Dogs: Exploring the World of Small Breed

Each of us dreamed of having a pet as a child. Be it a cat, hamster or dog. Especially now, when there is so much choice, when a huge number of dogs have appeared. That are suitable in size for keeping them in an apartment. But are you still tormented by doubts? In this article we will help you figure it out.

Decorative dogs such as Maltipoo, Maltese, and Pomeranian Spitz conquer people’s hearts at first sight. They are also known as indoor or toy breeds. These dogs were bred for company, decoration and even status. But everything is not so simple, because they are like small children. They require constant, expensive care and attention.

How Decorative Dogs Appeared

All dogs originally descended from wolves. Then people domesticated their thousands of years ago. Over time, selection and breeding have led to the emergence of various breeds.
After a while, people began to purposefully breed dogs for certain purposes. For example: hunting, security and escort. In the case of ornamental breeds, the main purpose was decoration.

Already in Ancient Egypt, China and the Roman Empire there were small breeds of dogs. For example, the Pekingese was the sacred dog of the Chinese imperial court.
In Europe, small dogs often accompanied aristocrats and were status symbols. Some breeds, such as the Maltese, are depicted in portraits of nobles of the time.

Miniaturization of dogs

During the selection and breeding process, people were interested in smaller dogs. They want that they could live in houses and apartments. They should be easy to carry and easy to keep as pets. Also, such dogs were often chosen for their friendly nature, attractive appearance and tenderness. These traits were actively encouraged and reinforced through the breeding process.

Positive aspects of dogs

Most often, when the question arises about a dog, the first thing that comes to mind is my best friend. Indeed, dogs provide emotional support to humans. They are often distinguished by a high level of friendliness and devotion to their owners. Their presence can reduce stress, improve mood, and even help reduce anxiety in their owners. These dogs are often used for therapeutic purposes.

Their small size makes decorative dogs suitable for keeping in apartments or small houses. They require less space.

Many decorative breeds are highly intelligent and easy to train. They are able to learn various commands and tricks. All this makes them not only pleasant companions, but also skillful participants in various competitions and activities.

Owning a decorative breed of dog is a joy, but also a responsibility.
You need to be prepared for the difficulties that you will encounter if you own a decorative breed of dog.

Problems you may encounter:

Grooming

Many toy breeds, such as the Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frize and Shih Tzu, require regular grooming. This includes frequent trimming and combing to prevent tangles and tangles. If you are not ready to provide this, then you will have to pay a tidy sum for your pet’s spa treatments.
Some breeds are also prone to skin problems. It also may require special care or treatment.

Health and veterinary care

Toy breeds often have hereditary diseases. For example the can have problems with teeth, knee joints (patellar dislocation), respiratory tract, eye and heart problems. Regular veterinary visits and preventative care are extremely important.

And small dogs can gain weight quickly. It also can lead to serious health problems, including diabetes and joint disease. Small dogs often have problems with their teeth and gums. It require regular dental cleanings and special diets.

Behavior problems of dogs

Small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Pomeranians, may be prone to excessive barking and anxiety. Especially when separated from their owner. This requires additional attention and training. You’ll have to be patient, but maybe it’s worth it.

Some toy breeds may not be well socialized. They can lead to aggressive behavior or fear of strangers and other animals. This can also be solved with training, but it can take a lot of time and nerves.

Nutrition

Small breeds require special attention to nutrition. Their food should be balanced and meet their needs. Overfeeding or poor nutrition can lead to obesity and other diseases.

Physical activity and care

Although toy breeds do not require a lot of physical activity. They still need regular walks and play to maintain health and prevent behavior problems. Some ornamental breeds do not tolerate cold and heat well. They require protection in extreme weather conditions.

Communication and attention

Small dogs are often very attached to their owners and require a lot of attention. This can be a problem for busy people or those who spend a great deal of time away from home. If you are not ready for this, it is better to leave the thought of such a dog until better times.

Don’t forget that the dog needs to be trained. These breeds are very intelligent and easy to train, but they can also be stubborn and moody. This requires patience or financial resources so that specially trained people are involved in the upbringing.

Dogs can also bring many benefits to children. Having a dog teaches them responsibility from an early age. After all, to care for a pet, you should regularly feed and walk it. Caring for a dog develops empathy and compassion. 

Being around a dog also helps children develop social skills and the ability to interact with others. This is especially useful for children who are shy or have problems with social adaptation. Having a dog in the home can improve the overall well-being of the family by creating a welcoming and supportive environment. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the child’s psychological state.

Conclusion

Whether or not to get such a small dog is entirely your decision. But don’t forget that caring for a toy dog ​​can not only be fun and rewarding, but it also requires responsibility, time and resources. It is important to carefully consider your capabilities and willingness to care for a pet before deciding to get a dog.