The very concept of "pocket dog" is nothing more than an advertising gimmick. There are many breeds of small dogs, and when super-miniature individuals are born in a litter, breeders seek to sell them at overpriced prices. So, the smallest toy terrier - this is a pocket dog, while the breed remains the same.
General characteristics of pocket dogs
Of course, they will not fit in your pocket, although, of course, it depends on which one. Most often, a special bag is used for carrying, from which the animal can peek. A pocket dog (the breed of which it is representative is not important in this case) should not exceed 20 centimeters at the withers and 2 kg in weight (usually from 600 grams to 1.5 kg).
Who are these babies?
Do you see an ad for the sale of cute babes? Be sure to ask what the breed of pocket dogs is called. What options can be?
- Chihuahua is one of the smallest representatives of the canine world. Height at withers from 15 cm, weight from 0.9 kg, smaller individuals are also found. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a long-haired or short-haired representative. Cheerful and active, they will keep the company of the child and the elderly, and at the same time they will not become an unnecessary burden. Moving around a small apartment will satisfy the need for physical activity, and they can cope in a cat tray.
- Pekingese are luxurious and truly royal creatures. Gorgeous coat adds to the dog "volume" and it seems more. However, it also requires good care, daily combing. The character of the dog is complex, and if there is a problem in the relationship with the owner, it can be aggressive.
- Pomeranian Spitz is a charming fluffy glomerulus, but requires good care, as the wool sheds much, and if it falls off, it forms mats. Very smart and delicate, they do not like long and noisy games and quickly get tired of children. She loves to bark, therefore, staying alone for a long time at home, the dog can cause inconvenience to neighbors, scaring birds flying outside the window. The average animal is 18 centimeters at the withers, weighing 1.5 kg.
- Yorkshire Terrier - this baby with a cheerful disposition and mischievous eyes will become a true friend to every member of the family. A devoted and affectionate friend does not cause trouble in everyday life. His coat does not shed, does not have a smell, but needs to be combed and weekly bathing, which will only please the girl growing up in the family. Height up to 20 cm, weight from 1.5 kg.
- Crested Hairless Dog. Despite the fact that there are quite large representatives (about 6 kg), it is worthy of mention here. Small Chinese Crested Pocket Dogs can only reach 15 cm at the withers and weigh about 1.5 kg. Infinitely affectionate, adores his masters. It has no specific odor; the downy variety sheds slightly.
- The most popular member of the class is the toy terrier. Up to 18 cm tall, about 1.5 kg in weight, they most often fall into the category of pocket dogs.
Each pet of the above, and not only, can be referred to as a pocket dog. The breed does not matter, only the parameters are important.
How to choose a pocket dog
Usually an experienced breeder can predict how tall a puppy will be when he becomes an adult. However, this does not always work. The smallest at the age of one month, it is able to fully grow under the upper boundary of the breed standard and go beyond the “minicar”. A close study of the pedigree will not help either, usually there are representatives with normal weight and just kids in it. How genes will play in a particular offspring cannot be predicted.
There are also negligent sellers who take various measures to sell their puppies more expensive as elite, pocket ones. Fake documents, according to which puppies are much older than they actually are, are not uncommon. Poor nutrition of the mother during pregnancy and lactation also inhibits their growth and development. Ask the breeder what pocket dogs are called. If he begins to prove that this is the definition of a breed, leave as soon as possible.
The only option to buy a guaranteed pocket dog is to get it an adult. Then you don’t have to guess, because if it doesn’t have one and a half kilograms, and it barely reaches 15 cm in height at the withers, then this is truly a “mini” representative of its breed.
Choose - “mini” or a puppy of normal size
In fact, why do you chase exactly the smallest representative of the breed? This is prestigious, we will not argue, but such dogs cost accordingly. Thanks to the PR from the stars, the kids are selling for several thousand dollars. But the most common representative of that (or Yorkshire) terrier often does not weigh more than 2 kg, but it is a healthy and full-bodied dog that will delight you for many years.
Health & Care
The most important thing is that your pet is healthy and cheerful. After all, this is your friend and companion for the next 15 years or so. Who knows how hard it is to lose faithful four-legged - will understand. Even for small dog breeds, individuals weighing less than 1.2 kg are considered non-viable. It will take tremendous efforts for you to live long. Special clothes are needed because babies take too much energy to warm their body. A special diet is required, because they physically cannot eat as much ordinary food as is necessary for normal life.
Every little thing - a little draft or banal diarrhea - can become fatal. Dehydration in the second case will kill the dog before the veterinarian arrives. There are often cases when all the teeth do not fit in the mouth, it is simply too small. Internal organs may also be underdeveloped.
Advantages of dogs of small breeds
In modern hustle and bustle, living in apartments, we often cannot afford a big dog, we need to walk a lot with it in any weather, there will always be dissatisfied neighbors demanding to be brought out at night and in a muzzle. Any of the representatives of small breeds can relieve the need for a tray, and go out when the owners have a desire and mood.
Affectionate, understanding, friendly and so cute - all these are pocket dogs. Species (photos of some of them we provide in the article) were bred as if specially for small apartments or owners with limited physical abilities. Children may not be able to cope with a big dog on a walk, and they will have fun playing with their kids at home and take with them in a carry to the country.
It doesn’t matter who you grow up with, a regular sized pet or a pocket dog. The breed you have chosen is also the tenth matter. The main thing is that the puppy is desired, long-awaited and loved.