puppy&dog readiness

By Marti Hopson

So, you've always liked the look of that cute Jack Russell on the television sitcom “Frasier”. Your life is so busy, and your kids are a bit afraid of big dogs. A small, shorthaired breed such as a Chihuahua puppy should be easy to look after, right? Not so fast. Before you bring anew dog into your home, there are many considerations. Small and toy dogs are very popular, but it's best to do your homework before making such a big decision. Stop people with the dog you like and ask questions. Many books are available, and breed associations often have Web sites and contact information. Breeders welcome a visit from prospective clients to learn more about their dogs. There are different groups of small breeds: terriers (Scottish, Parson Russell or Jack Russell, Cairn, West Highland White), poodles (miniature and toy), spaniels (Cocker, Cavalier King Charles), the short-faced breeds (Pug, Boston Terrier, Pekingese) and various toy varieties (Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian).

The first thing to consider is how a small dog will fit in with your family and lifestyle. Delicate, very small dogs such as the Chihuahua or Maltese may not be suitable for families, unless the children are old enough to treat the animal with care. Many accidental injuries can occur from dropping or stepping on a small puppy.

Grooming
Another factor is budgeting for a canine addition to your home. Many small breeds have coats that require regular care, perhaps from a professional groomer that can mean spending $40 to $100 every six weeks. Many, such as Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Poodles and others all require regular clipping to stay neat. If a longhaired breed (like the Yorkshire Terrier) is grown out, the dog will require daily brushing, and frequent baths. Some breeds even require special “stripping” or pulling off the dead outer hairs (e.g., Cairn Terrier). Any breed with skin folds of the face (Pug, Bulldogs) will need to have their faces washed to avoid skin infections. Light-coloured dogs (Maltese and some Poodles) with shorter noses develop reddish stains under their eyes due to certain pigments in their tears. Small breed dogs are known for developing dental disease. Daily tooth brushing will help. Small dogs require frequent nail trimming.

Anal glad problems are more prevalent in small dogs. (You may see them licking their bottoms or “scooting” their hind end on the carpet.) A vet or groomer will have to express the sacs and this may become a chronic issue.

Health Concerns
Many breeds — small or large — have genetic health issues. Because of their delicate skeletal frames, it is very common for small dogs to break their front legs or elbows by jumping, especially as puppies. Children must be taught to handle the pups carefully and never leave them unattended on a bed or couch. Floppy-eared dogs are more prone to ear infections (otitis) and should have their ears regularly checked and cleaned if necessary. The long-backed breeds such as the Dachshund and Shih Tzu can easily prolapse or “slip” a disk in their backbone, which results in partial or total paralysis. Spinal surgery is needed.

Luxating patella (kneecap) is another common problem. The shape of many small dogs’ knees is shallow and allows the kneecap to slide out of its normal position. This causes a skipping gait or intermittent lameness. Depending on the severity of the problem, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to correct this.

Small dogs also have a longer life span and may have more time to develop geriatric ailments such as arthritis. You may find that ramps or stairs (products such as PetStep) are necessary to allow your pet to safely access the bed or couch, if you allow this.

The short-faced breeds have a tendency to develop brachycephalic syndrome. Narrow nostrils, extra tissue in their palate and a small trachea mean that they can develop severe breathing problems and may require surgery to correct this. Pugs and other breeds will snort and snuffle, worsening with age and hot weather. Dogs affected by this should not be overexcited or overheated.

Dogs with bulging eyes are prone to injury as it is easy for the cornea to be scratched, the eye to prolapse, or “dry eye” to develop.

Cardiac problems can also be present — either congenital abnormalities found in puppies (Yorkshire Terriers, Cavalier King Charles) — or degenerative disease of older dogs. As the heart ages, the valves become stiff and “leaky”, leading to abnormal blood flow and a heart murmur. Eventually, the heart is not able to compensate, and heart failure develops. Degenerative valve disease is more common in small dogs than large breeds.

A small dog is more at risk than a large dog when ingesting unsafe substances. Eating rotten food, a dropped tablet of medication, or even a small amount of dark chocolate can be harmful.

They are also prone to becoming overweight. Small, overweight dogs can fall seriously ill with pancreatitis (vomiting, no appetite and painful abdomen) after eatinga meal high in fat (table scraps, getting into garbage). This requires hospitalization.

Behaviour
Small stature often goes with a big attitude!

Some small dogs are quite dominant and would like to be the leader of the pack. Using consistency and good training techniques is the best way to avoid problems.

Small dogs are often allowed on furniture, and can become territorial.

Some small dogs are also quite vocal. Uncontrollable barking is a common reason that dogs are surrendered.

Many small breed dogs are very smart and can be given lots of jobs and tricks to perform. They can be trained to eliminate on paper, or special washable pads – or even artificial turf on a balcony.

Some small breeds require more exercise than a sedentary large breed dog! If left alone for long periods, they may develop bad habits such as destroying furniture.

Most important, choose the dog that fits your lifestyle and family. small dogs can be loving, attached companions, bringing much joy to their owners. Most small breed guardians are very loyal to their breed and wouldn't change their dog for the world!