Read About Miniature Dog Breeds

Miniature dog breeds are great for people with small homes and everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Miniature Dog Breeds - Dog Type Facts

1. Type Description:

   Miniaturized versions of their regular breeds. Sometimes they are a separate breed and sometimes they are just the result of poor breeding or congenital defects. For example, the Teacup Chihuahua is not a separate breed but just a runt or small version of the regular Chihuahua.

2. Varieties:

   Many varieties such as Miniature Schnauzers, Teacup Chihuahuas, and others can be found.

3. AKC Group:

   They are sometimes classified in the toy group but if they are miniatures of other breeds, they can be classified in the sporting, non-sporting, working, herding, or terrier groups.

4. Popularity:

   Quite popular with people who have small homes because they can adapt better than their larger counterparts.

5. History:

   Miniature dog breeds have been used for a variety of purposes, but mostly for companionship.

6. Physical Traits:

   These dogs can be short-haired, longhaired, smooth, or wiry coated with short or longish legs and different body types.

Miniature Dog Breeds - Dog Type Defining Characteristics

1. Shared Characteristics:

   Miniature dogs are often small versions of their namesakes.

2. Training:

   Some can be easy to train while others pose a more difficult training problem. It depends on the breed of the dog.

3. Child Friendly:

   Many miniatures are nervous and do not do well around young children, but some have learned to adapt well to children who are well-behaved.

Miniature Dog Breeds - Dog Type Concerns

1. Benefits:

   The benefit of having a miniature breed is that you can live in a small home or apartment and still enjoy the companionship of a faithful pet.

2. Liabilities:

   These breeds do not pose any other liability outside of the regular issues associated with owning a dog.

3. Health Issues:

   As with any other dog, they can be affected by vision issues, deafness, skin conditions, parasites, and congenital defects.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Because they are tiny careful attention to them is important so injury does not occur.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Small dogs can get under furniture so be sure to supervise them or block off these areas when you are not home.

Miniature Dog Breeds - How to Choose a Dog Type

1. What to Look for:

   Look for a dog that does not display any signs of parasites, skin conditions, allergies, deafness, vision issues, or other health problems.

2. Supplies:

   You will need food, food and water dishes, a leash, a collar, and toys for your miniature dog.

3. Expense:

   These dogs do not pose any additional expense above that of owning a dog.