Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Daisy Dog? The answer may be easier to understand once you read through the next several questions, as they are tied together. This explanation isn’t simple because the concept isn’t simple, but I will try to explain this concept as best I can. There are many misconceptions out there about what a Daisy Dog really is and where they came from. This has spurred me to set the record straight hoping to dispel these misconceptions for you. Despite what you read on any other website than mine, these are the facts:
“Here’s what it is…..” The Daisy Dog is a specific blend of several, small non-shedding breeds originating within my family in the late 1950's. It has taken many generations to incorporate a very specific blend of several purebreds to accomplish this unique result.
Here's what it isn't..”
It is not a purebred. I absolutely have nothing against purebreds. They are the basis of my Daisy Dogs. I do, however, feel that many purebred breeds have been damaged through the generations by wrongful breeding.
It is not a “designer dog.” This new craze to create anything that sells has been spawned by the media and has exploded out of control. I remember a time when things were done slowly and carefully with much pride. In this new “designer dog” era there is a rush to take advantage of the current market. Any reputable breeder (who truly cares about the breed they love) would shudder at the idea of their breed being called a “designer dog” because this is a current fad – what’s cool and popular for the moment - a passing fancy. Even though people seem to want the latest trend, I intend to continue on my path - slowly and carefully, with much pride. I place the importance of compatibility with the family over and above what is “in” this year. I am in this for the long haul.
It is not a “Heinz-57” or mixed breed of unknown origin - there is nothing wrong with “mutts.” (I am very pro-rescue!) Some of the best dogs in the world are mixed breeds - however, as a breeder, I must know exactly what breeds are in the background of my dogs to be able to represent them properly. This is necessary to prevent surprise throwbacks!
It is not just any old mix, nor is it two breeds bred together just to see how it turns out. It is not just a whim to “make puppies” or get a fast buck. When people ask me, “Aren’t they just a glorified mutt?” I don’t take offense; I just hope they understand the thought, time, and expense that has been invested through the years for this very specific purpose. It is a very well-planned mixed-breed or specialized mutt, if you will.
In a nutshell: Daisy Dogs are very loving, family companions developed and known for their personality, intelligence, irresistible looks, predictable size, varied colors, sturdiness, health and longevity. Not to leave out the fact that they have non-shedding hair and are great for people with allergies. Guaranteed! Cuteness and all else aside, temperament is their #1 feature.
So what is it that makes these dogs so special? Those who live with them describe them to be the best dog they have ever owned. Most will tell you that they have had very good dogs in the past, but these are different from the other dogs they have lived with. They are more “into you.”
They also say that Daisy Dogs don’t have a typical small dog personality… what they mean by this is that Daisy Dogs are not persnickety little ankle biters, not yippy or yappy, nor snippy or snappy. They don’t tend to be hyper as pups or adults. They are very convenient pets, portable for travel and fit nicely in your lap. An added bonus: These folks are thrilled to be living with no shedding! no doggy odor! no slobber!
These are some typical phrases commonly used to describe Daisy Dogs by those who know and love them….
- I never thought with my allergies, that I could have a dog
- not only cute to look at, but cute acting too
- funny and full of personality
- energetic and fun, but can settle down easily
- smart, sensitive, loyal, amiable, eager to please
- fast learner, tends to mind well, and is easy to train
- sweet, always willing to cuddle
- compassionate when I don’t feel well
- soft hair, loves to be petted, but leaves no hair on my furniture or clothes
- my dog is happy, fun loving, and friendly, loves children
- so adorable - makes me laugh even when I’m sad
- compliant, not strong-willed, adaptable, and wants to do whatever we are doing
- engaging and interactive
- the dog minds better than my kids do
- laid back and takes things in stride
- best companion I’ve ever had
- loves to sit with me and go for long walks with me
- sturdy and doesn’t seem so fragile like most little breeds
- travels well in the air and on road trips
- my dog is so in tune with us, she doesn’t think she’s a dog… she thinks she’s one of us
It’s even possible to get all of these traits wrapped up into one little package!
I get enough of these consistent reports to convince me to continue on this path of producing these loving little family oriented “guys”. Throughout the years I have accumulated many boxes full of letters, (pictures and updates) from Daisy Dog owners to verify this - ask to see them. These families love to share their many stories and fond memories with us. All of this information helps me to determine which qualities to continue to produce.
Sound too good to be true? I’m sure, like children, they are not always perfect, but their general motives are pure.
What breeds are in a Daisy Dog? It is a very specific blend of several breeds – ingredients known only by me. It is not 2 breeds, 3 breeds, or even 4 breeds despite what you may have heard elsewhere. To be discussed in future FAQ.
