medium-length, fine, soft, straight, with feathering
A dainty, lightly built little black spaniel type with a gentle expression, a long uncurled tail and a silky, medium-length coat that forms feathering on the ears, legs and tail.1
Alert and cheerful but very sociable, greeting visitors warmly. It loves joining its people on outings, yet copes well with being left alone for a few hours, and with good introductions it can live with cats and small pets.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
More active than a lap dog: it enjoys long walks and a good run.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Regular brushing keeps the soft coat and its feathering free of tangles.1
Home where they are happiest
Its small size and adaptable nature suit a house or apartment, provided it gets daily walks.12
Company who they like around
A companion breed that likes being with its family, but is relaxed enough to spend a few hours on its own.1
The story where it all began
Small black spaniel-like dogs resembling the Markiesje appear in Dutch paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the early 20th century the Dutch dog writer Toepoel suggested such dogs could be restored as a breed, and focused breeding of today's Markiesje began in the mid-1970s.12
These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.
You need
100g oats
1 banana (mashed)
40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
a little water (as needed)
How
Preheat your oven to 175°C.
Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
Leave to cool completely before serving.
How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
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