Our guide for small dog breeds
For dog breeds that are small, the saying goes: small but mighty! Small dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Jack Russells, miniature dachshunds or Spitz may have short legs, but when it comes to needs, they are in no way inferior to their long-legged counterparts. And because a terrier's heart can give just as much love as a husky's, our little ones also deserve their own guide. Whether energetic four-legged friends, fluffy small dog breeds or small dog breeds that don't shed: the short-legged four-legged friends come in many different varieties.
Here you'll find everything you need to know about the special features and needs of small dog breeds and we'll show you why these only partly differ from those of the large breeds.
Training small dog breeds
There's a common rumor about small dogs that, because of their size, they are easier to handle – and their cuteness factor also means they enjoy a few advantages. Lots of freedom, plenty of cuddly toys, sleeping spots on the bed and couch as far as the eye can see. But consistency with small breeds is just as much the be-all and end-all for a relaxed and respectful life together.
Appropriate activity
Even small dogs can turn a daily walk into a real stress test if not properly trained, and their teeth won't stop at the chair leg just because they're smaller. On the contrary: Even the smallest of our four-legged friends were not originally bred for cuddling, but for protecting home and farm as well as for hunting. They still carry these traits today, and in line with this, training and appropriate activity are important.
Small, yes, but not a couch potato
So if you want to turn your dainty Yorkie or your →beautiful Pomsky into a couch potato, you'll quickly find that he will walk all over you. Small terriers are still terriers, and like other dogs, they need clear rules and structure. A good foundation for properly training small breeds is to see them as full-fledged dogs and not make any exceptions.
Social behavior in small breeds: important from day one
You've probably seen it before: a small dog being whisked to safety by its owner when a big dog approaches. But safe from what, and is that even necessary?
For dogs to be as sociable with others as possible and know how to react, regular social interaction from puppyhood is important. Puppies learn through play with others how to interpret certain body signals correctly and how to behave themselves.
Let them gain experience
Of course, this doesn't mean that Chihuahua puppy Maxi should be running across the field with wolfhound baby Fritz – here, you really do need to pay attention to the weight ratio because even a light bump could cause serious injuries.
Still, give your small dog experience with dogs of all sizes as often as possible. This can be done in a controlled way with calm, older dogs or in lively play with dogs of similar size. And don't worry about rejection: if there's a little growl, don't immediately scoop up your dog and carry him away, but give him the chance to grow from the situation.
That way, you can both learn how important social interaction is and that conflicts are part of it, as long as they don't lead to injuries. If you don't want your dog to become the "typical little yapper" whenever he sees another dog, this tip is a great place to start.
Small dog breeds at a glance
Whether long-haired or short-haired, curly or straight, fluffy or rather bristly: that's how different small dog breeds are.
Small dog breeds that don't shed
Especially popular among the little furballs are small dog breeds that don't shed. Understandably, you don't want to be vacuuming every few minutes at home or have half your dog's coat on your sweater. Unfortunately, we have to say upfront: a dog that doesn't lose any hair at all, doesn't exist (yet). But there are small dog breeds that tend to shed very little. Take the stage!Poodle
all poodle mixes like Cockapoo, Goldendoodle, Labradoodle
Havanese
Maltese
Schnauzer
Papillon
Bolonka Zwetna
Yorkshire Terrier
The right nutrition for small dog breeds
Small dogs are real dogs – not a handbag accessory and with
big needs. If they differ from their larger counterparts, it's definitely in the type and amount of food, because the →feeding recommendations depend, among other things, on your dog's weight. Here too, the cuteness factor often comes into play and so there are several snacks a day and always a bite from the lunch table. Small stomach, but more food?
Small dogs have a
small stomach and need significantly less food per day, the lighter and smaller they are. However, relatively speaking compared to larger breeds, they actually need more food and have a higher energy requirement. That's why it's advisable to always stick to the specific, carefully calculated feeding recommendations. If your dog gets an extra treat, you should adjust the feeding amount accordingly.Food pieces for small mouths
Small Portion, Big Taste - Pets Deli MINI
They also differ from their larger counterparts in terms of food acceptance – small dogs are often
pickier when it comes to food. Because of their smaller jaws and teeth, it's often hard for the little ones to eat large food pieces or dry food kibbles. That's why an adapted size is all the more important and ensures better acceptance.While large dog breeds can easily eat more than a whole can a day, the smallest
don't even get through half. The result: an opened can in the fridge sometimes for several days.