I’ve seen several of your Daisy Dogs – why do some look different than others? First of all, even though they are all the same type of dog and come from the same breeds, I am not trying to reproduce them to look or act exactly the same. I’m not requiring them to be consistent in their looks or actions, but I do need to be able to predict their outcome. There are different family trees within the Daisy Dog and each family line has its own characteristics. Because people are individuals, they are not necessarily looking for the same end result. I like my family trees to be different so we can pick and choose between the traits. I want to be able to provide as many of those traits as they desire. How? By knowing my bloodlines like the back of my hand. I back this up with a satisfaction guarantee.
Why don’t you tell people what breeds are in a Daisy Dog? Why would it matter if you did? “Because I’m the only one that has the recipe to make them and I intend to keep it that way.” Occasionally someone will laugh at my response and it strikes them as silly, but realistically every breed started somewhere. Historically, each purebred breed has their own recipe of ingredients. You don’t think there were thousands of different purebreds on the ark do you? Even Heinz 57’s of unknown origin have ingredients; however, no one knows what those ingredients really are. I actually don’t share my recipe for many reasons. I like having something to offer to society that no one else has. It’s one of the things that I do well and don’t want to give up. But if I do tell someone the recipe’s ingredients – I’m done breeding Daisy Dogs - I would have no interest in continuing. It’s not so much that I worry someone will put me “out of business” with this information, I would worry most about them ruining my breed, its name and reputation. I’m assuming that there are many families out there who would be disappointed if I quit what I do. I often get calls from families whose Daisy Dogs are aging, that are just calling to make sure I’m still raising them.
So what if someone else uses the name Daisy Dogs to sell their pups? Why is that so bad? First of all, they are either ignorant about what a Daisy Dog really is, or they are flat out lying to you – if they will lie to you there… where else would they be deceiving you? Secondly, if they are producing problems, it gives my breed an undeserved bad name. If I make a mistake, it’s my mistake! I’ll work to correct it and try not to make that decision again. I alone must take the fall for my mistakes and wrong decisions. My reputation should not be tarnished by someone else’s deception. That’s why I protect the breed and name by keeping it to myself.
How could someone copy you, and why would they want to?They couldn’t!They wouldn’t actually want to copy me. It would take too many years even if they did have the recipe. It’s easier to cash in on my name and reputation. They are making an income from someone else’s investment. If I sound resentful, it is because this is happening all over the country.
- Note to other breeders: Go for it! If you want to develop your own breed, but please understand the importance of raising a litter. You are not just investing in your interests; there is a responsibility attached for you to invest in someone else’s future - for their wellbeing and their pups. If you truly love what you are doing, you will create your own breed and name it yourself; instead of trying to make it look like yours is an original Daisy Dog. By developing your own clean bloodlines… your own reputation…the feeling you get from this will far outlive any money you could receive.
When, where, and how did they originate? Daisy Dogs were originated by my mom in the late 1950’s in East Paris Township, Michigan. This was back when developing a breed was not cool. I was just a little kid then, but I grew up with Daisy Dogs. I always felt like I did a lot of the work, when actually all I did was the cleaning and socializing of the pups and adults. I didn’t realize why my mom got up at 3 a.m. or what she was doing. Way back then, as people looked at puppies, I got a feeling which pups were more compatible with prospective families because I spent so much time with them and knew them so well. Because I was a young child I could only sit back and observe. Nobody wants to hear from a little kid. Because I had no say in where “my” puppies went, I learned to be very in tune to compatibility, thus making me who I am today.
- The Daisy Dog was originally developed to be a cute, shaggy, non-shedding small breed house-pet with a good personality.
- Through the generations it has evolved into a cute, shaggy, non-shedding small breed house-pet with an amazing personality!
How was this accomplished? Through many years of keeping the best temperament, physical and health traits and by refining the bloodlines… thus continuing to shape their characteristics. It can take several generations to keep the positive traits and lose the negative traits.
If I own a Daisy Dog, what do I tell people when they ask me what is in my Daisy Dog?Just tell them that they are a special blend of several small non-shedding breeds. Keep some of my business cards (web address on back) with you at all times and let people know that I don’t advertise, and to beware of imposters. You and your puppy are my only mode of getting the word out. Everyone likes to guess what’s in them. Try not to say names of breeds you think are in your dog. Misconceptions and rumors are created by guessing. We don’t want them to find the wrong dog with any misinformation. Send them to either website….
www.daisydogs.com or www.jenniferdogs.com.
The cutest response I’ve heard yet is from a gentleman who said, “My dog is a little bit of this… and a little bit of that… but he’s a whole lot of love.
What is your location?I live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. If you make plans to come visit me, I will give you detailed directions so you don’t get lost.
Do you have e-mail? At this time I don’t communicate by e-mail because I feel an interactive phone discussion with you is in your best interest. I also like immediate feedback to focus on this very important decision in your life.
How do I contact you? By phone - (616) 868-7382. When you call, you will likely get my voicemail. Along with your message, please leave all of your contact numbers as I’d rather spend more time with you than play phone tag. Please bear with me as very often the incoming calls are more than the outgoing time. If I don’t get back with you right away, it usually means that I have puppies and they must be my first priority.
More questions and answers – under construction.