What to Expect with a Toy Dog Breed

Toy dog breeds have big personalities in little bodies and can make great companions. They can range from cute to tough breeds and come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. They make ideal pets for apartment dwellers and individuals living in small and tight living spaces. If you're thinking of getting a toy dog here's what to expect with a toy dog breed.

Cost and Maintenance
If you want to compare the costs of a toy dog breed with a large canine you're going to be paying considerably less for a smaller dog. And not only the original cost, but also the maintenance of the dog itself. Toy dog breeds will generally cost you less to keep groomed (unless you're buying for "show" purposes), shed less, and will cost less when it comes to buying dog food. Don't take their small size for granted though, these little pups pack a big punch when it comes to personality. Many will often attempt to take on a dog five times their size.

Travel and Leisure
Toy dogs are definitely adorable and compact animals that make great traveling companions. Unlike larger canines that are more difficult to take into the office or on a business trip, these little toys love being with their owners and a great travelers. As well as being great travelers they can make excellent house pets and even better companions. If you're looking for a pet for the family however, it is best to research which toy dog breeds are best suited to being around children. Some toy dog breeds such as the Havanese are excellent with children due to their cheerful and affectionate disposition. Other toy dog breeds however are not suited well to being around small children and are better for adult and elderly.

Training and Temperament
Many of the toy dog breeds will 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 however other can be very stubborn and headstrong which can make for a difficult training day. It's important to have a lot of patience and understanding when training a toy dog breed. 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, Chihuahua's, and Shih Tzu are just a few that make great watchdogs. They are alert and become excited easily.

Health Concerns
As with any other dog breed toy dogs are also prone to health problems of their own and it depends on the breed on what the problems will be. Selecting a reputable breeder is the first step in finding a health toy dog that will have fewer problems. Care and attention to their behavior and a balanced diet will also help to keep your toy dog healthy and strong. Many of the health issues that arise in toy dogs are due to poor diets and not being taken care of properly. They are more easily prone to breaking bones or injury because they are so small so as an owner of a toy dog breed you need to keep this in mind.

So, what to expect with a toy dog breed? Well, 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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