Do small dogs really have bad health?

Question

Hi!
I really want a tiny dog. Do they really have bad health problems or is that just a myth.

Answer 1

the only dogs you will find that have health problems are pure breeds, muts live longer....pure breeds develop hip problems and die earlier

Answer 2

Depends on which breed. I originally wanted a pug so i did some research on the Internet and found a pug rescue mission and the stories were sad about how owners neglected them. Pugs eyes bulge and can get scratched, many of these pugs in the rescue mission were blind in one eye as a result of an injury that wasn't taken care of. Just like very large dogs have problems with their hips small dogs have problems too. I think your best bet is to weight the pros and cons of what tiny dog you want, the potential health problem they might get, the cost of caring for the dog and if you can afford the cost if something does happen. After all my research I ended up at the pound and adopted the best mutt in the world. Part German wire haired pointer and part terrier. It was less expensive than a pure bred and I saved his life.

Answer 3

How tiny ? I have heard that if they are too tiny,that Yes they can hve problems!! cause they are so small, real tiny is no t so good!! Say under 5 ilbs! They ca nhave health problems i have read ! Big dogs or any dog can have problems with there health, you have to look up the breed you like and read about that BREED and see what kind of health problems are known for that certain breed!! Start on the net! Like boxer dogs, that get a deiase with age called Cushions! It in the bloodline of boxers!! So you know what to Expect later on!!! My boxer lived about 11 yrs she died before christmas!! last yr. Do some research if you want a small dog first!! I have a 8 pd. shiz-tuz . They are such babys and good compaions!! They are spoiled and so cute when they are puppies! You'd fall in love with one if you have never saw one!!

Answer 4

No, tiny dogs actually live longer, on average, than the large breeds. But the really tiny dogs are more fragile, and they need more attention from their people to stay safe. It's really more a matter of protection from dangerous situations (falls, being stepped on, being treated too roughly by children or other pets) than that they are unhealthy. But before you get any dog (or any pet, for that matter), do some research so you know just what needs your pet will have, and be sure you are willing and able to provide the proper care.

Answer 5

that sounds like a myth to me, all dogs can get bad breath if something gets stuck in their teeth (hair, food, etc.) the only real threat to small dogs is that they tend to pass away due to heart attacks, their body stops growing at a certain point, but the heart has to work so hard because they are so active that it keeps growing until it becomes hazardous to the dog. (this is not EVERY small dog, you are usually better off if you get a mixed breed)

Answer 6

Larger dog breeds are prone to dysplasia (a problem with the hip joints) among them German Shepards, Rottweilers, Mastiffs. Great Danes are prone to die from heart problems.

Small dogs do have their share of health problems simply because they are so small, it doesn't take nearly as much to affect their health.

A veterinarian should be able to tell you which small dog has fewer health problems.

Answer 7

Its nice to know that you too love animals and hence want to get a small dog.If the dog is from a good blood line and has been bread over the years ,yes they are susceptible to a lot of diseases due to their breeding,They are so special that even the floor cleaner will get them a body rash,they are so delicate ,I mean all well bread dogs do have this particular problem.Apart from this you will have to concentrate on their diet too,Keeping a constant watch when you take them for their Poo(SHITTING) that it easy and they urinate in good quantity depending upon their size.wishing you all the best in making a decision

Answer 8

ANY SIZE DOG can have bad health problems.
Not just small ones, but...
When you take the tiniest dogs you can find and breed them for even smaller puppies YES, they are more apt to have issues.
Just ask your Vet he will tell you, THE SMALLER THE DOG, THE MORE HEALTH ISSUES. "Mine has said those exact words to me".
But the health issues mainly come from THE SIRE/DAM'S HEALTH, THE GENERATIONS BEFORE THEM, THE WAY THE DAM IS CARED FOR WHEN SHE IS PREGNANT, THE WAY THE PUPPIES ARE CARED FOR WHEN SMALL AND GROWING UP.
There are so many factors to be considered. This is why it is of upmost importance to find a REPUTABLE breeder. "That would be one who does testing of their breeding dogs, who spay/neuter any puppy born that isn't within the standard for the breed, or that has any sort of congenital, hereditary defect.

Answer 9

they have the same health as every normal dog in this world. But small dogs prefer, instead of moving their ting legs, to go 1 and 2 whereever they want to. Take a look at this website, they tell you a profile and what the dog you want prefers:

http://www.petfinder.com

Answer 10

I think large dogs tend to have more health problems.... as for the bad breath, just feed your pup kibble (hard food) rather than wet food... wet food gives bad breath while the kibble actually cleans the teeth. You'll be fine, go ahead and get your puppy!

Answer 11

It depends on the breed, and who you get your dog from. All breads have health issues some worse then others, you should research the breed you are interested in. There is lOTS of information on the net!