There are many things that you must consider before deciding to own little dogs. It is crucial that you know the kind of care that small dog breeds require. Although the personality of each dog varies, you will soon realize that small dogs are really a different kind of breed compared to large dogs.
Miniature, tiny, small and toy breeds are a celebration of the wide range of the mini canine form. There are sturdy and compact breeds like West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, and Jack Russell Terriers. Others are quite sensitive and require fragile care and gentle treatment such as Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, and Prague Ratters.
Furthermore, there are other breeds that have very unique features such as the round-headed Japanese Chin, the furry and cuddly Shi-Tzu, long-backed Dachshund, and the hairless Chinese Crested. All of these small breeds share the same diet, amount of exercise and socialization, and has almost the same lifespan. Here are some tips on how to take care of small breed dogs.
Diet and Nutrition
One of the most important aspects that you have to consider when you own a small dog breed is diet and nutrition. Unlike large dogs, small breeds entail lesser calories. Check the label of your choice of dog food; this will help you know the right size or portion for your furry baby. If you are uncertain of how much your dog should be eating, you can call your veterinarian. There are some veterinarians that advise you to feed your little dog with foods especially made for small dog breeds. There are kibbles for miniature dog breeds and for small breeds that are easier for their jaws to chew.
When it comes to nutrition, there are many supplements and vitamins for small dogs. These vitamins and supplements are necessary to complement the nutrition especially if you have created a diet for your dog at home. To make sure that your dog is getting all the best dog vitamins they need, simply match the vitamins to what they are already eating. If you are not sure what vitamins to give for your small dog, ask your veterinarian.
Lifespan
Small dogs tend to live longer compared to larger dogs and most of the time by several years. Therefore, before you cave into getting one of those precious little toy dogs, be sure that you are ready for a long-term commitment. Typically, small dogs live up to 17 years or more while big dogs only live until 12 years or less.
Exercise
The frequency of exercise to small dog breeds varies. There are some breeds that are a little ball of energy while others love to sleep all day long. Generally, compared to bigger dogs, smaller dog breeds are much slower compared to big dogs. Additionally, instead of a collar, you might want to use harness where you attach your leash to your small puppy since those little legs easily tangle with their leashes.
Socialization
While there is no link established between aggression and breed, most researchers suspect that there is somehow a vague relationship between aggression and size. Contrary to general perception, some animal experts believe that toy and small dogs are much more aggressive than large breed dogs. But aggression among small ones is easy to fix, especially if they are trained while they were little.
Proper socialization and training ensure that a dog develops excellent social skills the moment you bring them home. It is easier to form and develop good habits than to break the old bad ones. It is recommended that the earlier you practice positive reinforcement training, the better and more sociable your dog becomes.
Expose your dog regularly to strangers and other puppies. Just like humans, dogs also learn good manners through experience and regular practice make perfect. If your dog yaps at other dogs, it means that you need to improve its socialization skills.
However, if your dog sniffs the rear end of the other dog, that means you are on the right track. This action is equivalent to a human’s courteous handshake.
Puppies, especially small ones, are one of the most adorable things ever created. Parenting a new puppy, especially the small breed one, is not a walk in the park and it entails commitment and dedication. Whatever your dog size is, always consider his needs like the shape of his bed, diet, vitamins, exercise, collar and leash, temperature requirements, and socialization needs.