Health Concerns Specific Toy Dog Breeds

Any type of dog breed you buy will most likely come with different health concerns. And depending on the type of dog will depend on what type of health concern you will have. Health concerns with toy dog breeds are no different than other breeds, and depending on the breed will depend on what the health concern will be. So to make this article a little more specific we will talk about some toy dog breeds and some health concerns to be aware of in each dog.

Originally toy dog breeds were bred and kept as elegant companions for the rich and wealthy members of society. A benefit to having a toy dog breed is that they generally will have a longer life span that larger canines but may still come with some health issues.


The Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a small toy dog that is usually gray, silver, black, red, black or tan. They are extremely alert dogs that will bark at strangers or people they don't know very well. The best way to keep them safe and health is to keep them from jumping off high furniture or high surfaces. While their life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years, many experience some different health issues including:

• Bone fractures
• Respiratory problems
• Cardiovascular problems
• Hypothyroidism
• Heart murmurs
• Kidney problems

The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a tiny toy dog that weighs less than six pounds and has a high-pitched bark. They are extremely obedience dogs that get along best with owners who are gentle and will spend time with them daily. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years. Some health concerns common among Chihuahuas include:

• Coccidia
• Hydrocephalus
• Hypoglycemia
• Reverse sneeze
• Patellar Luxation

The Havanese, another small toy dog, makes a great companion and affectionate family pet. They come in many different colors and their life expectancy ranges between 12 and 15 years. They love being around their owners and children. Some health concerns with the Havanese include:

• Juvenile Cataracts
• Patellar Luxation
• Hip Dysplasia
• Deafness
• Ear and Eye infections
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

The Maltese, weighing between 4 and 6 pounds, is friendly and has a tendency to bark incessantly. They are generally good with children over the age of six and shed minimally with the proper grooming. The Maltese are generally a healthy dog breed with few medical problems and should be expected to live well into their teenage years. Here are some potential health problems that might occur:

• Patellar Luxation
• Glaucoma
• Entropion
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypoglycemia

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. They are affectionate, require constant grooming and love to be part of a family. Some potential health problems for the Spaniel include:

• Cataracts
• Patellar Luxation
• MVD
• Retinal problems

These are just a few health concerns specifically related to different toy dog breeds. There are obviously other toy dog breeds to consider and health concerns with each. It's important to discuss potential health issues specific to your chosen dog with the breeder to ensure that your dog is healthy and stays that way.

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