Just what makes a dog a miniature dog? Miniature dog breeds are defined as any breed of dog weighing less than 11 pounds and standing less than 11 inches at the shoulder. There are many different breeds coming in many different shapes and sizes. To name just a few, there's the Affenpinscher, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua , Dachshund, English Toy Spaniel, Havanese, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Further, miniature dogs come in a variety of activity levels. Don't be fooled that, just because a dog is small, his activity level will be small as well. While there are some lower energy small breeds, such as the Pug, many can be pretty high energy, including the Australian Terrier, Beagle, Cairn Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, and Wire Fox Terrier. All miniature breeds will need some amount of exercise, such as a walk with their owner or a romp around the yard or a large garden.
The care of a miniature breed is pretty much just like that of any other breed. Long-haired breeds, whether miniature or large, will require regular grooming, usually daily. Some miniature breeds with short coats may require extra protection in cold weather and it's generally recommended that smaller breeds not be kept in outdoor kennels. And just like any other breed, miniature breeds should be fed a high-quality diet, though kibbles may come in a smaller size. Though many people believe that smaller breeds of dogs prove harder to housebreak, this isn't necessarily so and can depend on the individual dog.
Small breeds are not prone to any more genetic disorders than other breeds. However, their size tends to make them a favorite of puppy mills, which can result in problems with inbreeding, bad nutrition and the like. Because of that, it's extra important that you acquire your miniature breed through a reputable breeder. You must also be committed to having and caring for you miniature breed for quite some time as they generally live longer than larger breed dogs. Small breeds may average between ten to twelve years of age, though many can live much longer.
Small breeds are just as intelligent and energetic as larger breed dogs and have similar personalities. In fact, they can even make good watch dogs despite their diminutive size.
Further, you're likely to find that many small dogs aren't phased by the littler size and have the personalities of much larger dogs.
Further, miniature dogs come in a variety of activity levels. Don't be fooled that, just because a dog is small, his activity level will be small as well. While there are some lower energy small breeds, such as the Pug, many can be pretty high energy, including the Australian Terrier, Beagle, Cairn Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Miniature Pinscher, and Wire Fox Terrier. All miniature breeds will need some amount of exercise, such as a walk with their owner or a romp around the yard or a large garden.
The care of a miniature breed is pretty much just like that of any other breed. Long-haired breeds, whether miniature or large, will require regular grooming, usually daily. Some miniature breeds with short coats may require extra protection in cold weather and it's generally recommended that smaller breeds not be kept in outdoor kennels. And just like any other breed, miniature breeds should be fed a high-quality diet, though kibbles may come in a smaller size. Though many people believe that smaller breeds of dogs prove harder to housebreak, this isn't necessarily so and can depend on the individual dog.
Small breeds are not prone to any more genetic disorders than other breeds. However, their size tends to make them a favorite of puppy mills, which can result in problems with inbreeding, bad nutrition and the like. Because of that, it's extra important that you acquire your miniature breed through a reputable breeder. You must also be committed to having and caring for you miniature breed for quite some time as they generally live longer than larger breed dogs. Small breeds may average between ten to twelve years of age, though many can live much longer.
Small breeds are just as intelligent and energetic as larger breed dogs and have similar personalities. In fact, they can even make good watch dogs despite their diminutive size.
Further, you're likely to find that many small dogs aren't phased by the littler size and have the personalities of much larger dogs.
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