Some of the people who are trying to welcome dogs to their families for the first time may be thinking, “I wonder if it is better to choose a small
What is the definition of a small dog?
International dog groups such as JKC (Japan Kennel Club) and AKC (American Club), which register and manage purebred dog breeds, set standards for standard sizes for each breed. However, in fact, there is no definition for the classification of small dogs, medium-sized dogs, and large dogs.
In general, dog breeds are often sized by weight, and dogs weighing less than 10 kg are often considered small dogs. Also, among small dogs weighing less than 10 kg, breeds weighing less than 5 kg may be treated as “ultra-small dogs”.
Is it true that small dogs are easy to keep?
use to the small size of the dog, it is common to think that small dogs can be welcomed regardless of the size of the house, but that does not mean that they are “easier to keep” than medium-sized dogs and large dogs. not.
Since they were originally active as hunting dogs, there are also small dogs with a temperament that makes them easy to bark, which requires patience for those who live in apartments. In addition, in the case of dog breeds with a lot of hair loss, it takes time and effort to maintain them on a daily basis, so the reality is that it is not easy to define how easy it is to keep.
However, it is also a fact that it is easy to welcome at home because of its small body.
Less exercise
One of the reasons why small dogs are more likely to be welcomed by a wide range of households is that they have less exercise. The amount of exercise required varies depending on the breed and age of the dog, but it is generally said that walking a small dog is OK because it takes about 15 to 30 minutes to walk twice a day.
On the other hand, in the case of medium-sized dogs and large dogs, it is necessary for medium-sized dogs to take a walk of about 30 minutes to 1 hour twice a day, and for large dogs to take a walk of 1 hour or more twice a day. In addition, among medium and large dogs, dogs that have stamina and boast outstanding athletic ability must satisfy their athletic desire by incorporating running during the walk. Therefore, time and physical strength are also required.
In this way, it can be said that many owners can easily welcome small dogs, which have a relatively short walk time and less physical burden.
You can save time and money for maintenance.
Considering the labor and cost of care, it is easy to keep a small dog with a small physical mass. This is because the larger the body, the more time and effort it takes to clean the shampoo and hair loss.
In addition, the price system of pet salons is mostly set according to the size of the body, so the price differs between small dogs and large dogs. The market price for trimming is around 5,000 yen for small dogs, around 7,000 for medium-sized dogs, and around 10,000 yen for large dogs.
If trimming is done once a month, the annual cost is about 60,000 yen for small dogs, but it costs about 120,000 yen for large dogs. Since such a difference greatly affects the household budget, it can be said that small dogs are less burdensome in terms of cost and labor.
Popular types of small dogs
Finally, I would like to introduce a popular small dog.
toy poodle
Among the small dogs, Toy Poodle is still very popular. Not only does it look cute like a stuffed animal, but it is also popular because of its ease of discipline and its friendly and cheerful personality. Even beginners can be greeted with peace of mind because they are very smart and will learn more and more about the discipline they taught.
Also, despite its appearance, there is little hair loss, so it does not take much time to brush or clean the room. Regular trimming is required, but Toy Poodle has a wide variety of cuts, so I’m happy that you can enjoy various cut styles.
Maltese
Maltese dogs were originally born as pet dogs, so they have the qualities that make them suitable for living with humans at home. Due to its obedient and friendly personality to its owners and families, it is a relatively easy breed for families with small children and the elderly.
Although he has the wisdom to learn discipline, he is good at spoiling, so it is important to treat him with sharpness so as not to be selfish.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is a dog that is easy to keep even in an apartment house because it has a gentle personality and less barking. Also, because they are good at understanding, they can remember what the owner says.
It is especially recommended for those who have a dog for the first time because it has a sociability that makes friends with both people and dogs and has a well-balanced personality as a whole.
Ease of keeping even small dogs depends on their characteristics
Due to their small size and cute appearance, small dogs may have an image of being easy to keep, but the ease of keeping depends on the characteristics of the breed. Therefore, please make sure to carefully check your personality and constitution before welcoming you to your house.