Dogs come in different shapes and sizes. While giant breed dogs can weigh up to 80 kg, dogs of small breeds can weigh even less than 5 kg. When it comes to adopting dogs, the majority of people choose small-sized dog breeds as they weigh less and make it easier for their parents to pick them up and move around. They also consume less food, shed less hair and can be comfortably accommodated in smaller living spaces like apartments.

Small breed dogs can be classified into two types based on their weight, i.e. Toy dogs and Small dogs. Canines that weigh less than 5 kg are known as toy dogs and include breeds like Chihuahua, Papillon, Miniature Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese Terrie and Pomeranian. Small dogs, on the other hand, have a weight range of 5 to 10 kg. They include breeds like Standard Dachshund, Jack Russel Terriers, Standard Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Pug and Cavalier King.

In this blog, we’re happy to put together the ultimate guide to small breed dogs with all the information that you would require to adopt and take care of one.

Temperament

Smaller breed dogs are generally full of energy and love to enjoy extended playtime. They love affection and enjoy cuddling. They do not require a lot of exercise to remain healthy. Walking them once or twice a day is enough to cater to their physical needs.

Relationship with Human Parents

Small dogs love to be cuddled and enjoy sharing the couch and bed with their human parents, leading to a strong bond between them. Their relationship with their foster family turns out to be similar to the connection that young children share with their families.

Training

There is a general notion that small dogs do not need training. However, the truth is that small dogs can get aggressive and difficult to handle if they are left untrained. Whereas some breeds are easy to tame, others can bring a lot of challenges while getting trained. Therefore, it is important for dog parents to remain patient and consistent while training their small-breed furry babies.

Feeding Requirements

Feeding small breed dogs an appropriate quantity of food is very important as their energy requirements are more than twice that of large dogs. They generally prefer small kibbles and benefit from food that contains vitamin E, quality protein and prebiotics. Adult dogs need to be offered food that contains sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), prebiotics (MOS), zinc, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.

Growth and Lifespan

A small breed puppy’s growth period lasts around 8 months. Their weight can also be seen to multiply 20 times in the first year of their life. Small-breed dogs also tend to live longer than dogs of larger breeds. Their average lifespan is 15 years.

Disease Susceptibility

Small breed dogs have crowded teeth and tend to fall prey to dental issues like tartar formation and gum recession. They also tend to develop periodontal diseases as they live longer. Periodontal diseases occur when food accumulates along the gumline and forms plaque. The plaque in combination with saliva and other minerals forms calculus. The calculus eventually forms spaces under the dogs’ teeth and encourages bacterial growth which leads to tooth loss, pus formation and tissue deterioration. Small dogs are also susceptible to Endocardiosis which leads to cardiac disease. They are also prone to obesity because of their inactive lifestyle.

Sociability

Small-breed dogs are known to be social but can display aggression if provoked. There are also some breeds that do not get along with other animals and kids. However, the majority of breeds socialise with their human families and live happy life amongst them.

Grooming

Small breed dogs can be groomed with basic grooming supplies at home. The breeds that have short hairs require regular bathing, nail clipping, brushing, ear cleaning and teeth brushing. Long-haired breeds also need regular grooming, clipping and washing to remain in good condition. Regular visits to the groomers will help keep their coat clean and tangle-free.

Concluding Note

Small-breed dogs make for excellent companions which has made them increasingly popular among dog lovers. Having them as pets is indeed a rewarding journey that brings an abundance of happiness and joy. However, before choosing a particular breed to adopt, it is important that you access your budget, living space and lifestyle so as to not face inconvenience at a later date. Also, Know All About Taking the Best Care of Medium Breed Dogs.