I have a friend who has always loved German Shepherds. She has owned several and does amazing work with them including police-dog style Schutzhund training. A few years ago two chihuahua-papillion crosses the size of large rabbits made an appearance at her place much to my surprise. When the little dogs are out with the shepherd, people often make comments like "oh you bought along snacks for the big guy". My friend has joined the growing trend of people 'downsizing' their dogs.
What is it about these little ankle biters that we love so much? I say 'we' as I have gone to the small side myself with two pomeranian X Japanese spitz balls of fluff.
What's great about small dogs?
• They are relatively long lived
• Small dogs require less exercise
• They eat less so are more economical to maintain
• Excellent companion value as they are very portable and don't get in the way
• Great watchdogs - though it's all yap and not much else
• Small dogs can cope with small backyards and apartments providing they are exercised regularly
• Exceptionally high cuteness value
Let's not kid ourselves and pretend small dogs are particularly useful for those things their larger cousins excel at, such as hunting, guarding, retrieving, protection or assisting their disabled handlers. Small dogs are primarily companion animals, and they perform this role very well.
Keep in mind that toy dogs retain all their inherent 'doggyness' and must not be treated like babies or carted around in handbags. This results in an aggressive or neurotic animal, displaying many of the negative traits typically associated with small breeds. As is often the case with dogs, undesirable behaviors are usually caused by the actions of the owner.
