. Clippers remove wool on the neck and in other areas.

The most vulnerable area in a dog is the anal glands. They also need regular treatment. If the owner starts caring for the dog, inflammation will occur. As a prophylaxis, it is recommended to strictly monitor the dog’s nutrition and carry out a special treatment every few months. To do this, they press on the glands and wipe them with a cotton swab, which is pre-moistened with a solution of manganese. No need to make it concentrated, just add the powder on the tip of the knife.

Learning about the quality of pet care is easy. If the dog smell comes from the animal, it means they rarely bathe it, they don’t brush their teeth. From the St. Petersburg orchid, which is loved and watched, will never smell like a dog.

This is one of the few breeds that can be accustomed to the toilet on the tray in the house. This is very important for those breeders who have to be away from home most of the day. The animal should have an option in which he can relieve the need and at the same time not ruin the owner's carpet.

Not only plastic trays are popular, but also special disposable wipes. They perfectly absorb moisture and do not hold the smell. If possible, it is best to provide the dog with regular walks in the fresh air. This is an opportunity not only to be with the animal, but also to make new friends.

To maintain an attractive appearance of a dog is required not only by a regular haircut, but also by water procedures. Even inexperienced dog lovers know that you can’t use ordinary shampoo, which we used to wash our hair with.

The animal should be accustomed to the procedure from a young age, then the dog ceases to be afraid, will not break out, and even enjoys. After the procedures, they wipe the pet with a towel. It is impossible to prevent its hypothermia, the hair is dried with a hairdryer.

Water procedures should be performed no more than once a decade. If you put a rubber mat on the bottom of the bath, the dog will not scratch the enamel and slide on it.

Balms help make the coat soft and shiny. Most manufacturers supply them with shampoo. Dirty hair is not combed, however, as well as wet. This leads to the appearance of split ends, the gloss disappears, the external exterior becomes faded, inexpressive.

If the animal does not want to get used to water procedures, there is another way out of this situation - dry shampoos in the form of sprays. They are easy to apply and do not require rinsing. The effect is no worse than if the dog was bathed in a basin with foam.

Taking care of a pet is not only external care, but also the health of the dog. Each breed has a disease called pedigree. In the mono-nursery, where the St. Petersburg orchid is bred today, individuals with genetic abnormalities are rejected. They do not give offspring in the future, thanks to which in recent years it has been possible to achieve excellent health among representatives of the breed described. Of the most common problems that breeders have to deal with, we can distinguish:

• tartar and other dental diseases;
• fractures, sprains, dislocations, especially in puppies, the backbone of which is poorly formed and not yet fully strengthened;
• colds.

Petersburg orchid is very susceptible to temperature extremes. In winter, these dogs are prone to hypothermia and colds.

Sometimes representatives of the breed are sensitive to certain products. Problems with the intestines may occur, therefore it is very important to monitor the diet.

The pet needs to be on walks. If the owner deprives him of this pleasure, then thereby worsens his conditions of detention. Dogs are active and sociable, they must be socialized. For a walk in the fresh air you only need a collar and a roulette leash.

Decorative breeds are not given for training simply because this is not necessary. But sometimes it is better to adjust some instincts that the dog is endowed with by nature to improve the atmosphere of the pet's stay in the house.

Education allows you to explain to the dog where the boundaries of what is permitted are. If the St. Petersburg orchid grows too spoiled, it begins to experience the patience of the owner.

The animal must clearly understand for itself which hierarchy is in the house, who is in charge and why a child should not be bitten. The dog is pointed to its place, but you need to understand that this miniature animal has its own sense of pride and dignity.

These dogs are much smarter and quicker than you might imagine. They do not need to explain for a long time what is required of them. The most important thing is to accustom to the toilet and start from childhood.

This is quite easy to do if you spend a little time and patience. When a puppy appears in the apartment, his movements should be limited to a small space. One room is enough. There should be no carpet on the floors, but you need to lay a bed, put bowls of food and water and lay a napkin. If the dog is taken from the breeder, then it is better to take a napkin from him, because it has a smell familiar to the animal.

When a pet comes to her, he is surely encouraged for it. You can give a small treat. It also happens that the first time the dog went to the toilet in the wrong place. It’s not time yet to scold her for this, just a napkin needs to be laid there.

When the owner notices that the dog has again spoiled in an uninhabited place, the time has come to punish him, but not to beat him. It is enough to take him by the withers and poke his nose into the puddle, but you can’t put him on a napkin.

Gradually, when the dog learns to walk in a strictly defined place, the tray can be moved to the place where it was planned to keep it, that is, outside the room.

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