Small dog breeds: features of maintenance and care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Small dogs are very fond of city dwellers. What is the secret of these miniature creatures? Each owner of a “mini-dog” will answer this question differently. There is only one thing that does not cause controversy: these cute animals have many virtues.

Small dogs: breeds, names

Decorative breeds can be divided into three groups:

- shorthaired (dachshund, toy terrier, miniature pinscher);

- Longhair (M altese, Shih Tzu, Small Poodle, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier, Japanese Chin, Chihuahua, Italian);

- Chinese crested and hairless Mexican dogs.

In addition, there is also a group of decorative miniature dogs not yet recognized by the FCI:

- Russian colored lap dog;

- American Toy Fox Terrier;

- orchid (Petersburg and Neva);

- Hairless American Terrier and others

Existing delusions

There is an opinion that small breeds of dogs have an unstable psyche; the animals are allegedly hysterical and cowardly. On whatthe basis of this assertion is unknown. It is safe to say that such an opinion is fundamentally wrong. Many of these babies are brave and loyal creatures, ready to defend their master to the last breath, regardless of the size of the enemy. For example, small terriers have a real "terrier" character. They are fearless, active and assertive in achieving their goals.

Dignity of small breeds

Undoubtedly, for a city dweller it is very important that these dogs are compact and practically do not take up space in the apartment. In addition, they can be easily transported in any transport. And most importantly: with such a miniature size, they have the advantages of large dogs.

Features

It is quite natural that small breeds of dogs are not intended to perform any work. They belong to a special group - "that breed". Translated from English toy is a toy. Since ancient times, such animals, entertaining their owners, at the same time symbolized their we alth and high social status. Anyone who wants to have such a tiny friend should remember that you are not getting a toy, but a living and understanding creature. In addition, do not forget that this is not a plush dog, but a real dog with its own character and temperament.

Today we will introduce you some small dog breeds with pictures and descriptions of features.

Yorkshire Terrier

A decorative dog bred in England in the 19th century. It is distinguished by silky and long hair, which is very similar to human hair. Wool keeps growinghas no undercoat. The weight of the animal does not exceed three kilograms, but can be much less. With such a miniature size, the terrier is determined and bold, like his big brother. He is infinitely devoted to the owner, friendly to both people and animals. Needs a lot of attention. Ready to follow the owner on the heels of the whole day, and even better - sitting comfortably in his arms. The price of a terrier is from fifteen to fifty thousand rubles.

Chihuahua

Probably the smallest decorative dog. It was named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where it was first discovered in 1850. However, it should be noted that she has been leading her family since the time of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Then this tiny creature was considered sacred. These cute animals come in two types - short-haired and long-haired.

At first they were used to catch rats on the ships of the Spaniards, and later they turned into companion dogs. The Chihuahua has an excellent reaction, fearlessness and a very stable psyche. They are very curious and observant animals. In some incomprehensible way, they immediately understand that they have to go on a visit, and not on a regular walk. Dogs are very touchy. If, due to a bad mood, you accidentally broke into a cry, your pet can sit in his corner all day until he forgives you. The price of such a dog varies from five hundred to two thousand dollars. This variation depends on the sex of the animal, the presence of a pedigree, titles of parents, etc.e.

Russian Toy Terrier

Describing small breeds of dogs, photos of which you can find in our article, one cannot fail to say about this representative of the Russian breed. The toy terrier was bred in our country at the beginning of the 20th century. Very elegant and thin-boned, long-legged and short-haired small dog.

The animal is very active, devoted to the owner and affectionate with him. Please note: such pets are undesirable for families with noisy children. The dog is under stress. Without the professional help of an experienced dog handler, it can grow very vicious. Does not require special care, great for keeping in a small apartment. Price - from 6 to 35 thousand rubles.

Pygmy Spitz (Pomeranian)

Decorative dog originally from Germany. Miniature and cheerful dog, incredibly devoted to the owner. He loves children very much and can tirelessly run and play with them. Smart and quick-witted, eager to please the owner and earn his praise. Easily trained. The price of such a dog starts from 14 thousand rubles.

Bichon Frize

Translated from French, the name of this breed means "curly-haired lapdog". Naturally, this beauty rightfully represents small breeds of dogs. Incredibly spectacular blonde! Thick, long, silky coat (always only white) makes her appearance unforgettable. It is believed that this particular breed is the progenitor of all lapdogs.

The height of the Bichon Frize does not exceed 30 centimeters, wool - about 10 centimeters. The animal is very cheerful and playful, does not show aggression at all, is easily trained, showing miracles of ingenuity. Price - from 600 to 1000 dollars.

Pekingese

Decorative dog originally from China. The breed has about 2000 years of history. It owes its name to the capital of the country - Beijing. True, the Chinese themselves call these animals Fu dogs. Most likely, the Pekingese would never have got to the countries of Europe, if in 1860 the British, who captured the Beijing Palace, had not taken out five individuals of this breed as a trophy. The Pekingese loves to be groomed and cherished, but he is fearless and surprisingly inventive in games. Requires a lot of attention. Even in families with children, he considers himself the main character, so he is more suitable for keeping single people or families without children. Price - from 4 to 20 thousand rubles.

Mating small dogs

This process is quite complex and requires preliminary thorough preparation. Knitting dogs of small breeds implies the mandatory presence of vaccinations in the expectant mother. It should be treated for ticks and fleas, it is advisable to drink the pet with a medicine for worms. If mating occurs for the first time, we recommend that you seek advice from an instructor at your club. There are situations when inexperienced owners cannot do without the help of professionals.

Pregnancy in small breed dogs lasts an average of 62 days. Immediately before birth, the body temperature of the animaldrops by 1-2 degrees and stays at this mark until the end of childbirth.

During pregnancy, feeding the dog should be more high-calorie and more fractional. Your veterinarian will recommend vitamins for your breed.

Small breed puppies require the same attention and care as everyone else. During the first three weeks, they are in a pre-prepared nest next to their mother and practically do not leave it. At this time, the focus is on the nursing mother.

Nicknames for small dog breeds

Choosing a nickname for your pet is not as easy as it seems at first glance. When making your choice, consider the breed of the dog. The nickname Sharik or Barbos will sound ridiculous in relation to a huge Rottweiler or a tiny chihuahua. Quite often, a puppy gets its name already from the first owner, but this does not mean at all that you cannot change it.

Small breeds of dogs, however, as well as large ones, need the right choice of nickname. In many ways, thanks to her, the character of the animal is formed. You yourself determine in advance what the dog will be - funny, fashionable or the most ordinary. Dogs are very intelligent animals, whether they are mongrels or thoroughbreds, large or small. And, of course, the nickname will affect the behavior and character of the animal.