What to Expect With a Toy Dog Breed

Toy dog breeds are known for their big personalities housed in little bodies and make great companions. Breeds range from the cute to the tough and everything in between! Toy dogs come in many different shapes, sizes and colors; they are also the ideal pet for apartment dwellers and individuals living in small, tight living spaces. These dogs are known for their huge personalities and have been known to try to take on dogs five times their size. If you're thinking about getting a toy dog, here's what to expect with a toy dog breed.

Cost and Maintenance

When you compare the costs associated with the care and maintenance of a toy dog against those associated with a big dog, toy dogs will cost you significantly less than big dogs. The initial cost to purchase the dog is cheaper as is the maintenance of the dog itself. Toy dog breeds generally cost less to groom, shed less and will cost less to feed as well; costs will be higher if you're buying for show purposes but they'll still be less expensive than a big dog.

Travel and Leisure

Toy dogs are definitely adorable, compact animals that make great traveling companions. Unlike larger canines that are more difficult to take into the office or on a business trip, tiny toy dogs love being with their owners and are great travelers. They not only make great travelers, they are also excellent house pets and even better companions. If you're looking for a family pet, however, it is best to research which toy dog breeds work best around children. Some toy dog breeds, such as the Havanese, are excellent with children because of their cheerful and affectionate disposition. As well, other toy dog breeds are not well suited to families with small children and are better around adults and or the elderly.

Training and Temperament

Many toy dog breeds require training and their trainability will vary depending on the breed. Some breeds, such as the toy poodle or the Fox Terrier, are easy to train; others can be very stubborn and headstrong which makes for a difficult training day. It's important to have a lot of patience and understanding when training a toy dog. Most small dog breeds will make excellent watchdogs and will bark excessively when something unusual occurs or a stranger comes to the house. Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas and Shih Tzu are just a few of the breeds that make great watchdogs. They are alert and become excited easily.

Health Concerns

As with any other dog breed, toy dogs are prone to their own unique set of health problems; which specific problems they will have depends on the breed. Selecting a reputable breeder is the first step in the journey that is finding a healthy toy dog that will have fewer problems. Care, paying attention to their behavior and making sure they eat a balanced diet will also help keep your toy dog healthy and strong. Many of the health issues that arise in toy dogs are due to poor diets and improper care. They are more prone to breaking bones or sustaining injuries because they are so small; if you're looking at getting a toy dog, keep this in mind.

So, what can you expect if you get a dog from among the toy dog breeds? Generally speaking, most toy dog breeds are delightful and full of personality and loyalty. It's important to do your own research on individual breeds to know which toy dog will fit best with your lifestyle.

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