Small Dogs

Advantages of Owning Small Dogs

Space

Small dogs take up less room. Their accessories - things like crates, beds and toys - also take up less room. They are lap sized, making them perfect companions. While a Great Dane may try to sit on your lap, you might not be too happy about it.

Exercise

Because they are smaller, little dogs require less exercise to keep them happy, healthy and in shape. They are easier to walk than large dogs because they do not have as much power, so you are less likely to be walked by your dog, instead of the other way around.

Life Span

The smaller the dog, if properly cared for, the longer they tend to live. The average life span for an Irish Wolfhound is seven years. The average life span for a Beagle is 13 years.

Disadvantages of Owning Smaller Dogs

Teeth and Gum Problems

Small dogs often develop teeth and gum problems because their owners feed them canned food instead of kibble. While tooth loss is undesireable in its own right, tooth decay can also lead to larger problems, including heart disease. You can avoid this problem by brushing the dog's teeth twice a week and by feeding hard kibble and treats.

Small Dog Syndrome

Small dogs do not realize how small they are. Even the smallest Chihuahua has the same wolf mentality from its ancestors as the largest dog, the Irish Wolfhound. These miniature companions have been known to go after much larger dogs and have paid the price for their bravery. Keep your pet safe by intervening before things get out of hand.

Injuries and Accidents

Small dogs have small bones which are easily broken. The Italian Greyhound is one small breed well known for easily broken bones. Something as simple as jumping off a couch onto a hard floor can result in a broken leg.

Little dogs tend to go unnoticed more as we are going about our daily tasks. Because of their small size, they are often accidentally stepped on or tripped over. Not only does this cause injury to your dog, but you are at risk of injury as well, so be extra observant if you have a small dog in your house so you can avoid these accidents. Placing a small bell and a brightly colored collar on your dog may help.

Small dogs are just as curious as other dogs, but when they get into harmful substances, they have a greater risk of dying. They have a higher metabolism, so their bodies process poisons more quickly than larger dogs. Also, because their body weight is much lower, it takes less of any poison to affect them. Protect your pet by keeping harmful substances out of his reach.

Illness

In general, small dogs live longer than larger dogs, but when he get ill, it can deteriorate rapidly. Viruses and infections take over a small dog's system much more quickly than a large dog's and they go down hill rapidly.