Breeding unimportant
to owners of loved pets

THIS is Ziggy - can you guess his breed?

We tend to say "only a crossbreed" when we are talking about dogs without the social advantage of a pedigree, but does it really matter? Not unless you are going to show your dog ... or breed from him or her.

Ziggy's mother was a Shih Tzu and his father was a Jack Russell Terrier. His colouring has reverted to basic Irish Spotted (as do most Pacific Island dogs who breed randomly) but he does have a wide panel of very coarse fur along his back, a legacy from his mum - and his ears and tail have become basic spitz. He has the appearance of a mini-basenji.

Ziggy is a altogether delightful little fellow, healthy and happy, and often a real clown. He teases the household matriarch, knowing that he can outrun her any time (but she still gets the odd nip in when he least expects it), but often bonds with her by cleaning her face, eyes and ears - his way of saying sorry ... till next time!