About Miniature Dogs

Often owners of miniature dogs describe their pets as small canines with huge personalities. Their spirited and spunky, yet sweet dispositions make them popular dogs. If you've thought of adopting a dog, but live in a confined space, consider a miniature. Besides making great family pets, miniature dogs live longer than larger dogs. Before deciding on a particular dog, study all the different breeds, finding the best one that fits your needs, personality and lifestyle.

  1. Size

    • Considerably smaller than normal dogs although they have normal proportions, miniature dogs, also known as "toy" dogs, weigh less than 22 pounds and are not more than 16 inches tall. Some of the smallest breeds, such as Chihuahuas weigh only around 8 to 8 pounds and stand 6 to 10 inches tall. The smallest types of dogs are sometimes called "teacups." However, that term isn't recognized by any main dog registry.

    Benefits

    • Miniature dogs take up less room, so it's easier to keep them in small homes or apartments. Because they're tiny, there's less chance of them knocking off items from shelves. They cost less to feed and are cheaper to board in kennels because they can be housed in smaller cages. It's easier to transport them or have someone look after them when you travel. Miniatures are also easier to control than large dogs.

    Health Problems

    • Because of their small size, it's harder for veterinarians to treat them. That's because they have less weight to lose, meaning they can dehydrate quickly. Also, toy puppies are more prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Many miniature dogs are more likely to develop gum and teeth problems, leading to tooth loss. This is because often their diet is mostly canned food rather than larger kibble. Even worse, oral diseases can result in more severe heart problems, compromising the immune system, as well as other problems.

    Shedding

    • A natural process, shedding allows new coats to grow in. Although small dogs shed hair just as larger breeds, many of them shed less. Different breeds of miniatures vary in shedding. Some of the miniatures that don't shed much at all include Shih Tzus, Maltese, poodles and schnauzers. On the other hand, English toy spaniels are heavy shedders. While some dogs lose hair year-round, others are seasonal shedders, shedding their winter coats in the spring.

    Miniatures as Watch Dogs

    • Although miniatures aren't large enough to threaten intruders and can't be guard dogs, that doesn't mean they can't serve as outstanding watch dogs. A few of the miniature breeds known for their watch dog skills include dachshunds, miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers.

    Misconceptions

    • Some owners believe miniatures have a lower activity level and don't need as much exercise as large dogs. However, exercise requirements don't have anything to do with the size of a dog. For example, miniature dachshunds are small, but have a high-energy level and need daily walks. While energetic, high-strung miniature pinschers may misbehave when not given enough exercise, larger dogs such as mastiffs may be content with less exercise than smaller dogs.

    Warnings

    • Miniature dogs are more fragile than larger dogs, so you have to be more careful not to hurt them. If you have children, caution them not to be rough when playing with miniatures. Because their bones are small, they can't take much pressure.