What are toy-sized dogs?
Toy-sized dogs are very small dogs. But there’s nothing “toy-like” about them—in fact, quite the opposite! Although these dogs are very small, they have very strong personalities and aren’t afraid of the other beings around them.
Toy dogs may be ideal for people who live in an apartment or have limited space, or for people who travel a lot, because they’re easier to take along. But even though they’re very small, they still need their own space: keeping them cooped up inside the house or in confined spaces all the time, thinking that’s enough, is a mistake. Dogs always need their own space; ideally, they should go for shorter walks, which are still essential.
When it comes to nutrition, toy-sized dogs have more specific needs than other dogs. It’s important to pay close attention to portion sizes. It’s no exaggeration to say that these dogs need small portions of food, ideally enriched with immunostimulants, detoxifying agents, and antioxidants. As for treats and snacks, since these dogs are very small, we shouldn’t give them too much, because heavier foods and larger portions can easily tire them out and make them feel weighed down.
Which breeds are considered toy-sized?
Dogs weighing under 9 kg are generally considered toy-sized. The most common and well-known breeds are:
Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, Maltese, Pomeranian, Poodle, Silky Terrier.
But toy-sized dogs, even though they’re very small, shouldn’t be underestimated! Because of their size, they can often be more “aggressive” toward larger dogs, as they feel threatened right away.
Despite this, toy-sized dogs can make wonderful companions, and we can take them wherever we want. But we should always remember that, like all other dogs, they have their own needs. The more we meet those needs, the happier they’ll be!