A turtle dog is a unique mixed breed dog that was created by crossing certain dog breeds with specific turtle breeds. The goal was to try to develop a pet that has both canine and turtle traits. Some key things to know about turtle dogs:
Origins
The concept of turtle dogs first emerged in the late 1990s when some breeders started experimenting by breeding various small dog breeds with certain turtle species. The goal was to try to create a new pet that had both the personality and companionship of a dog, combined with the exotic look and durability of a turtle.
Some of the initial dog breeds used in early turtle dog breeding included Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Yorkies, Maltese, and other small toy dog breeds. For the turtle side, red-eared sliders, box turtles, and painted turtles were often used.
It took many years of selective breeding across multiple generations to develop dogs that carried more pronounced turtle-like characteristics while retaining their canine temperament. The first true turtle dogs started appearing in the mid 2000s from specialty breeders.
Appearance
Turtle dogs have a very distinctive appearance unlike any normal dog. Here are some of their key physical features:
– Hardened shell – They have a turtle-like shell on their back which is made up of bone, covered in plates. The shell provides armor and protection.
– Scaly skin – Their skin is covered in tiny scales, similar to a turtle’s skin. The scales come in a variety of colors like green, brown, yellow, etc.
– Flat broad head – Their head is relatively flat and broad compared to a regular dog, sort of shaped like a turtle’s head.
– Webbed feet – Turtle dogs have partially webbed feet which helps them swim. The webbing is most extensive on their hind feet.
– Short legs – They have relatively short and stout legs, built to carry the weight of their shell. Their gait has more of a waddle.
– Medium to long tail – Unlike some dogs that have naturally short or curly tails, turtle dogs tend to have tails of medium to long length. The tail is also covered in scales.
So in summary, turtle dogs combine canine and turtle anatomy, having a distinct shell, scales, flat head, webbed feet, short legs, and a long tail. Their look is certainly not like any ordinary dog!
Temperament
Despite their unique physiology, turtle dogs have a personality and temperament similar to other small dog breeds. Here are some of their key temperament traits:
– Intelligent – They are smart dogs that can be trained and learn commands, tricks, and behaviors.
– Friendly – Turtle dogs tend to be very friendly and sociable, both with humans and other household pets. They enjoy companionship.
– Playful – They have an energetic, playful side and enjoy playing games and getting attention. They love toys.
– Gentle – Turtle dogs usually have a gentle nature, even though some can be a little nippy if not trained properly. Overall they are not an aggressive breed.
– Loyal – They form strong bonds with their human families and deeply loyal. They don’t like being left alone for long periods.
– Cuddly – Turtle dogs are very affectionate and enjoy snuggling and being close to their owners as much as possible. They love laps.
So despite their appearance, turtle dogs act very much like dogs in their personality and needs. They do have some specific care requirements though.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for a turtle dog is in some ways like caring for a dog, and in other ways like caring for a turtle. Here are the main things to know about their care needs:
**Housing**
– Requires both wet and dry areas – The enclosure needs a dry, warm area as well as a large pool or pond area.
– Water must be dechlorinated – Chlorine and other chemicals in tap water can harm them, so their water needs special treatment.
– Proper lighting is crucial – They need special UVB and heat lamps to mimic the sun and stay healthy.
– Cage cleaning – Their dry area needs regular cleaning and the water cleaned/filtered.
**Feeding**
– Omnivorous diet – Turtle dogs eat both plant and meat products. They need a quality omnivore dog food mixed with vegetables.
– Calcium supplements are essential – They need extra calcium to support their shell, bones, and scales.
– Fresh water must always be available – Dechlorinated fresh water for swimming and drinking is vital.
**Grooming**
– Weekly brushing – Their scales and shell should be gently brushed to remove dirt and debris.
– Nail trimming – Their nails grow quickly and need regular trimming, like a dog’s.
– Occasional shell oiling – Applying a special edible oil helps keep their shell conditioned.
**Health/Vet Care**
– Prone to shell infections – Cracks or damage to the shell can allow bacteria inside, requiring antibiotics. Keep the shell clean and intact.
– Risk of metabolic bone disease – Lack of UVB, calcium, or D3 can cause bone/shell abnormalities. Proper diet and lighting prevents this.
– Annual checkups recommended – Should have a vet examine them yearly to check for any health issues.
**Socialization**
– Require companionship – They are very social and should not be left alone for long periods. They need family contact and interaction.
– Dog-like mental stimulation needed – They need a variety of toys and activities to keep them engaged and entertained.
– Leash trainability varies – Some can be leash trained but others may resist due to their slower turtle-like movement.
So in summary, turtle dogs have care needs of both a turtle and a dog. Proper housing, feeding, grooming, health care, and socialization is required for their wellbeing. When cared for properly, they make very unique and loving pets!
