Each dog has its own character, its specificities. This is what makes it unique. However, although breed and size alone do not determine an animal’s characteristics, they do. Small-sized companion dogs have a few common traits and their small temper. Is it compatible with yours? Are its characteristics in line with what you are looking for? We help you better understand them.
In most cases, small dogs are full of vitality , sometimes a little more nervous than their larger counterparts, they do not lack courage and can be possessive and dominant . They eat less food, but sometimes they run into their bowls and ask for too many treats. To help you choose, Woopets offers you its test to find out which dog is right for you and you even have the possibility of adopting a dog for free thanks to our Adoption service.
There are, among the small dogs, breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrie r, the Boston Terrier, the French Bulldog, Chihuahua, the Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, the Coton de Tulear, the Maltese , the Havanese , the Pekingese , the Shih Tzu , the Pug or the Miniature Pinscher . The French Bulldog is the heaviest dog breed in the category of small dogs (15 kg maximum).
The benefits of owning a small dog
These dogs are all loved for their adorable, cute appearance, as well as the little physical space they take up. These little animals do not need a large living space. Some are all just apartment dogs and are therefore more suited to your pace of life if you live in an apartment unlike a sheepdog for example.
Placing their beds is quite easy, as is their transport . They can be taken anywhere without difficulty, especially on public transport. In the car, their small cage fits easily into the passenger compartment. The economic aspect of such a choice is also often put forward. The kibble budget is, of course, lower than that of a large dog, but other major expenses may be necessary, such as for grooming .
In addition, it is, of course, easier to brush , wash, handle and care for a small dog than a large one. A task which can however become complicated if the animal is agitated , uncooperative.
Behavior and education of a small dog
Generally speaking, small dogs are known to be a bit more nervous than their larger dogs. They are also very active , intelligent and often tend to be dominant. They are also quite cuddly.
For all of these reasons, small dogs need to be educated that is both gentle and firm . They also need to be socialized from an early age. In addition, we tend to want to spoil them by offering them a little too many treats , which can only harm their behavior and their health.
The dietary needs of a small dog
This brings us to the topic of feeding small dogs . It is clear that his food needs are different, especially because of his high activity, his accelerated metabolism , his small stomach and his small mouth . Not to mention that small dogs live longer and are therefore more exposed to the effects of old age, including oxidative stress .
Energy requirements are thus greater and the intake of antioxidants must be properly ensured. Small dogs eat less than large dogs, but the quality of their food is better.
His stomach is smaller than a large dog. However, its energy need is quite high. It will therefore be necessary to respond carefully to this equation which is to make your dog eat enough without giving him too large quantities each time. The solution: increase the frequency of meals, not doses.
Read also: Choosing a big dog
Small dogs should normally eat 2 to 4 meals a day , compared to only one on average for a large dog. Also be careful not to water your dog with treats or food that he might not digest well. Its digestive system is more fragile than a large dog. What’s more, if you start to give him treats too easily, he might become finicky and more picky. Maintain your routine throughout a life that is usually longer than that of a large dog.
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