How to Choose a Small Breed Dog

Choosing the correct small dog for you, your family and your lifestyle is a big task. There are many factors to consider. By following these simple steps, selecting the right dog for you will be much easier than you ever imagined.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Define what a small dog is to you. Usually, this would be a dog under 20 pounds. However, if you are accustomed to having an Irish Wolfhound or a Saint Bernard, your idea of a small dog may be larger.

2. Consider your lifestyle. Keep in mind your other activities and whether a small dog will fit into them. If you enjoy hunting, and are looking for a dog to participate in this activity with you, a small dog is probably not for you.

3. Consider your budget. Make sure you have the finances for routine veterinary care, emergency medical expenses, food, training, grooming, toys, and other items your small dog will need.

4. Research the different groups of dogs. The groups that consist of the small dogs include toy, terrier, non-sporting, and hound. Each group has been bred for different functions and each has similar traits and characteristics within their group.

5. Research specific dogs from the group you feel would best fit into your lifestyle. Keep in mind each dog is an individual. Despite having similarities, they will have individual personalities and needs.

6. Choose a veterinarian for your dog. Speak with him about your desire to have a small dog. Explain your lifestyle and expectations of a dog. Ask for recommendations.

7. Select the specific dog that will fit into your lifestyle. Have a veterinarian check the dog for any health problems. If the dog is healthy, this is a great time to have your dog vaccinated and wormed.

8. Remember to spay or neuter your dog as quickly as possible because this reduces the risk for cancers and other health probelms, as well as behavioral problems. Many veterinarians offer “early spay/neuter” programs. As long as your dog weighs at least one pound, it can be altered regardless of its age. This will help control the pet over-population problem.

9. Train your dog. Talk with your veterinarian about reputable trainers in your area. If you are familiar with dog training, you may be able to do this your own. Remember, training can be much more than “doggy manners.”

10. Enjoy your new “non-human family member.”

Tips & Warnings

• Consider adopting your small breed dog from an animal shelter or rescue. There are many rescues that are breed-specific.

• Mixed breeds - They are hearty dogs, easily trained and, usually, good with children. By combining different breeds, the dog can offer a wonderful mixture of all the abilities and characteristics you want. Mixed breed dogs are not as prone to certain genetic problems as purebred dogs are. Grooming will vary, depending on the specific dog. There are thousands of small dogs waiting for homes in animal shelters and rescues.

• Maltese - These small dogs are comical clowns, entertaining and eager to please. They are easy to train and very intelligent. They do require extensive grooming, but a “puppy cut” is just as pretty as the long, flowing coat seen in the show ring. “Eye staining” is a problem many owners face. This is a cosmetic issue and not a health issue. Speak with your veterinarian about special shampoos to keep your Maltese snowy white all over.

• Dachshund - Don’t bother telling them they aren’t guard dogs. Despite their size, they are very protective. They tend to pick “their person” in a family, yet are still wonderful family pets even though they can play favorites. Dachshunds are intelligent and easily trained when the owner is consistent and offers a lot of praise. Grooming is not a concern; be sure to brush at least once a week. Because they are long, heavy dogs with short legs, they are prone to back problems. By not allowing them to jump from beds or other furniture often and helping them maneuver stairs, the chances for these problems occurring is reduced.

• Cairn terrier - Energetic and fun-loving, these dogs will keep the family on its toes. Easily trained and eager to please, these small dogs are a joy to have as a pet. They can tend to be yappy, but training should eliminate this problem. Grooming is necessary; brushing these dogs should be done at least twice a week as well as regular trims.

• Poodle - Often described as too smart for their own good and their owners, these small dogs are easily trained and extremely eager to please. They must be groomed regularly. Poodles can be prone to hip and knee problems. With proper training, excessive barking is usually not a concern. Because of this small dog’s intelligence, owners often finding themselves spelling certain words. Poodles tend to have large vocabularies and rarely miss anything being said.

• All of the dogs listed above make excellent pets. Generally, they are good with children and other pets. Because each dog is an individual, this will vary from dog to dog.

• Teach your children to respect the dog - always being gentle and never using harsh tones with the dog.

• Take a pet ownership class from your veterinarian or local shelter. This will help to familiarize yourself with being a dog owner and all the responsibilities of owning a dog.

• Interview different veterinarians in your area. Ask questions about hours, specialties, additional services (emergencies, boarding, grooming, training). Ask for references and check them. Know the difference in a veterinary clinic and veterinary hospital.

• Your veterinarian is your dog’s physician; make sure you choose a veterinarian that is reputable and you feel comfortable talking to.

• Remember your dog is a living creature, with needs and feelings. You and your dog should be the best of friends