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 Why get a small, Toy breed dog instead of a big dog?
Size matters! Many condominiums, apartments and retirement communities prohibit dogs above a certain height or weight. You can pick up a 5-10 pound dog. If you ever have to carry an injured or elderly dog or one that's in danger, you'll appreciate the light weight.
Small dogs require less exercise. One daily walk or even a romp indoors will be enough to satisfy many Toy breeds. Don't try that if you have a Labrador.
When you finish your short walk, you can place your Toy breed in your lap or next to you on the sofa. Neither your lap nor your sofa will be the worst for wear. Try that with a 100-pound Old English Sheepdog!
Small dogs reduce your liability. Some home owners insurance policies also restrict coverage or charge more for large dogs. A Chihuahua might bite but he's unlikely to cause severe injury
or death. In our litigious society, that's major plus. People don't fear Toy breeds. Try taking a Pit Bull for a walk around a suburban neighborhood. You'll develop a reputation, but one you probably don't want.
With a Toy breed, people will be wanting to coo and pet your dog, not call the police. Toy breeds can still be great watchdogs and alert you if a stranger approaches your property.
Costs are controlable too. Toy breeds cost less to maintain on a day-to-day basis, such as
for dog food, but live longer so the cost differences may not be great in the long run.
Toy breeds exist to be pets. Although the origin of many Toy breeds may be one of working
(such as Yorkies bred to hunt rodents), today's Toy breeds exist to be canine companions. They love attention and love to be with you. You can take your petite pooch with you everywhere. You'll never be able to say that about the large dog breeds.
Who shouldn't get a Toy breed?
Families with very young (under 8-years of age) would be better off with larger dogs. Toy breeds can be injured unintentionally by rough housing even with a toddler. People looking for jogging partners. Some Toy breeds, such as Affenpinscher and Italian Greyhound, enjoy active lifestyles but that doesn't mean they could keep up with your three-mile run.
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Authur:
Louise Louis is a long-time dog person, former breeder and certified canine specialist with more than 20 years experience and knowledge to share.
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