Small Dog Breeds: Giving Them the Best Care

What small dog breeds lack in size, they make up for in personality. Owning a pocket-sized pup is a joy like no other, but it also comes with a few important responsibilities. Learn how to help your furry friend live life to the full – happy, healthy and well fed.

What Qualifies as a Small or Mini Dog?

Miniature dogs (also known as toy dogs) can weigh anywhere from 5-7kgs and can fall within the range of 12-28cm. Through the years, they have been selectively bred for their teeny tiny features. Here’s a list of South Africa’s most loved mini breeds.

Small dog breeds sitting next to each other. Chihuahua, Poodle, and Yorkshire Terrier.

The Most Popular Small Dog Breeds in South Africa:

Why We Love Mini Dogs:

Health Challenges Small Dog Breeds Face:

It’s common for small breeds to battle with dental difficulties, heart problems as well as knee and joint issues. Ultra Pet for Miniature Dogs has been developed with nutrients that target these issues and support overall health and well-being.

Dental Issues

The shortened jaws of miniature breeds can result in dental issues such as crowded teeth and misalignment. Our Minis product has a smaller kibble size to ensure easy chewing. It also has balanced quantities of calcium and phosphorous for better dental health.

Heart Problems

Heart valve issues are seen more commonly in small dog breeds. They are more at risk of valvular disease which can cause their valves to weaken and not close properly. This places strain on the heart. Nutrition and diet can assist in strengthening the heart so that it functions better. The Minis Recipe contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce the risk of heart attacks. It’s also high in protein and fibre which control appetite and prevent weight gain that can add strain on the heart

Knee and Joint Issues

Smaller breeds are at risk of knee issues. In particular, a knee issue known as luxating patella which causes the kneecap to pop out of place. This is a structural weakness from selective breeding, which can fortunately be improved with weight control and joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin

How to Care for Your Mini Dog:

Here are some tips on what you can do to ensure your precious pup lives a good life.

Avoid overfeeding

Weight gain can place added pressure on the joints and impair heart health. Scientists have found that every 2kg increase in size reduces a dog’s lifespan by one month!

Encourage exercise

Regular walks or games of fetch can increase heart health and can help manage a healthy weight.  

Feed your furry friend a protein-rich diet

Diets that are high in protein can help to maintain a healthy appetite. Protein keeps dogs fuller for longer, reducing cravings. Our Premium Recipe for Mini Dogs contains 28% protein, making it protein rich!

Enhance their quality of life

Little dogs live longer, which is why it’s important to give them all the nutrients they need so that you can enjoy as many happy and healthy years together as possible. Whether you want to find the best dog food for Dachshunds, Yorkies, Jack Russels, or Pekingese dogs, you can count on the Ultra Pet Premium Recipe for Small/Miniature breeds. It has been developed by an animal nutritionist and consultant vet to ensure it has a wholesome, balanced nutrient profile.   

Brush their teeth

To stay on top of dental health, be sure to regularly brush your canine’s canines using a vet-approved toothpaste.

What Breed of Dog Stays Tiny?

We’ve already listed some popular small dog breeds, so we’ll give you a more comprehensive list of other options if you’re interested in getting a little pupper yourself.

Dog breeds small or tall – we love them all! Find out about the Ultra Plus Pet Accident Benefit.