Miniature dog breeds
 

Have you ever seen miniature dogs? It may not be like having a huge dog in your house, but it’s really fun to have a miniature dog.

Do you know what exactly a miniature dog is? Miniature dog breeds are defined as any breed of dog weighing less than 11 pounds and standing less than 11 inches at the shoulder. There are many different breeds in many different shapes and sizes.

The Affenpinscher, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Dachshund, English Toy Spaniel, Havanese, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle and Yorkshire Terrier are just a few of these breeds.

Further, miniature dogs come with a variety of activity levels. Don’t be fooled that, just because a dog is small, its level of activity will be low. While there are some lower energy small breeds such as the Pug, many including the Australian Terrier, Beagle, Cairn Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher and Wire Fox Terrier can display pretty high energy. All miniature breeds will need some amount of exercise, such as a walk with their owner or a romp around the yard. The care of a miniature breed is pretty much like that of any other breed.

Long-haired breeds, whether miniature or large, will require regular grooming, usually daily. Some miniature breeds with short coats may require extra protection in cold weather and it’s generally recommended that smaller breeds not be kept in outdoor kennels. And just like any other breed, miniature breeds should be fed a high-quality diet, though nibbles may come in a smaller size.

Though many people believe that smaller breeds of dogs prove harder to house-break, this isn’t necessarily so; it depends on the individual dog.

Small breeds are not prone to any more genetic disorders than other breeds. However, their size tends to make them a favourite with breeders, which can result in problems like inbreeding and poor nutrition. Therefore, it’s extra important that you acquire your miniature breed through a reputable breeder.

You must also be committed to having and caring for your miniature dog for quite some time as they generally live longer than larger breeds. Small breeds may average between ten to twelve years of age, though many can live much longer.

Small breeds are just as intelligent and energetic as larger breed dogs and have similar personalities. In fact, they can even make good watchdogs despite their diminutive (tiny) size. Further, you’re likely to find that many small dogs aren’t bothered by their smaller size and have the personalities of much larger dogs.

The day I lost my Rossiy

Once I had a dog called Rossiy. She was my only pet; I never had another pet.

Rossiy used to sleep near my bed. When I went to school, she would walk with me upto the road. One day my pet fell ill. The next day I didn’t go to school, instead, I took Rossiy to the vet who said there was nothing wrong with my pet and gave some tablets. I gave the tablets to Rossiy until they were all gone, but still, she didn’t get better.

I decided to take Rossiy to another doctor, who said she was seriously ill. Then he also gave some tablets, which I, in turn, gave Rossiy. Then I let her sleep for the night and went to sleep myself.

The next morning, I woke up and said “Good Morning” to my darling pet, but she wouldn’t say anything. I spoke to her again, but when she didn’t respond, I realised that she was dead. Later, we dug a hole in the ground and buried her there. I placed Rossiy on her pillow. That was one of the saddest days of my life.

Gayan Daswatte, Grade 5, Ecole International, Digana, Kandy.
 

Stationmaster cat

An eight-year-old cat called Tama has been named a special stationmaster at a railway station in Japan by the local Wakayama Electric Railway. Two other cats were named deputy stationmasters at the same Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa. Stationmaster Tama, wearing a railway cap, and the other cats often welcome passengers at unmanned Kishi Station.

The operator of the shop at the station has been keeping the three cats. Wakayama Electric Railway officials will give cat food to them as a reward for their "work." Tama won nationwide popularity with the publication of a book of photos featuring her and intensive media coverage after her appointment in 2007 as stationmaster.

As a result, the number of passengers using the Kishigawa Line increased dramatically. The railway company recognised the "efforts" of the cat and promoted her to division chief-level in January.

The company also expressed its appreciation of the cat's role in drumming up business by transforming a ticket window into the stationmaster's office. In her 1.8-square-metre office equipped with a ventilation fan and a toilet, Tama finds life rather relaxed and satisfactory.