Miniature Dog Breeds – Joy in a Tea Cup

Miniature dog breeds, or small dog breeds are the best choice for those with confined living spaces. Usually lap dogs, they are very cute but sometimes tend to snap. Miniature dog breeds may at first seem easier to look after; they do eat less and often need less exercise than large dogs. However, they are more delicate, and get dehydrated more easily. Vets usually have a problem treating them, as they do not have much weight to lose, and every illness can possibly be fatal. Many are not very energetic indoors, but there are some ones that like to romp around outside. Children can cause a lot of harm to miniature dog breeds because the dogs have smaller bones that cannot take a lot of pressure.

Miniature dog breeds do include lapdogs and toy dogs. Their smaller size makes them ideal for the elderly and the disabled. Sometimes these dogs seem like an accessory with the way owners hold them in their arms or have them in their laps. Owners often treat them this way too, like toys. Miniature dog breeds are the ones whom you hear people taking to spas and beauty salons made especially for dogs. Their collars and leashes decorated with jewels and sparkly gems. It is even not that unlikely for a longhaired breed to have hair clips!

Miniature Dog Breeds that People Love

The various miniature dog breeds that make popular house pets include some whose names are also miniatures. They are the Miniature Pinscher or Minpin, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Dachshund and Miniature Schnauzer. The Minpin is not related to the Doberman Pinscher, but many miniatures are a result of inbreeding and cross breeding. Schnauzers, Terriers, and Dachshunds are seen in larger varieties too. All of these dogs have an abundance of energy and often yap at strangers or if they're not getting enough attention. Hair shedding should not be a problem with these four.

Other miniature dog breeds that are very popular with ladies are the Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua and the Pekingese. These are the longhaired breeds that love being groomed which is good since they need a lot of it. There are shorthaired varieties of Chihuahua as well. These varieties are rather self-sufficient animals, and though the Pomeranian is very energetic, the others are not. Some miniature dog breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian, and Shih Tzu are exceptionally alert, and can be good watch dogs despite their small size. These can get excited easily and like to bark at strangers.