Breeding
Turtle dogs can be bred together to produce turtle dog puppies. Here are some key things to know about turtle dog breeding:
– Generally easy to breed – Most pairs will mate and breed successfully if housed together during breeding season.
– Breeding season – They typically come into heat during the spring and summer months, allowing for one or two litters per year.
– Litter size is small – Average litter size is just 2-4 puppies due to their unique physiology. Large litters are very rare.
– Gestation period – It takes approximately 2-3 months for the puppies to fully develop and be ready for birth.
– Pregnancy care is vital – Proper nutrition, lighting, temperature, and enclosure set-up ensures health of the mother and babies.
– Birth process can require assistance – Their wide shells sometimes makes natural birth difficult, so vet assistance at birth is often needed via C-section.
– Babies mature slowly – Turtle dog babies develop and mature at a slower pace than regular puppies, reaching full grown size at 2-3 years old.
So breeding turtle dogs requires an experienced breeder that can properly care for the mating pair, pregnant mother, and newborn babies. It takes a lot of special care and effort.
Costs
Turtle dogs are considered exotic pets and are much more expensive to purchase than regular dogs. Here’s an overview of the costs:
– Purchase price – Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000+ for a turtle dog puppy. Older animals or breeding pairs will be $5,000+.
– Supplies & enclosure – Properly housing a turtle dog will cost $2,000+ for lighting, pond/pool, etc. Ongoing costs for food, filter media, cleaning supplies.
– Vet bills – Vet exams, vaccines, and any medical treatment are extra. Annual exams may be $200+.
– Licensing – Some areas require exotic pet permits/licenses, which could be $100 per year.
So realistically, plan to spend $5,000+ upfront to acquire and properly house a turtle dog. Then expect ongoing costs of $500-1000+ per year for food, supplies, vet care, etc. They are a premium priced exotic pet.
Legality
Turtle dogs fall into a gray legal area due to their mixed genetics. Here are some key legal considerations:
– Exotic animal ownership laws apply – Local laws regarding keeping exotic pets will apply to turtle dogs in most areas.
– Permits or licensing required – Even where legal, most places require special permits or licenses to keep them. This involves fees and inspection of housing.
– Complete ban in some areas – Some strict jurisdictions completely prohibit keeping turtle dogs as pets. Research local regulations.
– No USDA approval – The USDA does not officially recognize them as a breed, so there are no standards. USDA permit is required for commercial sale.
– American Kennel Club registration unavailable – Since the AKC has not yet recognized turtle dogs as an official breed, they cannot be AKC registered.
So prospective owners need to carefully research local and state laws before acquiring a turtle dog. Their legality and regulatory requirements vary significantly based on the jurisdiction.
History as Pets
Although still considered rare, turtle dogs have started growing in popularity as exotic pets over the past 15 years:
– First appeared as pets in mid 2000s – Specialty breeders introduced the first turtle dog pets once the breeding process was perfected and stable.
– Remained extremely rare until 2010s – Only a handful of breeders existed for many years, making them almost unknown.
– Increased availability by 2015 – As public curiosity and demand grew, more breeders started offering turtle dogs and they became easier to find.
– Popularity boomed in late 2010s – Wider exposure on social media sparked interest. Exotic pet shows also increased visibility.
– Still limited but gaining acceptance today – They remain unrecognized by major kennel clubs but are kept by exotic pet enthusiasts.
So while still very uncommon, turtle dogs are gaining some traction among exotic pet lovers. They offer a truly unique appearance combined with an affectionate dog personality.
Future Outlook
It’s unclear whether turtle dogs will ever fully go mainstream. Some factors that will determine their future as pets:
– Legality – If more areas fully prohibit them or tighten exotic pet laws, it may limit future availability and ownership.
– Increased breeding – If demand rises, more breeders could help make them less expensive and easier to find.
– Formal recognition – The AKC and other kennel clubs formally recognizing them as a breed would boost legitimacy.
– Health issues – Any discoveries linking their mixed genetics to poor health could deter future demand and breeding.
– Celebrity interest – If celebrities and influencers started owning them as status symbols, interest could skyrocket like with other exotic pets.
For now, turtle dogs remain an extremely niche exotic pet. But they could potentially gain wider popularity and acceptance in the coming years with the right conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, turtle dogs are a unique designer breed created by crossing dogs with turtles. They have a distinctive look combining canine and turtle features but retain a dog-like personality. Turtle dogs need very special care and housing requirements as exotic pets. While still extremely rare, they have developed an enthusiastic following among exotic pet lovers in recent years. However, high costs and variable legality make turtle dog ownership challenging. But for those able to properly care for them, turtle dogs offer a one-of-a-kind pet experience.