Let me say this up front: I love all dogs. But I often have concerns about certain small dog breeds, either because they may be prone to specific health problems or because they have reached such heights of popularity that mass production by puppy mills or careless breeders has put them at risk of overpopulating shelters instead of homes. Because of this, there are some dogs I would like to see less of, not because I think they’re bad — there’s no such thing as a “bad” dog in my book — but because fewer of these types of dogs could mean that more of them may have better health and ample opportunities for loving, lifelong homes.
I know talking about my concerns may roil pet owners who’ve had good — or great — luck with any of these breeds. But knowing I might receive some criticism in response to this article won’t deter me; I’ll wear my thick skin proudly, as this is a discussion we need to have.
Click through the slideshow to see the five Toy dog breeds that worry me the most.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are generally wonderful little dogs with sweet temperaments — they easily capture
the hearts of their owners — but it’s their own hearts that I worry
about.
Cavaliers can be prone to early onset of mitral valve disease, which is a common problem in dogs, and their life spans can be as short as six to 10 years. Veterinary researchers and breeders are seeking an answer to
this health concern, but until they find one, I’d like to see this
breed’s skyrocketing popularity come back down to Earth.
Chihuahua
The great thing about
Chihuahuas is their
long life span — it’s not unusual for these tiny dogs with ginormous personalities
to live 15-plus years with regular wellness care, and some even live
into their 20s. For a dedicated owner, that’s a huge bonus. But it
worries me that so many of these often entertaining but bossy little dogs end
up in shelters. There are so many in states such as California and
Arizona that they are often airlifted or
trucked to other states,
where they are less common and in higher demand.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are typically independent and personable, but their health and behavioral problems can get them into
trouble. Among their health concerns are portosystemic shunts,
luxating patellae and
collapsing tracheas.
They’re also easily injured because of their tiny size. Behavior-wise,
it’s all too easy to ignore house-training or training in general. That
can turn what should be a smart, highly trainable, well-behaved dog into
a little tyrant. These are all among the reasons that it’s not unusual
to find Yorkies and
Yorkie mixes available in shelters or
rescue groups.
Puggle
Although they're not technically a Toy breed, people tend to associate Puggles with the small size of the Pug. This popular combination of a Pug and a
Beagle is often cute and sweet, but he can have some issues that may
become problematic. For starters, he's a shedder — both
Pugs
and Beagles shed heavily — but often, people don’t
realize this before they get one. Size is another factor: It’s not
unusual for
Puggles to grow bigger than buyers expect. And they can have the
breathing problems associated with
Pugs, as well as the high energy level associated with
Beagles.
These are problems that can land them in shelters or with rescue
groups.
Teacup Anything
It’s easy to understand the appeal of teeny-tiny
dogs. We humans are attracted to extremes, and the idea of a dog who
fits into the palm of a hand is almost irresistible. But it must be
resisted. Micro dogs weighing 3 pounds or less at adulthood can be more
prone to serious health problems and may live shorter lives. It’s
hard on them, and it’s hard on their families to lose them at an early
age. There are plenty of healthy
small dogs; let’s not encourage the breeding of tiny, unhealthy
dogs simply so we can have bragging rights about whose dog is the
smallest.
