Miniature dog breeds are great for people with small homes and everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Miniature Dog Breeds - Dog Type Facts

1. Type Description:

   Miniaturized versions of their regular breeds. Sometimes they are a separate breed and sometimes they are just the result of poor breeding or congenital defects. For example, the Teacup Chihuahua is not a separate breed but just a runt or small version of the regular Chihuahua.

2. Varieties:

   Many varieties such as Miniature Schnauzers, Teacup Chihuahuas, and others can be found.

3. AKC Group:

   They are sometimes classified in the toy group but if they are miniatures of other breeds, they can be classified in the sporting, non-sporting, working, herding, or terrier groups.

4. Popularity:

   Quite popular with people who have small homes because they can adapt better than their larger counterparts.

5. History:

   Miniature dog breeds have been used for a variety of purposes, but mostly for companionship.

6. Physical Traits:

   These dogs can be short-haired, longhaired, smooth, or wiry coated with short or longish legs and different body types.

Miniature Dog Breeds - Dog Type Defining Characteristics

1. Shared Characteristics:

   Miniature dogs are often small versions of their namesakes.

2. Training:

   Some can be easy to train while others pose a more difficult training problem. It depends on the breed of the dog.

3. Child Friendly:

   Many miniatures are nervous and do not do well around young children, but some have learned to adapt well to children who are well-behaved.

Miniature Dog Breeds - Dog Type Concerns

1. Benefits:

   The benefit of having a miniature breed is that you can live in a small home or apartment and still enjoy the companionship of a faithful pet.

2. Liabilities:

   These breeds do not pose any other liability outside of the regular issues associated with owning a dog.

3. Health Issues:

   As with any other dog, they can be affected by vision issues, deafness, skin conditions, parasites, and congenital defects.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Because they are tiny careful attention to them is important so injury does not occur.

5. Special Household Needs:

   Small dogs can get under furniture so be sure to supervise them or block off these areas when you are not home.

Miniature Dog Breeds - How to Choose a Dog Type

1. What to Look for:

   Look for a dog that does not display any signs of parasites, skin conditions, allergies, deafness, vision issues, or other health problems.

2. Supplies:

   You will need food, food and water dishes, a leash, a collar, and toys for your miniature dog.

3. Expense:

   These dogs do not pose any additional expense above that of owning a dog.