Daisy Dog

While there is some debate about the origins of the Daisy Dog, Jennifer Peterson stands out from other breeders as the most vocal of them all. But let’s look to the 3 purebreds that make up the Daisy Dog.

The Poodle originated in Germany, but it was the French who bred it into three sizes and created the famous Poodle cut. The standard size Poodle was used as a retriever for waterfowl hunters, the miniature was used to sniff out truffles in the forest, and the smallest toy Poodle was a companion to the rich and noble. The Poodle became a circus dog for some time, and then was registered first in Britain in 1874, and in America 12 years later.

The Bichon Frise came from the Mediterranean and have a lineage dating back to the 1300s. French or Italians brought them from the Canary Islands and once in Europe they became very popular. They graced the courts of royalty and the rich and wealthy. They were popular in circuses and after World War 1 the Bichon Frise was recognised as a breed in 1934.

The Shih-Tzu dates back as far as 8000 B.C. Believed to have been bred in Tibet or China, they were valued by the Chinese Dynasty. They led a privileged life and were referred to as small lions by Marco Polo in the 1200s. The Empress T’zu Hsi came to the throne in 1861 and the Shih-Tzu was her favourite animal. 1928 was when the first pair were brought to England, and in 1969 they were recognised by the American Kennel Club.