Dogs that don't grow much: Small but mighty!
As you know, one of the things you need to consider when getting a pet is the size of your living space.
Large animals need a lot more space to move around and play. So, if your home is a small apartment, the best thing to do is adopt one of these dogs that doesn't grow too big.
The 5 dog breeds that don't grow up
Some people believe that a small dog is better to keep in an apartment or simply because it will be easier to handle. Here is a list of dog breeds that stay small, in case you want to adopt a new pet.
Toy Poodle
This very common breed has several sizes, but the Toy look like puppies all their lives, as they do not grow at all. Their height does not exceed 11 inches and their weight does not reach 17 pounds. Their affectionate and cheerful nature makes them easy to train and they are perfect to live with the little ones.
Pomeranian
This dog has a maximum height of 12 inches. The weight of puppies is 3 pounds, and adults do not exceed 7 pounds. They are usually very intelligent and show a lot of love towards their owners and distrust towards strangers.
Brussels Griffon
This dog measures a little more than 11 inches and weighs about ten pounds. They are wide and thick-coated dogs that have a striking, very long coat. They are an excellent guard dog breed since they are obedient and devoted to their owners.
Chihuahua
This cute dog is considered the smallest dog in the world, measuring from 6 to 10 inches and weighing only four or six pounds. They are affectionate and very sociable animals.
Yorkshire Terrier
This breed measures approximately 8 inches and will weigh at most seven pounds. They are characterized by their coats and by their lively and faithful character. They tend to bark a lot and are quite stubborn.
Care for small breed dogs
Small breed dogs need special care. Above all, you need to pay close attention to their diet!
You know that dog food is usually differentiated by size or breed. Make sure the food you give your pet is appropriate for their needs and that the doses are correct.
In our post on the care of small breeds, you will find a lot more information!
Another thing you need to keep in mind if you have a small furry friend is that these dogs are much more vulnerable to the cold than larger dogs. Protect them well when the temperatures drop!
Beware of "teacup" dogs!
"Teacup" dogs are miniature dogs.
The breeds we have mentioned throughout this article are dogs that are already small, but then there are miniature dogs, also known as "toy". These dogs are born from the crossing of very small dogs of each breed.
However, their small size brings with it serious health problems and they require a lot of care due to their delicacy.
Of course, we want to clarify that although we have mentioned several specific dog breeds here, there are equally adorable mixed-breed small dogs that will also be your best life companion. Don't hesitate and adopt!
Additional tips for caring for small breed dogs:
- Feed your dog a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level.
- Make sure your dog gets regular exercise.
- Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups.
- Brush your dog's teeth regularly to prevent dental disease.
- Trim your dog's nails as needed.
- Bathe your dog as needed.
With proper care, your small breed dog can live a long and healthy life.
