Have you been considering adding a toy dog breed to your home but aren’t sure what you need to know about them? Let us help you
Our brief guide today walks you through everything you should know about toy dog breeds before deciding if one is the right fit for your home.
Toy dog breeds jobs
Toy dog breeds were not typically bred for work. Unlike other working dogs, toy dogs were developed from the natural social needs of the dog, like their ability to form close bonds with humans. The category of toy dogs is filled with breeds that have been created as companions, even if some originated from working ancestors. Traditionally, these toy dogs were bred and given as companions to royalty or wealthy ladies, but as time has gone on, people from all walks of life have fallen in love with these dogs!
Toy dog breeds natural instincts
They were not bred to work, so their predatory instinct is quite weak. Instead, they are happy as companions, sitting close by and bonding with their owners. Some toy dog breeds, like terriers, will have predatory instincts if they have been developed from working dogs. Small terriers were used as ratters, driving pests away from the home, so you might find a toy terrier chasing birds and rats, warding them off from your home.
Toy dog sizes and coat
It should come as no surprise that toy dogs are small, but there is a lot of diversity when it comes to their coats. You can expect wiry, long, and everything in between. Each coat will have different grooming and maintenance requirements, so make sure that you do your research and find the perfect toy dog for you.
Toy dog breeds behaviour and personality
Despite their small size, toy dogs pack a punch when it comes to their personality! Each dog will have slightly different personality traits, but you can expect to see some of these traits in your toy dog:
Affectionate
Most toy dog breeds love close contact. You can expect them nestled into your side or perched on your lap, pawing at you for affection. These are very affectionate dogs who want to be near you and receive as much attention as you can give them.
Low exercise needs
As a toy dog is so small, you don’t have to spend hours exercising them. They will need regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy and won’t need as many walks as larger dog breeds. Most toy dog breeds are happy with thirty minutes of exercise a day. On those days when you run out of time, indoor or outdoor playtime can also be enough to meet tier exercise requirements.
As these dogs are so small, they don’t need to live in a big hour or have a big garden; provided you are giving them lots of owner interaction, they will be happy. Some flat-faced toy dogs, like Pugs, struggle in hot weather as the increased panting can cause breathing difficulties. In these instances, exercise should be limited, and you should consider playing indoors or engaging in other activities to provide mental stimulation.
Social skills
Toy dogs can be selective with their social skills. They tend to bond closely to their owners, making them appear very social. However, they can be aloof or not interested in other dogs. In some cases, their small size compared to bigger dogs can frighten them and cause them to bark at other dogs, making socialising with them difficult. Training classes and dog trainers can help with this so that you and your toy dog can enjoy adventures together.
Separation issues
As toy dogs bond so closely with their owners, they can struggle to be left alone. They can become quite anxious, and you will need to work on some coping strategies that will allow you to leave the house without your dog becoming distressed and possibly destructive.
Toilet training issues
Many toy dog breeds can be hard to toilet-train. You may find that it takes several weeks longer than other dog breeds as they learn to go outside. For some toy breeds, stubbornness slows the process down, especially if they are toilet-trained during the cold winter days. You can make use of toilet training tips and training techniques to help seed this process up.
Finding the right toy dog breed for you
Toy dog breeds do have their issues, but overall, they are loving bundles of joy that will adore you within no time. With some training and positive reinforcement, you can train your toy dog and ensure they are happy in your home. Which breed will you consider adding to your home?