You can find at shelters, get them and nurture them with exercise, good nutrition, and your love and they can be just as healthy if not more than from a breeder.
My friend has a small dog, a bichon, and at 6 years old he has bad arthritis and if he jumps down from her couch or bed he'll break a leg or hurt his back.
My other friend has a pomeranian, he also has had bad arthritis from around age 7. I don't know if smaller dogs are prone to arthritis more because some toy breeds can't exercise as much or because it's genetic. Also with toy breeds you can't leave them outside alone in the yard since they can get hurt by other animals easy or just slip away.
I would look in a shelter and get a dog that suits you not just cute but personality and lifestyle wise too and you'll be happy no matter what.
2007-09-10 09:48:35
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answer #1
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answered by ♥shelter puppies rule♥ 7
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Ok...so the truth....I have a tiny Yorkie and she is my heart and soul. You should know I wouldn't trade her for the world. So being that small dogs are such a huge market these days you often run into bad breeding/ imbreeding. I was a victum of this! My little girl has more issues....She has allergies and needs special food and treats, and shampoo. .....So all in all, the smaller the dog often the more health problems you'll encounter....As long as you have the means to care for your animal go for it.
Little dogs can be very high strung, can get stressed out easily etc. SO if you have the time and heart you'd be a great parent.
Also know that if she ever gets out, or gets lost she most likely wont be returned. Furthermore many small dogs are stolen and resold.
Sometimes small dogs are not good with children. Which is sometimes understandable because kids think they are toys and can be a little to ruff.
Thats about it....other than that they travel well (car, plane, train...whatever), make great companions, love to run and play.
Good luck....
2007-09-10 17:45:55
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answer #2
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answered by teezy 2
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Although they are all small, there are big differences in the different toy breeds, in the different lines and in individuals.
It depends on what kind of dog would suit you. Do you want a small but athletic dog, a couch potato, one with short hair or long and silky hair?
The round headed dogs can have dental problems, breathing problems and problems with their eyes. The more delicate ones can have problems with bone fractures and cold temperatures. Some of the coats are tough to take care of without constant brushing and maintenance. They may not be able to walk as far or go for as long as you would like.
You can start here:
http://www.akc.org/breeds/toy_group.cfm
Just to see the wide variety of dogs that are considered 'toy' dogs. If you are thinking of a chihuahua, there are big differences in the temperament of different lines. I would look for one that is bold and calm rather than nervous and yappy.
I would also make sure to train it just as you would train a big dog to not snarl, growl, yap, bark excessively or potty inside the house. I think little dogs get away with a great deal because they are so small and look so cute. People get overly protective of them and they end up fearful and snappy.
2007-09-10 17:23:20
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answer #3
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answered by plantxyz 3
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The biggest downside to a small dog is that they are difficult to housebreak. Not for any inherent biological reason, but unlike a St. Bernard, a pom can sneak behind the couch and be done with his business in 20 seconds.
The other big downside is that they are inappropriate for houses with small children. A loving but rough child can seriously hurt a puppy without meaning to.
Small puppies are also popular fodder for puppy mills right now so MAKE SURE you get one from a good breeder.
Each individual breed has its own quirks and tendencies towards health problems (pugs are prone to respitory infections) so make sure you research your breed carefully.
2007-09-10 16:19:20
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answer #4
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answered by LX V 6
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Well one downside is simply that they are small and more likely to injure by stepping on them, sitting on them, etc. You will have to watch where you walk at all times for a while!
Additionally, they need help getting everywhere because they are so small (ie: not likely to jump into the car themselves, up on furniture -- at least when they are young). Can't think of any other than that -- you'll save a lot of money on dog food if your dog is small though!!!
2007-09-10 16:16:42
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answer #5
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answered by Amanda 6
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The downsides depend on the breed of toy puppy you are planning. Do some research on the different breed and when you decide which one you would like, ask your veterinarian about the pros and cons of that particular breed.
2007-09-10 16:32:40
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answer #6
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answered by baydvm 1
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They can have a ton of health problems which require frequent and expensive trips to the vet.
They are usually very timid and yippy and a lot of them end up poorly trained and become biters. Plus, I have seen a lot of them that can never be properly house trained and they go around "wetting" the carpets all the time. I attribute this to to much inbreeding, as is true for lots of full breed dogs.
Dogs, any dogs, big or little, are a full time job and once you get one you end up looking for dog-sitters anytime you want to go anywhere.
Lastly, most puppies sold in this country are birthed in "puppy mills". It only takes one or two trips to actual breeders to see how miserable of an existence the poor mothers are subjected to. It should be a crime and it breaks my heart. These breeders just breed and re-breed the poor dogs till they die from being worn out. They live in filth, it is shameful. And every time you buy a puppy at a pet store, you are awarding these animals (I am talking of the owners) for torturing these poor dogs.
Adopt a "toy-like" dog from the pound, you will be saving a dog from death and giving him a second chance. Plus it is a lot cheaper and most shelters offer tons of follow up care and help for the adopters.
2007-09-10 16:22:49
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answer #7
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answered by Gem 7
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Do you mean a healthy-sized small breed (like a 4-pound chihuahua) or a "teacup" (a runt)?
Teacups (there really is no such thing...it's just a small dog) have horrible health problems because they are simply the product of runts bred with runts.
Average-sized small-breed dogs are a different story. They do have specific needs, but can live long, healthy lives like other breeds. Maltese, for example, can have problems with blood-sugar levels and need food available at all times. Each breed is unique.
2007-09-10 16:18:14
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answer #8
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answered by ? 4
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I've heard that such tiny dogs are really difficult to potty train. Their brains are really tiny and that would probably make them also less intelligent than larger breeds. They tend to get really nervous and have all kinds of health issues due to so much inbreeding. Yes, they are cute but I think all the downsides outweigh the cute factor. If you're going to get a dog, rescue one from a shelter.
2007-09-10 16:21:31
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answer #9
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answered by *Cara* 7
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Just be sure to get a puppy from a reputable breeder. The puppies you find from other, less expensive sources are sometimes inbreed. This can mean that you have some serious health issues down the road. I think small breeds are great pets!
2007-09-10 16:21:32
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answer #10
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answered by orangeflameninja 4
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