See the world through their eyes
Try to get down on your dog’s level – literally – and take a good look around. Does the sofa loom high overhead and the slippery kitchen floor seem to extend for miles? This is your dog’s environment, so it’s important to see things from their perspective. Ask yourself a few key questions:
Do things look a little scarier from down here? When people and household objects loom high overhead it can get a bit intimidating – think of a hoover that’s bigger than you are, to get an idea of how your dog may feel.
How far away from primary rest or play areas are essentials such as the water bowl? A short sprint or marathon distance?
If your dog is allowed on the furniture, how far do they have to jump? Would your dog benefit from a step that leads up to furniture?
All shapes and sizes
Small and miniature breeds are a celebration of the wide variety of the mini canine forms:
Some are compact and sturdy, like Jack Russell Terriers or West Highland White Terriers.
Others, such as Italian Greyhounds, Prague Ratters and Chihuahuas, can be quite sensitive and delicate, naturally requiring gentle handling and careful treatment.
There are several breeds that have very distinct features, such as the iconic long-backed Dachshund, round-headed Japanese Chin, or the hairless Chinese Crested.
Whatever your dog’s size and shape, be sure to take their needs into account when considering things like the size and shape of their bed, food and water dishes, leash and collar or harness type, temperature requirements, and more.
Little Napoleons
Being a small dog in a big world can be a challenge. However, small dogs very often get away with naughty or dangerous behaviours that would never be tolerated in their larger breed counterparts. These little Napoleons often first use these behaviours as a kind of defence mechanism, but it can quickly turn to habit if not corrected early on. Owners should keep in mind that pulling on the leash, running away when called, snarling or biting are all equally bad behaviours whether coming from a 2kg Chihuahua or a 50kg Rottweiler. In both cases the right socialisation and training can work wonders.
Learning and practising appropriate behaviour in a wide variety of situations from an early age will help a dog of any size feel reassured and relaxed, helping prevent behaviours that are undesirable or downright dangerous. Seek help from a reputable trainer who knows your breed, or search for a local obedience class.
Tasty Tips
Less means more
Small breeds have different calorie requirements than large dogs. Since they have more surface area per kg than large dogs, they typically expend energy at a faster rate for normal body functions like keeping warm. They also spend more energy on simply getting around. Walking down to the end of the block may cost your neighbour’s Labrador 100 steps, while your Lhasa Apso may need 400 to cover the same distance.
Small dogs may need more calories per kg daily than large dogs do, but they should still be safeguarded against gaining too much excess weight. Obesity is just as dangerous for small dogs as it is for big dogs.
Pocket-sized puppies
These tiny tots need more calories per ounce of bodyweight, and can’t stockpile energy reserves in the way larger breed pups can, so they require more frequent calorie-dense meals.
Mini breed puppies should be fed small meals frequently throughout the day to compensate for their small stomach capacity and rapacious need for energy. Read food labels for optimal feeding amounts and ask your vet for advice tailored for your individual puppy’s needs.
As with any breed, small pups should be protected but not babied. Although it may take a stout heart to look a fluffy little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy in it’s big brown eyes and say “No!”, it must be done. Early training for small breed dogs sets the stage for a more relaxed, dependable and better-behaved canine companion later on.
Living long and well
Small dogs often live significantly longer than their large and giant breed counterparts. Maltese, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Miniature Dachshunds are all well known to live to be over 12 years old. The median lifespan for Miniature Poodles and Border Terriers is nearly 14 years of age, with the maximum reported to be nearly 20 years of age.
This long life is very often combined with city dwelling, and small dogs need extra protection to maintain good health well into their golden years. In between regular trips to the vet, small dogs can really benefit from extra antioxidants to help their bodies combat the effects of ageing and urban life.
Feeding the right food
Hill’s Science Plan Small & Mini provides complete nutrition with a superior antioxidant bundle, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, a small kibble size and nutrition tailored to suit your dog’s life stage, combined with a tempting taste, ensuring that your dog gets exactly what they need for a long and happy life. A wide range of Hill’s Science Plan and Hill’s Prescription Diet foods are available to support better health in small dogs.
Related products
Healthy Mobility Medium Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Healthy Mobility Medium Breed Adult Dog Food with Chicken provides advanced nutrition to support joint health and improve mobility.
Performance Adult Dog Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Performance Adult Dog Food with Chicken is formulated to meet the additional energy needs of active, working and hunting dogs.
Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Adult Dog Food with Lamb & Rice is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specifically designed to fuel the energy needs of large breed dogs during the prime of their life.
Light Medium Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Light Mature Adult Medium Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
Helps keep your dog fit and active with our low calorie, great-tasting food.
Precise nutrition for less active mature adult dogs that require a low calorie food to help maintain a healthy weight & lifestyle.
Related articles
How to Treat Your Dog’s Dry Skin: Dry Puppy Skin Signs, Causes, and Treatments
Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of dry puppy skin and how to provide relief for your dog. For expert skin care advice, visit Hill's Pet MT.
Is Chocolate Bad for My Dog? (& What to Do If They Eat It)
Learn the the dangers of feeding your dog chocolate, which types are most dangerous, and what to do if you discover that they have consumed chocolate.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Learn what you can feed your pregnant or nursing dog to keep her and her new pups healthy.
Overweight Dogs: A Recent Epidemic
Learn more about the problem of dog obesity and more importantly, what you can do to help your dog avoid becoming overweight.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.